777_25_125 KSU Campus Alta Survey_SUE and GIS.docx

Kennesaw State University

Event ID: PE-54300-RFQC-2025-000000054

Request for Qualifications (Step I) and

Request for Fee Proposals & Interviews (Step II)

To Provide

Land Survey and Utility Locate Services for

Project No. 777-25-125 “KSU Campus ALTA Survey, SUE and GIS”

Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia

Solicitation Issue Date: December 20, 2024 Qualifications Packages Due: January 10, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STEP I – REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

3. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS

4. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP I)

5. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

7. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

8. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

STEP II – REQUEST FOR FEE PROPOSALS (from Qualified Finalists) & INTERVIEWS

1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)

2. PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT

3. SELECTION PROCESS

4. SUBMITTAL OF FEE PROPOSALS

5. PRESENTATION / INTERVIEW INFORMATION

6. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EXHIBITS

a. Exhibit A – Certification Form

b. Exhibit B –Certificate of Insurance and Minority Status

c. Exhibit D – Consultant Fee Proposal

d. Exhibit E – Contractor Affidavit

e. Exhibit F – Project Cost Matrix

f. Exhibit G – Proposer’s Disclosure Statement

STEP I

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT: Read the document carefully, the selection requirements have changed!

Land Survey and Utility Locate Services Project No. 777-25-125 “KSU Campus ALTA Survey, SUE and GIS” Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia

Kennesaw State University (“KSU”) is soliciting statements of qualifications from firms interested in providing land surveying services for the project known as Project No. 777-25-125, “KSU Campus ALTA Survey, SUE and GIS”, at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify potential providers of the above-mentioned services. Some firms that respond to this RFQ, who are determined by the Owner to be especially qualified, may be deemed eligible and may be invited to interview and offer proposals for these services. All respondents to this RFQ are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFQ and follow instructions carefully. KSU reserves the right to reject any or all statements of qualifications or proposals, and to waive technicalities and informalities at their discretion.

1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Background Kennesaw State University (KSU) is soliciting proposals for land survey services to update and modernize existing campus plats and maps. The project will include specific improvements, such as documenting underground utility infrastructure, and will deliver results in the form of updated plats, surveys, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping application. This comprehensive effort is intended to provide a complete and accurate representation of KSU’s campuses and infrastructure, supporting long-term planning and operational needs

Project Description This project involves a full ALTA Land Survey, including Subsurface Utility Engineering (“SUE”), with the resulting SUE data integrated into a GIS mapping application. The GIS application and data will be transferred to KSU upon project completion, along with an additional 12 months of GIS application support.

KSU plans to execute this campus-wide effort incrementally. The initial priority, or “base” scope, will focus on the Marietta Campus properties. A future phase will encompass the Kennesaw Campus properties, with the scope and associated fee for those services included in this solicitation as an add alternate scope. Schedules and fees will be developed for each campus, with the initial contract covering the Marietta Campus base scope and a separate add alternate scope addressing the future phase for the Kennesaw Campus.

Parcels included in Base Survey Scope

7 total parcels

199.478 acres

Parcels included in Add Alternate Survey Scope

65 total parcels

185.384

Project Schedule The Land Surveyor services are expected to begin the project base scope February 2025. The project will be divided into four activities/deliverables, each with staggered completion dates: ALTA Land Survey, Subsurface Utility Engineering, GIS Development, and GIS System Administration. Completing the ALTA Land Survey and SUE is the top priority, with a firm deadline of June 1, 2025.

(All of the dates are estimates and are contingent on the availability of funding).

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. ALTA LAND SURVEY SERVICES REQUIREMENTS:

· Evidence of underground utilities existing on or serving the surveyed property as determined by markings and coordinated by the surveyor pursuant to a private utility locate request pursuant Sections 5.E.ii., iii., and iv. of the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards.

· The final work shall be completed such that all survey information is graphically depicted in both a digital and hard copy / plan sheet format.

· Provide one hard, size ANSI E: 34 in x 44 in (86.36 cm x 111.76 cm).

· Digital format: Both PDF and AutoCAD files

B. Subsurface Utility Engineering Requirements

· Perform engineering services which will accurately identify, locate, and map all subsurface utilities, including their horizontal alignments and vertical depths, to support the project. Such services shall be commensurate with both the prevalent methodologies used by SUE firms practicing within subject area of work and with the magnitude and intricacy of the work under consideration. These services should conform to standards and guidelines as described in ASCE Subsurface Utility Engineering publications.

· Utility Types Included: Gas, water, sewer, stormwater, electric, telecommunications, fiber optics, steam, and any other relevant utility.

· Coordinate with utility companies and the appropriate governmental jurisdictions in researching the location(s) of existing utilities. Secure all “as built” plans, plats, and other necessary data as supplied by the utility companies. While obtaining the information from the utility companies or governmental jurisdictions; the firm shall ascertain the following information to include but not be limited to the age, the size, the material type, the general condition of the utility and the approximate cost to relocate.

· Provide traffic control needed to complete the work. All road closures shall be coordinated with appropriate parties at KSU at least one week prior to work.

· Certify all completed services. Services shall be certified by an official of the SUE firm on the plans. The SUE firm shall be responsible for the accuracy of all information presented to KSU.

· Quality Levels (QL) Documentation- As defined in ASCE 38-22, deliverables should include all relevant data categorized by the quality levels:

· QL-D: Deliverable: Utility information from existing records, plans, or as-built drawings.

· Presentation: A summary document or report of all available records, noting gaps or inconsistencies.

· QL-C: Deliverable: Utility locations derived from surface evidence and survey data, combined with QL-D records.

· Presentation: A preliminary utility base map showing approximate horizontal alignments.

· QL-B: Deliverable: Horizontal utility positions obtained using geophysical methods (e.g., Ground Penetrating Radar, Electromagnetic Locators).

· Presentation: CAD/GIS files or 2D/3D models, with utilities color-coded and aligned to survey data.

· Metadata: Include descriptions of the methods and accuracy tolerances.

· QL-A: Deliverable: Precise horizontal and vertical positions obtained via test holes (potholing or vacuum excavation).

· Presentation: CAD/GIS files or BIM models with utilities identified in 3D, depth values annotated, and accuracy within a specified tolerance.

· Develop a test hole Location Plan based upon the guidelines set forth in the document: Standard Guidelines for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data, published by the ASCE, current edition, and obtain utility company records as required.

· Metadata: Provide test hole logs, photographs, and survey data.

· Utility Base Map

· The final work shall be completed such that all known utilities are graphically depicted in both a digital and hard copy / plan sheet format.

· Provide one hard copy per system, size ANSI E: 34 in x 44 in (86.36 cm x 111.76 cm).

· All identified utilities with their horizontal locations (plan view).

· Vertical depths for QL-A utilities, including pipe diameters, materials, and depths relative to a datum (e.g., NAVD88).

· Digital Format: GIS files with layers categorized by utility type and quality level.

· Include georeferencing, coordinate system details, and metadata for all data sources.

· Data Accuracy and Reliability Documentation

· A detailed report on the methods, technologies, and tools used for utility locating and mapping, including:

· Data accuracy for horizontal and vertical positioning.

· Limitations of geophysical tools and excavation methods.

· Recommendations for further action where needed (e.g., additional test holes).

· A Registered Professional will be required to sign and seal a certification that will accompany each submittal stating that the plans, reports have been prepared and checked in accordance with the ASCE/UESI/CI 38-22 Standard Guideline for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities, the ASCE/UESI/CI 75-22 Standard Guideline for Recording and Exchanging Utility Infrastructure Data.

C. GIS Mapping Requirements

· Online Portal hosted in ESRI ArcGIS Online

· Web mapping application build replicating similar existing Rochester App functionality incorporating the Kennesaw State University Utility Data and any other data KSU can provide from existing data sets or online open data sets.

· Application should support Single Sign-On

· Provide KSU login credentials with the ability to edit/export data

· Provide technical resources for data updates through the lifecycle of the project

· Upon project completion, transfer the Web Mapping and all data associated to KSU though an ArcGIS Online Collaboration

D. Annual Administration of GIS system

· Hosting of data

· Analyst for maintenance and change requests/month

· GIS Manager time/ month

· Application administrative systems management

3. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS

Step I- Qualifications Review is initiated with this RFQ for the purpose of acquiring Statements of Qualifications from prospective Survey firms. A selection of finalist firms will be made by a Selection Committee consisting of representatives of the User. The Selection Committee will receive and review Statements of Qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ. To be deemed eligible for evaluation, firms must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications Required

· The firm or its principals are not currently ineligible, debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from bidding or contracting by any state or federal agency, department, or authority.

· Firm must have sufficient bonding capacity for anticipated total cost of work. Provide a letter or other supporting documentation from a bonding company indicating the firm’s capacity to bond the project.

· Firm must have a current Professional and Commercial Liability Insurance policy. (The Owner reserves the right to require additional limits and/or coverage for actual contract). Provide your current insurance certificate.

· Firms must have all necessary, valid and current licenses to do business in the State of Georgia. Provide a copy of your Professional Engineering License, Professional Land Surveyor license, business license and Georgia Certificate of Existence.

· Firm must demonstrate sufficient cash flow to undertake the project as evidenced by a current ratio (assets/liabilities) of 1.0 or higher.

· The firm must demonstrate a commitment to safety with regard to Worker’s Compensation by having an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) over the past three years of 1.2 or less.

· The firm or its principals have not been terminated for cause or currently in default on any public works contract.

The firms must provide a sworn statement attesting to compliance with the minimum criteria listed above and provide supporting documentation as requested further in the process in accordance with deliverable (A) A-1 below in this RFQ.

The Selection Committee will then evaluate the submittals which have met the above minimum qualifications. Criteria for the evaluation are listed below:

Criteria for Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications

25% Factor: Stability of the firm, including the firm’s corporate history, resources, form of ownership, litigation history, financials, etc.

45% Factor: Firm’s relevant project experience and qualifications, including the demonstrated ability of firm in effective management of land surveying and subsurface utility engineering comparable in complexity, size, and function, for Owners such as University System of Georgia and other similarly-structured organizations. This includes relevant experience and qualifications of the firm’s proposed Project Team; and the demonstrated proficiency of the firm with projects similar to this Project.

30% Factor: Firm’s suitability to provide services for project, including whether the firm’s size and resources are appropriate in relation to the size and complexity of the project type, any unique qualifications for the project, current and projected workloads, the proximity of office to project location, and any special services or project for project-related concerns.

4. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP I)

The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta, Georgia. The Owner reserves the right to adjust the schedule as the Owner deems necessary.

STEP I (RFQ) Estimated Timeline

01/17/25 5:00pm

5. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

It is the responsibility of each respondent to examine the entire RFQ and RFP, seek clarification in writing, and review its submittal for accuracy before submitting the document. Questions about any aspect of the RFQ, or the project, shall be submitted in writing (e-mail is preferable) to:

Rachel Kidd-Chancey Construction Project Specialist Kennesaw State University 1200 Chastain Rd NW, Room 107E Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 e-mail: rkidd4@kennesaw.edu

The deadlines for submission of questions relating to the RFQ are the times and dates shown in the (Schedule of Events- Section 4). All relevant questions and requests for clarification received by the Institution and the corresponding responses will be posted on the Georgia Procurement Registry at http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/ as an addendum to the original solicitation for services. From the issue date of this solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, respondents are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any members or employees of the BOR or the Institution except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQ, or during the proposer’s conference (if applicable), or as provided by any existing work agreement(s). For violation of his provision, the Owner shall reserve the right to reject the proposal of the offending proposer.

6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Interested firms shall submit/upload one (1) electronic copy in .pdf format of the complete qualifications package to the OneDrive link: RFQ Submissions. Submittals must be prepared in a manner that fits a standard 8 ½” x 11” paper format when printed. Responses are limited to using a minimum of an 11-point font. The entire response shall not exceed 50 pages, including exhibits, affidavits or other enclosure information that may be included in an appendix. All pages count regardless of content. Submittals that include qualifications of more than one firm shall not exceed page limits. Submittals that exceed the page limit will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered by the Selection Committee.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

(DELIVERABLES “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” FOR ALL FIRMS) Stability A1- Provide basic company information:

a. Company’s legal name, address, name of primary contact, telephone number, e-mail address, and company website (if available). If the firm has multiple offices, the qualification statement shall include information about the parent company and branch office separately.

b. Identify office from which project will be managed and this office’s proximity to the project site.

c. Indicate the year the local office was established and the number of persons staffing the local office and their disciplines.

d. Provide form of ownership (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) including state of residency or incorporation, and the year the company was established.

e. Provide general information about the firm's establishment, personnel resources, including disciplines and numbers and classifications of employees, and locations and staffing of offices that will be directly involved with this Project.

f. List the firm’s annual revenue, for the parent office and the local office separately, if applicable, for the past 5 years.

a. Certify that your firm or its principals are not currently ineligible, debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from bidding or contracting by any state or federal agency, department, or authority.

b. Certify that your firm has sufficient bonding capacity for anticipated total cost of work. Surety and insurance companies must be in the current Department of Treasury’s Listing of Approved Sureties (Department Circular 570). All insurance and bonds will be obtained through a company licensed by the Georgia Insurance Commissioner to transact the business of insurance in the State of Georgia for the applicable line of insurance in the State of Georgia for the applicable line of insurance. All insurers (or qualified self-insurers or group self-insureds, a specific excess insurer providing statutory limits) with an A.M. Best Financial Strength rating of “A- “or better with an A.M. Best Financial Size Category of Class V or larger. Provide a letter or other supporting documentation from your firm’s surety indicating the firm has a bonding capacity, equal to or greater than, the preliminary stated cost limitation (SCL) contained herein.

c. Certify your firm’s ability to meet or exceed the established insurance coverage requirements. A copy of the Certificate of Liability Insurance form is located at https://www.usg.edu/facilities/assets/facilities/documents/COI_-_new.pdf. (The Owner reserves the right to require additional limits and/or coverage for actual contract). Provide your firm’s current insurance certificate.

d. Certify your firm has a valid and current Georgia Professional Surveyor’s License and Engineering License and must be registered to do business in the State of Georgia. Provide a valid copy of your Georgia Professional Surveyor’s license and Engineering License, and a Georgia Certificate of Existence or other documentation stating your firm has registered with the Georgia Secretary of State and is authorized to do business in Georgia.

e. Certify your firm has sufficient cash flow to undertake the project as evidenced by a current ratio (assets/liabilities) of 1.0 or higher. Provide no more than a one-page statement evidencing your current ratio.

f. Certify your firm demonstrates a commitment to safety with regard to Worker’s Compensation by having a current Experience Modification Rating (EMR) of 1.2 or less. Provide evidence from your firm’s carrier on their letterhead of your firm’s EMR.

GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT(S)

“Contractor” in the following Affidavits shall mean “General Contractor”/ ”Contractor” for the purpose of compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, (b).

For the purpose of completing the attached Affidavits, please insert the following:

· “Name of Public Employer” shall mean “Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Owner, for the use and benefit of Kennesaw State University.

· “Name of Project” shall mean “Project No. 777-25-125, KSU Campus ALTA Survey, SUE and GIS”.

Failure to submit this form with Statement of Qualifications will result in the firm being eliminated from consideration for this project.

a. Professional Land Surveyor (Party Chief)

b. Assistant Party Chief Surveyor

c. Surveying Technician

d. Drafter

e. GIS Analyst

f. Other support staff providing basic services.

If any of the key deliverables are not within the means of the firm and will be subcontracted out, it is the responsibility of the firm to list all subcontractors to be used in completion of the project along with their respective org chart and resumes.

B2- Provide information on the firm’s experience on projects of similar size, function, and complexity. Describe 3-5 projects, in order of most relevant to least relevant, which demonstrate the firm's capabilities to perform the project. For each project, provide the following information:

a. Project name, location and dates during which services were performed.

b. List the individuals who served as the Party Chief Surveyor, Assistant Chief Surveyor, Drafter, Survey Technician, and GIS Analyst on the projects. Please note whether these individuals are still employed with your firm and if they will be assigned to this project.

c. Brief description of project and physical description including, project duration, contract value, acreage, site area, and unique project components.

d. Describe how the completed project is similar to the advertised Project.

e. Describe services performed by your firm and (if multiple offices), the location of the office involved.

f. Respective Owner’s stated satisfaction in deliverables and service of your firm. Provide any Owner-written letters of reference/recommendation about the firm’s performance on the project.

g. Owner/User contact information.

C. General Management Approach C1- General approach to collaborating with stakeholders, managing schedules, and ensuring effective communication to gather accurate records.

C2- Provide a brief summary of your fieldwork management plan for controlling costs while maintaining the project schedule.

D. Statement of Suitability

7. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

The Qualifications shall be uploaded as a one (1) complete package in .pdf format to the OneDrive link: RFQ Submissions. Please do not submit individual documents or sections separately. The file shall be titled in the format below:

EXAMPLE: (KSU-Project No. 777-25-125, ABC Company, Qualifications)

The total page count of the submittal must not exceed 50 pages. All pages count toward the total number of pages regardless of content. Qualification submittals that exceed the page limit will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered by the selection committee.

If any issues are experienced with submission of RFQ documents, please contact Rachel Kidd-Chancey at rkidd@kennesaw.edu.

Statements of Qualifications must be electronically received by the Owner prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events (Section 4 of RFQ). Printed copies will not be accepted. A list of firms submitting responsive Statements of Qualifications will be published on the Board of Regents’ Real Estate and Facilities website at http://www.usg.edu/facilities/external_partners/construction_professional_selections.

It is the responsibility of the Proposers to examine the entire Request, seek clarification in writing, and review their qualifications for accuracy before submitting a response. Once the deadline has passed, all submittals will be final.

All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The Owner is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of the Owner. Labeling information provided in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential” or any other designation of restricted use will not protect the information from public view. Subject to the provisions of the Open Records Act, the details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until the final award.

8. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

Once the Selection Committee has completed the evaluation of the Statements of Qualifications, the finalist firms will be notified in writing. The shortlisted firms will also appear on the Board of Regents’ Office of Real Estate and Facilities website at https://www.usg.edu/facilities/external_partners/construction_professional_selections and posted at the DB RFQ solicitation on Georgia Procurement Registry.

Step II- Firm Selection, will be initiated by invitation to finalists to submit Proposals as instructed in the Owner’s Request for Proposals (RFP). Finalists will be those firms determined by the Selection Committee to be especially qualified to perform as the Land Surveying, SUE, and GIS for this Project in accordance with the qualification criteria herein. The Owner will issue a notice to finalists to participate in an oral presentation/interview. The successful firm will be determined from the interviews and proposals received.

STEP II

REQUEST FOR FEE PROPOSALS & INTERVIEWS

(From Qualified Finalists)

Step II- Surveyor Selection, will be initiated by the invitation to the qualified finalists to submit Fee Proposals as instructed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Finalists will be those firms determined by the Selection Committee to be especially qualified to perform as the Land Survey services for this Project in accordance with the qualifications therein. The Owner will issue a notice to finalists to participate in an oral presentation/interview. Finalists are required to initiate the vendor registration process by confirming the contact information for the appropriate administrative personnel and submission of vendor registration documentation (E-Verify, W-9, and Certificate of Insurance) by the date listed in the schedule of events. The successful Land Survey firm will be determined from the interviews and proposals received.

1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)

The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta. The Owner reserves the right to adjust the schedule as the Owner deems necessary.

STEP II (RFP) Estimated Timeline

2. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

It is the responsibility of each respondent to examine the entire RFP, seek clarification in writing, and review its submittal for accuracy before submitting the document. Once the submittal deadline has passed, all submissions will be final. The Owner will not request clarification from individual respondents relative to their submission but reserves the right to ask for additional information from all parties who have submitted qualifications. Questions about any aspect of the RFP, or the project, shall be submitted in writing (email is preferable) to:

1200 Chastain Rd NW, Room 107E Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 e-mail: rkidd4@kennesaw.edu

Please note that the project site, Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus, is an open campus. Finalists may visit the site at their own convenience to conduct any observations necessary for proposal preparation. Site visits are self-guided, and no formal campus tours will be provided. Finalists are expected to adhere to all campus rules and regulations during their visit.

The deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFP is the time and date shown in the Schedule of Events (Section 3). All relevant questions and requests for clarification received by the Institution in writing, prior to the deadline will be compiled, and answers will be posted on the Georgia Procurement Registry as an addendum to the original solicitation for services at http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/. Any proposed exceptions to the RFP requirements or requests for proposal deadline extensions must include the reason(s) for such a request. The Owner reserves the right to approve or reject such requests as the Owner deems necessary.

3. SELECTION PROCESS

Step II- Surveyor Selection will be initiated by the invitation to the qualified finalists by the Selection Committee (determined in Step I from evaluation of Statements of Qualifications) to submit Project Proposals as instructed in this RFP. Finalist interviews will also be conducted by the Owner. The successful firm will be determined from the evaluation of proposals received and interviews.

Criteria for the evaluation of Finalist Interviews:

50% Factor: Relevant Experience and Qualifications of the Proposed Project Team, including experience of the professional surveyor, field crew, drafter, and GIS analyst working together on past similar projects; experience of the team working together with the selected Program Manager (if applicable); team’s experience with projects of similar facility size, type, and complexity. The Owner may use references from stakeholders of the Owner’s choosing from previous projects of the finalists, among other information as necessary.

25% Factor: Proposed Management Plan: The firm’s approach to those Project issues presented in the interview.

25% Factor: Team Communications/Project Solutions: Committee’s overall impression of the firm and the overall impression of key team members and their ability to effectively answer project questions and provide solutions during the interview.

4. SUBMITTAL OF FEE PROPOSALS

Fee Proposals will be solicited from the finalists invited to interview. Firms must use the “Consultant Fee Proposal” and “Project Cost Matrix” forms (included as an Exhibits D & F to this RFQ/RFP) and provide printed copies enclosed in a sealed envelope at the start of finalist interviews.

No fee proposal will be opened until one firm has been judged to be the highest ranked firm. Following the interviews, the highest ranked firm’s sealed envelope will be opened. Only the fee proposal from the highest ranked firm will be opened. Please understand that this proposal constitutes a starting point for negotiation toward an eventual agreement on fees.

5. PRESENTATION/ INTERVIEW INFORMATION

Interview Format Firms selected to make presentations shall be notified by the Invitation to Interview letter issued by the Selection Committee Manager. The Invitation to Interview letter shall designate a place and time for the interview session. The time allotted to each firm to present and be interviewed will be in accordance with the State Construction Manual. The Invitation letter will specify the manner in which the presentations will be conducted.

· The interview will last a total of 50 minutes (30 minutes for the presentation, 20 minutes reserved for questions and answers). Teams will have 5 minutes prior to your interview to get your presentation set up. The Selection Committee will consist of representatives of the institution.

· Electronic presentations, such as PowerPoint presentations, are also allowed.

· KSU will typically have a screen and projector available in the interview room, and possibly a laptop computer. Nevertheless, presenters must be prepared with their own projector, flash drive and laptop computer in case unforeseen technical difficulties are encountered.

· The presentation may involve flip charts or boards along with the oral presentation.

· All members of the Selection Committee will be present during all the presentations.

· Firms are not allowed to address any questions to anyone other than the designated contact prior to the interview.

Interview Requirements The primary intent of the formal interview process is to provide the Selection Committee with in-depth and clarifying information about the firm. Information provided should assist the Selection Committee in making an informed decision as to the proposer best suited for the work. All key personnel should be present at the interview.

Firms should focus their presentations on their plan for managing the following land survey issues:

· Your approach to the project initiation process, including reviewing existing documents, site conditions, and client requirements.

· Your coordination with subcontractors, including methods for engaging SUE providers and managing their scope of work.

· Your project scheduling approach, including strategies for meeting the stated project milestones and addressing potential challenges.

· Your process for budgeting, estimating, and managing costs associated with land surveying and SUE activities.

· Your methodology for executing the project, including specific plans for phasing, quality control measures, site access considerations, and addressing project-specific challenges.

· Any unique characteristics or services your firm offers that add value to the project.

Please bring a copy of your interview presentation on a thumb-drive to leave with the Selection Committee.

Firms are discouraged from reviewing general company history and past experience as submitted in Statements of Qualifications or Project Proposals unless this information is particularly relevant to the presentation. Key project personnel should be present at the interview.

Final Selection Upon completion of the evaluation and interview process by the Selection Committee, the firms will be ranked in descending order of recommendation. Negotiations will then be initiated with the best-qualified firm to finalize the terms and conditions of the contract. In the event a satisfactory fee agreement cannot be reached with the highest-ranking firm, the Owner will formally terminate the negotiations in writing and enter into negotiations in turn with the second highest ranking firm and so on until a mutual agreement is established and the Owner awards a general consultant services contract. Refer to the BOR website for the most current version of General Consultant Contract between General Consultant and Owner:

https://www.usg.edu/facilities/services/contracts_and_agreements

6. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Restriction of Communication From the issue date of this (RFQ) solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, proposers are not allowed to communicate about this solicitation or this Project for any reason with any members of the Selection Committee, the Institution, or BOR, except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQ/RFP, or during the proposer's conference (if applicable), or as provided by any existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Owner reserves the right to reject the proposal of the offending proposer.

Submittal Costs and Confidentiality All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The Owner is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of the Owner. Labeling information provided in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential”, or any other designation of restricted use will not protect the information from public view. Subject to the provisions of the Open Records Act, the details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award.

Award Conditions This request is not an offer to contract or a solicitation of bids. This request and any statement of qualifications or proposal submitted in response, regardless of whether the proposal is determined to be the best proposal, is not binding upon the Owner and does not obligate the Owner to procure or contract for any services. Neither the Owner nor any party submitting a response will be bound unless and until a written contract mutually accepted by both parties is negotiated as to its terms and conditions and is signed by the Owner and a party containing such terms and conditions as are negotiated between those parties. The Owner reserves the right to waive non-compliance with any requirements of this Request for Proposal and to reject any or all proposals submitted in responses. Upon receipt and review of responses, the Owner will determine the party(s) and proposal that in the sole judgment of the Owner is in the best interest of the Owner (if any is so determined), with respect to the evaluation criteria stated herein. The Owner then intends to conduct negotiations with such party(s) to determine if a mutually acceptable contract may be reached.

Reciprocal Preference Law Effective July 1, 2010, BOR will comply with all requirements of O.C.G.A. 13-10-3

b. Whenever the state contracts for public works construction, materialmen, contractors, builders, architects, engineers and laborers resident in the State of Georgia are to be granted the same preference over materialmen, contractors, builders, architects, engineers and laborers resident in another state in the same manner, on the same basis, and to the same extent that preference is granted in awarding bids for the same goods or services by such other states.

Joint-Venture Proposals The Owner does not desire to enter into “joint-venture” agreements with multiple firms. In the event two or more firms desire to “team up” it is strongly recommended that one incorporated firm propose and maintain status as the contracted lead firm with the remaining firms participating as major consultants to the lead firm.

Minority and Small Business Enterprise It is the policy of the State of Georgia that minority-owned business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned business enterprises (WBE) and small business enterprises (SBE), have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the State purchasing process. Therefore, the Owner encourages all MBE, WBE and SBE to compete for contracts to provide goods, services, and construction, and encourages contractors to solicit MBE, WBE and SBE in procuring subcontractors and suppliers. This desire on the part of the Owner is not intended to restrict or limit competitive bidding or to increase the cost of the work. The Owner supports a healthy free market system that seeks to include responsible businesses and provides ample opportunity for business growth and development. Contractors and subcontractors who utilize qualified minority subcontractors may qualify for a Georgia state income tax credits for qualified payments made to minority subcontractors. See Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) O.C.G.A. Section 48-7-38. For more information, please contact:

The Governor's Entrepreneur and Small Business Office 75 Fifth Street, Suite 825 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Phone: 404.962.4071 http://www.georgia.org/Business/SmallBusiness/

Immigration Reform Compliance Requirement The successful Proposer will be required to certify compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), D.L.