24_261_RFP.pdf

RFP 24-261 Advanced Metering Infrastructure System RFP Due: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m.

Request for Proposals

RFP Item #24-261

Advanced Metering Infrastructure System

For

Augusta, Georgia – Augusta Utilities Department

Until further notice All RFP openings, conferences, and evaluation meetings will be conducted by electronic teleconferencing via ZOOM.

Instructions are enclosed.

Sec. 1-10-50. Sealed bids selection method:

Bid acceptance and bid evaluation. Provided that the bids are delivered to the Procurement Director at the time, place, and under the conditions contained in the Invitation for Bids, the bids shall be conditionally accepted without alteration or correction pending evaluation.

To Ensure Timely Deliveries, It Is The Responsibility Of The Vendor To Ensure Their Bid Submittal Is Received By The Time Specified Above. All Submittals MUST Be Received During Our Normal Office Hours From 8:30 A.M. To

5:00 P.M., Monday Through Friday. No Deliveries Will Be Accepted Prior To 8:30 A.M. Or After 5:00 P.M., As The Building Is Closed To The Public And Delivery Services Outside Of These Hours.

One Original, Seven (7) Copies and one (1) Electronic Version on USB Flash Drive Shall be Submitted

Thanks for doing business with us . . .

Procurement Department

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901

Rev.9/26/2024

Table of Contents

Request for Proposal

Instruction to Submit

Purpose Viewing of the Augusta Code

Compliance with Laws Proposal for All or Part Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Policy Augusta Georgia License Requirement Terms of Contract

Notice to All Proponents Required to be returned with your submittal. Both documents must be notarized

Attachment B Must return the 2 pages Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Requirements

Request for Proposal Specifications

Request for Proposals

Request for Proposals will be received at this office until Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM Meeting ID: 898 5638 0239; Passcode: 24261 furnishing:

RFP Item #24-261 Advanced Metering Infrastructure System for Augusta, GA – Augusta Utilities Department

RFPs will be received by: The Augusta Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of:

Augusta Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605

RFP documents may be viewed on the Augusta Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCbid. RFP documents may be obtained at the office of the Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 535 Telfair Street – Room 605, Augusta, GA 30901 (706- 821-2422).

Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM – Meeting ID: 865 0577 8385;

Passcode: 24261.

All questions must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Tuesday, October 22, 2024 @ 5:00 P.M. No RFP will be accepted by fax or email, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. To ensure timely deliveries, all submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No deliveries will be accepted prior to 8:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., as the building is closed to the public and delivery services outside of these hours.

No RFP may be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after bids have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder(s).

Request for proposals (RFP) and specifications. An RFP shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the procurement. All specific requirements contained in the request for proposal including, but not limited to, the number of copies needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waivable or modifiable by the Procurement Director.

All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission. Please mark RFP number on the outside of the envelope.

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

Proponents are cautioned that acquisition of RFP documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of RFP documents from unauthorized sources places the proponent at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base their qualifications.

Correspondence must be submitted via mail, fax or email as follows:

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901 Fax: 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle September 26, 2024 and October 3, 10, 17, 2024 Metro Courier September 19, 2024 cc Tameka Allen Administrator Wes Byne Augusta Utilities Department Dean Meyer Augusta Utilities Department

Revised: 09/26/2024 mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ELECTRONIC ZOOM INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings to award quality contracts for Augusta. Proposers may participate in our Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings via webcast or teleconference by following the instructions outlined below:

ELECTRONIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device

Pre-Proposal Conference - RFP Item # 24-261 – Advanced Metering

Infrastructure System for Augusta, GA – Utilities Department Monday, October 21, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m.

ZOOM RFP Pre-Proposal Conference:

1. Click this URL to start or join Zoom:

https://augustaga-gov.zoom.us/j/86505778385?pwd=KaRfGX5uqFNtdFZOYBVwaPBI0Lttvi.1

2. Or go to https://zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 865 0577 8385;

3. Passcode: 24261

RFP Opening - RFP Item # 24-261 – Advanced Metering Infrastructure System for Augusta, GA – Utilities Department

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m.

ZOOM RFP Opening:

4. Click this URL to start or join Zoom:

https://augustaga-gov.zoom.us/j/89856380239?pwd=TNKF0Kv0TAMYQkQ7fQMCzIhk4sZP1A.1

5. Or go to https://zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 898 5638 0239

6. Passcode: 24261 https://augustaga-gov.zoom.us/j/86505778385?pwd=KaRfGX5uqFNtdFZOYBVwaPBI0Lttvi.1 https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join https://augustaga-gov.zoom.us/j/89856380239?pwd=TNKF0Kv0TAMYQkQ7fQMCzIhk4sZP1A.1

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to

provide general and specific information for use by vendors in submitting a proposal to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, supplies, and or services as listed above. All proposals are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code.

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All proposals are

governed and awarded in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations and the Augusta, Georgia Code. To view the Code visit Augusta’s website at www.augustaga.gov or http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=68 5 Guidelines & Procedures.

1.3 Compliance with laws: The Proponent 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 Augusta, Georgia statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.4 Proposal’s For All Or Part: Unless otherwise

specified by Augusta, Georgia or by the proponent, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA RESERVES THE

RIGHT TO MAKE AWARD ON ALL ITEMS, OR ON

ANY OF THE ITEMS ACCORDING TO THE BEST

INTEREST OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. Proponent may restrict his proposal to consideration in the aggregate by so stating but must name a unit price on each item submitted upon.

1.5 All protest shall be made in writing to:

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901, Fax: 706-821-2811 or

Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

1.6 Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE)

Policy: Court Order Enjoining Race-Based Portion of DBE Program Augusta, Georgia does not have a race or gender conscious Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program for projects having Augusta, Georgia as the source of funding. Augusta does enforce mandatory DBE requirements of federal and state agencies on contracts funded by such agencies and has a DBE Program to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal and state mandated DBE requirements for certain DOT, FTA, FAA, and other federal and state assisted contracts as required by 49 C.F.R.

Part 26, et. seq. and/or 49 C.F.R. Part 23, et.

seq. This DBE program is only for DOT, FTA and FAA assisted contracts and other federal or state funded contracts having mandatory DBE requirements. (See Article 13 of the Augusta, GA. Code.)

Augusta, Georgia prohibits any language in any solicitation, bid or contract that is inconsistent with the July 21, 2011 Court Order in the case, Thompson Wrecking, Inc. v. Augusta Georgia, civil action No. 1:07-CV-019. Any such language appearing in any Augusta, Georgia solicitation, bid or contract is void and unenforceable.

A copy of this Order can be reviewed at www.augustaga.gov home page.

1.7 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For

further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

General Contractors License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-41, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

Utility Contractor License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-14, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

1.8 Terms of Contract: (Check where

applicable)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract [ ] (B) One time Purchase.

[X] (C) Other

../../th13290/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/

NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS

ADHERE TO THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FORMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Software and Integration Testing and Acceptance B is a consolidated document consisting of:

1. Business License Number Requirement (must be provided)

2. Acknowledgement of Addenda (must be acknowledged, if any)

3. Statement of Non-Discrimination

4. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Proponent/Offeror

5. Conflict of Interest

6. Contractor Affidavit and Agreement (E-Verify User ID Number must be provided)

Attachment B Must be Notarized & Two (2) Pages Must be returned with your submittal - No Exceptions.

Business License Requirement: Proponent must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. Your company’s business license number must be provided on Page 1 of Attachment B. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a contract. For further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

Acknowledgement of Addenda: You Must acknowledge all Addenda. See Page 1 of Attachment B.

E-Verify * User Identification Number (Company I.D.) The recommended awarded vendor will be required to provide a copy of Homeland Security’s Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). Contractors, Bids, RFPs, RFQs - Any contractors performing the physical performance of services” for your city, including those that respond to bids or requests for proposals, must submit an E-Verify affidavit. Your city cannot consider any contractors, even as part of a bidding or RFP process, unless they have given you the appropriate E-Verify contractor affidavits.

Contractors are defined as those who provide any “physical performance of services,” which means any performance of labor or services for a public employer using a bidding process or by contract that costs over $2,499.99 in value between December 1 and November 30 of any given year. Typically, eligible contracts may include: New construction or the demolition of structures/roads Routine operation, repair, and maintenance of existing structures. Any contracts for labor and service that exceed $2,499.99. Contracts for the purchase of goods without any services provided are not subject to these E-Verify requirements.

The city, each contractor, and each subcontractor have different roles and responsibilities in the E-Verify process. The city collects E-Verify affidavits from the contractor. The contractor collects E-Verify affidavits from its subcontractors. The subcontractors collect E-Verify affidavits from its sub-subcontractors. Independent contractors (those with no employees) do not need to supply E-Verify information. Instead, they will provide a driver’s license or state identification card from states on the “compliant” list created by the Georgia Attorney General. Those contractors and subcontractors that fill out the affidavits are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The city does not need to confirm that the E-Verify information is correct. The liability for incorrect information is on the contractor or subcontractor. NOTE: The authorization date can be found within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta Benefit Application (S.A.V.E. Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal)

The successful proponent will submit the following forms to the Procurement Department no later than five (5) days after receiving the “Letter of Recommendation” (Vendor’s letter will denote the date forms are to be received)

1. Georgia Security and Immigration Subcontractor Affidavit

2. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Sub-Contractor

3. PLEASE NOTE GEORGIA LAW CHANGE: E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

WARNING: Please review “Notice to Proponent” regarding Augusta Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program Proponent Requirements.

Vendors are cautioned that acquisition of proposal documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of proposal documents from unauthorized sources places the proposer at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.

Proposals are publicly opened. It is your responsibility to ensure that your company has met the Specifications and Licenses requirements prior to submitting a proposal.

Rev. 4/09/21

Attachment B

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Augusta, Georgia Augusta Procurement Department ATTN: Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Name of Proponent: _______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________ Fax: __________________________Email: ________________________________

Do You Have A Business License? Yes: ______ No: ______

Augusta, GA Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): ______________________________________

And/or Your State/Local Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): _____________________________

Utility Contractors License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________ MUST BE LISTED ON FRONT OF ENVELOPE

General Contractor License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________________________

Additional Specialty License # (Must Provide if applicable): ______________________________________________

NOTE: Company must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, please state above (Procurement will verify), your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a BID. For further information regarding Augusta, GA license requirements, please contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

List the State, City & County that issued your license: ___________________________________________________________

Acknowledgement of Addenda: (#1) ____: (#2) ____: (#3) ____: (#4) ____: (#5) ____: (#6) ____: (#7) ____: (#8) ____:

NOTE: CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX (ES) - ADD ADDITIONAL NUMBERS AS APPLICABLE

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The undersigned understands that it is the policy of Augusta, Georgia to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned covenants that we have not discriminated, on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, with regard to prime contracting, subcontracting or partnering opportunities.

The undersigned covenants and agrees to make good faith efforts to ensure maximum practicable participation of local small businesses on the proposal or contract awarded by Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned further covenants that we have completed truthfully and fully the required forms regarding good faith efforts and local small business subcontractor/supplier utilization.

The undersigned further covenants and agrees not to engage in discriminatory conduct of any type against local small businesses, in conformity with Augusta, Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program. Set forth below is the signature of an officer of the proposer/contracting entity with the authority to bind the entity.

The undersigned acknowledge and warrant that this Company has been made aware of understands and agrees to take affirmative action to provide such companies with the maximum practicable opportunities to do business with this Company;

That this promise of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect without interruption;

That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be and are hereby deemed to be made as part of and incorporated by reference into any contract or portion thereof which this Company may hereafter obtain and;

That the failure of this Company to satisfactorily discharge any of the promises of nondiscrimination as made and set forth herein shall constitute a material breach of contract entitling Augusta, Georgia to declare the contract in default and to exercise any and all applicable rights remedies including but not limited to cancellation of the contract, termination of the contract, suspension and debarment from future contracting opportunities, and withholding and or forfeiture of compensation due and owing on a contract.

Non-Collusion of Prime Proponent

By submission of a proposal, the vendor certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the proposal have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or to any competitor.

(c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or corporation to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. Collusions and fraud in proposal preparation shall be reported to the State of Georgia Attorney General and the United States Justice Department.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Rev. 4/09/21

Conflict of Interest PAGE 2 OF 2 By submission of a bid, the responding firm certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

1. No circumstances exist which cause a Conflict of Interest in performing the services required by this BID, and

2. That no employee of the County, nor any member thereof, not any public agency or official affected by this BID, has any pecuniary interest in the business of the responding firm or his sub-consultant(s) has any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance related to this BID. By submission of a bid, the vendor certifies under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the bid have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the bid have not knowingly been disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or competitor.

c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or cooperation to submit or not to submit a bid for the purpose of restricting competition. For any breach or violation of this provision, the County shall have the right to terminate any related contract or agreement without liability and at its discretion to deduct from the price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, payment, or consideration.

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement: Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b) (l)

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract.

Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

The undersigned contractor ("Contractor") executes this Affidavit to comply with O.C.G.A § 13-10-91 related to any contract to which Contractor is a party that is subject to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and hereby verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, attesting as follows:

a) The Contractor has registered with, is authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program;

b) The Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, including any renewal or extension thereof;

c) The Contractor will notify the public employer in the event the Contractor ceases to utilize the federal work authorization program during the contract period, including renewals or extensions thereof;

d) The Contractor understands that ceasing to utilize the federal work authorization program constitutes a material breach of Contract;

e) The Contractor will contract for the performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the Contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(a), (b), and (c);

f) The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that this Affidavit shall be incorporated into any contract(s) subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91 for the project listed below to which Contractor is a party after the date hereof without further action or consent by Contractor; and

g) Contractor acknowledges its responsibility to submit copies of any affidavits, drivers' licenses, and identification cards required pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 to the public employer within five business days of receipt.

Georgia Law requires your company to have an E-Verify*User Identification Number (Company I.D.) on or after July 1, 2009.

For additional information or to enroll your company, visit the State of Georgia website:

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ and/or http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10 1.pdf

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number: E-VERIFY REQUIRED FOR ALL CONTRACTS OVER $2,499.00 Date of Authorization

** (E-Verify Number) _________________________________ ___________________________

Name of Contractor Name of Project / Bid Number

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – RICHMOND COUNTY CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on ___________________, _________, 20________ in ___________________ (City), _______________ (State).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTARY SEAL

The undersigned further agrees to submit a notarized copy of Attachment B and any required documentation noted as part of the Augusta, Georgia Board of Commissions specifications which govern this process. In addition, the undersigned agrees to submit all required forms for any subcontractor(s) as requested and or required. I further understand that my submittal will be deemed non-compliant if any part of this process is violated.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10%201.pdf

You Must Complete and Return with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta, Georgia Benefit Application By executing this affidavit under oath, as an applicant for an Augusta, Georgia Business License or Occupation Tax Certificate, Alcohol License, Taxi Permit, Contract, or other public benefit as reference in O.C.G.A. Section 50-36-1, I am stating the following with respect to my bid for an Augusta, Georgia contract for

[RFP Project Number and Project Name]

[Print/Type: Name of natural person applying on behalf of individual, business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

[Print/Type: Name of business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

1.) _________ I am a citizen of the United States.

OR

2.) _________ I am a legal permanent resident 18 years of age or older.

OR

3.) _________ I am an otherwise qualified alien (8 § USC 1641) or nonimmigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1101 et seq.) 18 years of age or older and lawfully present in the United States. *

In making the above representation under oath, I understand that any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit shall be guilty of a violation of Code Section 16-10-20 of the Official Code of Georgia.

Signature of Applicant

Printed Name

*Alien Registration Number for Non-Citizens

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE ___________ DAY OF ______________, 20____

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

Note: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

REV. 2/17/2016

TRADE SECRET STATUS AFFIDAVIT

Augusta, Georgia

All documents, data, letters and generated information received by Augusta, Georgia constitutes a “public record” and is subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA"). O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. However, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(34), "[an] entity submitting records containing trade secrets that wishes to keep such records confidential under this paragraph shall submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitute trade secrets pursuant to Article 27 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 [O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq.].”

O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4) defines “Trade secret" as “…information, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information:

A. Derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

B. Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.”

Therefore, the records listed below and attached hereto, that were submitted with _______________________response to Augusta, Georgia Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, or Request for Qualified Contractor ______________are marked confidential pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4):

• (List specific information that the supplier wishes to withhold and how that information constitutes a trade secret)

• Additional trade secret information requested to be withheld.

• Your company is requested to submit a redacted copy of your submittal.

Under penalty of perjury, acknowledging that O.C.G.A. §16-10-71 provides a penalty of a fine of up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment of one to five years, I attest that the specific information in the records listed above constitutes trade secrets pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4), and request that Augusta, Georgia not disclose this protected information under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA").

Signature:

[Signatory Name in Print] [Signatory’s Title] [Company Name]

_______________________________ Date: ______________________________________ [Signatory’s Title]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE

ME ON THIS ______ DAY OF

_____________, 202_.

__________________________________ My Commission Expires: ______________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Return Page Only if Applicable.

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Requirements

Notice To All Bidders (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) Shall apply to ALL Bids regardless of the dollar amount In accordance with the Commission Action on 7/25/24 and the adoption of Ordinance No. 7945 Chapter 10C of the AUGUSTA, GA, CODE, Contractors agree to collect and maintain all records necessary to Augusta, Georgia to evaluate the effectiveness of its Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program and to make such records available to Augusta, Georgia upon request. The requirements of the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program can be found at www.augustaga.gov. In accordance with AUGUSTA, GA.

CODE, Contractors shall report to Augusta, Georgia the total dollars paid to each subcontractor, vendor, or other business on each contract, and shall provide such payment affidavits, regarding payment to subcontractors, if any as required by Augusta, Georgia. Such utilization reports shall be in the format specified by the Director of Compliance and shall be submitted at such times as required by Augusta, Georgia. Required forms can be found at www.augustaga.gov. If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, please contact the M/WBE Program office at (706) 821-2406. Failure to provide such reports withing the time period specified by Augusta, Georgia shall entitle Augusta, Georgia to exercise any of the remedies set forth, including, but not limited to, withholding payment from the Contractor and/or collecting liquidated damages.

SHALL APPLY TO PROJECTS IN EXCESS OF $300,000

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program (Continued) Sec. 1-10-138. Race and Gender-Conscious Efforts Contract-by-Contract Subcontractor Goals The City, through the Goal Setting Committee (GSC), will set specific, separate percentage-based MBE and WBE subcontracting goals on a contract-by contract basis for Prime contracts in Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Professional Services, and Other Services valued in excess of $300,000. The City shall establish such goals based upon the type of contract, the type of subcontracting work that will be required, and the availability of M/WBE firms to perform the work for that specific contract.

The GSC shall not establish subcontracting goals on contracts where (a) there are no subcontracting opportunities identified for the contract; or (b) there are not at least three (3) MBE and/or WBE firms that are available and capable to perform a CUF for the overall subcontracting opportunities on the contract.

Good Faith Efforts (GFE) Requirements and Guidance 1.Achievement of subcontracting goals or documentation of Good Faith Efforts applies to every Contract for which such goals are established. The Bidder shall submit a compliance plan detailing its achievement of the goals or its Good Faith Efforts to meet the goals. The compliance plan shall be due at the time set out in the solicitation documents.

2.When a Bidder cannot achieve the goals, its compliance plan shall document its GFE to achieve the goals. The Director of Compliance will determine whether the Bidder has made such GFE.

Bid Documents All bid documents shall require bidders or proponents to submit with their bid the following written documents, statements, or forms, which shall be made available by the Procurement Department.

• Proposed Letter of Intent MBE/WBE.

• Proposed MBE/WBE Utilization Plan.

• Documentation of Good Faith Efforts Form (in the event the bidder will not meet the MBE and WBE goals).

Failure to submit the above documentation shall result in the bid being declared non-responsive.

Sec. 1-10-154.Exceptions In accordance with § 1-10-8, on federally funded projects or contracts, the M/WBE Program shall only be utilized when authorized by the applicable federal (and/or Georgia) laws, regulations, and conditions relating to that project or contract. To the extent that there are any conflicts between any such laws, regulations, or conditions and the provisions of the M/WBE Program, the federal (and/or Georgia) guidance shall control.

NOTE: All forms should be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope, labeled M/WBE Forms, Company’s Name & Bud number

For questions and or additional information, please contact:

Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program 535 Telfair Street, Suite 530

Augusta, Georgia 30901

(706) 821-2406 mwbe@augustaga.gov Website: https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged- Business-Enterprise

REV. 9/6/24

mailto:mwbe@augustaga.gov https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise

Table of Contents

Contents

PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 BACKGROUND

3 INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1 TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS

2 OVERALL SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

3 METER INTERFACE UNIT (MIU)

4 METER BOX OR VAULT LIDS

5 DATA COLLECTION UNITS, REPEATERS AND OTHER NETWORK DEVICES

6 MOBILE (VEHICLE-MOUNTED) DATA COLLECTOR

7 PORTABLE INTERROGATION, FIELD PROGRAMMING, AND TESTING DEVICES

8 AMI HEAD-END NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND SOFTWARE

9 METER DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

10 CUSTOMER WEB PORTAL

11 SOFTWARE AND INTEGRATION TESTING AND ACCEPTANE……………………………………………………..48

12 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

13 TRAINING

14 SUPPORT

15 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY

16 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

17 SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)

18 OPTIONAL NETWORK AND SYSTEM MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A - COUNTY PARCELS

APPENDIX B - PRICING TABLES

Purpose of the Request for Proposals

1. Introduction

Augusta, Georgia (Augusta) intends to acquire an AMI system and related products, software and services (collectively, the “System”), for all of its approximately 72,000 water meters. Augusta is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide a System.

All interested qualified firms are invited to submit a formal proposal to accomplish the Scope of Work described herein, in conformance with the prescribed format. The proposal is to be signed by a principal of the firm.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information in the RFQ, we recognize that the information may not be complete in every detail and that all work may not be expressly mentioned in these specifications. It is the responsibility of the proposing company to include in their proposal all pertinent information in accordance with the objectives of Augusta and to clearly identify exceptions taken to the requested information.

The basic components of the System sought by Augusta include the following:

• Number of cold-water meters with AMI-compatible registers needed to replace existing meters and/or registers which are not compatible with the proposed system.

• Meter interface units, or “MIUs” capable of encoding, storing and transmitting meter reading and other data, such as tampering alerts that are preferably compatible with as many existing meters as possible.

• An Augusta dedicated network or other dedicated communications service to collect and transport meter reading and other information from the endpoints to an HES.

• Handheld devices and software necessary to program and/or initialize the endpoints and collect installation data.

• Head-end system (HES) to collect, store, and manage the data which is delivered through the network.

• A meter data management system (MDMS) which can store meter reads and consumption data and allow that data to be queried, exported and summarized, and from which standard reports can be generated.

• An optional customer web portal to display interval consumption data and other information. The design, installation and testing of information interfaces between the AMI system’s software components and Augusta’s customer information system (CIS) and other systems, such as its field work order system.

• All related documentation, including technical manuals and operating procedures.

• Training of Augusta’s employees in endpoint installation, maintenance, diagnosis and troubleshooting, as well as system use, operation and maintenance.

• Training of Augusta’s employees in HES, MDMS and Customer Portal (if applicable.)

• Shipping and managing the inventory of AMI equipment during the course of project deployment.

• Where appropriate, installation of fixed data collection units, including the communications links between those collection units and the HES.

• Provision of all necessary radio licenses, firmware, third party software or operating systems to ensure a complete and working system.

• Satisfactory testing of all software, hardware and procedures prior to the deployment of the system according to the system testing and acceptance process set forth in the contract, and satisfactory testing of system performance at the completion of the project or at major milestones.

• Project management to ensure all products and services are coordinated.

2. Background

The Augusta Utilities Department (AUD) provides drinking water to the residents of Augusta, Georgia. AUD currently reads approximately 50,200 of the 73,333 meters with an Itron walk-by system, about 4,500 meters with an Itron drive-by unit, approximately 500 Cellular AMI endpoints, and the rest of the units (approximately 18,200 meters) require manual monthly reads. Approximately 95% of the meters are made by Badger. Of those meters, approximately 10,000 have been replaced within the last five years. AUD currently uses Itron FCS software to read all meters with handhelds and laptops to collect the readings; Augusta plans to convert to Itron Temetra software by the end of 2024. There are 25 billing cycles with a total of 250 read routes and each billing cycle is read monthly. Each billing cycle takes between 1 and 2 days to complete with the largest taking 2 ½ days.

Once the routes have been read and processed, the readings are uploaded to our billing software so the edit process can begin.

AUD uses enQuesta (version 6), a Harris company, for the billing system.

AUD uses Cityworks AMS (server version 15.8.8, and mobile version 11 as of September 2024) for work order management, integrated with the Augusta GIS (10.8.x) as the master catalog of assets. AUD is upgrading to ArcPro NLT end of 2024.

3. Instructions to Proposers

3.1 Obligations of Proposer

AUD assumes no responsibility for any costs incurred by any Proposer in responding to this RFQ. Your good faith response to the requested information is solicited without the creation of any obligation between parties, explicit or implied. Augusta will make a thorough investigation and evaluation of all responses.

3.2 Pre-Proposal Conference

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. via zoom – Meeting ID:

865 0577 8385 Passcode: 24261. Representatives from Augusta, Georgia Departments of Water & Sewer, IT, and Procurement will be available for discussion and questions during the pre-proposal call. The purpose of the Pre-Proposal Conference is to provide assistance to interested proposers in the interpretation of the Request for Proposal (RFP), and other technical and contractual matters.

Proposers are required to submit an email notification of their intention to attend this Pre-Proposal Conference and include the names of those planning to attend. Send notification at least one week in advance to the office of the Director of Procurement at procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov.

Nothing stated or discussed during the course of this Pre-Proposal Conference shall be considered to modify, alter or change the requirements of the RFP, unless it shall be subsequently incorporated into an Addendum to the RFP. All questions asked during the Pre-Proposal Conference deemed to be pertinent by Augusta will be addressed in an Addendum following the Pre-Proposal Conference.

3.3 Tentative Proposal Selection Schedule

Activity Date

Issue RFP 9/26/2024

Pre-Proposal Conference 10/21/2024

RFP Questions to Augusta – Deadline 10/22/2024

Proposals Due 11/5/2024

Preferred Proposal Selected 11/12/2024

Vote of Acceptance from Augusta Commission 12/03/2024

Award and Notice to Proceed 12/09/2024

3.4 Preparation and Submission of Proposals

The following exhibits (Thumb Drive), together with this document, will serve as a basis for your proposal:

The following exhibits are included on the Thumb Drive provided with the specifications:

Appendix A: County Parcels Appendix B: Pricing Tables RFP 24-261 Advanced Metering Infrastructure System Specifications

Request for Proposals will be received at this office until Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM Meeting ID: 898 5638 0239, Passcode: 24261. No RFP will be accepted by fax or email, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. To ensure timely deliveries, all submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No deliveries will be accepted prior to 8:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., as the building is closed to the public and delivery services outside of these hours.

Proposals with pricing information submitted in a separately sealed envelope MUST be submitted in the format prescribed herein. Failure to comply with directions in this RFP, or omission of requested information could result in disqualification of your firm’s proposal. Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked in the lower left-hand corner:

“Proposal – RFP 24-261 Advanced Metering Infrastructure System”

Proposals and pricing to be submitted to:

535 Telfair St., Suite 605

Augusta, GA 30901

The proposal will be accepted for consideration if it includes the following components:

1. One (1) un-bound original, seven (7) copies shall be submitted and must be received at the Procurement Department as prescribed above.

2. One (1) electronic version of RFP response on USB flash drive in pdf format.

3. Submit in a separately sealed envelope one (1) unbound original Cost Proposal

4. One (1) electronic copy of cost proposal on USB flash drive; electronic versions of the pricing and warranty tables included in the Cost Proposal must be submitted in Excel format in a separately sealed envelope.

Failure to conform to this requirement may be grounds for disqualification. Faxed or e-mailed Proposals and Pricing Information are not acceptable. Proposals and Pricing Information received after the deadline will be returned to the sender unopened. Names of submitting firms will then be read aloud at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024. All interested parties and the general public are invited to attend.

ALL QUESTIONS must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Tuesday, October 22, 2024 @ 5:00 P.M. Any and all such interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be in the form of written addenda to the specifications which, if issued, will be sent by email to all prospective bidders (at the respective addresses furnished for such purposes), not later than five days prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve such bidder from any obligation under his bid as submitted. All addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract Documents.

No organization is to discuss any aspect of this Request for Proposal with any Augusta, Georgia employee without approval of the Procurement Department. This is to ensure that all prospective respondents have the same level of knowledge relative to the required services as well as ensuring the additional data is made available to all proposers.

Proposals received will become the property of Augusta, Georgia and shall be used as they see fit. All information contained in the Proposals will remain confidential until after a contract is signed. Augusta, Georgia reserves the right to cancel the Request for Qualifications or to reject any and all responses received, to waive any technicalities or other minor informalities if it determines, in its sole discretion, that such cancellation or rejection is in the best interests of Augusta, Georgia.

Firms shall submit evidence of insurability for this project.

3.5 Multiple Proposals

For alternative proposals, such as an alternate technology or an AMI system based on collaboration with other area utilities, submit the technical and pricing information under separate covers, and these in a separate envelope as a stand-alone complete proposal.

3.6 Addenda, Questions and Interpretations

Augusta reserves the right to cancel the Request for Proposal or to eliminate parts thereof, if it determines, in its sole discretion, that such cancellation or elimination is in the best interest of Augusta.

Augusta reserves the right to amend this RFP by addenda, prior to the date set for receipt of the submission of proposals. Addenda or amendments will be posted on Augusta, Georgia’s website. Planholders shall be notified of addenda by email; however, it shall be the Proposer’s responsibility to ascertain if addenda have been issued.

All such addenda shall become part of the RFP and all Proposers shall be bound by such addenda. Addenda, including postponement of the date for receipt of proposals, may be issued up to five (5) days prior to the date the proposals are due.

Proposing firms shall promptly notify Augusta of any omission, ambiguity, inconsistency or error that they may discover upon examination of the RFP.

Augusta will not be bound by any information, explanation, clarification, or any interpretation, oral or written, by whosoever made, that is not incorporated into an addendum to the RFP. No response will be made to inquiries received after the RFP Questions Deadline.

3.7 Protest Procedures

Right to Protest: Any actual firm, who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract, may protest to the Procurement Director. The protest shall be submitted in writing within 5 days after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise thereto. The protest must be accompanied by a detailed statement indicating the reasons for such protest.

The Procurement Director shall have authority to settle and resolve a protest of an aggrieved offeror…