GWCC Employee Uniform Services RFP.pdf

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY

(GWCCA)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # GWCCA03032025RCB

EMPLOYEE UNIFORM RENTAL AND SERVICES

March 3, 2025

SECTION I

PROCUREMENT OBJECTIVE

1. Summary Statement

Notice is hereby given that the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) (hereafter referred to as “Authority” or “Owner”) is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from experienced companies specializing in providing Employee Uniform Rental and Services for large public facilities as further described herein and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP).

This project includes, but is not limited to, providing comprehensive Employee Uniform Rental and Services for multiple departments of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which includes the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park (COP). The contract, if awarded, will be administrated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Facility Operations Department or other designee, located at 285 International Blvd. N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30313.

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. The Authority retains the right to reject any or all submittals and/or 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 Agreement for the project contemplated by this procurement will be determined by the Authority; subject, in all cases, to strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Georgia

2. Issuing Officer and Authority Contract

This RFP is being issued by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority which is the only office authorized to change, modify, clarify, etc., the provisions of this RFP and to award any contract(s) resulting from the RFP.

The Issuing Officer and sole point of contact for administrative and technical issues regarding this RFP is:

Roni Bell, Issuing Officer

Georgia World Congress Center Authority 285 International Boulevard, NW

Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591 Telephone: (404) 223-4217 E-mail: ronbell@gwcc.com

The Issuing Officer may designate others to act on his/her behalf. The Authority may change the Issuing Officer or the limits of his/her authority at its discretion.

3. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference/Site Visit

The Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference/Site Visit will be held:

Friday, March 7th at 10:00 a.m.

Georgia World Congress Center Sales and Events Services Conference Boardroom, Admin. Office Tower- Building B 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard Atlanta, GA. 30313

Late arrivals shall be subject to dismissal, all vendors are cautioned to arrive on time. Attendance at the Pre-Proposal Conference/Site Visit is mandatory from start to finish for submitted proposals to be considered. A maximum of two mailto:ronbell@gwcc.com

(2) representatives from each firm may attend. Directions to the facilities are available at www.gwcca.org. For information regarding this conference contact the Issuing Officer 404-223-4217.

The purpose of this conference will be to clarify the contents of this Request for Proposal in order to help ensure a thorough understanding of the Authority’s requirements. Any questions as to the requirements of this Request for Proposal, or any apparent omission or discrepancy should be presented to the Authority’s representatives at this conference. This conference also provides a forum by which interested parties will have equal access to relevant RFP information prior to the final proposal submission.

4. Schedule of RFP Events

The following Schedule of Events represents the Authority’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are Eastern Standard Time. The Authority reserves the right to adjust the schedule as deemed necessary. If a component of this schedule, such as the close date, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted as appropriate.

5. Obtaining Proposal Documents

The complete RFP package Documents, scope of work, proposal form and associated Addendum (if issued) will be PUBLICLY POSTED on the GEORGIA PROCUREMENT REGISTRY at the following web address (and may be directly downloaded using Acrobat 7.0):

https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

6. Proposal Submission and Deadline

Proposals are to be addressed and delivered, on or before the submission deadline, as follows:

One (1) Original copy (clearly marked) and four (4) complete hardcopies, One (1) USB containing a complete copy of solicitation response to:

Georgia World Congress Center Authority Purchasing Department 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30313 Attn: Roni Bell, Issuing Officer Event Name/Number:

All copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a sealed, opaque envelope or box, words “SEALED PROPOSAL”, RFP GWCCA03032025RCB clearly indicated, along with Proposer’s name and address, on the outside of all the sealed envelope(s) and/or box(es). No telephone, email, or facsimile proposals will be considered.

Event Date Time

a. Authority issues RFP 3/3/2025

b. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference/Site Visit Georgia World Congress Center/COP 3/7/2025 10:00AM

c. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification 3/11/2025 2:00PM

d. Answers to questions posted 3/12/2025

e. Deadline for submission of Proposals 3/18/2025 10:00AM https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

Sealed proposals sent by courier, mail, etc., should be addressed to the Issuing Officer and should be received no later than the proposal deadline (March 18, 2025, by 10:00 AM).

Proposers are solely responsible for ensuring delivery of proposals to, and in the hands of, the Issuing Officer by the date and time indicated. The mere fact that the proposal was dispatched or mailed may not be considered. Any proposal received after the date and time specified or improperly marked, prepared, or submitted may not be eligible for consideration and may be returned unopened. Proposals will not be publicly opened.

7. Duration of Offer

Once submitted, a proposal becomes the property of the Authority and constitutes an offer by the Proposer that may not be revoked or withdrawn after the time set for deadline for receipt of proposals and shall remain open for acceptance for a period of One Hundred and Twenty (120) days following such time, and thereafter only in writing.

8. Restriction of Communication

From the issue date of this RFP until a successful Proposer is selected and the selection is announced, Proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any Authority staff except through the Issuing Officer named herein, or during the Proposer's conference (if applicable), or as provided by existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Authority shall reserve the right to reject the proposal of the offending Proposer. No individual, other than the Issuing Officer is authorized to amend any part of this RFP in any respect, by an oral statement, or to make any representation of interpretation in conflict with provision of this RFP prior to the proposal submission date.

END OF SECTION

SECTION II

BACKGROUND and INTENT

General Information

1. Organizational Context

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) campus, which includes Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta, is the largest combined convention, sports, and entertainment campus in North America. Since 2014, GWCCA has managed and operated the Savannah Convention Center (SCC) – marking the industry’s first-ever private-to-public facility management agreement. These facilities exist for the primary benefit of promoting and facilitating events and activities that generate economic benefits to the citizens of the state of Georgia as well as enhance the quality of life for every Georgian.

Georgia World Congress Center Georgia World Congress Center is the largest LEED Gold certified convention center in the world and continues to be one of the nation’s premier destinations for conventions, trade shows, film production, and much more. GWCC encompasses

3.9 million square feet and is among the largest convention centers in the nation in terms of exhibit space. GWCC features 13 exhibit halls offering 1.5 million square feet of prime exhibit space in addition to 98 meeting rooms, 3 auditoriums, 2 grand ballrooms, and various outdoors spaces and plazas. Georgia International Plaza includes a parking deck and pedestrian plaza on Andrew Young International Boulevard adjacent to Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Centennial Olympic Park Commemorating the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park (COP) is a 22-acre urban oasis in the center of Atlanta’s dynamic downtown entertainment district and is operated by Georgia World Congress Center Authority.

COP’s great lawn provides natural seating for 20,000 and new features make it the ideal location for a variety of events.

Centennial Olympic Park is located adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium/The Home Depot Backyard The 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) is home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United and annually hosts the AFLAC Kickoff Game, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, SEC Football Championship Game along with other special events and concerts that provide fans with an unparalleled experience while contributing to the economic growth and success of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. Sitting in the former footprint of the Georgia Dome, The Home Depot Backyard functions as a fan experience zone and parking lot during events at MBS, and as greenspace open to the public on non-event days.

Savannah Convention Center In 2014, the Georgia International Maritime and Trade Center Authority (now Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority) approved the selection of GWCCA to manage and operate the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center

– today known as Savannah Convention Center (SCC) – marking the industry’s first-ever private-to-public facility management agreement. The 330,000-square-foot SCC currently features 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 367-seat auditorium, 50,000 square feet of prime meeting space consisting of 13 meeting rooms, a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, and four executive board rooms. In fiscal year 2020, the Georgia General Assembly approved $70M in bonds for an expansion project that will double the exhibit hall space as well as offer a 40,000 square-foot ballroom, 15 new meetings rooms, and a 900-space parking deck. The SCC expansion project broke ground in March 2021.

Signia by Hilton Atlanta Owned by GWCCA and managed by Hilton Management Services, Signia by Hilton Atlanta is the city’s largest downtown ground-up hotel development project in 40 years. The 453-foot-high, 976-room hotel overlooks Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is connected to Georgia World Congress Center’s Building C. Signia by Hilton Atlanta offers more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia, an outdoor event deck and lawn, and three boardrooms. The hotel also features eight signature food and beverage experiences, including three restaurants and three bars, as well as world-class amenities, including a spa, beauty bar and fitness center with yoga stations, Peloton bikes and more.

The Authority enjoys a strong service reputation based upon our ability to provide a superior facility and related services.

The following Request for Proposals will be used to select an organization to partner with the Authority to deliver a service to our customers in a manner that complements our ongoing operations and commitment to excellence and sustainability.

2. Intent

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority will consider proposals from qualified and experienced firms ordinarily engaged in the business of providing employee uniform and rental services, as described herein and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP).

The Authority intends to make a single award to the highest scored proposer (s) meeting all requirements herein, but reserves the right to make a split award if deemed in the best interest of the State.

3. Term

Initial term of the agreement shall be for approximately three (3) years.

Renewal Option: After the initial term, the Owner reserves the right to extend the term for two (2) consecutive one-year periods at its sole discretion.

The selected Proposer will be required to execute a contract consistent with the terms and conditions of this RFP and the Authority’s attached Pro Forma Agreement.

Extension: In the event that this contract shall terminate or be likely to terminate prior to the making of an award for a new contract for this commodity, the Authority may, with the written consent of the Vendor extend this Contract for such period as may be necessary to afford the Authority continuous service as provided by this Contract.

SECTION III

SCOPE OF WORK

I. PURPOSE

The intention of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is to engage one firm on a long-term basis, for the provision of employee uniforms and full systematic service and uninterrupted weekly delivery of uniforms for approximately 100+ employees. The uniform program is an extremely important part of the operation of the facilities, with respect to staff appearance, employee satisfaction, customer perception, and overall facility image. Performance in the efficient and timely supply and delivery of quality serviced uniforms is of paramount importance.

Proposals are being requested for services as described and specified within this document. Any omissions from these specifications and supplemental specifications of any details or descriptions concerning any point, product, or service shall be regarded as meaning that only the best commercial practices are to prevail, and only services of the highest standards are required. Interpretations of these specifications shall be made upon the basis of the preceding statement during award consideration.

The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supplies and accessibility to perform a comprehensive Employee Uniform Rental and Service Program that covers approximately 100 + full time and part time employees, as described below:

II. GENERAL SCOPE / SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall perform professional services, including, but not limited to:

The following specifications are established for proposal and proposal evaluation purposes. It is the intention of the Owner to receive proposals from, and make award to, firm(s) that provide information on uniform items that meet or exceed the level of quality and aesthetic appeal indicated in the specifications herein. Proposals will be considered that reflect uniform specifications that may conflict with these, provided there is some quality or factor that the Owner feels justifiable to the best interest of the Owner. Brand-specific characteristics or model numbers listed herein, if any, are indicated solely for the purpose of establishing the desired level of quality, and are not intended to exclude any firm from participation.

A. Facility Operations Department Uniforms:

a. The Contractor shall provide options for the following uniform pieces for part-time/temporary personnel that includes pickup and delivery of items on a weekly basis and laundry services for all items. Price to include replacement of pieces due to wear/tear over period of contract. The proposal should include cost for lost/unreturned items.

i. Quick-dry fabric short sleeve polo shirt with collar with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Provide various color options with opportunity for the Owner to select multiple colors. Short sleeve polo shirt to be utilized for rental program approximately April – September.

ii. Quick-dry fabric long sleeve polo shirt with collar with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Provide various color options with opportunity for the Owner to select multiple colors. Long sleeve polo shirt to be utilized for rental program approximately October – March.

iii. The contractor shall include in the pricing the following quantity of shirts for part-time/temporary personnel on a weekly basis. Owner has the right to update this quantity and size specifications during the contract period.

1. Short sleeve polo shirt:

a. Small: 10

b. Medium: 80

c. Large: 150

d. X-Large: 150

e. XX-Large: 150

f. XXX-Large: 50

2. Long sleeve polo shirt:

a. Small: 10

b. Medium: 80

c. Large: 150

d. X-Large: 150

e. XX-Large: 150

f. XXX-Large: 50

b. The Contractor shall provide rental options for medium weight jackets that includes full-length zipper with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Jackets will be returned to Contractor at conclusion of the winter season or end of employment of individual jacket issued to. The Contractor shall supply jackets ordered for within a 14-day period from the date order placed. Price to include replacement of pieces due to wear/tear over period of contract. The proposal should include cost for lost/unreturned items.

c. The Contractor shall provide rental options for heavy weight jackets and/or coverall that includes full-length zipper with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Jackets will be returned to Contractor at conclusion of the winter season or end of employment of individual jacket issued to. The Contractor shall supply jackets ordered for within a 14-day period from the date order placed. Price to include replacement of pieces due to wear/tear over period of contract. The proposal should include cost for lost/unreturned items.

d. The Contractor shall provide options for purchasing the following uniform pieces for full-time personnel (these items will not be returned for laundry service or at any future time). The pricing provided for the purchase of uniform pieces to be valid for the duration of the contract period and is applicable to uniforms for newly hired full-time Facility Operations employees. The Contractor shall supply garments ordered for purchase within a 14-day period from the date order placed.

i. Quick-dry fabric short sleeve polo shirt with collar with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Provide various color options with opportunity for the Owner to select multiple colors. Short sleeve polo shirt to be utilized for rental program approximately April – September.

ii. Quick-dry fabric long sleeve polo shirt with collar with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Provide various color options with opportunity for the Owner to select multiple colors. Long sleeve polo shirt to be utilized for rental program approximately October – March.

iii. Medium weight jacket with pockets and full-length zipper with an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed). Owner will request Jacket for part-time rental program to be utilized seasonally from approximately October – March.

B. Facility Management Department Uniforms:

a. SHIRTS (Interior and Exterior) Unisex Polo Style Shirt. Solid color polo style shirt. Snag-proof, Moisture Wicking, U/V Protection, Industrial/Home Lander, Hemmed button and sleeves. Blue (not of Navy color) Solid Color. Size ranges: S- 5XLT (includes tall sizes)

b. PANTS, Men’s Utility Cargo Style. Utility Cargo Style Pants featuring a heavy-duty brass zipper and melamine button closure, an interlined waistband, two quarter top front pockets, and two set in back pockets with a button through closure at left. Interlined waistband, top-stitched belt-loops at top and bottom. Heavy duty brass ratcheting zipper with button closures. Pocket bags are stitched, turned and re-stitched. Inside fly bartack, double needle seat seam. Quarter top front pockets with bartacks at openings, rear darts above rear pockets. “Set in hip” rear pockets, left pocket has button closure.

Black Solid color. Fabric: 65/35 polyester/cotton, 8 ¼ oz. twill. Size ranges: Waist 28”-40” -(1” increments), 42”-60”-(2” increments). Maximum Inseam 35”

c. PANTS, Women's Cargo Style Pant. Cargo Style Pants featuring a heavy-duty brass zipper and melamine button closure, an interlined waistband, two quarter top front pockets, and two set in back pockets with a button through closure at left. Interlined waistband, topstitched belt-loops at top and bottom. Heavy-duty brass ratcheting zipper with button closures.

Pocket bags are stitched, turned and re-stitched. Inside fly bartack, double needle seat seam. Quarter top front pockets with bartacks at openings, rear darts above rear pockets. “Set in hip” rear pockets, left pocket has button closure. Black Solid Color. Fabric: 65/35 polyester/cotton, 8-¼ oz. twill. Size ranges: Waist 26”-40”-(1” increments), 42”-60”-(2” increments).

Maximum Inseam 35”

d. JACKETS, Unisex. Sports jacket featuring ribbed-knit collar, cuffs and waist, angled side pockets. Heavier insulated convertible lining desired. Brass zipper front closure, tricep pencil stall, set-in sleeves. Navy or Black Solid Color. Fabric:

65/35 polyester/cotton twill, cuffs and collar 100 % polyester. Size Ranges: Chest from 36-38 to 60-62. Sleeve from RG (32-33) to LN (34-35)

e. SHORTS, Men’s (Exterior Team). Utility cargo shorts; two front pockets and two back pockets; cargo pocket has snap closure, a heavy-duty brass zipper, and an interlined waistband. Interlined waistband, topstitched belt-loops at top and bottom. Heavy-duty brass ratcheting zipper with button closures. Pocket bags are stitched, turned and re-stitched. Inside fly bartack, double needle seat seam. Black Solid color. Fabric: 65/35 polyester/cotton, 8-¼ oz. twill. Size: Men’s 28-54

f. SHORTS, Women’s (Exterior Team). Utility cargo shorts; two front pockets and one back pocket; cargo pocket has snap closure, a heavy-duty brass zipper, and an interlined waistband. Interlined waistband, topstitched belt-loops at top and bottom. Heavy-duty brass ratcheting zipper with button closures. Pocket bags are stitched, turned and re-stitched. Inside fly bartack, double needle seat seam. Black Solid Color. Size: Ladies’ 00-32

g. Uniforms for Painters. PANTS, Men’s (Painters).

*Purchased Items- to be serviced only by Contractor.

III. BASIC UNIFORM AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

I. GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER UNIFORMS

Certain full-time employees of the GWCC “operating” departments are uniformed. It is envisioned that the following guidelines will characterize the successful uniform program.

· The shirts and jackets shall display an accurate, full-color, embroidered logo, (monogrammed) Logo should be on the left side.

· Full time employees shall be issued a quantity of 11 pants, 11 shirts, and 1 jacket.

· Some of the Engineering full-time employees are issued insulated and/or twill coveralls.

· The successful firm shall provide a uniform locker for each full-time uniformed employee, which will be stored in departmental areas, and adequate numbers of “pick-up” or dirty laundry lockers in designated departmental areas for storage of items in need of service.

· The successful firm shall pick up and deliver items on a weekly basis, with a minimum of lead-time for the issuance of new uniforms ordered (within a two-week period from time of order) or proper service of items turned in (routinely within one week). Lockers will be serviced by the successful contractor on a weekly basis.

· The successful firm will work with designated departmental representatives to quickly resolve problems and discrepancies. A delivery manifest will be provided weekly to the departmental representative.

· The successful firm will invoice departments separately and accurately on a weekly basis, with a detailed itemization on all orders, services, and deliveries.

2. OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

For the purposes of administering this Agreement, the Owner will appoint representatives from the applicable departments of the GWCC, who will be the Contractor’s primary contacts for the Owner, and who shall be responsible for: (a) reviewing and recommending payment of invoices, (b) approval of work changes, and (c) coordination of support service for activities within the facilities. Based on performance, the Owner agrees to pay Contractor the verified weekly invoiced sums within agreed-to payment terms.

2.1. A minimum of Five (5) consecutive years’ experience in employee uniform rentals and service programs is required.

The proposer shall include with the RFP, a letter certifying compliance with this experience requirement. Proposer shall also include evidence of recent (within previous five years) employee uniform programs contracts comparable in both size and scope to that described in this RFP.

3. INSURANCE:

3.1. The successful vendor is required to submit to the Owner a Certificate of Insurance stating the vendor is insured in accordance with specified limits. A certificate is required prior to issuance of award. See Exhibit Hazards & Insurance. The contractor shall check with the Owner's designated Contract Administrator upon arrival for problems noted by him or her.

The contractor shall address reported problems areas and make entries in the Owner's log about service performed during each visit. The contractor shall leave a worksheet documenting work performed with the Contract Administrator upon completion of the visit.

4. CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS:

4.1. Successful respondents will be required to enter into a contract with the Authority based on the attached sample agreement.

5. COMMITMENT:

5.1. Proposer understands and agrees that this RFP is issued predicated on anticipated requirements for specified services, to include all expertise, supplies, labor, and necessary equipment to provide employee assistance program services to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park. While this option is under serious consideration by the Authority, there is no guarantee that the Authority will award a Contract based on this RFP.

SECTION IV

PROPOSAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Proposers are cautioned to read the information contained in this RFP carefully and to submit a complete response to all requirements and questions. All descriptions and prices shall be furnished in a legible manner so there is no uncertainty as to the intent or scope of your proposal.

Where forms are provided, all spaces and the requested information are to be fully completed. All prices must be clearly set forth. In case of a conflict regarding unit price, the word amount shall prevail over figures contained in the proposal. Erasures or other changes in the proposal shall bear the signature or initials of the authorized signature for the proposer.

1. Special Terms and Conditions of Request for Proposal

This request is not an offer to contract or 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 Authority and does not obligate the Authority to procure any goods or services. For the purposes of this Request for Proposal, any reference herein to “bid”, “bids”, “bidder”, “bidders”, shall mean, respectively, “proposal”, “proposals”, “proposer”, and “proposers”. Neither the Authority nor any party submitting a response shall 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 Authority and a party containing such terms and conditions as are negotiated between those parties.

All expenses for preparing and submitting a proposal are the sole cost of the party submitting the proposal. The Authority is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses. All proposals upon receipt become the property of the Authority. Labeling information provided in proposals “proprietary” or “confidential”, or any other designation of restricted use will not protect the information from public view. The Authority 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 Authority shall determine the party(s) and proposal that in the sole judgment of the Authority is in the best interest of the Authority (if any is so determined), with respect to the evaluation criteria stated herein. The Authority 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. If those negotiations, in the judgment of the Authority, are not successful, the Authority may, but is not required to, enter into negotiations with any other party that has submitted a proposal. The Authority reserves the right to negotiate and/or contract with more than one firm for specific portions of the scope described herein.

Proposals shall be in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this Request for proposal (RFP).

This RFP provides sufficient information for interested parties to prepare and submit proposals for consideration by the Authority. The Proposer chosen will be determined based upon the Authority’s evaluation of qualified submitted proposals.

The Owner is not required to, and does not intend to, prepare a written evaluation of each proposal and is not required to, and does not intend to, disclose to any party submitting a response, the basis on which any party’s proposal was accepted, rejected, or ranked.

2. Proposer Questions: Requests for Information, Extensions of Deadlines, or Addenda

Proposers are expected to exercise their best professional independent judgment in analyzing the requirements of this RFP to ascertain whether additional clarification is necessary or desirable before responding.

Proposer questions, interpretations of this document, requests for information, requests for extensions of proposal deadlines, or requests for clarification of the scope of services/work shall be submitted in writing to the Issuing Officer ONLY at the e-mail address provided. Questions and requests submitted shall be numbered and separated from each other by at least two line spaces. The e-mail message title shall reference the RFP title and number. To be given consideration these questions shall be submitted to the Authority by no later than 2:00 p.m. March 11, 2025. The Authority may, but is not required to, answer questions submitted. If, upon review of such questions/requests, the

Authority deems that a change in any part of the proposal documents is in order, an addendum addressing that change may be issued to all interested parties via the Georgia Procurement Registry. All interested parties are responsible for monitoring the site for the latest information regarding the proposed project. Failure of any Proposer to receive any such addenda or interpretation shall not relieve the Proposer from any obligation that shall apply to their proposal as submitted.

All addenda so issued shall become part of this RFP. Requests for extensions of proposal deadline(s) will be reviewed by the Authority, and may be approved or denied at the sole discretion of the Authority.

Corrections, changes or clarifications, if required, will be made in written addenda. The Authority will not be responsible for any other instructions, interpretations, or explanations. Any written addenda to the proposal documents issued by the Authority prior to the proposal acceptance deadline will be considered a part of these documents. No response other than written will be binding upon the Authority. (See also “Restrictions of Communications”)

3. Proposal Opening

Proposals will not be opened publicly. After the contract is awarded and finalized, those portions of proposals available under Georgia Laws regarding access to public information will be made available by the Issuing Officer.

4. Specifications

Proposers are expected to meet or exceed the specifications in their entirety. Each proposal shall be in accordance with this specification. If products and/or services as bid do not comply with specifications as written, Proposer shall attach to proposal a complete detailed itemization and explanation for each and every deviation or variation from these specifications. Absence of any such itemization and explanation shall be understood to mean that Proposer proposed to meet all details of these specifications. Successful Proposer (contractor) delivering products and/or services pursuant to these specifications shall guarantee that they meet specifications as set forth herein. If it is found that materials/equipment and/or services delivered do not meet requirements of this specification, the successful Proposer shall be required to correct it at Proposer’s own expense.

5. Ownership:

Ownership of all data, materials and documentation originated and prepared and submitted in response to this RFP shall belong exclusively to the Authority. Proposals shall be open for public inspection after contract award. Information submitted in response to this RFP may be disclosed pursuant to applicable Georgia public records laws.

6. Alternates

The Authority will consider alternates that meet or exceed the quality of goods or services specified in this document.

Although the Authority will consider all alternates, it is not bound to accept any, which, in its opinion, is not in the best interest of the Authority.

7. Reciprocal Preference Law

For the purposes of evaluation only, Proposer’s resident in the State of Georgia will be granted the same preference over Proposer’s 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 State to Proposer’s resident therein Proposer’s resident in the State of Georgia. NOTE: 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 post office box address will not satisfy this requirement.

8. 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 Georgia World Congress Center Authority encourages all small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses to compete for, win, and receive contracts for goods, services, and construction. This desire on the part of the Authority is not intended to restrict or limit competitive bidding or to increase the cost of the work. The Authority supports a healthy free market system that seeks to include responsible businesses and provides ample opportunity for business growth and development. The Georgia Department of Administrative Services maintains an office to assist small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses in understanding the State procurement process. In addition to contacting the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Purchasing Office, all businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses can also contact the Governor’s Small Business Center at the following address for assistance:

The Governor's Small Business Center

75 5th Street, N.W., Suite 825 Atlanta, GA 30308

Telephone: 404.962.4824

The Minority Business Coordinator of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is Erle Coleman, 404-223-4244, e-mail: ecoleman@gwcc.com All Proposers should be aware that 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.

9. EEO - Certification

Proposer, for itself, its personal representatives, successors in interest, and assigns, as a material part of the consideration for the award of a contract, covenants and agrees:

that no person on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, age, or national origin or handicap shall be excluded from participation, denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the use of its facilities;

that, in the construction of any improvements on behalf of Proposer and the furnishing of services, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap;

that Proposer shall use the Authority’s facilities in compliance with all other requirements imposed by or pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Nondiscrimination-Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; and that in the event of breach of any of these nondiscrimination covenants, the Authority shall have the right to terminate the Agreement.

10. Drug Free Workplace

The Authority, as policy, operates all facilities as a drug-free workplace, and requires that the labor force of any proposer be drug-free. With submission of a proposal, the proposer hereby acknowledges this requirement, and asserts that the organization of the proposer adheres to such policy and practice. The proposer acknowledges that it may be required to produce certificates affirming its compliance of these requirements of drug-free workplace for duration of agreement term, at execution, or at any time during the term of the agreement. The successful contractor shall secure from any subcontractor hired to work in a drug-free workplace the following written certification: "As a part of the subcontracting agreement with (contractor's name, subcontractor's name) certifies to the proposer that a drug-free workplace will be provided for the subcontractor's employees during the performance of this contract pursuant to paragraph 7 of subsection B of Code Section 50-24-3." The proposer may be suspended, terminated, or debarred if it is determined that: 1. The proposer has made false certification herein above; or 2. The contractor has violated such certification by failure to carry out the requirements of Official Code of Georgia Section 50-24-3.

11. Compliance

By submitting an offer in response to this RFP, the Proposer, if selected for award, agrees that it shall maintain compliance with all Federal, State, and local codes, laws, regulations, standards, ordinances, including applicable to its activities and obligations under the Contract. This includes but not limited to Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and all GWCCA rules, regulations, and orders governing the performance of work.

12. Warranty

Proposer warrants that its equipment service to be provided under this RFP and subsequent agreement shall conform to its proposal's description and any applicable specifications shall be of good quality and for the known purpose for which it is intended. This warranty is in addition to any standard warranty or service guarantee given by the Proposer.

13. Interest of the Authority

GWCCA is soliciting competitive proposals pursuant to a determination that such a process best serves the interests of the Authority. The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals; to waive any formality of the proposal form; to modify or amend, with the consent of Proposer, any proposal prior to acceptance; to negotiate with the selected Proposer; to waive irregularities and nonconformities, and; to make an award not based solely on the highest proposal, all as GWCCA in its sole judgment may deem to be in the Authority’s best interest.

If successful, Proposer refuses to enter into the Agreement, the right is reserved to accept the proposal of any other qualified Proposer without re-advertising.

14. Evidence of Submission

The submission of a proposal shall be considered evidence that Proposer has: (1) investigated all conditions related to the requested service herein described; (2) ascertained that all areas/conditions are as specified; and (3) has reviewed all RFP documents. No claim for adjustment of the provisions of the RFP or any subsequent Agreement to be awarded shall be honored on the grounds that Proposers were not fully informed of existing conditions.

15. Statements of Agreement (General Information)

Having carefully examined the Request for Proposal, and with submission of a proposal, the Proposer agrees that the Proposer understands any issues in any section of the Request for Proposal with which the Proposer disagrees or needs to clarify its positions on, and also understands that failure to list these items in its 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; (c) that Proposer has not solicited or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a proposal.

16. Vendor Protests

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority has established policy and procedures for processing protests from vendors, bidders or Proposers regarding the solicitation process and/or award of contracts related to any organizational entity of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.

Bidders/Proposers are hereby cautioned that the policy dictates the following requirements of the Bidder/Proposer:

a. Any protest regarding this solicitation must be filed in writing with the Issuing Officer only. The term "filed" means receipt by the Officer who has issued this solicitation.

b. If the reason for the protest is apparent before the proposal opening, the vendor who is aggrieved regarding an Invitation to Bid (ITB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) must file the protest in accordance with policy before the proposal opening. The protest must be filed within 7 calendar days after the reason for the protest is known or should have been know, but no later than two (2) business days prior to bid opening or proposal due date.

c. An actual Proposer/Bidder who is aggrieved after the award of a contract must file the protest in accordance with this policy no later than seven (7) calendar days following the award.

d. The protest must contain (1) the name and address of the protester; (2) the appropriate identification of the solicitation and, if a contract has been awarded, the contract number if it is known; (3) a statement of the reasons for the protest; and (4) any supporting exhibits, evidence, or documents to substantiate any claims unless the documents are not available within the filing time, in which case the date by which the supporting documents are expected to be available is to be noted.

The Issuing Officer will respond to the protest in writing as expeditiously as possible. The decision of The Issuing Office shall be final.

17. Restriction of Communication

From the issue date of this RFP until a successful Proposer is selected and the selection is announced, Proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any Authority staff except through the Issuing Officer named herein, or during the Proposer's conference (if applicable), or as provided by existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Authority shall reserve the right to reject the proposal of the offending Proposer. No individual, other then the Issuing Officer is authorized to amend any part of this RFP in any respect, by an oral statement, or to make any representation of interpretation in conflict with provision of this RFP prior to the proposal submission date.

All interested firms are cautioned to completely familiarize themselves with all conditions as stated in the entire Request for Proposal. Nothing indicated verbally by the Authority will contradict or override anything in this document. If a Proposer feels they have been told anything that is inconsistent with the information contained in this document, it will not be considered valid unless and until confirmation is received in writing from the Authority. Should there be any doubt as to the meaning or content of these proposal documents, Proposer shall at once, notify the Authority in writing.

18. Mandatory Contractual Terms

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, the proposer, if selected for award, shall be deemed to have agreed to and accepted all Contract terms and conditions set forth in the standard contract form included in the appendices to this

RFP.

19. Order of precedence

In submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, Proposer acknowledges that this RFP, including all appendices and attachments, and including service, financial and program specifications and terms and conditions will be incorporated in its entirety in any award issued in response to this RFP. Other documents to be incorporated in the Agreement shall include the Proposer's entire proposal, including all brochures, attachments and supplementary information. However, in the event of any conflict between the RFP and the bid, the terms of this RFP shall control, and govern any matter set forth therein that is not explicitly modified, added or deleted by the provisions of the subsequent Agreement.

SECTION V

BASIS FOR AWARD

1. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Following receipt by the Authority, a thorough review of all proposals will be made by an internal committee to determine if the required minimum information is included, and to completely evaluate the information submitted. Generally, the proposals from firms that are judged by the Authority’s review committee to have substantially excelled with regard to the stated evaluation criteria, or have offered services or qualifications especially attractive for the purposes of the project, will be eligible for award consideration.

Proposals will be evaluated based upon criteria formulated around the most important features of the service, of which quality; capabilities, service offerings, customer experience and references may be overriding factors in the issuance of a contract or award. The proposal evaluation criteria, included but not limited to those identified in this document, should be viewed as standards, which measure how well a Proposer’s approach meets the desired requirements and needs of the users.

Evaluation criteria include:

TECHNICAL MERIT (60% Weight Factor):

• Demonstrated experience of the firm in providing similar services, including experience and qualifications of key personnel, and relevance of that experience to the needs of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Ability to effectively provide local management to oversee operation of the concession on a day-to-day basis and type, quantity, and quality of services provided.

• Stability and responsibility of the firm.

• Qualifications, education, and experience of the team members proposed to perform services. Demonstrated competence and experience with Employee Uniform Rental and Services. Knowledge of current industry products & standards.

• Financial Qualifications: The financial strength and creditworthiness of the proposer will be evaluated to assure the GWCCA that the proposer can perform its obligations including: i) maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted operation.

• References about the firm, and/or its previous services or accounts. This includes, but is not limited to, the references about the firm’s ability to satisfy the needs of similar facilities with proposed system or services and the levels of that satisfaction as verified by direct Authority communication with listed contacts. The Authority reserves the right to utilize any relevant reference information received from sources other than those listed by proposer in this evaluation if the Authority deems such sources reputable.

• Suitability of proposed goods and services to the objectives of the Authority. This includes, but is not limited to, the firm’s apparent fit to the overall goals of the Authority with regard to this service, and how well the firm’s proposed goods and services fit with Authority employees, clientele and/or guests.

• Acceptance of GWCCA's Contract document

• Completeness of response to the Request for Proposals.

COST (40% Weight Factor):

• Overall anticipated proposed cost, as well as any other (if applicable), proposed prices or rates, anticipated cost savings, stated payment terms, discounts, and additional charges. Any items proposed that might result in an impact to operation costs of the authority are subject to this evaluation.

In the process of evaluation, GWCCA may acquire and utilize, to the extent deemed necessary, information obtained from the following sources:

1. Proposer, including representations and other data contained in the proposal, or other written statements of commitments, such as financial assistance, subcontracting, and references.

2. Other existing information available to the Authority, including financial data and records concerning Proposer’s performance.

3. Publications, including credit ratings, trade and financial journals or reports.

4. Other sources, including banks, other financial companies, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies and other public entities.

5. Background investigations of Proposers submitting proposals may be made to verify information furnished or to secure additional information the Authority may deem necessary or desirable.

2. Oral…