26_196 _RFP.pdf

RFP Item #26-196 Solid Waste Front Load Services

RFP Due: Monday July 27, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

RFP #26-196

June 22, 2026

Solid Waste and Recycling

Front Load Services

For

Augusta-Richmond County

On behalf of the Augusta Engineering and

Environmental Services

RFP Due: Monday, July 27, 2026 at 10:00am

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

Bid Announcement for RFP #26-196 Solid Waste And Recycling Front Load Services for Augusta-

Richmond County for the Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services Department.

Sealed proposals will be received in the Augusta Procurement Department on or before Monday, July

27, 2026 at 10:00am, during our normal business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Bid openings are open to the public located at Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 or virtually via Microsoft Teams; Meeting ID: 259 748 129 335 980; Passcode:

kp36vh9t.

No proposals will be accepted by email. No proposals may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposals have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful vendor. A 100% performance bond and a 100% payment bond will be required for award.

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

Procurement Department’s ARCbid drop-down menu at 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 are strongly advised to only obtain bid proposal documents directly from these sources. Bid documents obtained from other sources may be incomplete, inaccurate, and not up to date.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00am in the Hicks

Conference Room located at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, GA 30906 and virtually via Teams; Meeting

ID: 268 897 266 824 716; Passcode: 5bP3w3aF.

Bidders must mark RFP #26-196 on the outside of the submittal envelope. Bidders must separate their

Fee Proposal into a sealed envelope, and technical qualifications in a separate sealed envelope. All instructions are in the Bid Documents.

Any questions, or request for clarification, may be submitted via email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov on or before the close of business Monday, July 13th, 2026, by

5:00pm

Deliver all bids to:

Attn: Andy Penick

535 Telfair Street - Room 605

Augusta, Georgia 30901

Phone: 706-821-2422

Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

Publish: Augusta Chronicle June 18, 25th and July 2nd.

https://www.augustaga.gov/681/ARCBid https://network.demandstar.com/ https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT A BID

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 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 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 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 at 706 312-5050.

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

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

1.7 Terms of Contract: (Check where applicable)

[X] (A) Annual Contract

[ ] (B) One time Purchase

[ ] (C) Other file://///augunity01/ProcurementCommon/2026%20Bid%20Information/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures

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 at 706 312-5050.

Acknowledgement of Addenda: Bidders 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)

Exhibit A

Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department

ATTN: Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Name of Bidder: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________

Where/How did you hear about this solicitation? __________________________________________________________________

Attach a copy of your Business License, W-9, 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 Bidder

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

1. By submission of a bid, the responding firm certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief1. 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 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 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://www.e-verify.gov/employers/enrolling-in-e-verify

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.

http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/enrolling-in-e-verify

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, NOTARIZED 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

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)

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 statement of proposals from qualified firms to provide Solid Waste

And Recycling Front Load Services for Augusta-Richmond County for the Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services Department. Bidder’s submittal should respond to, and be based on, the information included in this Request for Qualification and Proposal.

Responses will be received in the office of the Director of Procurement at 535 Telfair Street, Suite

605, Augusta, GA 30901 until Monday, July 27, 2626 at 10:00 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 #26-196

Solid Waste Font Load Services for Engineering and Environmental Services Department. You are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original, one (1) electronic copy of your RFP.

RFP opening are held publicly and via TEAMS - Meeting ID: 259 748 129 335 980; Passcode:

kp36vh9t.

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.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00am in the Hicks

Conference Room located at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, GA 30906 and virtually via Teams;

Meeting ID: 268 897 266 824 716; Passcode: 5bP3w3aF.

All questions must be submitted in writing by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov before the close of business, Monday, July 13th, 2026, by 5:00pm.

Issues and responses addressed in any other manner, such as phone calls, 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).

26-126 Solid Waste Front Load Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

3. GEORGIA PROMPT PAY

4. FEE PROPOSAL

4.1 EXHIBIT A – FEE SCHEDULE

5. AGREEMENT

6. CONTRACT [Draft Version]

SECTION

SECTION 1: INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

1.01 GENERAL

All proposals must be presented in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Owner.

The proposal must be filed with the Owner on or before the time stated in the invitation for bids.

Mailed proposals will be treated in every respect as though filed in person and will be subject to the same requirements.

Proposals received subsequent to the time stated will be returned unopened. Prior to the time stated any proposal may be withdrawn at the discretion of the bidder, but no proposal may be withdrawn after bid closing and for a period of ninety (90) days after bids have been awarded, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder.

The contractor team must have at a minimum five years of very recent similar waste stream hauling & waste recycling experience with demonstrated resources, including back up resources such as additional hauling vehicles, assigned to contracted waste hauling. In addition, the contractor team must have good standing in level of service & customer service and has ability to work in Georgia State.

1.02 EXAMINATION OF WORK

A Mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hicks Conference Room located at 452 Walker Street, Augusta, GA 30901 and virtually via Teams; Meeting ID: 268 897 266 824 716; Passcode: 5bP3w3aF.

Each bidder shall, by careful examination, satisfy himself as to the nature and location of the work, the conformation of the ground, the character, quality and quantity of the facilities needed preliminary to and during the prosecution of the work, the general and local conditions, and all other matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof under the contract. No oral agreement or conversation with any officer, agent, or employee of the

Owner, either before or after the execution of the contract, shall affect or modify any of the terms or obligations therein.

1.03 ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATIONS

No interpretation of the meaning of plans, specifications or other prebid documents will be made to any bidder orally.

Any questions, or request for clarification, may be submitted via email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov on or before the close of business Monday, July 13th, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Any and all such interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be in the form of written addenda to the specifications which, if issued, will be sent to the Augusta, GA

Procurement Director. The Procurement Director shall send by certified mail with return receipt requested to all prospective proposers (at the respective addresses furnished for such purposes), no later than five working days prior to the date fixed for the opening of RFP’s. Failure of any proposer to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve such proposer from any obligation under his RFP as submitted. All addenda so issued shall become part of the

Contract Documents.

1.04 PREPARATION OF BIDS/PROPOSALS

Bids/Proposal shall be submitted on the forms provided and must be signed by the bidder or his authorized representative. Any corrections to entries made on bid/proposal forms should be initialed by the person signing the bid/proposal.

Bidders must quote on all items appearing on the bid/proposal forms, unless specific directions in the advertisement, on the bid/proposal form, or in the special specifications allow for partial bids/proposal. Failure to quote on all items may disqualify the bid/proposal.

When quotations on all items are not required, bidders shall insert the words “no bid” where appropriate.

Alternative bids/proposal will not be considered unless specifically called for.

Telegraphic bids/proposals will not be considered. Modifications to bids/proposals already submitted will be allowed if submitted by telegraph prior to the time fixed in the Invitation for Bids. Modifications shall be submitted as such, and shall not reveal the total amount of either the original or revised bids/proposals.

Bids/proposals by wholly owned proprietorships or partnerships will be signed by all owners. Bids/proposals of corporations will be signed by an officer of the firm and his signature attested by the secretary thereof who will affix the corporate seal to the bid/proposal.

1.05 BASIS OF AWARD

The bids/proposal will be compared on the basis of evaluation criteria included in

“Request for Proposal” section of this RFP. Unit prices, as extended, which will include and cover the furnishing of all material and the performance of all labor requisite or proper, and completing of all the work called for under the accompanying contract, and in the manner set forth and described in the specifications.

Where estimated, quantities are included in certain items of the proposal, they are for the purpose of comparing bids/proposals. While they are believed to be close approximations, they are not guaranteed. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to check all items of requested services. In case of error in extension of prices in a proposal, unit bid prices shall govern.

Payment to CONTRACTOR will be made only for actual quantities of Work performed or services furnished in accordance with Contract and it is understood that quantities may be increased or decreased.

1.06 BIDDER’S QUALIFICATIONS

No proposal will be received from any bidder unless he/she can present satisfactory evidence that he/she is skilled in work of a similar nature to that covered by the contract and has sufficient assets to meet all obligations to be incurred in carrying out the work.

He/she shall submit with his proposal a FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE AND EQUIPMENT STATEMENT, giving reliable information as to working capital available, plant equipment, and his experience and general qualifications.

The principal firm(s) submitting bids must be firms regularly engaged in the provision of direct contractor services. In addition, each firm must be experienced in the residential & commercial non-hazardous waste stream hauling by at least three (3) contracts of similar size/type within the past three (3) years. The identity of those contracts must be supplied in RFP or sealed in a separate envelope. The statement of qualification must be of sufficient detail to demonstrate the firm’s ability to perform all aspects of the scope of work.

The principal firm submitting bids must include subcontractor(s) qualification & experience if services will be provided by Subcontractor(s) under contract with the principal firm. The principal firm must provide copy of such subcontractor(s) contract to Augusta Engineering &

Environmental Services department upon award of this RFP contract.

The Statement shall address the following items in the exact order and format:

1. Firm’s Contractor experience and ability to perform as Contractor for waste hauling services of similar size and complexity to a proposed facility.

2. Submit a listing of previous contracts with references on which your firm performed waste hauling services on which a stipulated sum and bonding was provided.

4. Identify the firm’s current bonding capacity

5. Provide a history of the firm, including years in business and number individuals employed by the firm. If services providing firm is subsidiary firm of another firm (such as LLC of or under a

Parent Company) then requested information shall relates to services providing subsidiary firm.

6. Firm’s experience and professional qualifications of proposed key jobsite staff:

a. Provide a listing of all key staff that would be assigned to this project at the jobsite and perform all major aspects of the on-site responsibilities.

b. Provide a detailed resume of each of proposed jobsite staff, including all positions held within the past 5 years and references.

c. Provide an organizational chart of the firm and proposed jobsite project staff.

The owner may make such investigations as are deemed necessary to determine the ability of the bidder to perform the work and the bidder shall furnish to him all such additional information and data for this purpose as may be requested. The Owner reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by the bidder or investigation of him fails to satisfy the Owner that such bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete the work contemplated therein. Part of the evidence required above shall consist of a list of the names and addresses of not less than five (5) firms or entities for which the bidder has done similar work.

1.07 PERFORMANCE and PAYMENT BOND

At the time of entering into the contract, the Contractor shall give bond to the owner for the use of the owner and all persons doing work or furnishing skill, tools, machinery or materials under or for the purpose of such contract, conditional for the payment as they become due, of all just claims for such work, tools, machinery, skill and terms, for saving the owner harmless from all cost and charges that may accrue on account of the owner performing the work specified, and for compliance with the laws pertaining thereto.

Performance & Payment Bonds are required for this contract. When performance and/or payment bonds are required, each shall be issued in an amount equal to the Contract Annual

Amount as security for the faithful performance and/or payment of all Contractor's obligations under the Contract Documents. Such bonds shall stay active for entire duration of this contract.

Performance and payment bonds shall be issued by a solvent corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of Georgia, and shall meet any other requirements established by law or by

OWNER pursuant to applicable law.

Attorneys-in-fact who sign bonds must file with each copy thereof, a certified and effectively dated copy of the power of attorney.

A performance bond will be provided to Augusta at the time of the execution of this Contract, the Contractor shall provide Augusta with a surety bond from a company rated A+ or better by

Best's Rating Service in an amount equal to equal to 100% of the annual revenue collectable under this Contract. The form and amount of this surety bond shall be reviewed annually.

A payment bond will be provided to Augusta at the time of the execution of this Contract, the

Contractor shall provide Augusta with a surety bond from a company rated A+ or better by Best's

Rating Service in an amount equal to equal to 100% of the annual revenue collectable under this Contract. The form and amount of this surety bond shall be reviewed annually.

1.08 REJECTION OF BIDS/PROPOSALS

These proposals are asked for in good faith, and awards will be made as soon as practicable, provided satisfactory bids are received. The right is reserved, however to waive any informalities in bidding, to reject any and all proposals, or to accept a bid other than the lowest submitted if such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the Owner.

Bid/Proposal may be rejected if any of the Unit Prices are obviously unbalanced. The Owner will decide whether any Unit Prices are unbalanced either excessively above or below a reasonable cost analysis value determined by the Engineering & Environmental Services department director, particularly if these unbalanced amounts are substantial and contrary to the interest of the Owner.

Bid/proposal may be rejected as irregular if they show any omissions, alterations of form, additions or conditions not called for, unauthorized alternate bids, erasures or changes not initialed, or other irregularities.

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.01 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Section of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to familiarize prospective proposers with Augusta, Georgia, its current Front load waste & Recycling collection & disposal services utilized by the County for its facilities and operations. This request for proposal is continuity of current service offered under current contract that is ending

December 31, 2026. Service area is county wide. The contract award will be to single qualified contractor per criteria outlined in this RFP. Contract initial term is five (5) years with renewal for two (2) successive two (2) years terms.

2.02 GENERAL SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

Commencing on the Starting Date, the Contractor shall provide front load waste and recycling services to locations identified by Augusta in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement at a container size and frequency requested by Augusta.

Contractor's services shall include furnishing all labor, equipment, tools, fuel, material, insurance, supervision, and all other items incidental to performing front load waste and recycling services.

The Contractor shall provide both waste and/or recycling services as requested by Augusta.

The Contractor shall provide a Container and services at locations identified by Augusta. The

Contractor shall service the Container at a frequency as specified by Augusta. Services are independent from each other, meaning some locations may have waste only, others recycling only, while others may have both services. The Contractor shall not mix Recycling with any other material that is not recyclable by Augusta's recycling program.

The Contractor shall collect any spilled, residual or other waste in close proximity to the

Container. The Contractor shall leave the area neat and clean or waste and recyclables. Any extra waste found, which would be considered an extra charge, shall be photographed and e-mailed to Augusta designated this contract administrator along with the physical address of the issue.

The contractor is expected to open gates and doors to service containers within a corral. Once service has been completed, the Contractor shall place container back win the corral/enclosure and close all gates and doors. If the dumpster is locked, the Contractor shall service the Container and re-lock the Container upon the completion of services.

The County has provided as much information as possible to all prospective proposers in order to allow them to compute fair and reasonable rate quotes. However, it is the sole responsibility of the proposer to calculate and be responsible for the prices quoted in the applicable set of

Cost Proposal Forms.

2.03 CONTRACT

The County has prepared a draft Contract for the Collection Services to be provided by anyone submitting a proposal in response to this RFP. The draft Contract is located in this RFP Specifications as Section 6. The Contract contains the terms and conditions that shall govern the Contractor if the County decides to award a Contract. If a proposer is selected by the Commission, the proposer must sign the Contract that is based on the style, level and frequency of services selected by the Commission. Copy of draft contract attached as Section

6. In response to submitted questions, any changes to draft contract document will be provided to each Proposer in an Addendum to this RFP.

Except as specifically provided for in this RFP, The County will not entertain or accept proposals that are conditional and may reject proposals based on alternate contractual provisions. The

County attorney may consider reasonable amendments to the Contract once an award for the Contract has been made. However, the County is under no obligation to revise the draft

Contract and, therefore, each proposer should assume that no changes to the draft Contract will be made after responses to this RFP are received.

After responses are submitted to this RFP, the County shall not entertain or accept any increase in the prices proposed for Collection Services unless the County requests new or additional services that are not contemplated under the Contract. A proposer's failure to review or understand the requirements in the Contract shall not constitute sufficient grounds for the proposer to receive an increase in the proposed fees. If a price increase is requested under such circumstances, or if a proposer refuses to sign the Contract, the County may terminate its discussions with that proposer, and award the Contract to a different proposer.

2.04 RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS:

An official authorized to bind the offeror must sign all statements. Any document received after this time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the firm. Augusta reserves the right to eliminate from further consideration any response that is deemed substantially or materially unresponsive to the requests for information contained in this section.

Responses should be submitted in the format outlined in this section.

A. Title Page:

Proposer should identify the RFP subject, name, and title of contact person, address, telephone number, fax number, email address, and date of submission.

B. Procurement Documents: (not included in page minimum)

All documents required under the Augusta Procurement…