26_151_RFP.pdf

RFP Item #26-151 Water Meter Test Equipment RFP Due: Monday, March 30, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

FEDERAL

RFP Item #26-151 February 19, 2026

Water Meter Test Equipment

For

Augusta-Richmond County (herein “Augusta”) On behalf of the Augusta Utilities Department

Located at 452 Walker Street, Suite 200 Augusta, GA 30901

Andy Penick Director of Procurement

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901

Rev. 2/3/2026

Request for Proposals

Request for Proposals will be received at this office until Monday, March 30, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. RFP openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901, and additionally via Teams meeting ID: 295 624 629 146 54; Passcode: 2dA6Y9n9 for furnishing:

RFP Item #26-151 Water Meter Test Equipment for Augusta, GA- Augusta Utilities Department

No submittal will be accepted by email. All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m.

to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No proposals may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposals have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder.

Bid documents, and all Addenda, may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia website under the Procurement Department ARCbid menu– (http://appweb2.augustaq.ga/NewARCbid/ARCBid.html), and DemandStar™ website located at https://network.demandstar.com. Bidders must mark the ITB number on the outside of the submittal envelope.

Mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held in person at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, Ga 30901 and via TEAMS Meeting ID: 260 984 430 009 76; Passcode: Gn7za9zx. on Monday, March 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. Optional site visit will follow. Please contact Dean Meyer at 706-312-4139 if interested.

Questions or requests for clarifications must be submitted to the Procurement Department on or before the close of business Tuesday, March 17, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M.

Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department Attn: Jamye Mortley Phone: 706-821-2422 Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify.

Proposers 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 proposer at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle February 19, 26 and March 5, 12, 2026 mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ELECTRONIC TEAMS INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings to award quality contracts for Augusta. RFP openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901, and additionally via Teams.

ELECTRONIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS

RFP 26-151 Mandatory RFP Pre-Proposal Conference- will be held in person at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, Ga 30901 and via Teams Monday, March 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.

TEAMS RFP Opening:

1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 260 984 430 009 76

2. Passcode: Gn7za9zx

RFP 26-151 openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901, and via Teams

Monday, March 30, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

TEAMS RFP Opening:

3. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 295 624 629 146 54

4. Passcode: 2dA6Y9n9

Revised 2/5/26 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join

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=685 Guidelines & Procedures.

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

1.4 Bids For All Or Part: Unless otherwise specified, County reserves The Right To make an award(s) for all Items, or categories, or specific line items, to one or more bidders. Bidder may restrict their bid to consideration in the aggregate by so stating but must name a unit price on each item submitted upon.

1.5 All protests shall be made in writing to:

Attn: Andy Penick, Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605 Augusta, GA 30901 Email:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

1.6 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For further information contact the License and Inspection

Department @ 706 312-5050.

Provide General Contractors License Number, if applicable.

Provide Utility Contractor License Number, if applicable.

1.7 Terms of Contract: (Check where applicable)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract

[X] (B) One time Purchase [ ] (C) Multi-year http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures

NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS

ADHERE TO THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FORMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Exhibit A 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 Bidder/Offeror

5. Conflict of Interest

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

Exhibit A Must be Notarized & Two (2) Pages Must be returned with your submittal .

Business License Requirement: Bidder 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. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain an Augusta-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 Exhibit A.

E-Verify * User Identification Number (Company I.D.): Vendor must provide the E-Verify affidavit with their bid.

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 (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal) The successful vendor 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. E-Verify MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

Rev. 02/10/26

Exhibit A

Augusta, Georgia Augusta Procurement Department ATTN: Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901

Name of Proposer: _______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _____________________ Fax: __________________________Email: ________________________________

Where/How did you hear about this solicitation? ________________________________________________________________

Attach a copy of your Business License and your General Contractor License.

If applicable, provide a copy of the following:

Utility Contractors License - MUST BE LISTED ON FRONT OF ENVELOPE

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 Proposer

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.

Conflict of Interest 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

** (E-Verify Number) ________________________________ ____________________

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

NOTARY COMMISSIONING

Subscribed and sworn before me on this _______ day of ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTARY SEAL

The undersigned further agrees to submit a notarized copy of Exhibit A, 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 two (2) pages of Exhibit A with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

REV. 11/24/2025

http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10%201.pdf

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 proposal 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.

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

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

NOTARY COMMISSIONING

Subscribed and sworn before me on this _______ day of ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, NOTORIZED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

REV. 11/24/2025

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 send 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]

NOTARY COMMISSIONING

Subscribed and sworn before me on this _______ day of ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ___________________________________ NOTARY SEAL

RETURN FORM 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.

or 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 proposers 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 & Bid 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. 9/6/2024 http://www.augustaga.gov/ http://www.augustaga.gov/ mailto:mwbe@augustaga.gov https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise

SECTION 1

Purpose of the Request for Proposals

1.1 Introduction and Background

The Augusta Utilities Department (AUD) in Augusta, Georgia (Augusta) provides water and sewer services to the residents of Augusta and bills for these services through nearly 75,000 customer accounts. Augusta-Richmond County sees steady annual growth in both population and utilities customers.

AUD is in the process of upgrading our metering system from Positive Displacement water meters with a combination of manual and AMR endpoints to a full cellular AMI solution paired with AWWA C715 compliant Ultrasonic water meters.

1.2 Scope of Services

AUD is requesting bids for a computerized, automated, gravimetric water meter test bench system. The system should be fully automated and able to test 5/8 x 3/4, 1, 1.5, and 2 inch water meters. The system must be upgradable to include a close loop recirculation system including a filtration and chlorination system and recirculation and feed pumps capable of providing variable flow rates and specified pressures. The supplier shall be responsible for providing installation, calibration, certification, training, and continued after-sale support by manufacturer-certified technicians.

The proposed solution must include all items listed in the requirements as mandatory. Should it be discovered that a proposer falsely claimed the existence or current operational state of any required item it shall be grounds for disqualification of the proposal or if discovered after award for the immediate termination of any contract with all funds refunded immediately upon dissolution of the contract.

Term: One time purchase to include an annual software and maintenance proposal for a total of five years.

SECTION 2

Instructions to Proposers

2.1 Obligations of Proposers

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

2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference

Mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held in person at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, Ga 30901 and via TEAMS Meeting ID: 260 984 430 009 76; Passcode: Gn7za9zx. on Monday, March 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. Optional site visit will follow. Please contact Dean Meyer at 706-312-4139 if interested. Representatives from AUD and Augusta Procurement will be available for discussion and questions during the conference. The purpose of the conference is to provide assistance in the interpretation of the RFP and answer other technical or contractual matters.

Nothing stated or discussed during the course of this conference shall be construed 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 conference deemed pertinent by Augusta shall be submitted in writing and will be addressed in an addendum following the conference.

2.3 Tentative Proposal Selection Schedule

Activity Date RFP Issued 2/19/2026 Pre-Proposal Conference 3/16/2026 @ 10:00 a.m.

Deadline for Questions to Augusta 3/17/2026 @ 5:00 p.m.

Proposals Due 3/30/2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

Preferred Proposals Selected 4/14/2026 Vote of Acceptance from Augusta Commission 5/5/2026 Award and Notice to Proceed 5/15/2026

2.4 Preparation and Submission of Proposals

Proposals with pricing information must be submitted in the prescribed format. Failure to comply with directions in this RFP or omission of requested information could result in disqualification a proposal. Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked:

“RFP 26-151 Water Meter Test Equipment”

Proposals and pricing to be submitted to:

Attn: Andy Penick, Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605 Augusta, GA 30901

Request for Proposals will be received at this office until Monday, March 30, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. RFP openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901, and additionally via Teams meeting ID: 295 624 629 146 54; Passcode: 2dA6Y9n9. One (1) un-bound original proposal and one (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive. You are also to submit in a separately sealed envelope, one (1) unbound original Cost Proposal and one (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive. Failure to conform to this requirement may be grounds for disqualification. Faxed or e-mailed proposals and pricing Information are not acceptable.

Mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held in person at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, Ga 30901 and via TEAMS Meeting ID: 260 984 430 009 76; Passcode: Gn7za9zx. on Monday, March 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.

Optional site visit will follow. Please contact Dean Meyer at 706-312-4139 if interested.

Questions or requests for clarifications must be submitted to the Procurement Department on or before the close of business Tuesday, March 17, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M.

Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department Attn: Jamye Mortley Phone: 706-821-2422 Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

No organization is to discuss any aspect of this RFP with any Augusta 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 and shall be used as they see fit. All information contained in the Proposals will remain confidential until after a contract is signed. Augusta reserves the right to cancel the RFP, to reject any and all responses received, and to waive any technicalities or other minor informalities if it determines, at its sole discretion, that such cancellation or rejection is in the best interests of Augusta.

2.5 Addenda, Questions, and Interpretations

Augusta reserves the right to cancel the RFP or to eliminate parts thereof if it determines, at 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’s website. 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 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.

2.6 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 five (5) days after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts given 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 concerning the solicitation or award of a contract. If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the Procurement Director shall issue a decision in writing within 10 days. The decision shall state the reasons for the action taken.

This decision shall be final and conclusive, unless the firm appeals administratively within 5 days after receipt of decision to the Augusta Georgia Board of Commissioners. Any protest taken to the Board or court shall be subject to the protestant paying all administrative costs, attorney fees, and court costs should it be determined that the protest is without standing.

2.7 Modification and Withdrawal of Proposals

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). Proposals may be withdrawn after they have been submitted, but only before the deadline established for receipt of Proposals. Withdrawn proposals may be resubmitted but only in the manner in which the proposal was originally submitted. Withdrawals must be signed by the Proposer(s) and must be received by Augusta no later than the deadline.

2.8 Rejection of Proposals

Augusta reserves the right to reject any and all responses to the RFP with reasonable explanation, and/or to waive any informalities in evaluating the RFP responses if it deems this to be in the best interest of Augusta, its customers, and the general public. Augusta reserves the right to qualify Proposers as it deems in its best interest.

Augusta will not award a contract to a Proposer who fails to furnish evidence satisfactory to Augusta that it has the ability, equipment, and experience to furnish the kind and quality of materials and services required, that it has furnished materials and services of similar character and magnitude, and that it has sufficient capital and plant to enable it to prosecute this project successfully within the time limit given for this contract. Intending vendors who cannot fully satisfy these requirements are requested not to submit a proposal. Failure to qualify in this respect may be considered sufficient cause to reject any proposal whatsoever.

Additionally, Augusta reserves the right to disqualify Proposers, before and after the opening of proposals, upon evidence of collusion with intent to defraud or other illegal practices upon the part of any Proposer(s).

2.9 Proposal Contents

Proposals must be organized and provided in a clear and concise format. Vendors are to submit one (1) un-bound original proposal and one (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive. You are also to submit in a separately sealed envelope, one (1) unbound original Cost Proposal and one (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive. The information shall be provided in the order listed below and font size shall not be smaller than 11 pt. font. Sections shall be divided by tabs for ease of reference or bookmarked in PDF, and pages shall be consecutively numbered.

Technical proposals shall not exceed fifty (30) single-sided pages in length.

The Proposal shall include the following:

• Title Page – List the RFP title, the name of the Proposer, managing office address, telephone number, name and email address of primary contact, and date.

• Table of Contents – Include a clear identification of the material included in the proposal by page number.

• Procurement Documents - All documents required under the Augusta Procurement regulations and procedures, properly executed and notarized as required (Exhibit A and Save Form). The notary seal shall be visible on the original and all copies. Attach a copy of your current business license and your general contractor license.

• Letter of Interest – Two (2) pages maximum indicating the Proposer understands the scope of work requested, commits to provide the required services, and providing the name(s) and contact information of the authorized representative(s) for the Proposer’s organization.

• Textual response, including annotations as needed. Provide details on the water meter testing equipment you are proposing.

• Summary of exceptions to requirements. List all exceptions. Language such as “Proposer would like to discuss” may be considered an exception by Augusta.

• Details of exceptions. Language such as “Proposer would like to discuss” may be considered an exception by Augusta. Proposer shall briefly state the reason for the exception and provide alternative language in the case of an exception.

• References - All proposers shall include the name, address, e-mail, fax, and telephone numbers of at least three (3) clients for whom projects similar in size and scope have been completed. Contact information should be current.

• Financial Data - Provide financial information that would allow proposal evaluators to ascertain the financial stability of the Proposer.

a. If a public company, include a recap of the most recent audited financial report.

b. If a private company, provide a recap of the most recent internal financial statement; and a letter, on the financial institution’s letterhead, stating financial stability.

c. statement regarding the firm’s financial stability, including information as to any current or prior bankruptcy proceedings.

d. A Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Supplier Evaluation Report (SER), or similar type report. All costs associated with this report shall be borne by the Proposer.

e. Is there, or within the last three (3) years has there been, any litigation or governmental or regulatory action pending or threatened against your organization that might have a bearing on your ability to provide services to Augusta? If so, identify and describe each such lawsuit or proceeding.

f. Identify any and all lawsuits filed during the past five (5) years in which a business or government customer of your organization has claimed that your organization failed to properly provide any aspect of the type of services included in this bid.

If the Proposer is an incorporated subsidiary or joint venture, Proposer shall include relevant financial information of its parent companies.

NOTE: Financial Will NOT be disclosed in any part of the RFP. Failure to include the above listed financial stability requirements will affect your scoring on the evaluation sheet.

• Cost proposal. One (1) unbound original Cost Proposal and one (1) electronic copy of cost proposal on USB flash drive are to be submitted in a separately sealed envelope with the following information on the outside of it: Fee Proposal for RFP 26-151 Water Meter Testing Equipment.

2.10 Trade Secrets

Pursuant to Georgia law, any trade secrets that are required by law, regulation, bid, or request for proposal to be submitted to Augusta are exempt from disclosure under the Open Records Act. However, this exemption applies only in specific circumstances. If records containing trade secrets are submitted to Augusta, and the submitting company wants to protect the trade secrets contained in those records from disclosure, an affidavit must be attached to the records stating that specific information in the records is a trade secret. See Trade Secret Affidavit on page 9.

Please note, a company cannot merely mark otherwise open records with “confidential” or “proprietary” in order to protect such records from disclosure. The affidavit must be submitted with the records when they are first provided to Augusta, and the affidavit should affirmatively declare that specific information in the records constitute trade secrets pursuant to Georgia Code, Title 10, Chapter 1, Article 27, §§10-1-760 – 10-1-767.

The submitted affidavit should clearly identify the information and/or records that constitute trade secrets and must provide the specific location of such trade secrets in the records submitted (i.e. page(s), section(s), etc.). If Augusta does not receive an affidavit identifying specific information as trade secrets, the trade secret exemption will not apply. Upon receiving a request for such records under the Open Records Act, Augusta will respond in accordance with The Georgia Open Records Act, §50-18-70, and other applicable law.

2.11 Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Owner from and against liability, claims, damages, losses and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, arising out of or resulting from performance of the work, provided that such liability, claims, damage, loss or expense is attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, or to injury to or destruction of tangible property (other than the work itself) including loss of use resulting therefrom, but only to the extent caused in whole or in part by negligent acts or omissions of the Contractor, a Subcontractor, anyone directly or indirectly employed by them or anyone for whose acts they may be liable.

In claims against any person or entity indemnified under this Paragraph by an employee of the Contractor, a Subcontractor, any one directly or indirectly employed by them or anyone for whose acts they may be liable, the indemnification obligation under this Paragraph shall not be limited by a limitation on amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the Contractor or a Subcontractor under workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefit acts.

Title VI Augusta, Georgia, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d – 42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated on grounds of race, color, sex or national origin in consideration of award.

• Compliance with Regulations – Contractor shall comply with the Regulations relative to nondiscrimination in federally-assisted programs of the U.S.D.O.T., Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21, as they may be amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations), which are herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this contract.

• Nondiscrimination – Contractor, with regard to the work performed by it during the contract, shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in the selection and retention of subcontractors, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment. Contractor shall not participate either directly or indirectly in discrimination prohibited by Section 21.5 of the Regulations, including employment practices when the contract covers a program set forth in Appendix B of the Regulations.

• Solicitation for Subcontracts, Including Procurement of Materials and Equipment – In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiations made by the Contractor for work to be performed under a subcontract, including procurement of materials or leases of equipment, each potential subcontractor or supplier shall be notified by the Contractor of the Contractor’s obligations under this contract and the Regulations relative to nondiscrimination on the ground of race, color, sex, or national origin.

• Information and Reports – Contractor shall provide all information and reports required by the Regulations or directives issued pursuant thereto, and shall permit access to its books records, accounts, other sources of information and its facilities as may be determined by Augusta or the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) or the Federal Highway Administration to be pertinent to ascertain compliance with such Regulations, orders, and instructions. Where any information required of a contractor is in the exclusive possession of another who fails or refuses to furnish this information, the Contractor shall so certify to Augusta, GDOT, or the Federal Highway Administration as appropriate, and shall set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information.

• Sanctions for Noncompliance – In the event of the Contractor’s noncompliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of this contract, Augusta shall impose such contract sanctions as it or the Federal Highway Administration may determine to be appropriate, including, but not limited to withholding of payments to the contractor under the contract until the contractor complies and/or cancellation, termination, or suspension of the contract in whole or in part.

• Incorporation of Provisions – The Contractor shall include the provisions of paragraphs (2) through (6) in every subcontract, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment, unless exempt by the Regulations, or directives issued pursuant thereto.

• The Contractor shall use suppliers on the appropriate GDOT Qualified Products List.

• During the performance of this contract, the contractor, for itself, its assignees, and successors in interest

(hereinafter referred to as the “contractor”) agrees to comply with the following non-discrimination statutes and authorities; including but not limited to:

o Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 49 CFR Part 21, o The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, o Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973, o Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and 49 CFR Part 27, o The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, o Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, o The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, o Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, o The Federal Aviation Administration’s Non-discrimination statute, o Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, o Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, o Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended.

2.12 E-Verify

It is the policy of Augusta that unauthorized aliens shall not be employed to perform work on contracts involving the physical performance of services. Therefore, Proposer shall not enter into a contract for the performance of services within the State of Georgia unless they provide an affidavit stating they comply with E-Verify.

2.13 Responsibility of Proposer

Responses to a Request for Proposals must be signed by an authorized official to bind the proposer, and it shall contain a statement to the effect that the Request for Proposals is firm for a period of at least 90 days from the closing date of submission.

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