Design Build RFQ RFP March 27 2025.pdf

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Request for Qualifications RFQ No. GWCC-0317-DP

(Step I)

And

Request for Proposals (Step II)

To Provide

DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

For

Project No. GWCC-0317

AIR-SIDE HVAC EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND/OR MODERNIZATION

Atlanta, Georgia

Solicitation Issue Date: March 27, 2025 Qualifications Packages Due: April 16, 2025 10:00 AM

I. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Design Professional Services for

RFQ No. GWCC-0317-DP for

Project No. GWCC-0317, Air-side HVAC Equipment Replacement and/or Modernization

Atlanta, Georgia

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (“GWCCA” or “GWCC”) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing design-professional services for a project known as Air-side HVAC Equipment Replacement and/or Modernization at the Georgia World Congress Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify the most qualified potential providers of the above-mentioned services.

Restriction of Communication: From the issue date of this (RFQ-RFP) solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any members of GWCCA except for the designated contact person.

1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION (STEP I)

It is envisioned that the GWCCA will best be served by the employment of the services of a Design- Professional firm (DP) for the project. The successful DP may not be eligible to bid or enter into a contract or subcontract for any of the construction or other services other than as set forth in the Design- Professional Contract and General Requirements. All respondents to this RFP are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFP and follow instructions carefully. GWCCA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive technicalities, irregularities, and informalities, and retains the right to cancel or conclude this procurement at any time without selecting a firm to provide the described services, without any liability to any respondents, or any other person or entity, and is under no obligation to make an award relating to this RFP to any person or entity. The final terms of any Design-Professional Agreement for the project contemplated by this procurement will be determined by the GWCCA subject, in all cases, to strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Georgia.

Project Background

Since 1976 when the Georgia World Congress Center officially opened its doors, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s downtown Atlanta campus has continued to evolve, expand, and take shape as the hub of the capital city’s entertainment and hospitality district. From its beginnings as a single exhibition hall (Building A), the GWCCA campus now includes 22-acre Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, International Plaza, multiple parking decks, the College Football Hall of Fame, Junior Achievement Discovery Center, and the 975-room Signia by Hilton hotel, and the 3.9-million-square-foot convention center.

The goal of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is to provide the highest level of service possible, while ensuring venue customers and attendees have a safe and positive experience. These actions hopefully translate into repeat business and accolades within the convention industry. A positive experience and a professional image enable GWCCA to accomplish its mission of promoting and facilitating events/activities that generate economic benefits to the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta.

In general, existing equipment is near or beyond its expected useful life throughout the facility with a few specific exceptions where equipment has been replaced due to failure or damage. This project is to develop the design and master plan for replacement and/or modernization of all air-side HVAC equipment throughout the 3.9 million-square-foot facility. This design will be completed to a Design Development level with enough information to plan for incremental replacement or modernization of existing equipment and to support annual funding requests for this implementation. In addition, Construction Documents are to be developed for ten (10) rooftop units (RTUs) on Building B supporting Halls B1, B2, and B3. Construction Administration services will be required for this portion of the scope.

GWCCA expects that, while the primary services will be in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines, responsive teams may need to include additional disciplines including but not limited to architectural, structural, fire protection, and low voltage design services.

GWCCA may retain the services of a Project Management Consultant to assist with this project. GWCCA also intends to engage a Construction Management firm to include pre-construction services.

GWCCA is presently engaged in the Investment Grade Audit (IGA) phase of pursuing an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with Trane. The scope of work included in that EPC will be determined by the results of the IGA investigations which we expect to be completed by August 2025, however, we expect to have early indications of that scope by the end of March 2025. Final details of this scope of services will be adjusted to coordinate with the EPC’s final scope. The preliminary expectation is that the EPC’s primary focus will be upgrades to the Building C Central Plant, upgrades to controls throughout the facility, and the installation of an up to four-megawatt (4MW) photo-voltaic array on a portion of the facility’s roof.

Project Budget While an estimated budget has been established for these services, GWCCA is seeking estimates from proposing firms for the scope as outlined herein.

Project Schedule A specific schedule will be developed with the successful firm.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications The selected firm/team must be able to provide the services required in this RFP.

Scope of Work

Design and Master Plan Services Through Design Development

• Assessment of existing equipment and recommendations for whether to replace or modernize for each category of equipment.

• Development of drawings, specifications, and narratives to a Design Development level of completion.

• Development of a master plan for the phasing of equipment replacement and incremental scope for each phase. Phase 1 will be replacement of ten (10) RTUs serving Building B Halls B1, B2, and B3.

• Provide Statements of Probable Cost for the work in sufficient detail to align with the proposed master plan phasing including contingency and escalation.

• Coordinate with the EPC team to ensure coordination and compatibility with the work of the EPC project.

Construction Documents and Construction Administration Services

• Prepare Construction Documents for replacement of ten (10) RTUs serving Building B Halls B1, B2, and B3. General features and functions are to match units EX-S-2, EX-S-3, EX-S-4, and EX- S-7, which are being replaced as part of another project.

o Units to be replaced are EX-S-01, EX-S-04, EX-S-05, EX-S-06, EX-S-08, EX-S-09, EX- S-10, EX-S-11, EX-S-12, RTU-EH-1, and RTU-EH-18.

• Provide a Statement of Probable Cost.

• Provide Construction Administration services for this phase of implementation.

• Coordinate with the EPC team to ensure coordination and compatibility with the work of the EPC

2. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS (STEP I)

Selection of the DP will be a multi-step process. GWCC will generally follow the requirements of Georgia Code Title 50 Chapter 22 with respect to the selection of DP for the proposed project.

Step I- Qualification Review Qualifications Review is initiated with the issuance of this RFQ, for the purpose of acquiring Statements of Qualifications from prospective DP firms. A selection of finalist firms will be made by a Selection Committee. 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 (See Exhibit A).

• The firm or its principals have not been terminated for cause or currently in default on any public works contract (See Exhibit A).

• The firm must have current Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate for premises and operations coverage, $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate for products and completed operations coverage, and $1,000,000 for personal and advertising injury coverage.

Firm must also have current commercial umbrella liability coverage in the amount of at least $5,000,000 per occurrence and general aggregate. (The Owner reserves the right to require additional limits and/or coverage for actual contract.

• Firms must have all necessary, valid and current licenses to do business in the State of Georgia.

• The 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 a current Experience Modification Rating (EMR) of 1.2 or less

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 20% Factor} Stability of the firm. This shall include the documented financial viability of the firm, the firm’s years of successful operation, stability of management structure and Ownership, active litigation and litigation history, proven ability to consistently gather resources for projects similar to incumbent project in size, type, complexity, and location.

45% Factor} Firm’s relevant project experience and qualifications, including the demonstrated ability of the firm in effective management of design and construction pertaining to similar projects of comparable complexity, size, and function, for Owners such as the State of Georgia and other similarly structured organizations. This includes relevant experience and qualifications of the firm’s Project Executive, Project Manager, and principal Design Professional. Personal experience of selection committee members or their agency’s with members of the design professional team may be considered.

35% Factor} Firm’s suitability to provide design-professional services for the project, including the firm’s apparent fit to the project type and/or needs of the Owner, any unique qualifications for the project, current and projected workloads, the proximity of offices to project location, non-discrimination policies, and record of addressing public safety, environmental concerns, and special services.

3. 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.

4. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

Questions about any aspect of the RFQ, or the project, shall be submitted prior to the appropriate deadlines indicated in the Schedule of Events, and shall be submitted in writing to:

Erle Coleman Purchasing Director Georgia World Congress Center Authority E-mail: ecoleman@gwcc.com

STEP I (RFQ)

a. Owner issues public advertisement of RFQ 03/27/25 ----------

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification (See 4. Submittals of questions and request for clarification below)

4/2/25 2:00 PM

c. Deadline for submission of Statements of Qualifications 4/16/25 10:00 M

d. Owner completes qualification evaluation and determines finalist firms TBD TBD

The deadlines for submission of questions relating to the RFQ are the times and dates shown in the (Schedule of Events- Section V). From the issue date of this solicitation until a successful respondent is selected and the selection is announced, the Restriction of Communication shall be in effect. For violation of this provision, the Authority shall reserve the right to reject the submittal of the offending respondent. At any time prior to the submission date, the Authority may issue an RFQ addendum to further clarify any part of this RFQ, amend this RFQ or issue instructions or further information. Each such addendum will be posted and/or distributed to all respondents. In addition, the Authority may adjust any timelines related to the project referenced herein or otherwise.

5. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

(DELIVERABLES “A”, “B”, and “C” FOR ALL FIRMS)

A. Description and Resources of Firm A1- Provide basic company information: Company name, address, name of primary contact, telephone number, fax 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. Identify the office from which project will be managed and this office’s proximity to the project site. Provide form of ownership, including state of residency or incorporation, and number of years in business. Is the offeror a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), joint venture, or other structure? For joint venture entities that have not undertaken at least two projects together, each firm should submit its qualifications separately.

A2- Briefly describe the history and growth of your firm(s). Provide general information about the firm's personnel resources, including disciplines and numbers and classifications of employees, and locations and staffing of offices.

A3- Has the firm been involved in any litigation in the past five (5) years? Describe your experience with litigation with Owners and any other construction project-related litigation.

List any active or pending litigation and explain.

A4- List the firm’s annual revenue for the past 5 years and supply main financial and banking references.

A5- Has the firm ever been removed from a contract or failed to complete a contract as assigned?

Provide a statement of disclosure to allow the Owner to evaluate any possible conflicts of interest.

A6- The firm, in order to be deemed eligible for evaluation, must provide supporting documentation asserting that the firm meets the minimum qualifications required for this project

a. Firm must have current Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate for premises and operations coverage, $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate for products and completed operations coverage, and $1,000,000 for personal and advertising injury coverage. Firm should also have current commercial umbrella liability coverage in the amount of at least $5,000,000 per occurrence and general aggregate. (The Owner reserves the right to require additional limits and/or coverage for actual contract.) Provide your current insurance certificate.

b. Firm has all necessary, valid and current licenses to do business in the State of

Georgia. Design Professional shall have valid professional licenses. Provide copies of your Architect or Engineering license(s), and a Georgia Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Authority demonstrating the primary firm has registered with the Georgia Secretary of State and is authorized to do business in Georgia.

d. Firm has sufficient cash flow to undertake the project as evidenced by a current ratio (assets/liabilities) of 1.0 or higher. Provide a one-page statement evidencing your current ratio.

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

A7- Provide the firm’s federal employer identification number and a completed IRS Form W9.

A8 Complete the Certification Form (Exhibit “A” enclosed with RFQ) and provide a notarized original with response as section “A8” of the firm’s Statement of Qualifications.

A9- Complete and submit a “CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT UNDER O.C.G.A. § 13-10-

91(b)(1)” (Exhibit “B”) with response as Section “A9” of the firm’s Statement of Qualifications. Failure to submit this form with Statement of Qualifications will result in the firm being eliminated from consideration for this project.

A10-Complete and submit the “Disclosure Statement” (Exhibit “C”) with response as Section “A10” of the firm’s Statement of Qualifications.

Experience and Qualifications B1- Provide professional qualifications and description of experience for principal Design

Professional, Project Executive, and Project Manager. (At this stage, firms are asked for information on lead staff only but may list qualifications and experience on more than one lead individual who is qualified and available for proposed project. If the firm is selected as a finalist, the Owner will request, in the RFP (Step II), detailed information on the exact proposed expanded team, their proposed roles, and their relevant experience.)

B2- Provide examples of the firm’s experience with projects of similar size, function, and complexity as the project being advertised. Describe no more than five (5) and no less than three (3) projects, in order of most relevant to least relevant, which demonstrate the firm(s)’ capabilities to perform the project at hand (firms can provide up to five examples as a design-professional. For each project, the following information should be provided:

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

b. Brief description of project and physical description (project delivery method, contract value, square footage, number of stories, site area, unique project components or equipment).

c. Describe Similarities in the construction of the project being highlighted to the project being advertised including relevancy of the similarities

d. Describe Services performed by your firm and the location of the office involved in the project.

e. Firm’s performance relative to schedule and budget.

f. List current team members previously involved in the delivery of the project.

g. Respective Owner’s stated satisfaction in design and service of your firm. Provide any available Owner letters of reference/recommendation about the firm’s performance on the project.

h. Owner/User/Design Professional contact information (name and email address if available).

C. Statement of Suitability

C1- Provide any information that may serve to differentiate the firm from other firms in suitability for the project. Suitability may include, but is not limited to, the firm’s fit to the project and/or needs of the Owner, any special or unique qualifications for the project, current and projected workloads, the proximity of office to project location, and any techniques or methodologies offered by the firm that may be particularly suitable for this project type.

C2- Describe non-discrimination policies and the firm’s record and methodologies of addressing public safety, social, environmental, or other related concerns.

C3- Provide information on any special services offered by the firm that may be available for this

6. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS (STEP I)

READ CAREFULLY

One (1) original and six (6) copies of the qualifications shall be prepared, for a total of seven (7) sets.

One complete copy must be provided via flash drive as a SINGLE .pdf file. Each submittal shall otherwise be identical and include a transmittal letter. Submittals must be printed on standard (8½” x 11”) paper. The pages of the qualification submittals must be numbered. A table of contents with corresponding tabs must be included to identify each section as instructed in this RFQ. Responses are limited to 36 pages (preferably 18 double-sided pages) or less using a minimum of size 11 font. One

(1) page of the SOQ shall be devoted to an Organization Chart. This page shall be single-sided and not exceed 11” x 17” in folded out size. Additional information should not be added on this page. Each SOQ shall be prepared simply and economically, providing straightforward, concise delineation of respondent’s capabilities. Fancy bindings, irrelevant colored displays and promotional materials are not desired. Emphasis must be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content. NOTE: All pages shall be included in the page limit EXCEPT for the front cover, cover (transmittal letter), table of contents, tab dividers, organization chart, Exhibit I, Exhibit II, and Exhibit III. Submittals must be sealed in an opaque envelope or box, and reference RFQ GWCC-0317-DP and the words “STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” must be clearly indicated on the outside of all of the envelopes or boxes.

Statements of Qualifications must be physically received by the Purchasing Director prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events at the exact address below:

GWCC Administration Reception Attention: Erle Coleman, Purchasing Director

285 International Boulevard, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591

No submittals will be accepted after the time and date set for receipt. Statements of Qualifications submitted via facsimile or e-mail will not be accepted. All SOQ submittals shall be considered Proposals, and all submittals upon receipt become the property of the Authority. Labeling information provided in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential”, or any other designation of restricted use will not be binding upon the Authority or its representatives and 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. All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The Authority is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses.

7. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

Once the Selection Committee has completed the evaluation of the Statements of Qualifications, a list of the finalist firms will be posted on the Georgia Procurement Registry along with the original RFQ solicitation.

Step II- DP Selection, will be initiated by invitation to finalists to submit Project and Fee Proposals as instructed in the Owner’s RFP. Finalists will be those firms determined by the Selection Committee to be especially qualified to perform as Design Professional for this Project in accordance with the qualification criteria herein. Presentations/interviews will be conducted by the Owner for those firms that submit proposals that are accepted by Owner. The successful DP will be determined from the interviews and proposals received.

End of Section

II. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

(From Qualified Finalists)

Design Professional for

RFP No. GWCC-0317-DP

For

Project No. GWCC-0317, Air-side HVAC Equipment Replacement and/or modernization

Atlanta, Georgia

To firms who have been issued notification as having been deemed eligible, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA or Authority), as “Owner,” issue this Request for Proposals (RFP), for those eligible firms to offer proposals for construction management at-risk services for the specific project.

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION (STEP II)

Step II – Requests for Proposals – All Finalist Firms selected during the RFQ Process are invited to submit proposals and interview with the Selection Committee in accordance with the following terms.

2. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)

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

3. PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT (STEP II)

A pre-proposal site visit may be conducted by the Owner and attendance of finalist firms will be mandatory. The date for the site visit should be as listed above although it is subject to change. The site visitors will convene at a time and location to be determined and communicated in the Notice to Finalists. Additional information, possibly including some program, plans and drawings, may be available at the site visit for finalist review. The Owner reserves the right to disqualify a proposer from the selection process due to a failure by a proposer to arrive for the site visit by the scheduled time. Failure to attend a mandatory site visit will automatically result in disqualification from the selection process.

4. SELECTION PROCESS (STEP II)

STEP II (RFP)

a. Owner issues notice to finalist firms to propose as instructed in RFP 4/21/25

b. Owner conducts Pre-Proposal Site Visit for finalists (if applicable) 5/6/25

c. Deadline for finalist submission of written questions and requests for clarification 5/14/25

d. Deadline for submission of Project Proposals 5/28/25 10:00 AM

e. Owner interviews finalist firms and Fee Proposals due TBD

Step II- DP Selection, will be initiated by the issuance of a Notice to Finalists to the firms short-listed by the Selection Committee (determined in Step I from evaluation of Statements of Qualifications) to submit Design Professional Proposals and Fee Proposals (if required) as instructed in this RFP. Finalist interviews will also be conducted by the Owner. The successful DP will be determined from the evaluation of proposals received and interviews.

Criteria for the evaluation of Design-Professional Proposals (50% of Overall Factor):

20% Factor} Relevance of the Experience and Qualifications of the Proposed DP Team to this project, including: Experience of the design team; Assigned team’s experience with projects of similar size, type, and complexity; Assigned team’s experience with effective budget control; Assigned team’s experience with effective schedule control;

Availability of the proposed team for this project; Experience of the proposed team effectively dealing with design and construction of similar projects.

15% Factor} Previous performance of the firm including level of quality of the services of the firm to previous customers, customer’s statements of that quality, the firm’s ability to meet established time requirements, the firm’s response to project needs during pre-design, design, preconstruction and construction, the firm’s control of design quality and budget.

15% Factor} Quality of proposed Design Management Plan, including: The firm’s cost management plan; Firm’s Schedule management plan during design and construction;

firm’s approach for managing changes within the stated cost and schedule limitations;

and the firm’s quality assurance program and plan;.

Criteria for the evaluation of finalist interviews: (50% of Overall Factor)

25% Factor} Methodology Presented to assure success and the ability of principals to engender confidence in the ability of the firm to complete the project within the time and cost budgeted, the ability of the team to effectively address Owner program goals, offer solutions to challenging areas of the project, deliver apparent efficiency and effectiveness, offer new ideas that lead to benefits for the Owner, the effectiveness in communication of the team members during the interview process, and the firm’s ability to effectively answer project questions and provide solutions during the interview.

25% Factor} Committee’s assessment of the Overall Fit of the firm and its key team members to the project, including ability of the firm to instill Committee confidence in the firm’s understanding of the project requirements, and in the firm’s communication and problem-solving methods and abilities.

6. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION AND

EXTENSIONS (STEP II)

It is the responsibility of each respondent to examine the entire RFP, seek clarification in writing, and review its submittals for accuracy before submitting. Once the submission deadline has passed, all submissions will be final. The Owner will not request clarification from any single individual proposer regarding their submission, but reserves the right to ask, collectively, all parties that have submitted proposals for additional information. Questions from Construction Professionals about any aspect of the RFP, or the project, shall be submitted in writing (e-mail is preferable) to:

Erle Coleman, GWCCA, Purchasing Director E-mail: ecoleman@gwcc.com

The deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFP is the time and date shown in the Schedule of Events. All relevant and significant questions that have been submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing and issued directly to all proposers via e-mail. Any proposer exceptions to the RFP requirements or requests for deadline extensions must also be communicated to the Owner by the deadline to be properly considered. Any 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

7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING DESIGN-PROFESSIONAL PROPOSALS (STEP II)

One (1) original and six (6) copies of the proposal shall be prepared, for a total of seven (7) sets. One complete copy must be provided via flash drive as a SINGLE .pdf file. Each submittal shall otherwise be identical and include a transmittal letter. Submittals must be printed on standard (8½” x 11”) paper.

The pages of the proposal submittals must be numbered. A table of contents with corresponding tabs must be included to identify each section as instructed in this RFP. Responses are limited to 36 pages (preferably 18 double-sided pages) or less using a minimum of size 11 font. Proposals must be sealed in an opaque envelope or box, and reference RFP No. GWCC-0317-DP and the words “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL” must be clearly indicated on the outside of all of the envelopes or boxes.

Statements of Qualifications must be physically received by the Purchasing Director prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events at the exact address below:

GWCC Administration Reception Attention: Erle Coleman, Purchasing Director

No submittals will be accepted after the time and date set for receipt. Request for Proposals submitted via facsimile or e-mail will not be accepted. All proposals submitted shall be considered the property of the Authority. Labeling information provided in the proposal “proprietary” or “confidential”, or any other designation of restricted use will not be binding upon the Authority or its representatives and 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. All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response.

The Authority is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses.

A. Preparation of Proposal

Responses must be typewritten and limited to a maximum of thirty (30) pages (8 ½” x 11”) with font not smaller than 11-point type. If providing printed copies, Proposals shall be printed single-sided and tabs do not count toward the page limit.

Responses must be straightforward and concise to the extent possible. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content and shall not include any promotional material.

The Proposal shall clearly identify the individual(s) who will be assigned to the Project. If the individual(s) are/is representing any previous experience while employed with another firm, the firm of record for the project and the individual’s role shall be clearly identified.

It is the responsibility of all proposing firms to examine the entire RFP package and seek clarification of any item or requirement. Further, it is the responsibility of all proposing firms to review responses for accuracy before submitting the Proposal.

Failure to meet these requirements or proposals that contain insufficient information for a meaningful evaluation or are not legible may result in disqualification from further consideration.

B. Design Professional Proposal

(DELIVERABLES and FOR FINALIST FIRMS ONLY)

Qualifications and Experience of Proposed Design-Professional Team

B1- Describe your firm's proposed organization for design-professional team. Designate the specific individuals to fill the following key roles on your team:

a. Design Executive

b. Lead Design Professional

c. Project Executive

d. Project Director

e. Project Manager(s)

f. Superintendent (s)

g. Cost Estimator

h. Other (please describe other key team members, if applicable)

B2- Provide for each of the above personnel current resumes listing relevant project experience and percentage of the person’s time to be committed to this project.

B3- Identify the individual who, from project start to finish, will be the leader of your design-professional team and the principal point of contact between your firm and the Owner, and other consultants. Provide detailed information on the qualifications of this individual and the direction, authority, and management tools that will be provided to the individual by the firm. This individual’s competence, his/her leadership, and his/her ability to achieve customer satisfaction will be heavily considered in the selection of a DP firm.

B4- Provide an organizational chart showing detailed lines of responsibility and accountability for your team.

B5- Provide examples of your recent experience with demolition/construction of projects similar to this project, including the following information:

a. Describe the work performed. Include the total quantity of change orders and net total cost increase of change orders to the project. Summarize the actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule. For each project, provide the name of an Owner’s representative (with a current phone number) who is most familiar with your performance on the project.

b. Provide photographs of example projects your firm/team completed in the past five (5) years.

c. Provide a written reference from the Owner (name with current phone number) familiar with your performance on each of the above projects. Provide a Program Manager reference, if applicable. (It is the responsibility of the proposer to verify all contact information provided is accurate)

d. List the individuals who served as the Project Executive/Director, Design Professional, and Project Manager on the projects. Please note whether these individuals are still employed with your firm.

C. Management Plan

C1- Describe your process for efficiently resolving issues and maintaining the project commitments working collaboratively with the GWCC. Provide specific examples demonstrating your ability to solve complex project issues related to design and construction without compromising your team commitments.

C2- Describe your cost management plan for controlling costs on this project within the stated cost limitation during design and construction. Describe your systems and procedures for controlling costs during design and construction.

C3- Describe your change management plan for managing cost and schedule exposures within the stated limitations.

C4- Describe your procurement and workforce plan including details on your plan to assure local contractor opportunity.

C5- Describe your schedule management plan, for this project, during design. Describe systems and procedures your firm uses to manage the project schedule. Describe alternatives that may be explored to shorten the schedule.

C8- Describe your plan for applying any services identified in Section II not specifically requested by GWCC. Explain the relevance of these services to this project and how they benefit the project.

C9- Describe your quality assurance plan for this project. Describe your firm’s approach for validating compliance with the construction documents. Explain your process for ensuring the quality of the construction workmanship.

8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING FEE PROPOSALS (STEP II)

Fee Proposals will be solicited from the finalists invited to interview. Fee proposals shall be submitted at the conclusion of the interview session in a sealed opaque envelope and shall not include any project proposal information. The Fee Proposal Form will be provided with the Notice to Finalists document and shall be submitted by finalists. Detailed itemization of the fee proposal must be attached to the Fee Proposal Form.

9. PRESENTATION / INTERVIEW INFORMATION

Interview Format Firms selected to make presentations shall be notified by the Notice to Finalists letter issued by the Selection Committee Manager. The Notice to Finalists letter shall designate a place and time for the interview session and shall contain relevant information regarding the presentations.

• The interview will last a total of 60 minutes (5 minutes for setup, 30 minutes for the presentation, 20 minutes reserved for questions and answers and the last 5 minutes for knock down). The Selection Committee will consist of representatives of GWCCA and possibly a third-party representative (i.e., another state representative, etc.).

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

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

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

Interview Requirements The intent of the formal interview process is to provide the Selection Committee with in-depth information from the firm in order to make a final selection of the best-suited firm for the contract award. Firms should focus their presentations on: the detailed plan for managing the construction, cost, schedule, and quality on the project and any unique characteristics or services the firm offers;

and the firm’s concepts or plans for the division of the project into separate packages for award. Firms are discouraged from reviewing general company history and past experience previously submitted in Statements of Qualifications and/or Project Proposals unless this information is particularly relevant to the presentation. All key personnel should be present at the interview including, at a minimum, the project superintendent, project manager, and project executive.

10. SUBMITTAL OF PROJECT PROPOSALS AND FEE PROPOSALS (STEP II)

One (1) copy of the complete package should be submitted. Proposals must be sealed in an opaque envelope and reference RFP No. GWCC-0317-DP, the words “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL”, and the firm’s name must be clearly indicated on the outside of all of the envelopes. Proposals must be physically received by the Purchasing Director prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events at the exact address below:

GWCC Administration Attention: Erle Coleman, Purchasing Director

Fee Proposals One original fee proposal must be submitted in a sealed, opaque envelope. Reference to Project No.

GWCC-0317, the words “SEALED FEE PROPOSAL” and the name of submitting firm must be indicated on the outside of the envelope. Fee Proposal must be physically received by the Selection Committee Manager at the conclusion of the interview. (No Fee Proposals will be opened or reviewed before completion of the evaluation of Project Proposals and Interviews by the Selection Committee.)

No Fee Proposals will be accepted after the time set for receipt. Fee Proposals submitted via facsimile or e-mail will be rejected. With the submittal of a Proposal, the Proposer agrees that the proposals shall remain valid for a period of ninety (90) days.

Final Evaluation Upon completion of the evaluation of Project Proposals and Interviews by the Selection Committee, proposers will be ranked in descending order of recommendation. Only the Fee Proposal of the offeror with the highest-scoring Project Proposal and Interview will be opened and reviewed by the Selection Committee. In the event a satisfactory fixed fee cannot be reached with the highest-scoring firm, the Owner will formally terminate the negotiations in writing and open and review only the Fee

Proposal of the second highest-scoring firm, and so on until a mutually agreed upon fixed fee is established. Once the successful DP and the agreed upon fixed fee have been determined, a DP services contract will be awarded by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. The actual Form of Contract will be developed by the Owner. Un-opened Fee Proposals will be returned to respective proposers after a contract has been finalized and fully executed.

11. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Restriction of Communication From the issue date of this RFQ-RFP solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any members of the Selection Committee, the Using Agency, or the Design Professional, except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQ and 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 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 response and to cancel the solicitation in its entirety and possibly re-advertise and issue a revised solicitation for any reason. 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 and in the course of doing so may use ideas expressed in any proposal.

Evaluation of Submittals and Qualifications Evaluation of submittals and firms’ qualifications will be conducted by a committee consisting of various project stakeholders. Based upon the predetermined rating criteria contained in the RFQ, the committee will assign a composite rating to the deliverables of each statement of qualifications and proposal submitted. Proposers understand and accept that by responding to this solicitation they are willingly participating in a process that consists of some degree of subjectivity on the part of selection committee members in determining the firm(s) capable of providing the best overall solution.

Reciprocal Preference Law For the purposes of evaluation only, a proposer that resides in the State of Georgia will be granted the same preference over proposers that reside 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 State to proposers that reside therein. For the purposes of this law, the definition of a resident proposer is one who maintains a place of business with at least one employee inside the State of Georgia. A P.O. Box address will not satisfy this requirement.

Small and Minority Business Enterprise It is the policy of the State of Georgia that small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the State purchasing process. Therefore, the Owner encourages all small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses to compete for contracts to provide goods, services, and construction, and encourages contractors to solicit female-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses 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.

Statement of Agreement With submission of qualifications or a proposal, the Proposer agrees that he/she has carefully examined the Request for Qualifications/Proposal, and the Proposer agrees that it is the Proposer’s responsibility to request clarification on any issue(s) in any section of the RFQ/RFP with which the Proposer disagrees or needs clarified. The Proposer also understands that failure to mention these items in the proposal will be interpreted to mean that the Proposer is in full agreement with the terms, conditions, specifications and requirements therein. With submission of a proposal, the Proposer hereby certifies: (a) that this proposal is genuine and is not made in the interest or on behalf of any undisclosed person, firm, or corporation; (b) that Proposer has not directly or indirectly included or solicited any other Proposer to put in a false or insincere proposal; or (c) that Proposer has not solicited or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a proposal.

Debarred, Suspended or Ineligible Firms Contracts will not be executed and bids or proposals will not be solicited or considered from debarred, suspended or ineligible persons or firms during the period of debarment. The list of debarred, suspended or ineligible firms can be located on the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission’s website at http://www.gsfic.georgia.gov. Once on the website, select the “Doing Business with GSFIC” tab, then select “Procurement Services,” then click on the “Debarred, Suspended or Ineligible Entities” tab for access to the list of those firms currently considered debarred, suspended or ineligible to compete, contract or subcontract for work on projects administered by the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission.

http://www.gsfic.georgia.gov/

Exhibit A

CERTIFICATION FORM

I, __________________________, being duly sworn, state that I am ______________________ (title) of ___________________________________________ (firm) and hereby duly certify that I have read and understand the information presented in the attached proposal and any enclosure and exhibits thereto.

I further certify that to the best of my knowledge the information given in response to the Request for Qualifications is full, complete and truthful.

I further certify that the submitting firm and any principal employee of the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) years, been convicted of any crime of moral turpitude or any felony offense, nor has had their professional license suspended, revoked or been subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

I further certify that the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) years, been suspended or debarred from contracting with any federal, state or local government agency, and further, that the submitting firm is not now under consideration for suspension or debarment from any such agency.

I further certify that the submitting firm has not in the immediately preceding five (5) years been defaulted in any federal, state or local government agency contract and further, that the submitting firm is not now under any notice of intent to default on any such contract.

I acknowledge, agree and authorize, and certify that the proposer acknowledges, agrees and authorizes, that the Authority may, by means that either deems appropriate, determine the accuracy and truth of the information provided by the proposer and that the Authority may contact any individual or entity named in the Statement of Qualifications for the purpose of verifying the information supplied therein.

I acknowledge and agree that all of the information contained in the Statement of Qualifications is submitted for the express purpose of inducing the Authority to award a contract.

I certify we have not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this contract and that we have not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide employee working solely for us, any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or the making of this contract.

I certify that any proposal we submit for this project shall be made without prior…