RFP 26_0077_2.pdf

Chatham County Purchasing &

Contracting Department 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite C, Savannah, Georgia 31406

(912) 790-1618

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP NO. 26-0077-2

ANNUAL CONTRACT TO PROVIDE TOWER

INSPECTIONS, ASSESSMENTS, MAINTENANCE, &

EMERGENCY SERVICES

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: N/A

PROPOSALS RECEIVED BY: 5:00 P.M., AUGUST 11, 2026

CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR

1117 EISENHOWER DRIVE, SUITE C

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31406

(912) 790-1618

DATE: July 7, 2026 RFP NO.: 26-0077-2

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

This is an invitation to submit a proposal to supply Chatham County with services as indicated herein. Proposals shall be submitted online on the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal up to 5:00 P.M., August 11, 2026. The

Purchasing Director reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive formalities.

Instructions for preparation and submission of a qualification proposal are contained in the Request for Proposal package. Please note that specific forms for submission of a proposal are required.

Any changes to the conditions and specifications must be in the form of a written addendum to be valid; therefore, the Purchasing Director will issue a written addendum to document approved changes. For good and sufficient reason, up to 24 hours before the advertised deadline, the County may extend the response schedule. An addendum will be issued setting forth the new date and time.

Chatham County has an equal opportunity procurement policy. Chatham County seeks to ensure that all segments of the business community have access to providing services needed by County programs. The County affirmatively works to encourage utilization of disadvantaged and minority business enterprises in our procurement activities. The County provides equal opportunity for all businesses and does not discriminate against any persons or businesses regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or handicap. The County expects its contractors to make maximum feasible use of minority businesses and qualified minority employees. The terms

"disadvantaged business", "minority business enterprise", and "minority person" are more specifically defined and explained in the Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance.

SECTION I

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1.1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use in submitting a qualification proposal to supply Chatham County with services as https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal described herein. All proposals are governed by the Code of Chatham County, Chapter 4, Article IV, and the laws of the State of Georgia.

1.2 HOW TO PREPARE PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Proposers are encouraged to review carefully all provisions and attachments of this document prior to submission. Each proposal constitutes an offer and may not be withdrawn except as provided herein.

1.3 HOW TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS: All proposals shall be:

A. Submitted online on the County’s procurement portal at:

** In submitting their proposal, the proposer certifies that he/she has carefully read all related Request for

Proposal documents and agrees to comply with all provisions.

B. If a proposer is unable to submit their proposal online, they should notify the procurement contact for the solicitation at least one week prior to proposals being due to receive instructions. The County is seeking to conduct all solicitations on-line. The phone number for Purchasing and Contracting is 912-790-1618.

1.4 HOW TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION: Objections from Offerors to this Request for

Proposals and/or these specifications should be brought to the attention of the County

Purchasing Director in the following manner:

A. When a pre-proposal conference is scheduled, the Proposer may object in writing any time prior to or at the pre-proposal conference.

B. When a pre-proposal conference is not scheduled, the Proposer shall object in writing not less than five (5) days prior to the date for submission.

C. The objections contemplated must pertain to both form and substance of the

Request for Proposal documents. Failure to object in accordance with the above procedure will constitute a waiver on the part of the business to protest this Request for Proposal.

1.5 ERRORS IN PROPOSALS: Proposers or their authorized representatives are expected to fully inform themselves as to the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting proposals. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer's own risk.

1.6 STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSERS FOR CONTRACT AWARD:

The County reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any irregularities or technicalities in Proposals received whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to reject the Offer of a Proposer who has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature, whom investigation shows is not in a position to perform the contract.

1.7 PROPOSER: Whenever the term "Proposer" is used, it shall encompass the "person", "business", "firm", or other party submitting a proposal to Chatham County in such capacity before a contract has been entered into between such party and the County.

1.8 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: The Proposer shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman's compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by Federal, State or County statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proposer and the County.

Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proposer and the County shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.9 CONTRACTOR: Contractor or subcontractor means any person, firm, or business having a contract with Chatham County. The Contractor of goods, material, equipment or services certifies that the firm will follow equal employment opportunity practices in connection with the awarded contract as more fully specified in the contract documents.

1.10 LOCAL PREFERENCE: The Contractor agrees to follow the local preference guidelines as specified in the contract documents, which state “The CONTRACTOR hereby agrees, as part of the consideration to Chatham County for making this Contract, that the CONTRACTOR in the carrying out of this contract will give the citizens of

Chatham County preference for employment to perform all labor required by this contract.

that the rate of wages to be paid shall not be less than legally required; and that in the purchase of materials to be used in the Work of the Project, preference shall be given to sources from within Chatham County to the maximum extent possible. The

CONTRACTOR will cause the forgoing provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts so that provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor.”

1.11 DEBARRED FIRMS AND PENDING LITIGATION: Any potential proposer/firm listed on the Federal or State of Georgia Excluded Parties Listing (Barred from doing business) will not be considered for contract award. It is the proposer’s responsibility to inform the County should the proposer/firm be placed on the Federal or State of Georgia

Excluded Parties Listing during the proposal process. Proposers shall disclose any record of pending criminal violations (Indictment) and/or convictions, pending lawsuits, etc., and any actions that may be a conflict of interest occurring within the past five (5) years. Any proposer/firm previously defaulting or terminating a contract with the County will not be considered. Successful proposers with whom the County enters into a contract with for goods or services will notify the County if they become debarred during the course of the contract.

** All bidders or proposers are to read and complete the Disclosure of Responsibility

Statement. Failure to do so may result in your solicitation response being rejected as non-responsive.

Bidder acknowledges that in performing contract work for the Board, bidder shall not utilize any firms that have been a party to any of the above actions. If bidder has engaged any firm to work on this contract or project that is later debarred, Bidder shall sever its relationship with that firm with respect to Board contract.

1.12 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: On April 11, 2008, the Chatham County Board of

Commissioners approved a change to the County Purchasing Ordinance requiring

Contractor/Consultant Performance Evaluations, at a minimum, annually, prior to contract anniversary date.

Should Contractor/Consultant performance be unsatisfactory, the appointed County

Project Manager for the contract may prepare a Contractor/Consultant Complaint Form or a Performance Evaluation to the County Purchasing Director.

SECTION II

PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

2.1 SPECIFICATIONS: Any obvious error or omission in specifications shall not inure to the benefit of the bidder but shall put the Proposer on notice to inquire of or identify the same to the County.

2.2 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS: No Proposer will be allowed to submit more than one offer.

Any alternate proposals must be brought to the Purchasing Director's attention during the

Pre-proposal Conference or submitted in writing at least five (5) days preceding the date for submission of proposals.

2.3 OFFERS TO BE FIRM: The Proposer warrants that terms and conditions quoted in his offer will be firm for acceptance for a period of sixty (60) days from bid date submitted, unless otherwise stated in the proposal. When requested to provide a fee proposal, fees quoted must also be firm for a sixty-day period.

2.4 COMPLETENESS: All information required by the Request for Proposals must be completed and submitted to constitute a proper proposal.

2.5 LIABILITY PROVISIONS: Where Proposers are required to enter or go into Chatham

County property to take measurements or gather other information in order to prepare the proposal as requested by the County, the Proposer shall be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by negligence of the Proposer, his agent, or any person the Proposer has designated to prepare the Offer and shall indemnify and hold harmless Chatham County from any liability arising therefrom. The contract document specifies the liability provisions required of the successful Proposer in order to be awarded a contract with

Chatham County.

2.6 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION: By submission of this Offer, the Proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint offer, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, that in connection with this procurement:

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other competitor;

(2) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in this offer have not been knowingly disclosed by the Proposer and will not knowingly be disclosed by the Proposer prior to opening, directly or indirectly to any other competitor; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the Proposer to induce any other person or firm to submit or not submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

2.7 AWARD OF CONTRACT: The contract, if awarded, will be awarded to that responsible

Proposer whose proposal will be most advantageous to Chatham County, price and other factors considered. The Board of Commissioners will make the determination as to which proposal best serves the interest of Chatham County.

2.8 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS: Objections and protests to any portion of the procurement process or actions of the County staff may be filed with the Purchasing

Director for review and resolution. The Chatham County Purchasing Ordinance – Part 9

– Vendor Disputes shall govern the review and resolution of all protests.

2.9 QUALIFICATION OF BUSINESS (RESPONSIBLE PROPOSER): A responsible

Proposer is defined as one who meets, or by the date of the acceptance can meet, all requirements for licensing, insurance, and service contained within this Request for

Proposals. Chatham County has the right to require any or all Proposers to submit documentation of the ability to perform the service requested.

Chatham County has the right to disqualify the proposal of any Proposer as being unresponsive or unresponsible whenever such Proposer cannot document the ability to deliver the requested service.

2.10 COUNTY TAX CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT: A current Chatham County or municipal business license (within the State of Georgia) is required unless otherwise specified. A firm need not have a Chatham County Business License prior to submitting a proposal. However, a license must be obtained by the successful vendor prior to award of

Please contact the Chatham County Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services at (912) 201-4300 for additional information.

NOTE: No contract shall be awarded unless all real and personal property taxes have been paid by the successful contractor and/or subcontractor as adopted by the Board of

Commissioners on 8 April 1994.

2.11 INSURANCE PROVISIONS, GENERAL: The selected CONTRACTOR shall be required to procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work, hereunder by the Contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractor. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Bid.

It is every Contractor’s responsibility to provide the County Purchasing and Contracting

Department current and up-to-date Certificates of Insurance and Declaration Sheets for multiple year contracts before the end of each term. Failure to do so may be cause for termination of contract.

2.11.1 General Information that shall appear on the Certificate of Insurance:

I. Name of the Producer (Contractor’s insurance Broker/Agent).

II. Companies affording coverage (there may be several).

III. Name and Address of the Insured (this should be the Company or Parent of the firm Chatham County is contracting with).

IV. Summary of all current insurance for the insured (includes effective dates of coverage).

V. A brief description of the operations to be performed, the specific job to be performed, or contract number.

VI. Certificate Holder (This is to always include Chatham County).

Chatham County as an “Additional Insured”: Chatham County invokes the defense of “sovereign immunity.” In order not to jeopardize the use of this defense, the County is not to be included as an “Additional Insured” on insurance contracts.

2.11.2 Minimum Limits of Insurance to be maintained for the duration of the contract:

A. Commercial General Liability: Provides protection against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from operations of a Contractor or

Tenant. This policy coverage includes: premises and operations, use of independent contractor, products/completed operations, personal injury, contractual, broad form property damage, and underground, explosion and collapse hazards. Minimum limits: $1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and annual aggregate.

B. Worker's Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Provides statutory protection against bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by employees of the Contractor while performing within the scope of their duties.

Employer’s Liability coverage is usually included in Worker’s

Compensation policies, and insures common law claims of injured employees made in lieu of or in addition to a Worker’s Compensation claim.

Minimum limits: $500,000 for each accident, disease policy limit, each employee and Statutory Worker’s Compensation limit.

C. Business Automobile Liability: Coverage insures against liability claims arising out of the Contractor’s use of automobiles. Minimum limit:

$1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Coverage should be written on an “Any Auto” basis.

2.11.3 Special Requirements:

Claims-Made Coverage: The limits of liability shall remain the same as the occurrence basis, however, the Retroactive date shall be prior to the coincident with the date of any contract, and the Certificate of Insurance shall state the coverage is claims-made. The Retroactive date shall also be specifically stated on the

Certificate of Insurance.

A. Extended Reporting Periods: The Contractor shall provide the County with a notice of the election to initiate any Supplemental Extended

Reporting Period and the reason(s) for invoking this option.

B. Reporting Provisions: Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided in relation to this request.

C. Cancellation: Each insurance policy that applies to this request shall be endorsed to state that it shall not be suspended, voided, or canceled, except after thirty (30) days prior to written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the County.

D. Proof of Insurance: Chatham County shall be furnished with certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this request. The certificates and endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All certificates of insurance are to be submitted prior to, and approved by, the County before services are rendered. The Contractor must ensure Certificate of Insurance are updated for the entire term of the County.

E. Insurer Acceptability: Insurance is to be placed with an insurer having an

A.M. Best’s rating of A and a five (5) year average financial rating of not less than V. If an insurer does not qualify for averaging on a five (5) year basis, the current total Best’s rating will be used to evaluate insurer acceptability.

F. Lapse in Coverage: A lapse in coverage shall constitute grounds for contract termination by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

G. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention: Any deductibles or self-insured retention must be declared to, and approved by, the County. At the option of the County, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention as related to the County, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Contractor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of related suits, losses, claims, and related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses.

2.12 INDEMNIFICATION: The PROPOSER agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, its commissioners, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all liability, damages, claims, suits, liens, and judgments, of whatever nature, including claims for contribution and/or indemnification, for injuries to or death of any person or persons, or damage to the property or other rights of any person or persons caused by the PROPOSER or its subproposers. The PROPOSER’s obligation to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, as set forth herein above shall include, but not be limited to, any matter arising out of any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, trademark, copyright, or service mark, or any actual or alleged unfair competition, disparagement of product or service, or other business tort of any type whatsoever, or any actual or alleged violation of trade regulations. PROPOSER further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Chatham County, Georgia, at his sole expense, and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if such claims, suits, etc., are groundless, false, or fraudulent, including any and all claims or liability for compensation under the Worker's

Compensation Act arising out of injuries sustained by any employee of the PROPOSER or his subcontractor or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them.

The PROPOSER’s obligation to indemnify Chatham County under this Section shall not be limited in any way by the agreed-upon contract price, or to the scope and amount of coverage provided by any insurance maintained by the PROPOSER.

2.13 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION - TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The

Request for Proposals, Legal Advertisement, General Conditions and Instructions to

Proposers, Specifications, Special Conditions, Proposers Offer, Addendum, and/or any other pertinent documents form a part of the Offeror's proposal and by reference are made a part hereof.

2.14 SIGNED RESPONSE CONSIDERED AN OFFER: The submitted Response shall be considered an offer on the part of the Proposer, which offer shall be deemed accepted upon approval by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Purchasing Director or his designee. In case of a default on the part of the Proponent after such acceptance, Chatham

County may take such action, as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or lack of required performance.

2.15 NOTICE TO PROCEED: The successful proposer shall not commence work under this

Request for Proposal until a written contract is awarded and the Purchasing Director or his designee issues a Notice to Proceed. If the successful Proposer does commence any work or delivers items prior to receiving official notification, he does so at his own risk.

2.16 LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAXES: The price or prices for the service shall include full compensation for all fees that the proponent is or may be required to pay. Chatham

County is Tax Exempt. The Purchasing & Contracting Office upon request (912) 790-1618 will provide a Tax Exemption Certificate.

2.17 MINORITY – WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION: It is the desire of the County Board of Commissioners to increase the participation of minority (MBE) and women-owned (WBE) business in its contracting and procurement programs.

The County is committed to a policy of equitable participation for these firms by setting goals for each contract. Bidder/proposers are requested to include in their proposals a narrative describing their past accomplishments and intended actions in this area. If bidder/proposers are considering minority or women owned enterprise participation in their proposal, those firms, and their specific duties must be identified in their proposal along with the percentage(s) and dollar amount awarded to the MBE/WBE firm. Proposers may also provide demographic information regarding their employees to show their commitment to equal opportunity. If a bidder/proposer is considered for award, he/she will be asked to meet with the County Staff so that the intended MBE/WBE participation goals can be formalized and included in the subsequent contract.

If the awarded contractor is claiming minority status, the contractor shall apply for certification by Chatham County, Georgia to the Office of Minority Business Coordinator.

The Minority Business Coordinator will provide documentation of application status once approved or disapproved by Chatham County. Certification by any other government entity is acceptable if current copy of the certification is provided with this solicitation. For information on the program or MBE/WBE contractors/vendors please contact the County’s

Minority and Women Business Office 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 101, Savannah, Georgia 31406, (912) 652-7860.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SECTION III

GENERAL CONDITIONS

3.1 DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chatham County is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced tower services contractors to provide on-call tower inspection, assessment, maintenance, repair, emergency response, and storm-related services for the communication tower sites that support critical public safety communications infrastructure. The County presents this Request for Proposals to describe its needs and those criteria which will be used to determine selection of services.

3.2 METHODOLOGY: The procurement described herein may be conducted in a two-step process.

STEP ONE - ACCEPTANCE AND EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATION

PROPOSALS: All technical requirements, unless otherwise specified, must be met by the proponent or such proposal may be disqualified as being non-responsive. Proposals that are deemed incomplete as to substance and content may be returned without consideration. A short list of qualified firms will be developed and ranked.

Pricing proposals shall be submitted along with the proposal and will be evaluated and ranked accordingly. Pricing proposal should be quoted in “all inclusive” dollars. The evaluation committee will make the selection of the firm which it believes is best qualified to provide the service, pricing proposal and other qualitative factors considered.

It is emphasized that the firm which offers the lowest pricing proposal will not necessarily be the firm selected. The selection will be made of that firm which provided the best proposal. “Best” is defined as the best combination of qualitative factors and pricing proposal.

STEP TWO - INTERVIEWS: The evaluation committee may request an interview with short-listed firms. If interviews are conducted, they will be scored. It will be at the discretion of the evaluation committee on the number of firms that will interview/present.

3.3 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: Upon receipt of a proposal by the County, the proposal shall become the property of the County without compensation to the proponent, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion (except for as provided by Georgia law for proprietary information). The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award or rejection of proposals and/or protected under the restraints of law. Only final points and ranking of proposals will be openly disclosed prior to approval by the Board of Commissioners. Proponent shall have no contact with any

Department Representative or Evaluation Committee Member during and after the evaluation process. Any information contained in the proposal that is considered by the

Proponent as “proprietary” to remain confidential shall be clearly identified and justified.

3.4 CONE OF SILENCE: Lobbying of Procurement Evaluation Committee members, County Government employees, and elected officials regarding this product or service solicitation, Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract by any member of a proposer’s staff, or those people employed by any legal entity affiliated with an organization that is responding to the solicitation is strictly prohibited. Negative campaigning through the mass media about the current service delivery is strictly prohibited. Such actions may cause your proposal to be rejected.

3.5 COMPENSATION: The County has attempted in SECTION V to provide as much information about the project as possible to enable firms to structure their offer.

3.6 REJECTING PROPOSALS: The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not bound to accept any proposal if that proposal is contrary to the best interest of

Chatham County. Similarly, the County is not bound to accept the lowest dollar proposal if the offer is not considered in the County's best interest.

3.7 COST TO PREPARE RESPONSES: The County assumes no responsibility or obligation to the respondents and will make no payment for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of the proposal.

3.8 INQUIRIES: Direct any questions related to this RFP to Ms. Sabrina Tippett, Assistant

Purchasing Director, and submit all questions through the County’s procurement portal https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal Messages - Vendor Discussion section.

Include the RFP number, page, and paragraph number as a reference to each question.

DEADLINE FOR ALL QUESTIONS is noted on the procurement portal under Project

Details.

THE ONLY OFFICIAL ANSWER OR POSITION OF CHATHAM COUNTY WILL BE

THE ONE STATED IN WRITING.

3.9 METHOD OF SOURCE SELECTION: Chatham County is using the Competitive

Sealed Proposal method of source selection, as authorized by Part 3 of the Chatham

County Purchasing Ordinance for this procurement.

An award, if made, will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to Chatham County, taking into consideration price and other factors set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The County will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of the proposals received.

3.10 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: During the performance of this contract, the COMPANY agrees as follows:

The COMPANY will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, place of birth, physical handicap, or marital status.

SECTION IV

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

4.1 PENDING LITIGATION: Proposals will not be accepted from any company, firm, person, or party, parent subsidiary, against which Chatham County has an outstanding claim, or a financial dispute relating to prior contract performance. If the County, at any time, discovers such a dispute during any point of evaluation, the proposal will not be considered further.

4.2 EVALUATION FACTORS: Factors such as proponents’ overall capability, specialized experience, past performance on similar projects, technical competence, ability to meet program goals, delivery under the contract terms, and fee schedule will be considered in the award recommendation. Commitment in the level of MBE/WBE firms, contractor and employees will also be considered in the evaluation of proposals.

4.3 SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals will be evaluated initially on the basis of the written document. Thus, the proposal must be complete, concise and clear as to the intent of the respondent. Further evaluation may include an oral presentation, which will be scheduled after receipt of the written proposal and approval of the shortlist.

4.4 CONTRACT: The successful respondent will be expected to execute a contract within 30 days of notice of award. The term of the contract will be a one (1) year contract with renewal options for four (4) additional one (1) year terms (if all parties agree).

4.5 PROPOSALS MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO:

4.5.1 INTRODUCTION/COVER LETTER: You should provide no more than a two

(2) page letter of introduction. The letter should highlight or summarize whatever information you deem appropriate as a cover letter, as a minimum, this section should include the name, address, email address, telephone number of one (1) contact to whom any correspondence should be directed. This section should include a clear statement of the Proposer’s understanding of this Request for

Proposal and the contract requirements, and how the Proposer intends to meet the requirements of this Request for Proposal.

4.5.2 EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 20

A. Provide information demonstrating the qualifications of your firm and any proposed subcontractors to perform the services described in this

RFP, including your firm's experience, technical expertise, available resources, and the number of years providing communications tower inspection, maintenance, repair, and emergency response services..

B. The proposer shall provide a list of three (3) specific projects to demonstrate their experience in providing similar services with communications towers of similar height and complexity. Include the project owner, project location, scope of services provided, contract value (if permissible), completion date, and your firm's role in the project.

C. Describe your firm's experience supporting communications infrastructure for public safety, emergency management, government, utilities, broadcast, or other mission-critical communications systems.

Include any experience with guyed, self-supporting, water tower-mounted, or trailer-mounted tower structures, if applicable.

D. Identify the project manager, key personnel, and any proposed subcontractors who will perform work under this contract. Include each individual's role, relevant experience, qualifications, certifications, and areas of responsibility. Provide the primary point of contact and contact information for the individual responsible for contract administration.

4.5.3 TECHNICAL APPROACH & UNDERSTANDING OF SCOPE - TOTAL

POSSIBLE POINTS: 20

A. Proposer shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scope of services described in Section V and the operational requirements of maintaining communications towers supporting critical public safety infrastructure.

B. Proposer shall describe its approach and methodology for performing tower inspections, condition assessments, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, emergency response, and storm-related services.

C. Proposer shall describe its procedures for documenting inspections, maintenance, repairs, and emergency response activities, including reporting methods, photo documentation, recommendations for corrective action, and quality control measures used to ensure work is completed in accordance with applicable industry standards.

4.5.4 RESPONSE CAPABILITY & STAFFING – TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS:

A. Proposer shall describe its normal response times for routine services requests.

B. Proposer shall describe its emergency, after-hours, weekend, holiday, and storm response capabilities, including anticipated response times for each.

C. Proposer shall identify the personnel, crews, equipment, and resources available to perform work under this contract, including any subcontractors proposed.

D. Proposer shall describe its communication procedures during emergency events, including primary and alternate points of contact, escalation procedures, and methods of communicating work status and site conditions to

CEMA.

4.5.5 SAFETY PROGRAM & CERTIFICATIONS – TOTAL POSSIBLE

POINTS: 10

A. Proposer shall provide a description of its safety program, including OSHA compliance policies, tower climbing and rescue procedures, fall protection practices, RF safety awareness, first aid/CPR training, and any other relevant safety programs or certifications applicable to the services requested.

B. Proposer shall identify the certifications, qualifications, and training held by personnel who will perform work under this contract, including any applicable tower climbing, rescue, rigging, inspection, or safety certifications.

C. Proposer shall describe its safety record, incident reporting procedures, and any measures used to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and industry safety standards.

4.5.6 LOCAL MBE/WBE PARTICIPATION - TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 15

A. Proposer shall identify whether the proposing firm is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and/or Women Business Enterprise (WBE). If applicable, provide copies of current certification(s).

B. Proposer shall describe its proposed utilization of certified local MBE/WBE firms under this contract, including the names of proposed subcontractors or suppliers, the anticipated scope of work to be performed by each firm, and the estimated percentage of participation.

C. Proposer shall describe its approach to achieving or exceeding the County's

MBE/WBE participation goals, including outreach efforts and strategies for identifying and utilizing qualified local MBE/WBE firms.

D. Proposer may provide examples of its successful utilization of certified

MBE/WBE firms on similar projects completed within the past five (5) years, including the level of participation achieved and the types of services performed.

4.5.7 PRICING PROPOSAL – TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 15

Proposers shall use the proposal pricing form provided. The County reserves the right to request cost and scope clarification at any time throughout the selection process.

4.5.8 REFERENCES: TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 5

Please provide at least three (3) references for projects of similar size and scope.

Please be sure that these references can attest to the company’s knowledge, quality of work, timeliness, diligence, working relationships and flexibility.

Please provide the client’s name, address, phone number, email address and the name of a contact person. Chatham County reserves the right to contact any known former clients about your performance.

4.5.8 INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS (IF REQUIRED) – TOTAL POSSIBLE

POINTS: 30

4.6 ASSIGNMENT: The PROPOSER shall not assign or transfer any interest of the contract without prior written consent of the County.

4.7 CONTRACT AWARD:

A. Successful Proponent will be asked to submit his/her firms’ contractual issues for consideration in the Chatham County contract. Proposals will become part of the

B. No work shall be performed under the contract until a contract has been fully executed by both parties. A notice to proceed will be issued by Chatham County.

SECTION V

SCOPE OF SERVICES

ANNUAL CONTRACT TO PROVIDE TOWER INSPECTIONS, ASSESSMENTS,

MAINTENANCE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION: The Chatham Emergency Management Agency

(CEMA) is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide on-call communication tower inspections, assessments, preventive maintenance, repairs, emergency response, and storm-related services for communication tower sites supporting critical public safety communications infrastructure.

The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract with a qualified contractor at fixed, agreed-upon contract rates, allowing CEMA to request routine, corrective, emergency, and storm-related tower services on an as-needed basis without requiring a separate quotation process for each individual service request.

The resulting contract will be for an initial term of one (1) year, with the option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year terms, subject to mutual agreement and County approval.

For additional information regarding these specifications, vendors shall contact Ms.

Sabrina Tippett, Assistant Purchasing Director, only through the County's Purchasing

Portal. Vendors shall not contact CEMA or any other County department directly regarding this solicitation.

Purchasing Portal: https://chathamcountyga.bonfirehub.com/portal

5.2 COVERED TOWER SITES:

A. The contract shall provide tower services for the following CEMA supported communication tower sites:

• Westside Tower – 360-foot steel guyed tower

• Master Tower – 285-foot steel free-standing tower

• Tybee Island Tower – 130-foot water tower-mounted communications equipment

• E911 Tower – 45-foot steel tower

• OCH Tower – 40-foot steel self-supporting tower

• Mobile Tower – 106-foot steel trailer-mounted tower

• Wilmington Island Tower – 360-foot self-supported tower

• Multi-Agency Public Safety Facility (MAPSF) Tower – 160-foot self-supported tower

B. Additional communication tower sites, temporary tower structures, or other communication-related structures may be added to the contract during its term at the request of CEMA, subject to the mutual written agreement of the County and the Contractor.

5.3 SCOPE OF SERVICES:

A. The contractor shall provide tower-related services including, but not limited to:

• Tower inspections and condition assessments

• Post-storm inspections and damage assessments

• Preventative and corrective maintenance

• Emergency response services

• Storm damage response and stabilization

• Tower lighting inspection and minor repair coordination

• Grounding and bonding inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair

• Antenna mount, bracket, hardware, and appurtenance inspection and repair

• Coaxial cable, transmission line, waveguide, hanger, support, and weatherproofing inspection and repair

• Removal of damaged, abandoned, or non-operational tower-mounted equipment when requested

• Site documentation, photos, and closeout reports

• Recommendations for remedial action, repairs, structural review, or future work

5.4 WORK AUTHORIZATION:

A. All billable services shall be performed only upon request or authorization of CEMA.

B. The contractor may provide reminders or recommendations based on inspection history, site conditions, storm events, or industry standards; however, CEMA shall determine when services are required.

5.5 TOWER INSPECTIONS & ASSESSMENTS:

Tower inspections and assessments shall be performed in accordance with applicable

ANSI/TIA-222-H guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and

CEMA requests. Inspections and assessments may include:

• Visual inspection of tower structures

• Inspection of guy wires, anchors, foundations, and tensioning, where applicable

• Inspection of tower members, bolts, welds, flanges, platforms, ladders, safety climb systems, and appurtenances

• Inspection of antenna mounts, brackets, standoffs, hardware, ice bridges, cable supports, and related components

• Inspection of coaxial cable, transmission lines, waveguide, hangers, grounding kits, weatherproofing, and entry ports

• Inspection of tower lighting systems and obstruction lighting components

• Inspection of grounding, bonding, and lightning protection systems

• Identification of corrosion, loose hardware, damage, deterioration, missing components, unsafe conditions, or other deficiencies

• Photo documentation of findings

• Written recommendations for corrective actions

5.6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS:

A. Structural analysis, load studies, or other engineered assessments shall be performed only upon request of CEMA.

B. The Contractor may recommend structural analysis when observed conditions, storm damage, proposed equipment changes, discovered deficiencies, or other concerns may affect tower loading, capacity, or structural integrity. Any such analysis shall require

CEMA approval prior to performance.

5.7 PREVENTATIVE & CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE:

The contractor shall provide preventative and corrective maintenance services as requested by CEMA. Maintenance services may include:

• Tightening or replacement of loose, missing, or damaged hardware

• Minor tower component repair or replacement

• Grounding and bonding repairs

• Cable support, hanger, and weatherproofing repairs

• Antenna mount, bracket, standoff, and appurtenance repairs

• Corrosion mitigation and minor surface treatment where appropriate

• Tower lighting related inspection, troubleshooting, or repair coordination

• Removal of damaged or abandoned equipment when requested

• Correction of inspection findings

• Safety-related repairs or stabilization

• Site cleanup related to completed tower work

The contractor shall notify CEMA of any condition that may affect tower safety, site safety, communications reliability, obstruction lighting, grounding, lightning protection, or emergency readiness.

5.8 EMERGENCY & STORM RESPONSE:

The Contractor shall provide emergency and storm response availability for CEMA tower sites. Emergency and storm-related services may include:

• Telephone response to emergency service requests

• Onsite response when conditions safely allow

• Post-storm tower inspection or damage assessment

• Assessment of suspected damage caused by wind, lightning, impact, corrosion, vandalism, or equipment failure

• Temporary stabilization or hazard mitigation

• Repair or removal of damaged tower-mounted components when authorized

• Documentation of storm-related damage

• Recommendations for immediate repair, follow-up repair, or structural review

The contractor shall provide primary and alternate emergency contact procedures and shall notify CEMA of any changes to emergency contact information.

5.9 QUALIFICATIONS & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall demonstrate experience providing tower inspection, maintenance, repair, emergency response, and storm response support for communications tower sites of comparable height, design, complexity, and operational criticality. The Contractor shall demonstrate capability in the following areas:

• Tower climbing and rescue procedures

• RF safety awareness

• Fall protection

• OSHA safety compliance

• First aid and CPR

• Use of appropriate climbing, rescue, rigging, grounding, testing, and inspection equipment

• Work on guyed, self-supporting, water tower-mounted, and trailer-mounted tower structures

• Work on communications infrastructure supporting public safety, emergency management, government, utility, broadcast, or similar critical communications systems

Subcontracted services, if used, shall be disclosed in the bid response and approved by the County. The Contractor remains responsible for all work performed under the contract.

5.10 SITE FAMILIARITY & RESPONSE CAPABILIITY:

A. The contractor shall demonstrate the ability to provide timely responses to CEMA tower sites, including after-hours, weekend, holiday, emergency, and storm-related response.

B. The County may consider prior experience with towers of similar height, design, environmental exposure, public safety communications use, and operational criticality when evaluating vendor qualifications.

5.11 DOCUMENTATION & REPORTING:

The contractor shall provide documentation after inspections, assessments, maintenance, repairs, emergency response, and storm response services. Documentation shall include, as applicable:

• Site name and location

• Date and time of service

• Personnel performing the work

• Work requested

• Work performed

• Conditions found

• Corrective actions taken

• Photos of deficiencies, damage, or completed work

• Test results, readings, or measurements

• Materials used

• Recommendations for future repairs, replacement, structural review, or additional work

• As-found and as-left condition

5.12 VENDOR PRICING REQUIREMENTS:

The vendor shall provide proposed pricing for each service item or category of service to be covered under the contract. Pricing shall include as applicable:

• Tower inspection pricing by tower or tower type

• Condition assessment pricing by tower or tower type

• Structural analysis pricing by tower or tower type, to be performed only upon request of CEMA

• Scheduled maintenance labor rates

• Emergency response labor rates

• After-hours labor rates

• Weekend and holiday labor rates

• Storm response labor rates

• Any exclusions, limitations, or services requiring separate quotation

Vendors shall clearly identify what is included in the base contract, what is billed by established contract rate, and what would require separate quote or separate approval.

5.13 INVOICING REQUIREMENTS:

Invoices shall include:

• Site location

• Description of service performed

• Date of service

• Personnel or crew assigned

• Labor hours by labor category

• Applicable contract rate or pricing category

• Materials used, if applicable

• Equipment used, if applicable

• Emergency, after-hours, weekend, holiday, or storm response designation, if applicable

• Documentation of any authorized pass-through costs

• Reference to the CEMA request, work order, or authorization, if applicable

Invoices shall clearly separate labor, materials, equipment, travel, emergency response, and any other billable charges.

SECTION VI

EVALUATION AND AWARD

ANNUAL CONTRACT TO PROVIDE TOWER INSPECTIONS, ASSESSMENTS,

MAINTENANCE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

6.1 EVALUATION:

Each response to this RFP shall be subject to the same review and assessment process.

Proposals will be evaluated and ranked on the basis of points awarded by a technical review panel. A description of the factors which will be analyzed, and the relative weight accorded to each factor follows.

STEP 1: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL (TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100).

Evaluating Factor: Points Possible:

Experience & Qualifications 20

Technical Approach & Understanding of Scope 20

Response Capability & Staffing 15

Safety Program & Certifications 10

Local MBE/WBE Participation 15

Pricing Proposal 15

References 5

STEP 2- INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS- IF REQUIRED (TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 30)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP NO. 26-0077-2

PRICING PROPOSAL FORM

I have read and understand the requirements of this Request for Proposal RFP NO. 26-0077-2 and agree to provide the required services in accordance with this proposal and all attachments, exhibits, etc. I understand that the County will not be responsible for the reimbursement of any costs not specifically set forth in this proposal. *THIS FORM MUST BE USED WHEN

SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL.*

SECTION 1 – MAINTENANCE & CONDITIONS INSPECTIONS & ASSESSMENTS:

(INCLUSIVE OF LABOR – FOUR HOUR CAP):

Item No.

Description Unit of Measure

Unit Price

1 Westside Tower – 360-foot steel guyed tower

Per Inspection $

2 Master Tower – 285-foot steel free-standing tower

Per Inspection $

3 Tybee Island Tower – 130-foot water tower-mounted communications equipment

Per Inspection $

4 E911 Tower – 45-foot steel tower Per Inspection $

5 OCH Tower – 40-foot steel self-supporting tower

Per Inspection $

6 Mobile Tower – 106-foot steel trailer-mounted tower

Per Inspection $

7 Wilmington Island Tower – 360-foot self-supported tower

Per Inspection $

8 Multi-Agency Public Safety Facility (MAPSF) Tower – 160-foot self-supported tower

Per Inspection $

TOTAL $

SECTION 2 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY ANALYSIS & ASSESSMENTS

(INCLUSIVE OF LABOR – FOUR HOUR CAP):

Description Unit of Measure

Unit Price

1 Westside Tower – 360-foot steel guyed tower

Per Inspection $

2 Master Tower – 285-foot steel free-standing tower

Per Inspection $

3 Tybee Island Tower – 130-foot water tower-mounted communications equipment

4 E911 Tower – 45-foot steel tower Per Inspection $

5 OCH Tower – 40-foot steel self-supporting tower

Per Inspection $

6 Mobile Tower – 106-foot steel trailer-mounted tower

Per Inspection $

7 Wilmington Island Tower – 360-foot self-supported tower

Per Inspection $

8 Multi-Agency Public Safety Facility (MAPSF) Tower – 160-foot self-supported tower

SECTION 3 – MAPPING OF APPURTENANCES (INCLUSIVE OF LABOR – FOUR

HOUR CAP):

Description Unit of Measure

Unit Price

1 Westside Tower – 360-foot steel guyed tower

Per Inspection

2 Master Tower – 285-foot steel free-standing tower

Per Inspection

3 Tybee Island Tower – 130-foot water tower-mounted communications equipment

Per Inspection

4 E911 Tower – 45-foot steel tower Per Inspection

5 OCH Tower – 40-foot steel self-supporting tower

Per Inspection

6 Mobile Tower – 106-foot steel trailer-mounted tower

Per Inspection

7 Wilmington Island Tower – 360-foot self-supported tower

Per Inspection

8 Multi-Agency Public Safety Facility (MAPSF) Tower – 160-foot self-supported tower

Per Inspection

S…