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ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Facilities Services

1631 LaFrance Street Atlanta, Georgia 30307

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Request for Proposals

For

Design-Build Services for Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) Building's Systems Upgrade

August 17, 2026

RFP Number: 27-081126-67-AW

Due Date: September 15, 2026

Time Due: 11:00 a.m. ET

ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Atlanta Independent School System (known as Atlanta Public Schools, or APS) is seeking a design-build contractor (referred to as the “Contractor”) for systems upgrades and other renovations at the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) building. The selected design-build contractor will be required to deliver all services outlined in the standard APS design-build agreement

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held at the address below on August 25, 2026, at

10:00 a.m.. ET. and site visit will follow immediately after conference.

Center for Learning and Leadership

130 Trinity Avenue, SW

Atlanta, Ga 30303

Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged.

All questions or requests for clarification must be sent via Bonfire under Message –

Opportunity Q & A: https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227.

All addendums related to this solicitation will be posted on the Bonfire website at https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227. The proposers are responsible for checking the Bonfire website for addendums, responses to proposal questions, or other communications related to this Request for Proposal.

Proposals shall be submitted online at https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227. The Office of Procurement

Services will only accept proposals submitted online. Proposal submissions are due no later than 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. ET.

APS will only accept online submissions for this Request for Proposals. Proposals can be submitted online at: https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227.

Proposals submitted after the proposal submission close date will not be accepted. Note:

Any proposal submitted in any other format (email, paper, fax, mail, etc.) will not be accepted for any reason.

If you cannot download these documents, contact the purchasing agent, Alicia White, at alicia.white@apsk12.org.

https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227 https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227 https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227 https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227.

mailto:alicia.white@apsk12.org

TENTATIVE TIMELINE

08/17/2026 Release RFP to the marketplace

08/25/2026 Pre-proposal conference, 10:00 a.m., ET

08/25/2026 Site Visit 10:30 a.m.

08/28/2026 Deadline for written questions, 2 p.m. ET

09/022026 Response to questions to be posted to Bonfire.

09/15/2026 RFP due online on Bonfire by 11:00 a.m. ET

09/16/2026 Administrative Review

09/22/2026 Initial Shortlist Evaluation

TBD Interview/Presentation (If applicable)

10/05/2026 Recommendation to the APS Board of Education (If applicable)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Purpose Section 2 Project Information Section 3 Design Build Information Services

Design Phase Scope of Work / Design Build Services

Section 4 Owner’s Project Management Software Section 5 General Requirements Section 6 Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Section 7 Proposal Requirements Section 8 Percentage of Fees Section 9 Mandatory Submittals Section 10 Payment and Performance Bonds; Insurance Section 11 Evaluation

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Solicitation Acknowledgement Form Attachment 2: Offeror Compliance Form Attachment 3: Offeror Inclusion Form Attachment 4: Primary Vendor/Subcontractor Utilization Form Attachment 5: Promise of Non-Discrimination Attachment 6: E-Verify Affidavit of Compliance

6A. Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 (b)(1) 6B. Subcontractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 (b)(3); if applicable

6C. Affidavit of Exception Attachment 7: Joint Venture Affidavit Attachment 8: Contract Exceptions Attachment 9: No Influence and Non-Collusion Affidavit Attachment 10: Local Preference

Attachment A: Offeror Reference Form Attachment B: Current and Future Workload Form Attachment C: Offeror Bid Form

Exhibit A: Additional Scope of Work Document

1.0 Purpose

This project is intended to provide design-builder construction services for the system's upgrade at the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) building. The contract will be a lump sum contract for the provision of design-build construction services.

The basic program for the project to be responded to may include, but may not be limited to, the items listed below.

2.0 Project Information

2.1 This effort is intended to select a Design Builder (DB) and enter into the standard APS Design Build Agreement with the successful Board-approved

Design Builder contractor.

2.2 A project summary description, current facility inventory drawings, and proposed concept plans may be included for your use in this effort.

2.3 The APS Design Guidelines, APS Standard Specifications, APS Bulletins to

Design and Construction Professionals, APS Capital Project

Expectations, and APS standard Construction Management Agreement are located on the APS Web Site at this address:

https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/32597. The Design Builder may obtain copies of these documents at your discretion and expense.

2.4 Design Builders should thoroughly review the project description and the outlined project scope before submitting their proposals. The strategies for design management, construction, and scheduling must be developed by you, but they should be organized in a way that accelerates the start of the project according to the estimated commencement and completion dates provided in Section 2.7.

2.5 The Design Builder’s proposal must be based on the existing site conditions, experience as a Design Builder contractor, knowledge of Georgia K-12 construction projects, APS construction projects, APS Design Guidelines, and the APS Standard Specifications.

http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/32597

2.6 By submitting a proposal to this Request for Proposal, you acknowledge that the documents provided by APS and any documentation provided by you as part of your submittal to this RFP and accepted in writing by APS apply to this contract.

2.7 Project Tentative Timeline: This project is time sensitive. To complete the project on time, the vendor understands that the following schedule must be kept:

DB Schedule

Release DB RFP 08/17/2026

Responses Due 09/15/2026

Evaluation / Shortlist Select 09/22/2026

Interviews (If applicable) TBD

Board Approval/Award of Contract 10/05/2026

NTP 10/06/2026

Substantial Completion 12/31/2027

2.8 This project requires a General Contractor's license for the firm

(Qualifying Agent, NOT Limited Tier).

3.0 Design Build Information and Services.

3.0.1 The Design Builder shall review project requirements, educational specifications, on- and off-site development, survey requirements, and preliminary budget, and make value engineering and constructability recommendations for revisions to APS in the form of a written report before final payment for this phase.

3.0.2 Where the project includes renovation or expansion of an existing

Facility, the Design Builder will prepare an analysis outlining the condition of the existing Facility, existing structure, existing finishes, existing equipment, code deficiencies, energy use, and life expectancy of other building systems by providing constructability, value engineering, and cost estimate recommendations. The package should contain the Design

Builder’s recommendations, cost estimates, and preliminary schedules.

3.1 Design Build Phase

3.1.1 The Design Builder will be required to attend all project-related meetings and include a summary of the meeting in its monthly report to the APS.

3.1.2 The Design Builder will ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, design standards, and ordinances. The Design Builder shall immediately notify APS of any non-compliant contract documents. Such information shall be provided to APS in the form of a written report in the format as noted herein before final payment for this phase.

3.1.3 The Design Builder shall review all documents for new and existing buildings and/or building sites and provide value engineering recommendations to minimize APS’s capital outlay and maximize

APS’s operational resources. Such information shall be provided to

APS in the form of a written report before final payment for this phase.

3.1.4 The Design Builder will review all contract documents, all new and existing buildings’ conditions, and the building site to ensure proper coordination, constructability, clarity, and completeness, and to minimize conflict, errors, omissions, and unforeseen conditions.

The Design Builder shall strive to eliminate change orders due to errors, omissions, and unforeseen conditions. The Design Builder agrees specifically that no change orders shall be requested by the

Design Builder or considered by APS for reasons that were or should have reasonably been known by the Design Builder involving unforeseen conditions, conflicts, or questions of clarity in the contract documents, or between the contract documents and the existing conditions, utilities, and unforeseen underground conditions.

3.1.5 After the Design Builder reviews the plans and specifications, except only as to specific matters as may be identified by appropriate written comments pursuant to this section, the Design

Builder shall notify APS in writing that the plans and specifications are consistent, practical, feasible, and constructible and that the work described in the plans and specifications is constructible within the scheduled construction time.

3.1.6 APS may select certain projects for expediting using fast-track construction. When this option is exercised, in writing, by APS, it shall be implemented per the Design Builder’s recommendation once approved by APS.

3.2 Scope of Work /D e s ig n Build Contractor Must Complete the Following. See attached Exhibit C for additional scope of work information.

3.2.1 Replacement of eight (8) SWUD units, one floor at a time. Project will be performed in phases so that the entire building is not affected during equipment replacement.

3.4.2 Replacement of existing cooling tower.

3.4.3 Provide associated disconnect/reconnect to power and building automation system.

3.4.4 Provide Test & Balance (TAB) after completion of work (airside only).

3.4.5 Provide commissioning support to third-party commissioning firm separately retained by APS. (Salas O’Brien will submit ROM)

3.4.6 For additional scope, refer to attached Exhibit C.

3.4.7 In addition to the fully defined work, it is the intent of this project to potentially identify and remedy, upgrade, or enhance building systems, structural components, fixtures, finishes, or site work at the project site if significant disruption can be avoided and costs saved.

Total Stated Cost Limitation (SCL) is $4,000,000.00

4.0 Owner’s Project Management Software

4.1 The awarded Design Builder shall be required to use the Owner’s project management software. One (1) license will be distributed to the Design

Builder at a cost to the Owner, which will allow access to the project management software for the Project. Usage of this license will be provided throughout the duration of the Project. Based on availability, additional licenses may be provided as needed.

4.2 This Project will utilize project management and collaboration system for all project documentation. Applicable team members of the Design Builder (to include subcontractors as determined by the Owner) will be invited and are required to create a username (email) and password for the project management software if they do not already have one. The Design Builder will be expected to obtain drawings, sketches, RFIs, meeting minutes, coordination drawings, change information, etc. via this application. The

Design Builder will notify subcontractors as relevant items are added. It will be the responsibility of the Design Builder to regularly check and review updated documents as they are added. Applicable team members of the

Design Builder are required to complete a free, one-hour Subcontractor training certification course for the project management software within two

(2) weeks following the execution of this Agreement. There will be no cost to the Design Builder for the use of the Owner’s project management software.

4.3 It is recommended that the Design Builder provide mobile iOS or

Android devices with the project management software App installed to at least one individual on-site to provide real-time access to currently posted drawings, Specifications, RFIs, Submittals, project documents, as well as any deficient observations or Punch List items.

Providing mobile access will improve communication, efficiency, and productivity for all parties.

5.0 General Requirements

5.1 All work conducted must be in accordance with all local, state, and federal guidelines.

5.2 Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Outreach Efforts

It is the policy of the owner to promote the utilization of women, minorities, and small business enterprises in all phases of the design, development, construction, and maintenance of the Project. While the owner does not impose any quotas regarding their utilization, the awarded Construction Manager shall take all steps established by the contract documents or otherwise reasonably requested by the owner to satisfy the Owner that they have made their “best efforts” to be involved in the work as many companies or firms owned by women, minorities and small business enterprises as practicable, provided they are qualified to conduct the work.

When the Construction Managers are ready to begin the GMP process, they must work with the Owner’s Supplier Diversity office to provide an advertisement that will be made available via the Georgia

Procurement Registry for thirty (30) days.

The following organizations may provide relevant resources to the awarded Construction Manager:

National Association of Minority

Contractors Georgia Minority

Development Council National

Association of Women in Construction:

https://www.nawicatlanta.org/

For further information regarding the Owner’s policy, please click the the following link: APS Supplier Diversity.

https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/SjqJCBB80EfM16RGTjxmyP?domain=nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/SjqJCBB80EfM16RGTjxmyP?domain=nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/u5x4CDkYnEhn1vJ9ul7kxM?domain=nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/u5x4CDkYnEhn1vJ9ul7kxM?domain=nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com https://www.nawicatlanta.org/ https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/wCBTCERZoQtgm907cQ2Yum?domain=nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

6.0 Submission Requirements

6.1 Proposals shall be submitted online via the following link:

https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227 .

6.2 ALL fields listed on the SOLICITATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM MUST be completed. Failure to sign, answer all questions, or submit all forms listed in the administrative forms- attachment 1-10 and attachments A and B may result in your Proposal being deemed non-responsive.

6.3 Any proposal received online after the designated time and date due will not be considered by APS. APS will only accept online submissions for this RFP. Proposals can be submitted online at: https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227.

Proposals must be submitted under the “Proposals” tab in Bonfire. A proposal that is timely submitted in Bonfire but not submitted under the “Proposals” tab may be determined as non-compliant and rejected. Proposals submitted after the proposal close date will not be accepted. Note: Any proposal submitted in any other format (email, paper, fax, mail, etc.) will not be accepted for any reason.

6.4 Proposals cannot be withdrawn after they have been submitted online unless the offeror requests in writing to the Executive Director of Procurement Services before the time set for receiving bids, or unless the Senior Executive Director of

Facilities Services fails to accept or reject the bids within one hundred and twenty

(120) days after the date fixed for receiving said proposals.

6.5 Proposals that contain irregularities of any kind and/or do not comply fully with the requirements stated in the solicitation documents may be rejected at the discretion of the Executive Director of Procurement Services. APS shall not be liable for any costs associated with or incurred by the offeror in conjunction with the preparation of solicitation responses.

6.6 APS reserves the right to waive any minor informality or error in the solicitation or offeror’s proposal which will not adversely affect competition.

https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227 https://aps.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/249227

6.7 By submitting a response, the offeror certifies that this proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, company, or person submitting a bid for the same service and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud; that collusive pricing is understood to be a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.

6.8 It is further agreed that the offeror agrees to abide by all conditions of the solicitation, notice of award, and/or purchase order(s) of APS and that the person signing this bid is duly authorized to bid on behalf of the offeror.

6.9 Failure to provide an online submission with the correct information listed may result in the rejection of the proposal. If further information is required to demonstrate responsibility, such as providing copies of licenses or permits, APS reserves the right to notify the Offeror, in writing, and give five (5) days from notification to supply such information.

6.10 Offeror shall submit an online proposal with a response that fully answers each question listed on the online submission. Failure to answer all questions may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive. The offeror must reference each section as listed below.

The offeror must reference each section as listed below.

7.0 Proposal Requirements

7.1 Experience and Background

7.1.1 Company History, Qualifications and Experience.

7.1.2 Please provide your firm’s history of completing building mechanical and systems upgrade projects with similar scopes, schedules, and costs on schedule, within the budget, and with the quality specified.

7.1.3 Please provide your current workload with APS and other entities, Proposed manpower, ability to secure materials, and your firm’s potential ability to complete the project.

7.2 Methodology and Approach

7.2.1 Please provide information regarding the suitability of the proposed project team, including the site superintendent.

7.2.2 Please provide the proposed approach to the project including the design plan, permitting, potential impacts and proposed solutions, logistics plan, temporary facilities, security, and project completion.

7.2.3 Please provide your firm’s CPM schedule for the project to break down by phases including design, permitting, demolition, close-out, etc.

7.2.4 Please provide your plan for MWBE subcontractor outreach and pre-qualification.

7.2.5 Please provide your proposed efforts to obtain comprehensive bid coverage.

8.0 Pricing

8.1 Please propose a lump-sum cost for all mechanical and building systems upgrade and related services, together with detailed unit pricing, any unit cost allowances or other allowances, and all alternates. Please provide your firm with a complete pricing document. Provide a complete breakdown of your firm’s costs for the project.

9.0 Mandatory Submittals

Proposals MUST include the signed:

9.1 No Influence and Non-Collusion Affidavit

9.2 E-Verify Affidavit.

9.3 Submit a copy or other proof of your general contractor's license.

11.0 Payment And Performance Bonds; Insurance

11.1 If the proposal or any part of the proposal is accepted and a contract awarded, the contractor shall within the required time enter into a written contract and furnish

Payment and performance bond(s) as required by the contract and specifications, or the call for proposals, or by law, in the amount of at least the total amount payable by the terms of the contract with a surety acceptable to Owner.

11.2 If the proposal or any part of the proposal is accepted and a contract awarded, the contractor shall furnish current insurance certificates for the coverage and on the terms and conditions required by the contract. The insurance certificates shall be provided to APS within five (5) days of the contractor’s receipt of the Intent to

Award.

12.0 Evaluation

12.1 To be eligible for consideration, proposals shall be presented in accordance with the instructions of this solicitation and within the timeframe specified. It shall be the responsibility of the awarded contractor to meet all specifications and guidelines set forth herein.

12.2 APS reserves the right during the evaluation process to contact offerors who submit proposals and request additional information or clarification necessary to complete the evaluation.

12.3 After the closing date and time, Procurement Services will conduct an administrative review of all proposals received to determine responsiveness.

Proposals that are deemed to be responsive will be submitted to the evaluation committee for review. Proposals that are deemed to be non-responsive will not be evaluated or considered for the award.

12.4 APS will evaluate all proposals and reserves the right to develop a competitive range for consideration. The competitive range is defined as a group for competitive negotiation, as determined during the evaluation process, composed of only those proposals that are considered to have a reasonable chance of being selected for an award and who are, therefore, chosen for additional discussions and negotiations.

12.5 Proposals not in the competitive range are given no further consideration.

12.6 Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Points

Experience and Background 30

Please provide your firm’s history of completing new construction projects with similar scopes, schedules, and costs on schedule, within the budget, and with the quality specified.

Please provide your firm’s history of completing building mechanical and systems upgrade projects with similar scopes, schedules, a nd costs on schedule, within the budget, and with the quality specified.

Methodology and Approach 45

Suitability of the proposed project team, including the Site Superintendent, and availability

The proposed approach to the project includes a phasing plan, potential impacts, proposed solutions, logistics plan, temporary facilities, security, and project completion

The proposed CPM schedule for the project broken down into phases including design, permitting, mechanical and building systems upgrade/construction, close-out, etc.

Your plan for MWBE subcontractor outreach and pre-qualification

Proposed efforts to obtain comprehensive bid coverage

Price Cost (Lump Sum) 25

TOTAL 100

12.7 The formula to evaluate price is as follows: (Lowest 6.6 The price/price of the proposal being evaluated) x points possible for price = score

12.8 If a contract is not awarded based on the initial evaluation, the evaluating committee may afford the “responsible Offerors” an opportunity for discussions, negotiations, and revisions of their proposals. See O.C.G.A. § 36-91-21(c)(2). A

“responsible Offeror” is one whose proposal meets the criteria proposed and whose proposal is reasonably susceptible of being selected for contract award.

A proposal is “reasonably susceptible of being selected for contract award” if it is within the “competitive range” established by the evaluation committee.

Offerors determined to be in the competitive range will be deemed to be

“responsible Offerors,” and may be asked to engage in discussions, negotiations and revisions and may be asked to provide a Best and Final Offer (BAFO).

12.9 APS reserves the right to negotiate terms and conditions, the scope of work, price, and/or non-price terms and conditions with selected responsible offerors to meet the needs of APS.

12.10 Negotiations may be:

12.10.1 Concurrent, which may be conducted concurrently with the responsible offerors.

12.10.2 Exclusive, which may be conducted with the offeror whose proposal is the highest rated overall.

12.11 An award, if made, will be made to the responsible and responsive Offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to APS, taking into consideration the evaluation factors outlined in this RFP.

13.0 Design-Build Agreement

By submitting a proposal, you are agreeing to execute the standard APS Design Build

Construction Agreement Between Contractor and Owner for a Stipulated Sum (the

“Contract”) as written with no changes or amendments.

14.0 Offer Guarantee/Bid Bond

a. Offeror shall attach to the offer an offer guarantee, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check or an offer bond substantially in the form attached in an amount equal to 5% of the proposed price.

b. The offer guarantee shall be applied toward, but shall not be considered a limitation upon, any damage which may be sustained by APS if the Offeror fails to abide by any provisions of the Notice of Intent to Award.

c. APS may contact the surety to confirm the validity of the bond.

d. Attorneys-in-Fact who sign bonds must file with each bond a certified and effective-dated copy of their power of attorney.

e. Offer shall be guaranteed for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of submission, or as extended by mutual agreement.

f. If the offeror fails and/or refuses to execute the Contract, provide the necessary bonds within the required time frnext, or fails to abide by any provisions of the

Notice of Intent to Award, the offer guarantee shall become the property of APS, as damages; provided that the amount of the offer guarantee which becomes the property of APS shall not, in any event, exceed the difference between the offer amount and the offer amount of the next lowest, responsible Offeror. APS reserves all other rights and remedies permitted by Georgia law.

14 Payment And Performance Bonds

a. If the proposal or any part of the proposal is accepted and a contract awarded, the contractor shall within the required time enter into a written contract and furnish payment and performance bond(s) as required by the contract and specifications, or the call for proposals, or by law, in the amount of at least the total amount payable by the terms of the contract with a surety acceptable to

APS. In accordance with O.C.G.A. §§ 36-91-70 and 36-91-90, the amount of these bonds will increase if and as the contract amount is increased (through change orders or otherwise).