RFP Item #26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study Services

RFP Due: Tuesday, 16, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

RFP #26-905

May 12, 2026

Water Park Feasibility Study Services

For

Augusta-Richmond County (herein “Augusta”)

On behalf of the Augusta Recreation and Parks 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 Tuesday, 16, 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 via Teams: Meeting ID: 272 363 341 270 555; Passcode: JP2R8Tf7 for furnishing:

RFP #26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study Services for Augusta-Richmond County (herein “Augusta”), Augusta Recreation and Parks Department

No proposals will be accepted by email. All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No proposals may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after proposals have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful vendor.

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.

Mandatory pre-qualification/proposal conference will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m. in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605; Augusta, GA 30901 and virtually via Teams; Meeting ID: 278 793 681 718 590; Passcode: DB2kb3RC.

All 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 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 @ 5:00 P.M.

Questions, request for clarifications or interpretations regarding this proposal must be submitted to the

Procurement Department:

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.

No proposals will be accepted by email; all proposal must be received by mail or hand delivered.

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle May 18, 21, 28, 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

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ELECTRONIC TEAMS INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFP Pre-Proposal

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

ELECTRONIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS

RFP # 26-905 Pre-Qualification Conference

Water Park Feasibility Study Services for

Augusta-Richmond County - Augusta Recreation and Parks

Department

Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m.

TEAMS RFP Pre-Qualification Conference:

1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 278 793 681 718 590

2. Passcode: DB2kb3RC

RFP # 26-905 Opening

Water Park Feasibility Study Services for

Augusta-Richmond County - Augusta Recreation and Parks

Department

Bid openings are open to the public in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Steet, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901

Tuesday, 16, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

TEAMS RFP Opening:

3. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting and enter meeting ID: 272 363 341 270 555

4. Passcode: JP2R8Tf7

For Assistance: Please Contact the Issuing Officer at (706) 821-2422 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use by vendors in submitting a proposal to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, supplies, and or services as listed above.

All proposals are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code.

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All proposals are governed and awarded in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations and the Augusta, Georgia Code. To view the Code visit Augusta’s website at www.augustaga.gov or http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=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)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract

[ ] (B) One time Purchase

[X] (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: You Must acknowledge all Addenda. See Page 1 of Exhibit A.

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

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

E-Verify information is correct. The liability for incorrect information is on the contractor or subcontractor. NOTE: The authorization date can be found within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta Benefit Application (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements

Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal)

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

1. Georgia Security and Immigration Subcontractor Affidavit

2. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Sub-Contractor

3. E-Verify MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

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 professional consulting services a Water Park Feasibility Study for August Recreation and Parks Department.

Your 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 Tuesday, 16, 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 #26-905 Water

Park Feasibility Study Services for Recreation and Parks 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: 272 363 341 270 555; Passcode:

JP2R8Tf7.

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.

Mandatory pre-qualification/proposal conference will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m. in the Procurement Department located at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605; Augusta, GA 30901 and virtually via Teams; Meeting ID: 278 793 681 718 590; Passcode: DB2kb3RC

All questions must be submitted in writing by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Tuesday, June 2, 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

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Augusta-Richmond County is evaluating the feasibility of developing a public-private water park facility to enhance recreation, tourism, and economic development. Augusta-Richmond

County will be contributing up to $5,000,000 in seed money along with property for the development.

Augusta is now seeking a qualified firm to perform a feasibility study for this project. The selected proposer will have demonstrated experience in performing similar studies resulting in successful projects, significant expertise in attraction development and financial modelling, and a strong plan for performance of the study.

The primary target property for this water park is Diamond Lakes Regional Park; the address is

4335 Windsor Spring Road. Overhead photos are attached for viewing. The study will be primarily focused on evaluating the feasibility of this site. In addition, the final study report will also identify one or more alternative sites within Richmond County and provide a comparison with the primary site for decision-making.

SECTION III

SCOPE OF SERVICES:

A. Market & Demand

Conduct research regarding the local and regional market and coordinate a community engagement effort to solicit feedback from the public. The final study must address:

• Demographics - Population, income levels, tourism trends in the area

• Community Outreach - What is the community’s interest and expectations o Note: A minimum of two focus groups and two community meetings/workshops must be performed, as described below.

• Competitor Analysis - Existing parks within driving distance

• Visitor Projections - Estimated annual attendance

B. Site Analysis

Analyze the primary target site and any alternatives for suitability and development considerations, including at minimum:

• Accessibility to highways and traffic flow

• Land size and topography

• Zoning and land-use restrictions

• Available water supply, sewer, power

• Environmental constraints, flood zones, wetlands, and impact on surrounding area

C. Concept Development

Based on market research, community desires, and site constraints, develop a viable conceptual layout and attractions list, including at minimum:

• Major attractions

• Support facilities

• 3D renderings of possible concept designs

D. Financial Analysis

Provide a financial model for the proposed development, including projected costs for both

Augusta-Richmond County and possible partners. The final study must provide data-driven projections for, at minimum:

• Capital costs

• Operating costs

• Revenue projections

• Long-term cost of ownership

F. Risk Analysis

Identify possible risks to Augusta-Richmond County related to the project and assess available mitigation strategies. Example risks include:

• Seasonal demand fluctuations

• Weather impacts

• High operating costs

• Liability and safety risks

G. Implementation Plan

Develop a recommended implementation plan for the concept, including:

• Project timeline from planning through construction and operation

• Recommended process for partner recruitment and selection

• Financing strategy

• Marketing & branding strategy

I. Final Deliverables

• Site Observation – Conduct at least one (1) comprehensive site observation at the primary target site and any alternative sites to assess suitability.

• Community Engagement – Conduct at least:

o Two (2) focus groups with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders to understand desired outcomes, goals, and constraints.

o Two (2) public community meetings/workshops to solicit feedback and present initial developed concepts.

• Conceptual 3D Renderings – Provide at least three (3) images of a viable potential concept that may be used for public information and partner solicitation.

• Final Feasibility Report - Compile all items in A-G above into a report that includes:

o Executive summary o Key findings o Cost estimates and financial model o “Go or No-Go” recommendation for primary and alternate sites

• Report Presentation – Prepare and deliver a final public presentation to the Augusta-

Richmond County Commission presenting the feasibility study results and recommendation.

SECTION IV

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

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

1. Business Address:

Proponents shall furnish their business street address. Any communications directed either to the address so given, and deposited in the U.S. Postal Service by Certified

Mail, shall constitute a legal service thereof upon the Proponent.

2. Proposal Format and Contents:

For ease of review and to facilitate evaluation, the Proposals for this project should be organized and presented in the order requested as follows:

Cover Page: Indicate the name of the firm and that the RFP is for the following:

PROPOSAL: "RFP 26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study Services for the Augusta

Recreational and Parks Department"

Section I – Procurement Documents:

All documents required under the Augusta Procurement regulations and procedures, properly executed and notarized as required (Exhibit A and SAVE Form). The notary seal shall be visible on the original and all copies.

Section II - Organizational Information:

Provide specific information concerning the firm in this section, including the legal name, address and telephone number of your company and the type of entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation and whether public or private). Include the name and telephone number of the person(s) in your company authorized to execute the proposed contract. If two or more firms are involved in a joint venture or association, the Proposal must clearly delineate the respective areas of authority and responsibility of each party. All parties signing the

Agreement with the City must be individually liable for complying with the terms of the contract even when the areas of responsibility under the terms of the joint venture or association are limited. All proposals submitted by a joint venture must name the lead agency who will act on behalf of the collaborating businesses.

Section III - Management Capabilities and Experience:

Provide specific information in this section concerning the Proponent's experience in providing the services specified in this RFP. As a minimum requirement, Proponent must:

1) Briefly describe your knowledge and experience in the water park and/or attraction development industry.

2) Briefly describe your knowledge and experience in conducting public community engagement efforts.

3) Briefly describe your understanding of the CSRA and regional tourism market and success in working in similar areas.

4) Describe at least two documented successes (including at minimum one locality similar in size to Augusta-Richmond County) in conducting community engagement efforts for concept development. Include: engagement objectives, tactics used to reach the objectives, results of the engagement, dates, names, and telephone numbers of reference contacts.

5) Describe at least four documented successes (including at minimum one locality similar in size to Augusta-Richmond County) in performing a feasibility study similar to the desired scope. Include: samples of produced work, dates, names, and telephone numbers of reference contacts.

7) Describe the overall comprehensive resources of your firm in the areas of experience, expertise, creative talent and manpower, including subcontractors or sub-consultants.

8) Provide resumes for the specific personnel/subcontractors who would actually perform the work for Augusta-Richmond County.

9) Describe how your firm will approach this study, including an estimated timeline and milestones.

10) Summarize why your firm is the best partner for Augusta-Richmond County.

NOTE: Failure to answer each of the above items completely and truthfully will result in the rejection of the submitted statement as non-responsive.

Section IV - Financial Information:

Provide financial information in the form of audited or unaudited financial statements, income statements or balance sheets on Proponent’s current business and past business activities.

Provide financial information in the form 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.

THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT IS PART OF THE EVALUATION. Firms may mark the material

CONFIDENTIAL; HOWEVER, IT IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR ORIGINAL

PROPOSAL.

Section V - References:

Provide at least three (3) business references (businesses or individuals), including names, addresses, current telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Section VI - Additional Information:

Include any other information believed by Proponent to be pertinent but not required.

Fee Proposal is to be submitted in a separately sealed envelope. Fee Proposal must be sealed and labeled on the outside of the package to clearly indicate that it is in response to

RFP #26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study Services.

SECTION V

RESPONSE CONTENTS:

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.

Firms that wish to join in a consortium must designate one firm as principal or lead firm.

Consortiums will be evaluated according to the same requirements as a single firm.

All proposals should be complete and carefully worded and must convey all information requested by Augusta. Firms shall outline the scope of work, elements and tasks therein and the means of execution.

1. You are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original and one (1) electronic copy of the RFP. You are also required to submit one (1) copy of the fee proposal and one (1) electronic copy on USB drive of your fee proposal is to be submitted in a separately sealed envelope. The body of the proposal should not exceed 50 pages. The page minimum does not include Procurement Documents, cover letter, financial information, appendices and tabs. All Creative ideas may be submitted on the thumb drive but is not required.

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

3. 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.

4. Each proposal will be evaluated utilizing the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.

5. Fee Proposal must be sealed and labeled on the outside of the package to clearly indicate that it is in response to RFP #26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study Services.

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

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 with the Augusta, Georgia that may have an impact upon the outcome of the contract or the construction project/service.

c. Lists current clients who may have a financial interest in the outcome of this contract or the construction…