Request for Information | Contractor – Local Partner for OASIS Playground Program

Global Resilient Cities Network is seeking qualified and experienced contractors to express their interest in transforming three schoolyards in Quezon into a vibrant, engaging, and sustainable OASIS.  The project aims to create environments that promote physical activity, creativity, and environmental education while enhancing climate resilience. Contractors will work in alignment with the designs developed by our partner architecture firm to ensure a cohesive and impactful transformation.

About the Global Resilient Cities Network

The Global Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) builds on over ten years of investment in resilience from The Rockefeller Foundation and a Network of Chief Resilience Officers in more than 100 cities around the world. R- Cities is dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. R-Cities supports the adoption and incorporation of a view of resilience that includes not just the shocks—earthquakes, disease outbreaks, fires, floods, etc.—but also the stresses that weaken the fabric of a city on a day-to-day or cyclical basis.

Core to R- Cities’s mission is the belief that for cities to become resilient, they must channel investments to solutions that maximize impact for every dollar spent. By addressing both the shocks and the stresses, a city becomes better able to respond to adverse events and is overall in a better position to deliver basic functions in both good times and bad, to all populations. High-impact solutions yield multiple benefits such as more equitable access to basic services, better employment, and climate-resilient infrastructure. R-Cities works arm-in-arm with cities to scale resilience and investments in vulnerable communities and the critical systems that serve them through multi-city thematic programs that focus on three priority areas.

About OASIS Schoolyard Program

The OASIS (Openness, Adaptation, Sensitisation, Innovation and Social Ties) project transforms schoolyards into urban oases that combat flooding and urban heat. R-Cities is adapting and piloting the OASIS Schoolyard model in three schools in the city of Quezon.  The program models an innovative, non-formal, interactive and experiential learning space for climate resilience using nature-based solutions for schools and communities. The program emphasizes community awareness geared towards sustainable environments and actionable solutions, co-designed by stakeholders: students, teachers, and other community members.

About the Pilot Schools

We have identified three public elementary schools in Quezon City as pilot sites for the transformation:

• Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School – 3001 sqm
• Placido del Mundo Elementary School – 3509 sqm
• Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School – 993 sqm

All three schools face similar challenges, including frequent flooding, exposure to heatwaves, and a lack of green spaces. Their schoolyards are predominantly concrete, with minimal seating, limited playground areas, and insufficient shading.

Figure 1. Site Plan of Diosdado Macapagal Elementary Schoolyard

Figure 2. Site Plan of Placido del Mundo Elementary Schoolyard

Figure 3. Site Plan of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary Schoolyard

Design Process

Through a co-design process, we developed and finalized the designs for the schoolyards in consultation with the City of Quezon. These designs, which incorporate input from key stakeholders and community members, will be used for the construction phase, ensuring that the final spaces meet the needs of the local community while aligning with the project’s goals of creating sustainable and engaging environments.

Objective of the Schoolyard Transformation

The transformation aims to:

• Develop stimulating outdoor learning environments that engage students and enhance their educational experience
• Increase opportunities for physical activity within the schoolyards
• Strengthen the sense of community and belonging among students and staff
• Integrate sustainable design principles to create resilient and eco-friendly spaces

Scope of work for the contractor

• Construction plan
• Site preparation and demolition
  • Removal of existing structures, equipment, and debris in the specific are indicated in the technical site plan
  • Grading and leveling of the schoolyard
  • Soil testing and improvement (if necessary)
  • Installation of underground utilities (if necessary)
• Landscape installation
  • Planting of appropriate vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, and ground cover
  • Installation of various garden types (if necessary)
  • Installation of irrigation system and drainage solutions
  • Construction of pathways and walkways
  • Incorporating composting and recycling elements
  • Installation of water features (if applicable)
• Playground equipment installation
  • Installation of play equipment
  • Construction of safety surfacing such as rubber mulch, synthetic turf
  • Installation of traditional games features
  • Construction of shade structures
• Seating and shade structures
  • Installation of seating and outdoor furniture
• Sustainable features (e.g., rainwater harvesting, native plants)
  • Integration of sustainable elements such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting
• Construction of fencing and site security
• Project Management
  • Overall project management and coordination
  • Liaison with school staff and other stakeholders
  • Obtaining necessary permits and approvals
  • Quality control and assurance
• Project documentation and reporting

Contractor Qualification

R-Cities invites eligible contruction firms to indicate their interest in providing the above services. Interested contractors should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. Interest contractors should possess the following qualifications

• Proven experience in outdoor space construction
• Expertise in child-safe materials and playground equipment
• Knowledge of local building codes and regulations
• Understanding of sustainability principles and practices
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Information Requested

Please provide the following details:

1. Company Profile: Overview of the company, years of experience, and relevant projects.
2. Construction Expertise: Experience with outdoor space construction, sustainable design, and child-safe materials.
3. Project Management: Methodology and experience in managing similar projects, including timelines and budgeting.
4. Safety Protocols: Approach to safety during construction and post-completion.

Submission

All expression of interest must be submitted in electronic format by 11^th October 2024 to:

Aurora Lokita

Manager, Programs and MEL

alokita@resilientcitiesnetwork.org

Please note that this Request for Information (RFI) is for informational purposes only, and no contract will be awarded as a result. A firm or organization’s response to the RFI—or lack thereof—will have no impact on the evaluation of responses to any subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) released. Responses will be used solely for information and planning purposes. In addition, please note that all responses will be public record. Do not submit confidential information in your response.