The Bainbridge Island Fire Department and the city of Bainbridge Island are requesting qualifications from firms with experience in facilities planning.

The request comes after talks began this past summer about the island’s fire and police departments joining under the same roof. Bainbridge police have long been critical of their current headquarters on Winslow Way, a well-worn building that has had its share of ant infestations, space limitations and other problems. The Bainbridge Island Fire Department, as well, has also looked at the limitations of Station 21, its current headquarters station on Madison Avenue.

The two agencies issued a “request for qualifications” on Friday, Oct. 4. Qualifying firms will need experience in performing assessments, evaluation services and preventative maintenance plans for existing and new facilities.

The city and fire department are also looking for a consultant with a strong background in fire and police station facilities planning and facility design, including success in designing facilities that are completed within budget, according to the request for qualifications.

A selection committee will be appointed by the fire chief and city manager. They will evaluate all submittals and, if necessary, may conduct interviews of the top-ranked consultants.

The committee will break down the evaluation into four categories: methodology, references from similar projects, the firm’s capabilities and its understanding of the work needed to complete the project.

The selected firm will complete a list of tasks under the city’s scope of services.

These tasks include:

Assessing the current programs at all three fire stations and the city’s police department;

Assessing the feasibility of a joint public safety building for Station 21 and the police department;

Assessing the role of technology and operational needs;

Examining the physical arrangement and conditions of the fire and police departments;

Developing schematic designs;

Making recommendations for a future location; and

Developing a plan for public involvement.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The selection of a planning firm for the project is expected to take place Monday, Dec. 2.

Once a firm is selected, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and city of Bainbridge Island will work with the consultant to negotiate a contract and a scope of services.

The final recommendation will then be considered for approval by the fire chief.