The proposed bill seeks the Council's approval for a contract with McGraw Bagnoli Architects, PLLC, doing business as StudioMB, for architectural and engineering services related to the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and the Metropolitan Police Department training facility in Washington, DC. The contract, valued at $5,838,642, will extend until April 30, 2030, and was awarded following a competitive Request for Proposals process. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the contractor, including adherence to professional standards, compliance with applicable laws, and the requirement to subcontract a minimum of 35% of the contract value to certified small business enterprises. Additionally, the bill emphasizes sustainability by mandating compliance with energy efficiency standards and the DC Net-Zero Energy Building Code.
Furthermore, the bill amends the Living Wage Act of 2006, establishing a living wage rate of $17.50 per hour effective January 1, 2025, increasing to $18.00 per hour on July 1, 2025, for government contractors and recipients of government assistance. It specifies that this requirement applies to contracts of $100,000 or more and outlines enforcement measures, including monitoring responsibilities for the Department of Employment Services and the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement. The bill also includes provisions for compliance reporting, penalties for breaches of subcontracting plans, and mandates that at least 51% of the workforce hired for the project must be District residents, thereby promoting economic inclusion and adherence to local hiring requirements.