2-RFP 25-0156-5 Urban Forest Master Plan.pdf

Chatham County Purchasing &

Contracting Department 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite C, Savannah, Georgia 31406

(912) 790-1618

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP NO. 25-0156-5

URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN

WEBEX PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: 10:00 A.M., DECEMBER 11,

PROPOSALS RECEIVED BY: 5:00P.M. JANUARY 6, 2026

CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR

1117 EISENHOWER DRIVE, SUITE C

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31406

(912) 790-1619

DATE: December 2, 2025 RFP NO.: 25-0156-5

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

This is an invitation to submit a proposal to supply Chatham County with services as indicated herein. Proposals shall be submitted on-line on the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal up to 5:00 P.M., JANUARY 6, 2026. The

Purchasing Director reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive formalities.

Instructions for preparation and submission of a qualification proposal are contained in the Request for Proposal package. Please note that specific forms for submission of a proposal are required.

Any changes to the conditions and specifications must be in the form of a written addendum to be valid; therefore, the Purchasing Director will issue a written addendum to document approved changes.

A Webex pre-proposal conference has been scheduled for 10:00 A.M., DECEMBER 11, 2025 to discuss the specifications and resolve any questions and/or misunderstanding that may arise.

You are encouraged to attend.

Meeting link:

https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/j.php?MTID=md37e4108353aa5bda25d7

4b5a6c58a41

Meeting number: 2300 083 1956

Meeting password: dgCCPJCz728

Join from a video system or application

Dial 23000831956@chathamcountyga.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 Toll, Access code: 23000831956

Global call-in numbers https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/globalcallin.php?MTID=m531a18cb8e58 c5fa32222c82f988d1e8 https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/globalcallin.php?MTID=m531a18cb8e58c5fa32222c82f988d1e8 https://chathamcountyga.webex.com/chathamcountyga/globalcallin.php?MTID=m531a18cb8e58c5fa32222c82f988d1e8

Chatham County has an equal opportunity procurement policy. Chatham County seeks to ensure that all segments of the business community have access to providing services needed by County programs. The County affirmatively works to encourage utilization of disadvantaged and minority business enterprises in our procurement activities. The County provides equal opportunity for all businesses and does not discriminate against any persons or businesses regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or handicap. The County expects its consultants to make maximum feasible use of minority businesses and qualified minority employees. The terms "disadvantaged business", "minority business enterprise", and "minority person" are more specifically defined and explained in the Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance.

SECTION I

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1.1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use in submitting a qualification proposal to supply Chatham County with services as described herein. All proposals are governed by the Code of Chatham County, Chapter 4, Article IV, and the laws of the State of Georgia.

1.2 HOW TO PREPARE PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Proposers are encouraged to review carefully all provisions and attachments of this document prior to submission. Each proposal constitutes an offer and may not be withdrawn except as provided herein.

1.3 HOW TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Submitted on-line on the County’s procurement portal at:

https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal.

** In submitting their proposal, the proposer certifies that he/she has carefully read all related Request for

Proposal documents and agrees to comply with all provisions.

B. If a proposer is unable to submit their proposal on-line, they should notify the procurement contact for the solicitation at least one week prior to proposals being due to receive instructions. The County is seeking to conduct all solicitations on-line. The phone number for Purchasing and Contracting is 912-790-1618.

1.4 HOW TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION: Objections from Offerors to this Request for

Proposals and/or these specifications should be brought to the attention of the County

Purchasing Director in the following manner:

A. When a pre-proposal conference is scheduled, the Proposer may object in writing any time prior to or at the pre-proposal conference.

B. When a pre-proposal conference is not scheduled, the Proposer shall object in writing not less than five (5) days prior to the Date for submission.

C. The objections contemplated must pertain to both form and substance of the

Request for Proposal documents. Failure to object in accordance with the above procedure will constitute a waiver on the part of the business to protest this Request for Proposal.

1.5 ERRORS IN PROPOSALS: Proposers or their authorized representatives are expected to fully inform themselves as to the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting proposals. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer's own risk.

1.6 STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSERS FOR CONTRACT AWARD:

The County reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any irregularities or technicalities in Proposals received whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to reject the Offer of a Proposer who has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature, whom investigation shows is not in a position to perform the contract.

1.7 PROPOSER: Whenever the term "Proposer" is used, it shall encompass the "person", "business", "firm", or other party submitting a proposal to Chatham County in such capacity before a contract has been entered into between such party and the County.

1.8 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: The Proposer shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman's compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by Federal, State or County statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proposer and the County.

Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proposer and the County shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.9 CONSULTANT: Consultant or subconsultant means any person, firm, or business having a contract with Chatham County. The Consultant certifies that the firm will follow equal employment opportunity practices in connection with the awarded contract as more fully specified in the contract documents.

1.10 LOCAL PREFERENCE: The Consultant agrees to follow the local preference guidelines as specified in the contract documents, which state “The CONSULTANT hereby agrees, as part of the consideration to Chatham County for making this Contract, that the CONSULTANT in the carrying out of this contract will give the citizens of

Chatham County preference for employment to perform all labor required by this contract;

that the rate of wages to be paid shall not be less than legally required; and that in the purchase of materials to be used in the Work of the Project, preference shall be given to sources from within Chatham County to the maximum extent possible. The

CONSULTANT will cause the forgoing provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts so that provisions will be binding upon each subconsultant.”

1.11 DEBARRED FIRMS AND PENDING LITIGATION: Any potential proposer/firm listed on the Federal or State of Georgia Excluded Parties Listing (Barred from doing business) will not be considered for contract award. It is the proposer’s responsibility to inform the County should the proposer/firm be placed on the Federal or State of Georgia

Excluded Parties Listing during the proposal process. Proposers shall disclose any record of pending criminal violations (Indictment) and/or convictions, pending lawsuits, etc., and any actions that may be a conflict of interest occurring within the past five (5) years. Any proposer/firm previously defaulting or terminating a contract with the County will not be considered. Successful proposers with whom the County enters into a contract with for goods or services will notify the County if they become debarred during the course of the contract.

** All bidders or proposers are to read and complete the Disclosure of Responsibility

Statement. Failure to do so may result in your solicitation response being rejected as non-responsive.

Bidder acknowledges that in performing contract work for the Board, bidder shall not utilize any firms that have been a party to any of the above actions. If bidder has engaged any firm to work on this contract or project that is later debarred, Bidder shall sever its relationship with that firm with respect to Board contract.

1.12 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: On April 11, 2008, the Chatham County Board of

Commissioners approved a change to the County Purchasing Ordinance requiring

Contractor/Consultant Performance Evaluations, at a minimum, annually, prior to contract anniversary date.

Should Contractor/Consultant performance be unsatisfactory, the appointed County

Project Manager for the contract may prepare a Contractor/Consultant Complaint Form or a Performance Evaluation to the County Purchasing Director.

SECTION II

PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

2.1 SPECIFICATIONS: Any obvious error or omission in specifications shall not inure to the benefit of the bidder but shall put the Proposer on notice to inquire of or identify the same to the County.

2.2 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS: No Proposer will be allowed to submit more than one offer.

Any alternate proposals must be brought to the Purchasing Director's attention during the

Pre-proposal Conference or submitted in writing at least five (5) days preceding the date for submission of proposals.

2.3 OFFERS TO BE FIRM: The Proposer warrants that terms and conditions quoted in his offer will be firm for acceptance for a period of sixty (60) days from bid date submitted, unless otherwise stated in the proposal. When requested to provide a fee proposal, fees quoted must also be firm for a sixty-day period.

2.4 COMPLETENESS: All information required by the Request for Proposals must be completed and submitted to constitute a proper proposal.

2.5 LIABILITY PROVISIONS: Where Proposers are required to enter or go into Chatham

County property to take measurements or gather other information in order to prepare the proposal as requested by the County, the Proposer shall be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by negligence of the Proposer, his agent, or any person the Proposer has designated to prepare the Offer and shall indemnify and hold harmless Chatham County from any liability arising therefrom. The contract document specifies the liability provisions required of the successful Proposer in order to be awarded a contract with

Chatham County.

2.6 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION: By submission of this Offer, the Proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint offer, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, that in connection with this procurement:

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other competitor;

(2) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in this offer have not been knowingly disclosed by the Proposer and will not knowingly be disclosed by the Proposer prior to opening, directly or indirectly to any other competitor; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the Proposer to induce any other person or firm to submit or not submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

2.7 AWARD OF CONTRACT: The contract, if awarded, will be awarded to that responsible Proposer whose proposal will be most advantageous to Chatham County, price and other factors considered. The Board of Commissioners will make the determination as to which proposal best serves the interest of Chatham County.

2.8 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS: Objections and protests to any portion of the procurement process or actions of the County staff may be filed with the Purchasing

Director for review and resolution. The Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance – Part 9

– Vendor Disputes shall govern the review and resolution of all protests.

2.9 QUALIFICATION OF BUSINESS (RESPONSIBLE PROPOSER): A responsible

Proposer is defined as one who meets, or by the date of the acceptance can meet, all requirements for licensing, insurance, and service contained within this Request for

Proposals. Chatham County has the right to require any or all Proposers to submit documentation of the ability to perform the service requested.

Chatham County has the right to disqualify the proposal of any Proposer as being unresponsive or unresponsible whenever such Proposer cannot document the ability to deliver the requested service.

2.10 COUNTY TAX CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT: A current Chatham County or municipal business license (within the State of Georgia) is required unless otherwise specified. A firm need not have a Chatham County Business License prior to submitting a proposal. However, a license must be obtained by the successful vendor prior to award of contract.

Please contact the Chatham County Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services at (912) 201-4300 for additional information.

NOTE: No contract shall be awarded unless all real and personal property taxes have been paid by the successful consultant and/or subconsultant as adopted by the Board of

Commissioners on 8 April 1994.

2.11 INSURANCE PROVISIONS, GENERAL: The selected CONSULTANT shall be required to procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work, hereunder by the Consultant, his agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Bid.

It is every Consultant’s responsibility to provide the County Purchasing and Contracting

Division current and up-to-date Certificates of Insurance and Declaration Sheets for multiple year contracts before the end of each term. Failure to do so may be cause for termination of contract.

2.11.1 General Information that shall appear on a Certificate of Insurance:

I. Name of the Producer (Consultant’s insurance Broker/Agent).

II. Companies affording coverage (there may be several).

III. Name and Address of the Insured (this should be the Company or Parent of the firm Chatham County is contracting with).

IV. Summary of all current insurance for the insured (includes effective dates of coverage).

V. A brief description of the operations to be performed, the specific job to be performed, or contract number.

VI. Certificate Holder (This is to always include Chatham County).

Chatham County as an “Additional Insured”: Chatham County invokes the defense of “sovereign immunity.” In order not to jeopardize the use of this defense, the County is not to be included as an “Additional Insured” on insurance contracts.

2.11.2 Minimum Limits of Insurance to be maintained for the duration of the contract:

A. Commercial General Liability: Provides protection against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from operations of a Consultant or Tenant. This policy coverage includes: premises and operations, use of independent consultants, products/completed operations, personal injury, contractual, broad form property damage, and underground, explosion and collapse hazards. Minimum limits: $1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and annual aggregate.

B. Worker's Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Provides statutory protection against bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by employees of the Consultant while performing within the scope of their duties.

Employer’s Liability coverage is usually included in Worker’s

Compensation policies, and insures common law claims of injured employees made in lieu of or in addition to a Worker’s Compensation claim.

Minimum limits: $500,000 for each accident, disease policy limit, each employee and Statutory Worker’s Compensation limit.

C. Business Automobile Liability: Coverage insures against liability claims arising out of the Consultant’s use of automobiles. Minimum limit:

$1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Coverage should be written on an “Any Auto” basis.

2.11.3 Special Requirements:

Claims-Made Coverage: The limits of liability shall remain the same as the occurrence basis, however, the Retroactive date shall be prior to the coincident with the date of any contract, and the Certificate of Insurance shall state the coverage is claims-made. The Retroactive date shall also be specifically stated on the

Certificate of Insurance.

A. Extended Reporting Periods: The Consultant shall provide the County with a notice of the election to initiate any Supplemental Extended

Reporting Period and the reason(s) for invoking this option.

B. Reporting Provisions: Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided in relation to this request.

C. Cancellation: Each insurance policy that applies to this request shall be endorsed to state that it shall not be suspended, voided, or canceled, except after thirty (30) days prior to written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the County.

D. Proof of Insurance: Chatham County shall be furnished with certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this request. The certificates and endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All certificates of insurance are to be submitted prior to, and approved by, the County before services are rendered. The Consultant must ensure Certificate of Insurance are updated for the entire term of the County.

E. Insurer Acceptability: Insurance is to be placed with an insurer having an

A.M. Best’s rating of A and a five (5) year average financial rating of not less than V. If an insurer does not qualify for averaging on a five year basis, the current total Best’s rating will be used to evaluate insurer acceptability.

F. Lapse in Coverage: A lapse in coverage shall constitute grounds for contract termination by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

G. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention: Any deductibles or self-insured retention must be declared to, and approved by, the County. At the option of the County, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention as related to the County, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of related suits, losses, claims, and related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses.

2.11.4 Additional Coverage for Specific Procurement Projects:

a. Professional Liability: Insure errors or omission on behalf of architects, engineers, attorneys, medical professionals, and consultants.

Minimum Limits: $1 million per claim/occurrence

Coverage Requirement: If claims-made, retroactive date must precede or coincide with the contract effective date or the date of the Notice to Proceed. The professional must state if tail coverage has been purchased and the duration of the coverage.

b. Builder’s Risk: (For Construction or Installation Contracts) Covers against insured perils while in the course of construction.

Minimum Limits: All-Risk coverage equal 100% of contract value

Coverage Requirements: Occupancy Clause - permits County to use the facility prior to issuance of Notice of Substantial Completion.

2.12 INDEMNIFICATION: The PROPOSER agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, its commissioners, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all liability, damages, claims, suits, liens, and judgments, of whatever nature, including claims for contribution and/or indemnification, for injuries to or death of any person or persons, or damage to the property or other rights of any person or persons caused by the PROPOSER or its subproposers. The PROPOSER’s obligation to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, as set forth herein above shall include, but not be limited to, any matter arising out of any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, trademark, copyright, or service mark, or any actual or alleged unfair competition, disparagement of product or service, or other business tort of any type whatsoever, or any actual or alleged violation of trade regulations. PROPOSER further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, at his sole expense, and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if such claims, suits, etc., are groundless, false, or fraudulent, including any and all claims or liability for compensation under the Worker's

Compensation Act arising out of injuries sustained by any employee of the PROPOSER or his subconsultant or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them.

The PROPOSER’s obligation to indemnify Chatham County under this Section shall not be limited in any way by the agreed-upon contract price, or to the scope and amount of coverage provided by any insurance maintained by the PROPOSER.

2.13 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION - TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The

Request for Proposals, Legal Advertisement, General Conditions and Instructions to

Proposers, Specifications, Special Conditions, Proposers Offer, Addendum, and/or any other pertinent documents form a part of the Offeror's proposal and by reference are made a part hereof.

2.14 SIGNED RESPONSE CONSIDERED AN OFFER: The submitted Response shall be considered an offer on the part of the Proposer, which offer shall be deemed accepted upon approval by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Purchasing Director or his designee. In case of a default on the part of the Proponent after such acceptance, Chatham

County may take such action, as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or lack of required performance.

2.15 NOTICE TO PROCEED: The successful proposer shall not commence work under this

Request for Proposal until a written contract is awarded and the Purchasing Director or his designee issues a Notice to Proceed. If the successful Proposer does commence any work or deliver items prior to receiving official notification, he does so at his own risk.

2.16 PAYMENT TO CONSULTANT: Instructions for invoicing the County for service delivered to the County are specified in the contract document.

A. Questions regarding payment may be directed to the Finance Department at (912)

652-7905 or the County’s Project Manager as specified in the contract documents.

B. Consultant will be paid the agreed upon compensation upon satisfactory progress or completion of the work as more fully described in the contract document.

C. Upon completion of the work, the Consultant will provide the County with an affidavit certifying all suppliers, persons or businesses employed by the Consultant for the work performed for the County have been paid in full.

D. Chatham County is a tax-exempt entity. Every consultant, vendor, business or person under contract with Chatham County is required by Georgia law to pay State sales or use taxes for products purchased in Georgia or transported into Georgia and sold to Chatham County by contract. Please consult the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Unit in Atlanta (404) 656-4065 for additional information.

2.17 LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAXES: The price or prices for the service shall include full compensation for all fees that the proponent is or may be required to pay. Chatham

County is Tax Exempt. The Purchasing & Contracting Office upon request (912) 790-

1623 will provide a Tax Exemption Certificate.

2.18 MINORITY – WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION: It is the desire of the County Board of Commissioners to increase the participation of minority (MBE) and women-owned (WBE) business in its contracting and procurement programs.

The County is committed to a policy of equitable participation for these firms by setting goals for each contract. Bidder/proposers are requested to include in their proposals a narrative describing their past accomplishments and intended actions in this area. If bidder/proposers are considering minority or women owned enterprise participation in their proposal, those firms, and their specific duties must be identified in their proposal along with the percentage(s) and dollar amount awarded to the M/WBE firm. Proposers may also provide demographic information regarding their employees to show their commitment to equal opportunity. If a bidder/proposer is considered for award, he/she will be asked to meet with the County Staff so that the intended MBE/WBE participation goals can be formalized and included in the subsequent contact.

If the awarded consultant is claiming minority status, the consultant shall apply for certification by Chatham County, Georgia to the Office of Minority Business Coordinator.

The Minority Business Coordinator will provide documentation of application status once approved or disapproved by Chatham County. Certification by any other government entity is acceptable if current copy of the certification is provided with this solicitation. For additional information concerning Chatham County’s MBE/WBE Coordinator, please contact the department at (912) 652-7860.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GENERAL CONDITIONS

SECTION III

3.1 DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chatham County Board of Commissioners is seeking proposals from qualified, objective, and experienced consulting firms to develop an urban forest master plan. The County presents this “Requests for Proposals” to describe its needs and those criteria which will be used to determine selection of services.

3.2 METHODOLOGY: The procurement described herein may be conducted in a three-step process.

STEP ONE- ACCEPTANCE AND EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATION

PROPOSALS: All technical requirements, unless otherwise specified, must be met by the proponent or such proposal may be disqualified as being non-responsive. Proposals that are deemed incomplete as to substance and content may be returned without consideration.

STEP TWO-INTERVIEWS: The evaluation committee may request an interview with short-listed firms. If interviews are conducted, they will be scored. It will be at the discretion of the evaluation committee on the number of firms that will interview/present.

STEP 3/NEGOTIATION OF FEE/SCHEDULE: The highest rated firm will be notified and brought in to negotiate fee and schedule with the County. Prior to negotiation, the highest ranked firm will be presented, with any updates to, a “Scope of Work” to base its fee upon. If a negotiated fee cannot be reached with the highest ranked firm, the County will then enter negotiations with the 2nd ranked firm.

3.3 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: A Webex pre-proposal conference has been scheduled for 10:00 A.M., December 11, 2025 to discuss the specifications and resolve any questions and/or misunderstanding that may arise. You are encouraged to attend.

3.4 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: The response to this ‘Request for Proposal” must be received on-line by the Purchasing Division no later than 5:00 P.M., January 6, 2026.

For good and sufficient reason, up to 24 hours before the advertised deadline, the County may extend the response schedule. An addendum will be issued setting forth the new date and time.

3.5 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: Upon receipt of a proposal by the County, the proposal shall become the property of the County without compensation to the proponent, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion (except for as provided by Georgia law for proprietary information). The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award or rejection of proposals and/or protected under the restraints of law. Only final points and ranking of proposals will be openly disclosed prior to approval by the Board of Commissioners. Proponent shall have no contact with any

Department Representative or Evaluation Committee Member during and after the evaluation process. Any information contained in the proposal that is considered by the

Proponent as “proprietary” to remain confidential shall be clearly identified and justified.

3.6 CONE OF SILENCE: Lobbying of Procurement Evaluation Committee members, County Government employees, and elected officials regarding this product or service solicitation, Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract by any member of a proposer’s staff, or those people employed by any legal entity affiliated with an organization that is responding to the solicitation is strictly prohibited. Negative campaigning through the mass media about the current service delivery is strictly prohibited. Such actions may cause your proposal to be rejected.

3.7 COMPENSATION: The County has attempted in SECTION V to provide as much information about the project as possible to enable firms to structure their offer.

3.8 REJECTING PROPOSALS: The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not bound to accept any proposal if that proposal is contrary to the best interest of Chatham County. Similarly, the County is not bound to accept the lowest dollar proposal if the offer is not considered in the County's best interest.

3.9 COST TO PREPARE RESPONSES: The County assumes no responsibility or obligation to the respondents and will make no payment for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of the proposal.

3.10 INQUIRIES: Direct any questions related to this RFP to Ms. Jean Fleming, Assistant

Purchasing Director, and submit all questions through the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal Q&A section. Include the RFP number, page, and paragraph number as a reference to each question. DEADLINE FOR ALL

QUESTIONS is noted on the procurement portal under Project Details.

THE ONLY OFFICIAL ANSWER OR POSITION OF CHATHAM COUNTY WILL BE

THE ONE STATED IN WRITING.

3.11 METHOD OF SOURCE SELECTION: Chatham County is using the Competitive

Sealed Proposal method of source selection, as authorized by Part 3 of the Chatham

County Purchasing Ordinance for this procurement.

An award, if made, will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to Chatham County, taking into consideration price and other factors set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The County will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of the proposals received.

3.12 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: During the performance of this contract, the COMPANY agrees as follows:

The COMPANY will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, place of birth, physical handicap, or marital status.

SECTION IV

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

4.1 PENDING LITIGATION: Proposals will not be accepted from any company, firm, person, or party, parent subsidiary, against which Chatham County has an outstanding claim, or a financial dispute relating to prior contract performance. If the County, at any time, discovers such a dispute during any point of evaluation, the proposal will not be considered further.

4.2 EVALUATION FACTORS: Factors such as proponents overall capability, specialized experience, reputation, past performance on similar projects, technical competence, financial stability, ability to meet program goals, delivery under the contract terms, and fee schedule will be considered in the award recommendation. Commitment in the level of MBE/WBE firms, consultants and employees will also be considered in the evaluation of proposals.

4.3 SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals will be evaluated initially on the basis of the written document. Thus, the proposal must be complete, concise and clear as to the intent of the respondent. Further evaluation may include an oral presentation, which will be scheduled after receipt of the written proposal and approval of the shortlist.

4.4 CONTRACT: The successful respondent will be expected to execute a contract within

30 days of notice of award.

4.5 PROPOSALS MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO:

4.5.1 INTRODUCTION/COVER LETTER (SECTION A): You should provide no more than a two (2) page letter of introduction. The letter should highlight or summarize whatever information you deem appropriate as a cover letter, as a minimum, this section should include the name, address, email address, telephone number of one (1) contact to whom any correspondence should be directed. This section should include a clear statement of the Proposer’s understanding of this RFP and the contract requirements, and how the Proposer intends to meet the RFP requirements.

4.5.2 EXPERIENCE - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 30:

A. List similar projects performed in the last five years with a brief narrative of each project, client, services provided by consultant, value of services, status on date of completion, project management, client’s project manager and phone number.

Include a statement as to why it is considered a similar project. Chatham County’s representative reserves the right to contact any known former clients about your performance.

B. Provide work samples that demonstrate experience designing projects of a similar scope and scale, ability of the consultant to complete projects within project budgets, quality of the work product and client satisfaction.

C. Provide examples related to experience of firm and employees in providing consulting services to municipalities, or other governmental entities. Include experience of the architectural firm in working with sub-consultants with the necessary qualifications.

4.5.3 QUALIFICATIONS – TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 30:

A. Provide a narrative as to the history of the firm to include years in business in present form and the resource capability of the firm to perform the required services.

B. Provide a narrative on Firm’s overall reputation, service capabilities, and quality as it relates to this project type. This includes the team’s prime consultant’s experience and reputation related to similar projects.

C. Provide a narrative on innovative or outstanding work by the consultant that demonstrates the firm’s unique qualifications to provide consulting services.

D. Provide organizational chart showing consultant and subconsultant’s relationships to each other including key personnel of each firm.

E. Provide resumes of project manager that will be assigned to the project and key personnel of each firm that will be assigned to the project.

4.5.4 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 25:

A. List key elements of the project and how each will be addressed. Show project schedule and personnel needed to implement each phase.

B. Discuss any challenges anticipated with the project. Identify the person who on a day-to-day basis will be responsible for the work. Identify the key personnel necessary for implementing the project. Describe how key personnel will be involved in the project.

C. Provide information on the ability of the consultant to identify project risks from initial design through construction.

D. Describe your team’s methodology as it relates to project budget and cost control.

E. Describe the current workload of the team that will be assigned to this project, and how they plan to integrate and manage this new project within their current workload.

4.5.5 LOCAL MBE/WBE PARTICIPATION - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 15:

Proponents and Prime Consultants shall make a Good Faith Effort to utilize local MBE/WBE subconsultants. Proponents shall be awarded points based on a strong representation of local MBE/WBE participation throughout its team composition. As a secondary consideration, preference in points will be awarded to firms who have demonstrated a commitment to employment of minorities or women, especially at the professional level.

4.5.6 INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS (IF REQUIRED) – TOTAL POSSIBLE

POINTS: 30

4.6 ASSIGNMENT: The PROPOSER shall not assign or transfer any interest of the contract without prior written consent of the County.

SECTION V

SCOPE OF SERVICES

URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN

5.0 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chatham County is seeking proposals from qualified, objective, and experienced consulting firms to develop a urban forest master plan. Urban Forest Master Plans are becoming a standard document for municipalities across the United States to manage their urban forests more sustainably and economically. Without one, many urban forest management practices are reactive. An urban forest master plan seeks to shift that management style to a more proactive one through the assessment of current conditions, identification of areas of improvement, and the creation of a roadmap moving forward.

5.1 OBJECTIVE:

The overarching goals of this project are to improve tree risk mitigation, identify areas of improvement (e.g. canopy loss, ordinance review and revision, tree work practices), make management components more efficient (e.g. tree removals, pruning, and planting), and to identify potential areas to increase tree canopy. In summary:

1. Establish long-term vision and goals for the community’s urban forest.

2. Identify strategies for canopy preservation, growth, and maintenance.

3. Integrate urban forestry into other planning efforts (stormwater, transportation, climate, equity, etc.).

4. Develop actionable policy, management, and funding recommendations.

5.2 LOCATION: All of Unincorporated Chatham County.

5.3 PREVIOUS WORK:

Chatham County has not performed a canopy assessment in-house. A canopy assessment was performed for all of Chatham County in 2014 by the Savannah Tree Foundation. A tree canopy change assessment for all of Chatham County was done from 2010 to 2019 by Anthony Giarrusso with Georgia Tech (GIS layers available). Chatham County currently has a “tree ordinance” (Land Disturbing Activities Ordinance) that regulates tree removal policies. A tree inventory was performed in 1999 (GIS layer available).

Chatham County does not currently have an urban forest master plan. The Chatham County Plan 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a valuable resource.

5.4 METHODS/TASKS:

The final consultant selected will be responsible for the following:

1. Project Management and Coordination to include kickoff meetings, project scheduling, a communication plan, and progress updates.

2. Data Collection and Assessment

3. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

a. Coordinate with Chatham County Public Information Office regarding public engagement plan (meetings, workshops, surveys, online tools).

b. Facilitate sessions with staff, elected officials, and community partners.

4. Summarize input themes and integrate them into the plan’s development.

5. Analyze relevant County code and ordinances relating to urban forest management.

Make recommendations for updates, revisions, and scope.

6. Perform a canopy cover and trend assessment of Unincorporated Chatham County using the most recently available satellite imagery, including land cover classes and potential new tree planting space.

7. Assess suitability of available LiDAR data for future tree inventories and identify gaps and limitations in current datasets.

8. Evaluate existing relationships with infrastructure owners and how their practices impact the urban forest. Detail methods to improve coordination.

9. Provide recommendations to increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs and risk mitigation, and promote better communication and coordination between departments, decision-makers, and the community at large.

10. Identify other resources, including other governmental entities and non-profit partners, that can contribute to the conservation and growth of Chatham County’s urban forest.

11. Develop a framework outlining long-term (20-year) goals and objectives, supported by actionable 5-year implementation strategies. The goals shall align with community resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability frameworks.

12. Establish a monitoring system to assess the effectiveness of the plan, and how success will be measured.

5.5 OUTCOMES/DELIVERABLES:

1. Tree canopy assessment with land cover classes, with raw data and layers

2. A minimum of two draft iterations will be prepared, with additional revisions provided as necessary to ensure completeness. A final, unlocked version of the plan shall be delivered in both Word and PDF formats, at a minimum, with digital copies provided on an external storage device. The final report and deliverables must include at a minimum:

a. Executive summary

b. Meeting agendas and minutes

c. GIS data layers and analysis maps

d. Draft and final plan documents

3. Presentation decks and graphics that includes a summary PowerPoint to use as a reporting tool for Board of Commissioners and other groups

5.6 BUDGET: $80,000-$100,000

EVALUATION AND AWARD

EVALUATION: Each response to this RFP shall be subject to the same review and assessment process. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked on the basis of points awarded by a technical review panel. A description of the factors which will be analyzed, and the relative weight accorded each factor follows.

STEP 1: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL (TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100).

Evaluating Factor: Points Possible:

Experience 30

Qualifications 30

Project Understanding 25

MBE/WBE Participation 15

STEP 2- INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS- IF REQUIRED (TOTAL POSSIBLE

POINTS: 30)