RFP Item #26-176 Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction Projects

RFP Due: Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

Request For Proposal #26-176 August 16, 2026

For the provision of

Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction

Projects

For

Augusta, GA On behalf of the Augusta

Utilities Department

One Original and One Electronic Version of RFP on a USB Drive shall be submitted

Andy Penick

Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Request for Proposal

Sealed proposal will be received at this office until Friday, September 11, 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 additional via Microsoft Teams: Meeting ID: 261 329 840 144 800;

Passcode: 9Tb3jC6z for furnishing:

RFP #26-176 Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction Projects for Augusta, GA - Augusta Utilities

Department

All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after bids have been opened. No submittal will be accepted by email. Deliver bids to the location specified.

RFP documents, and all Addenda, may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia website under the

Procurement Department ARCbid menu (https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid), Euna OpenBids

(https://network.demandstar.com) and Georgia Procurement Registry website located at

(https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index). Bidders must mark the RFP number on the outside of the submittal envelope. Addenda will also be posted on the above listed website.

All questions, request for clarifications or interpretations must for this proposal must be submitted in writing by electronic email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the Procurement Department on or before the close of business Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M.

Questions, request for clarifications, or interpretations regarding this propopsal, must be submitted to the Procurement Department in writing noted below:

Augusta Procurement Department

Attn: Ms. Tywanna Scott

535 Telfair Street - Room 605

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Phone: 706-821-2422

Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

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

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle August 13, 20, 27, 2026 https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid https://network.demandstar.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

RFP OPENINGS:

All RFP openings are open to the public, either in person in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair

Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901, or teleconferencing. Augusta uses the Microsoft Teams application for those wanting to attend virtually. The application is free to use. The RFP Opening is Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Follow these instructions to attend virtually via TEAMS:

1. Go to: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261329840144800?p=luJnp8qDLhroW5OimG

2. Meeting ID: 261 329 840 144 800

3. Passcode: 9Tb3jC6z https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261329840144800?p=luJnp8qDLhroW5OimG

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use by bidders in submitting a bid to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, materials, supplies, and or services as listed above. All bids are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All bids 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 Bidder 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 Bidder and

Augusta, Georgia. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Bidder 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 Any 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 Local Bidders Preference: The Local Bidders Preference policy shall only be applied to projects of one-hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or less and only when the lowest local qualified bidder is within 10% or $10,000, whichever is less of the lowest non-local bidders.

1.7 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For further information contact the License and Inspection Department at

(706) 312-5050.

General Contractors’ License Number, If applicable, is required 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, is required in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-14, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

https://augustaga-my.sharepoint.com/personal/2019%20Bid%20Information/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures

NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERSS

Exhibit A – Bidders Information, is a consolidated document consisting of:

1. Copy of Business License

2. W-9 Form

3. Acknowledgement of Addenda (if any)

4. Statement of Non-Discrimination

5. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder/Offeror

6. Conflict of Interest Statement

Exhibit B - Contractor Affidavit for E-Verify

Bidder’s must provide their E-Verify affidavit along with their bid on the attached form. E-Verify User ID Number must be provided.

Exhibit C - Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program

Business License Requirement: Bidder must be licensed in the Governmental entity (state or local) for where they do the majority of their business. The company’s business license number must be provided. If your

Governmental entity does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain an Augusta, GA business license if awarded a contract. For further information contact the License and Inspection

Department phone number (706) 312-5050.

The successful bidder will submit the following forms to the Procurement Department no later than five (5) days after receiving the “Letter of Recommendation” (Bidder’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 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Exhibit A

Augusta, Georgia

ATTN: Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________

Where/How did you hear about this solicitation? __________________________________________________________________

Instructions:

1. Attach a copy of your Business License

2. Attach your Federal W-9 Form.

3. Provide a copy of your General, or other Contractor License, for the following (If applicable), Utility Contractors License # ________________________________________________

General Contractor License # _______________________________________________

Additional Specialty License # ______________________________________________

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

Check the appropriate box(es)to acknowledge receipt of addenda

Statement of Non-Discrimination

1. 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 against on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, or ethnicity, with regard to prime contracting, subcontracting, or partnering opportunities.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 opportunity to do business with this

Company;

5. 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;

6. 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;

7. 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 Bidder

1. By submission of a bid, the bidder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of their knowledge and belief:

A. The prices in the proposal have been arrived independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other bidders 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 bidders prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other bidders or to any competitor.

C. No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the bidders 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 bidders certifies under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

A. The prices in the bid have arrived independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other bidders 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 bidders prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other bidders or competitor.

C. No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the bidders 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.

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.

Signatory Name in Print Company Name

Signatory’s Title Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

DATE: ___________________________________

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE

ME ON THIS ______ DAY OF

_____________, 202___.

__________________________________ My Commission Expires: ______________

NOTARY PUBLIC (Seal or Stamp)

Exhibit B Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(l)

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.

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number Date of Authorization

Name of Contractor Project Name and Number

Signatory Name in Print Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Signatory’s Title Date

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE

ME ON THIS ______ DAY OF _____________, 202___.

__________________________________ My Commission Expires: ______________

Notary Public

Exhibit C

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 name of 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 THE ___________ DAY OF ______________, 20____

My Commission Expires: _______________________________ NOTARY SEAL

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

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_______

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)

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

SECTION I

INSTRUCTION TO PROPOSERS

Augusta, Georgia, is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide professional consulting services of Geotechnical Testing Services for the Augusta Utilities Department. Your submittal should respond to and be based on the information included in this Request for Proposal.

Responses will be received in the office of the Director of Procurement at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 until Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. The RFP must be submitted in a sealed package and labeled with firm’s name and the name of the project - RFP Item #26-176 Geotechnical

Testing Services for Construction Projects for Utilities Department. You are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original, one (1) electronic copy of your RFP.

RFP opening will held publicly and via TEAMS - Meeting ID: 261 329 840 144 800; Passcode: 9Tb3jC6z.

No RFP will be accepted by email; all bids must be received by mail or hand delivered. If RFP is forwarded by mail or other second party delivery, the sealed envelope containing the submittal must be enclosed in an envelope addressed to:

Andy Penick, Procurement Director

Augusta Procurement Department

535 Telfair Street - Suite 605

All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All vendors responding are cautioned to read this RFP carefully for understanding and request clarification from Augusta, Georgia on any questions pertaining to this RFP. The Proposer should examine all documents and requirements of the services requested to become fully informed. Failure to examine these areas will not relieve the successful Proposer of its obligation to furnish all products and services necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract. After RFPs have been submitted, the vendor shall not assert that there was a misunderstanding concerning the quantities of work or of the nature of the work to be done.

All questions must be submitted in writing by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M. Issues and responses addressed in any other manner will not be considered valid or binding in consideration of proposals or any subsequent contract negotiations.

Augusta will respond to any Proposer's questions received in compliance with the above schedule. All relevant and significant questions that have been submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled, and answers will be posted by addendum and emailed to Proposers. Failure to provide all of the requested information may cause the proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

Interested and qualified firm(s) and/or party(ies) are requested to make a response to accomplish the

Scope of Services described herein. The response is to be signed by a duly authorized official of the firm and must be submitted in the time, manner, and form prescribed. For a proposal to be considered it must remain valid for at least 90 days after RFPs have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful vendor.

If an award of contract is awarded as a result of this solicitation, the contract will be made on the basis of the response which best satisfies the intent of this RFP and other factors considered in the best interest of the Owner. Negotiations may be undertaken with the firm whose proposal shows them to be the most qualified, responsible, and capable of performing the work. In addition to cost, the Owner will consider professional qualifications and related experience to determine which proposal would be in the Owner’s best interest if a contract were made.

Additionally, appropriate professional registration and significant prior experience in projects of similar scope are considered minimal qualifications.

The Owner reserves the right to consider proposals or modification thereof received at any time before the award is made, if such action is in the interest of the Owner.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received as the result of this RFP. The Owner also maintains the right to negotiate with any firm, as necessary, to serve the best interests of the Owner.

The Owner will not be liable for any costs incurred by any firm prior to the execution of a contract and approval by the Board of Commissioners. Costs incurred in responding to the request for qualifications are the Proposer's alone and the Owner does not accept liability for any such costs.

Services must be provided by experienced personnel. Any subconsultants/contractors the proponent will be using to perform any part of the requested service shall be evaluated on the same criteria.

It is the responsibility of the Proposers to examine the entire RFP, seek clarification in writing, and review their qualifications for accuracy before submitting a response. Once the deadline has passed, all submittals will be final. The Owner reserves the right to ask for additional information from all parties that have submitted qualifications.

No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposal have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder. Selection shall not be based solely upon the fee proposal; however, the fee and maximum overhead proposals shall be a factor in the final selection. The Owner reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any or all proposals, re-solicit proposals (including a change in the method of project delivery), or terminate the project.

The Owner is not obligated to request clarifications or additional information but may do so at its discretion. The Owner reserves the right to extend the deadline for submittals.

Upon receipt of a proposal by the Owner, the proposal shall become the property of the Owner without compensation to the Proposer, for disposition or usage by the Owner at its discretion. The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award. See Trade Secret Affidavit (Page

9).

SECTION II

SCOPE OF SERVICES:

INTRODUCTION

Augusta, Georgia, through the Augusta Utilities Department (AUD), is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide on-call geotechnical, construction materials testing, inspection, laboratory testing, reporting, and related engineering support for AUD construction projects.

Services may be required at multiple project sites within Augusta and the surrounding service area.

The selected firm will support AUD during construction by providing dependable field coverage, timely testing and reporting, clear communication of results, and sufficient qualified staff to respond to simultaneous or time-sensitive construction activities.

This is an on-call, unit-price agreement. AUD does not guarantee a minimum amount of work.

Work will be assigned only as authorized by AUD, written authorization, or other documented direction from an authorized AUD representative. What follows are specifications for this Request for Proposals (RFP).

CONTRACT TERM

The terms of the services will be required for one (1) year with an option for Augusta to renew the agreement annually for the duration four (4) additional one (1) year terms upon mutual consent of both parties with all terms and conditions remaining the same.

Firms may request a price escalation by each line item, once per year at least sixty (60) days prior to the renewal dates and not to exceed three percent (3%). The firm will be required to provide sufficient documentation to justify the requested price escalation(s). Also, evaluation and/or audit will be performed on the cost proposal as well as other submitted documentation to determine if the requested price increase(s) is fair and reasonable.

All tasks are specifically outlined with estimated level of effort for unit pricing. Fee Proposal shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope with the following information on the outside of it:

RFP 26-176 Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction Projects – Fee Proposal

COMMITMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

As a minimum, the qualified firm shall provide:

1) Provide current certifications and licenses for the following with Exhibit A:

a. Company’s Certificate of Authorization number from the State of Georgia

b. The Professional Engineer of record, both name and license number, with resume to illustrate a minimum of ten (10) years of directly relevant experience in the geotechnical, materials testing, construction observation, or related experience.

Provide Engineer’s resume.

c. Nuclear Density Gauge Certification

d. American Concrete Institute (ACI) certification number and category appropriate for the required testing.

Commented [DM1]: 1.Is this enough or should it be “see

Laboratory Testing and Field Testing below.” ? In other words, are we only concerned that they know the fee proposal tests or all of the test in the following sections on testing?

Commented [CH2R1]: 2.Leave this as is but make a mental note for us to emphasis during the pre-bid the opening paragraph of the Price Proposal “Actual quantities and tests are subject to change based on project”

2) One Project Field Testing Technician with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in the field of Materials Testing and Inspection. Provide resumes of the

Project Field Testing Technician(s) to illustrate this experience requirement within proposal package. Resumes shall list certifications and/or licenses for the testing methods to be utilized in the field-testing for projects. This will hold true for any new or additional Technician(s) utilized in during the term of the contract.

3) The Project Field Testing Technician(s) must show the following competencies:

a. Be proficient in applicable field testing standards and procedures.

b. Be computer proficient with word processing and spreadsheet software (such as

Word and Excel) to create and transmit test data and field daily reports via e-mail.

c. Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills and has proven conflict resolution skills.

4) Sufficient field and laboratory personnel are available in Augusta to meet the anticipated sampling and testing needs for the projects. This includes the potential for simultaneous activities at the multiple project sites.

5) Field Testing Technician response times are to be within 2 hours once test(s) are ordered, with a preferred response time within 1 hour.

PROJECT LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTING WILL BE REQUIRED AS INDICATED BELOW:

Laboratory Testing

All laboratory testing must be performed by qualified laboratory technicians under the supervision of the Professional Engineer of record. All laboratory testing shall be performed using calibrated equipment with current certifications of calibrations per industry standards. At a minimum, the testing firm shall be capable of performing the following laboratory testing utilizing the latest ASTM procedures:

1) Soil

1.1. Organic contents

1.2. Moisture content

1.3. Atterberg limits tests on plastic soils if found

1.4. Grain size analysis including percent (by weight) passing a No. 200 sieve

1.5. Modified Proctor

1.6. Moisture-density relationship

2) Concrete compressive strength

3) Grout compressive strength

4) Reinforcing steel testing

5) Additional testing as the project requested

Field Testing

The on-site field-testing program will include the following:

1) Observation of proof rolling of backfill materials

2) Evaluation of the suitability of fill and backfill materials

3) In-place density testing of fill and backfill materials

4) Field testing and monitoring of cast in place concrete

4.1 Monitoring concrete truck arrival, unloading, water addition, etc.

4.2 Air content

4.3 Slump

4.4 Formation of concrete cylinders

4.5 Transportation, storing, and curing of concrete test cylinders

5) Field testing of grout

5.1 Formation of grout cubes

5.2 Transportation, storage, curing of grout cubes

6) In-situ testing of concrete compressive strength

7) Soil Borings

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS

The qualifying firm shall immediately notify the designated AUD of failed or otherwise significant test results that may affect construction work. Written test results reports shall be provided to AUD no later than two (2) business days after testing. Test reports and any field reports shall at least identify the following as applicable:

1) AUD project name

2) AUD project number

3) Site location

4) Date and time

5) Name of firm’s technician

6) Name of authorized AUD requestor

7) Name of firm’s reviewer and/or preparer

8) Purpose and activities of site visit

9) Applicable test method used

10) Material and lift tested

11) Result (daily report may accompany test report)

12) Specification requirement

13) AUD representative to whom results were reported

14) Pass/fail status

15) Report ID number (to be correlated to invoice)

The qualifying firm shall provide reports electronically in searchable PDF format. Raw test data and supporting documentation shall be available upon request.

BILLING

Provide monthly invoices organized by project and task authorization. Each invoice shall clearly identify at a minimum:

1) Date of service for each test

2) AUD project number

3) AUD project name

4) Name of authorized AUD requestor

5) Name of firm employee(s) involved in billed service

6) Service performed correlated with report (e.g., by report ID number)

7) Quantity (e.g., tests)

8) Unit rate

Requests for payment of testing that requires a report must reference said report (e.g. nuclear density tests, proctors, break tests, etc.).

The approved firm must provide AUD with clear reports and invoicing showing costs per test, including those tests that fail. Please provide sample invoice and accompanying test report and statement of ability to comply with our invoice and test report requirements.

SECTION III

QUALIFICATIONS

The field-testing, laboratory testing and report preparation shall be performed by a qualified

Geotechnical and Materials Testing engineering firm under the direct supervision of a licensed

Professional Engineer in the State of Georgia with a minimum of 10 years of geotechnical experience.

The proposal must also include a brief narrative of how the project work will be executed, including intended chain of communication beginning with an AUD inspector directly requesting a test, a listing of the number and type of personnel involved, their assigned location, any field setup protocols.

Should a change in personnel arise during the contract period, the same requirements will apply as for the original contract. This will include providing names of added/removed individuals, role of individuals, and references.

The Project Field Testing Technician will be responsible for coordination and scheduling of all testing activities, transportation of all field samples, coordination of laboratory testing, and communication of testing results.

Qualifications of the applicant firm, experience and key professionals managing inspections shall be submitted for evaluation. Any subconsultants the applicant firm will be using to perform any part of the requested service shall be evaluated on the same criteria.

Fee Proposal shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope with the following information on the outside of it: RFP 26-176 Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction Projects – Fee Proposal

Augusta reserves the right to accept certain parts of the proposal or to reject all the proposals, and to evaluate proposal based on all elements of the proposal, not just prices, to determine the best value to Augusta. No obligation, either expressed or implied, exists on the part of Augusta to make an award for the work for costs incurred in the preparation of the proposal covered by this RFP.

SECTION IV

RESPONSE CONTENTS

Your response should follow the general format below:

SECTION CONTENTS

1) PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS

All documents required under the Augusta Procurement Department regulations and procedures, properly executed and notarized as required. The notary seal shall be visible on the original AND all copies.

2) LETTER OF INTEREST

The purpose of the Letter of Interest is to provide a description of the Firm’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFP.

3) QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRM

Provide the Firm’s primary business interest and/or operations including organization and affiliations.

Proposing Firm’s History, Staff Experience & Resumes – All proposers shall provide a brief history of the firm including staff member’s experience, resumes and accomplishments which are relevant to the scope of work stated in this proposal.

Include all subcontractors that are to be utilized by your company to perform the scope of services listed in this RFP.

Provide information on individual as well as related corporate experiences. This information should include all persons the firm proposes to engage in the task, their professional experience and licensing status. Individuals designated as primary responsible parties shall be clearly identified as such. Provide a biographic overview of the Firm’s key principals.

Include details on qualifications of each individual to support the following requirements:

A) Licensed Geotechnical engineer in the State of GA with a minimum of 10 years of experience.

B) Project Field Testing Technician with a minimum of five (5) years of experience.

4) ORGANIZATION & APPROACH

Include general information on your organization and management process to include the following: line of authority, who will have overall responsibility for implementation of the project, and who will be responsible for ongoing support. The proposal should state who would perform specialized services that may be needed.

Include an organizational chart indicating the level of professional seniority of each member.

The proposing Firm must provide a description of any limitations relative to facilities, staff personnel, on-going projects/contracts, etc. Also indicate staffing availability to work on this proposed project.

5) SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. Provide geotechnical soils and materials testing experience for the

Augusta Utilities Department as outlined in the scope of work above, with accompanying reports.

B. A response time maximum of 2 hours but preferred within 1 hour

C. Schedule of work and availability to fulfill requirements requested in the specifications

D. Searchable written reports provided electronically, within 2 business days after testing.

E. Provide sample invoice and sample test reports with statement on your ability to meet our invoicing and test report requirements.

6) FINANCIAL STABILITY

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.

7) REFERENCES

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

8) FEE PROPOSAL

Fee proposal is to be submitted on the fee proposal form (EXHIBIT D). Attach additional sheets as required for any addition details. Include a sample invoice that includes nuclear density testing and a fee schedule of typical geotechnical services charges.

Fee proposal must be sealed and placed in a separate sealed envelope labeled on the outside of the envelope to clearly indicate that it is a response to the RFP 26-176

Geotechnical Testing Services for Construction Projects – Fee Proposal

SECTION V

PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL

All proposals should be complete and carefully worded and must convey all information requested by Augusta. Interested parties should submit one (1) marked unbound original, one

(1) copy of fee proposal in a separately seals envelope and one (1) electronic copy on thumb drive of the RFP and fee proposal.

1) Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of proposer’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP.

Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

2) The proposal shall be no more than sixty (60) pages in length, excluding cover letter, required forms, tabs and appendices.

3) Each copy of the proposal should be collected into in a single volume, including any documentation.

4) If the proposal includes any information in addition to the specific information requested in the RFP, it should be included as an appendix to the proposal.

5) Each proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria of evaluation

SECTION VI

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION:

Evaluation Process

All proposals will be evaluated by an Augusta, Georgia Selection Committee (Committee). The Committee may be composed of Augusta, Georgia staff and other parties that may have expertise or experience in the services described herein. The Committee will review the submittals and will rank the proposers. The evaluation of the proposals shall be within the sole judgment and discretion of the Committee. All contacts during the evaluation phase shall be through the Augusta, Georgia Procurement Office only. Proposers shall neither contact nor lobby evaluators during the evaluation process. Attempts by Proposer to contact members of the Committee may jeopardize the integrity of the evaluation and selection process and risk possible disqualification of Proposer.

The Committee will evaluate each proposal meeting the qualification requirements set forth in this RFP.

Proposers should bear in mind that any proposal that is unrealistic in terms of the technical or schedule commitments may be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence or indicative of a failure to comprehend the complexity and risk of Augusta, Georgia’s requirements as set forth in this RFP.

If needed, the selection process will include oral interviews. The consultant will be notified of the time and place of oral interviews and if any additional information that may be required to be submitted.

Cumulative Scores will include the total from Phase 1 and Phase 2. It is the intent of the Owner to conduct a fair and comprehensive evaluation of all proposals received. The contract for this project/service will be awarded to the proposer who submitted a proposal that is most advantageous to the Owner.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated according to each Evaluation Criteria, and scored on a zero to five point rating.

The scores for all the Evaluation Criteria will then be multiplied according to their assigned weight to arrive at a weighted score for each proposal. A proposal with a high weighted total will be deemed of higher quality than a proposal with a lesser-weighted total. The final maximum score for any project/service is five hundred (500) points.

Rating Scale

0 Not Acceptable

• Non-responsive, fails to meet RFP specifications. The approach has no probability of

• success. For mandatory requirement this score will result in disqualification of proposal.

1 Poor

• Below average, falls short of expectations, is substandard to that which is the

• average or expected norm, has a low probability of success in achieving

• project/service objectives per RFP.

2 Fair • Has a reasonable probability of success, however, some objectives may not be met.

3 Average

• Acceptable, achieves all objectives in a reasonable fashion per RFP specification.

• This will be the baseline score for each item with adjustments based on interpretation of

• proposal by Evaluation Committee members.

Above Average/

Good

• Very good probability of success, better than that which is average or expected as

• the norm. Achieves all objectives per RFP requirements and expectations.

Excellent/

Exceptional

• Exceeds expectations, very innovative, clearly superior to that which is average or

• expected as the norm. Excellent probability of success and in achieving all

• objectives and meeting RFP specification.

The Evaluation Criteria Summary and their respective weights are as follows:

1. Completeness of Response (Pass/Fail)

a. Responses to this RFP must be complete. Responses that do not include the proposal content requirements identified within this RFP and subsequent addenda and do not address each of the items listed below will be considered incomplete, be rated a Fail in the Evaluation Criteria and will receive no further consideration. Responses that are rated a Fail and are not considered may be picked up at the delivery location or returned to the vendor (at vendor’s expense). Please provide shipping instructions and/or fees upon the completion of the competitive process.

Conflict of Interest Statement (Pass/Fail)

b. Discloses any financial, business or other relationship…