Opening of Proposals - WWTP Solar Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract Proj. No. 124-015 - Ameresco

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AERESCO Energy Solutions For Every Need 219 S. St. Louis Blvd JAMES MUELLEIt CITY OF SOUTH BEND South Bend,N46617 Mayor 0:574.299.4765 VENUES PARKS 6 ARTS E.574.299.4783 AARON sbvpa.org ExecutiveeDirector May 23 2023 To Whom It May Concern, The City of South Bend, Indiana, retained Ameresco on a performance contracting basis to address significant deferred maintenance at two buildings of critical social and cultural importance to the community, the Morris Theater and Palais Royale event space, both of which are on the list of National Historic Register. Ameresco Manager of Construction, Zaki Mafraji led the project management of this critical project. Due to the cultural and event nature of the spaces, continuous operation was essential, both for community and financial purposes. Mr. Mafraji was a master conductor, adjusting to unforeseen and unexpected situations. The performance contract project coincided with the Morris Theater floor and seat replacement which was no small task. We requested that Ameresco begin earlier than typical to coordinate with a temporary shutdown of the building while chairs and floors were being replaced. This required exquisite coordination with the Morris-Palais management team, subcontractors, and the interior replacement team. Mr. Mafraji was able to monitor indoor temperature and humidity to retain appropriate limits during the floor demolition, in order to protect the historic space. Zaki was dedicated and highly responsive to the needs of the building, the staff and community it serves. Even during challenges, he maintained professionalism and went beyond the call of duty to ensure our needs were met. He was able to creatively solve problems without impact to the event schedule and the public, and even contributed his resourcefulness to issues that were not Ameresco's, but were essential to ensuring event operations were not interrupted. Tight timelines framed this project, and Zaki's flexibility and ingenuity enabled the deadlines to be met. Ameresco has proven to be an excellent partner in the extensive mechanical, lighting and roofing project and the team has gone above and beyond to ensure that our needs were met in these distinct and important spaces to our City. Sincerely, Aaron Perri Executive Director, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts 0 EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT City of South Bend, IN RFP Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract Department of Public Works