RFP - Construction Manager at Risk - PFAS Treatment Improvements.pdf

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PFAS TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS

FORT BENNING WATER TREATMENT PLANT

NORTH COLUMBUS WATER RESOURCES FACILITY

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK (CMAR)

COLUMBUS WATER WORKS

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

APRIL 2026

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PFAS Treatment Improvements

Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant and

North Columbus Water Resources Facility

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

Columbus Water Works

Columbus, Georgia

[APRIL 2026]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INVITATION TO PROPOSERS

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

1.01 Purpose and Objective

1.02 Project Background

1.03 Project Phasing

1.04 Funding and Contingencies

1.05 Facility Operations Constraints

1.06 Legal Authority

SECTION 2 - PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.01 Submission of Proposals

2.02 Compliance with the Request for Proposal

2.03 Inquiries and Addenda

2.04 Ambiguity, Conflict, or Other Errors in the RFP

2.05 Proposal and Presentation Costs

2.06 Rejection and Acceptance of Proposal

2.07 Examination of Request for Proposal and Site

2.08 Proposer Responsibilities

2.09 Owner's Right to Research Proposer's Background

2.010 Acknowledgement of Contract Terms and Conditions

2.011 Joint Ventures

SECTION 3 - PROJECT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OWNER

3.01 Owner and Engineer

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3.02 Design Status

3.03 Technical Data

3.04 Permitting and Regulatory Requirements

SECTION 4 - PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

4.01 General

4.02 Procurement Schedule

4.03 Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Visits

4.04 Addenda

SECTION 5 - PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

5.01 Method of Contractor Selection

5.02 Proposal Evaluation Criteria

5.03 Interview

5.04 Anticipated Selection and Contracting Sequence

5.05 Basis of Award

SECTION 6 - SCOPE OF CMAR SERVICES

6.01 General

6.02 Preconstruction Services (Both Phases)

6.03 Construction Services (Both Phases)

SECTION 7 - PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENTS

7.01 General

7.02 Tab I - Affidavits

7.03 Tab II - Corporate Profile and Corporate Values

7.04 Tab III - Proposed Project Team Experience

7.05 Tab IV - Approach

7.06 Tab V - Corporate Preconstruction Services Experience

7.07 Tab VI - Corporate Construction Experience

7.08 Tab VII - Proposer's Proposed Fees

7.09 Tab VIII - Acceptance of Contract Conditions

7.10 Tab IX - Appendices

SECTION 8 - CONTRACT FORM AND KEY COMMERCIAL TERMS

8.01 Contract Form

8.02 GMP Structure and Contingencies

8.03 Self-Performance and Subcontracting

8.04 Insurance and Bonds

8.05 Liquidated Damages and Incentives

8.06 Dispute Resolution

SECTION 9 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

9.01 Georgia Open Records

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9.02 Protest Procedures

9.03 Equal Employment Opportunity and DBE/MBE Participation

9.04 E-Verify and Immigration Compliance

9.05 Drug-Free Workplace

9.06 Safety, Security, and Site Access

9.07 Limitation on Communications

9.08 Reservation of Rights

APPENDIX A — Affidavits and Required Forms

APPENDIX B — Project Reference Form

APPENDIX C — Proposal Cost Form

APPENDIX D — Project Description and Scope of Work

APPENDIX E — Example Contract Documents

Appendix E Table of Contents

Agreement for Preconstruction Services

EJCDC® CMAR-525, Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager at Risk 86

EJCDC® CMAR-545, Work Authorization — Construction Manager at Risk

EJCDC® CMAR-700, Standard General Conditions of the Construction Manager at Risk Contract

EJCDC® CMAR-800, Supplementary Conditions of the Construction Manager at Risk Contract

Exhibit A — Software Requirements for Electronic Document Exchange .. 235

Exhibit B — Foreseeable Bad Weather Days

Exhibit C — Geotechnical Baseline Report Supplement to the Supplementary Conditions

APPENDIX F — Reference Documents

INVITATION TO PROPOSERS

PFAS Treatment Improvements

Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant and

North Columbus Water Resources Facility

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

Columbus Water Works, Columbus, Georgia

Competitive sealed Proposals (“Proposal”) for Construction Manager at Risk ("CMAR") services related to the preconstruction and construction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) Treatment Improvements at the Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant ("FBWTP") and the North Columbus Water Resources Facility ("NCWRF") will be received by Columbus Water Works ("Owner") at its offices, 1421 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, Georgia 31901, until 2:00 p.m., local time, on THURSDAY, JUNE 4th, 2026, and then at said office publicly acknowledged, with only the names of the Proposers being read aloud.

Owner owns and operates the FBWTP on Fort Benning Army Post and the NCWRF in Columbus, Georgia. Both facilities face current or anticipated regulatory requirements related PFAS that necessitate implementation of new PFAS treatment facilities and associated improvements. At FBWTP, pilot testing and preliminary engineering have identified granular activated carbon ("GAC") as the selected PFAS treatment technology. At NCWRF, PFAS improvements will be designed to meet Owner's regulatory and operational objectives for that facility.

The Project consists of a two-phase PFAS treatment program to be delivered under a single CMAR contract:

Phase 1 - FBWTP PFAS Treatment Improvements: Construction of new GAC treatment facilities and associated improvements at FBWTP to achieve compliance with applicable PFAS drinking water standards and to integrate with existing treatment processes.

Phase 2 - NCWRF PFAS Treatment Improvements: Construction of PFAS treatment facilities and associated improvements at NCWRF to provide PFAS treatment capacity consistent with regulatory and operational objectives. The Owner has an ongoing pilot study and technology evaluation. Selected technology will be determined after the piloting phase concludes.

The CMAR selected through this procurement will provide: (a) preconstruction services for each phase under separate preconstruction services fees, and (b) construction services for each phase under separate Guaranteed Maximum Prices ("GMP") to be established at sixty percent (60%) design completion for each phase, with CMAR Construction Services Fee and Construction Support Costs expressed as a percentage of the Cost of the Work for both phases individually.

The Project is anticipated to be partially funded through various funding sources. Execution of construction for one or both phases, and issuance of any Work Authorization, will be expressly contingent upon the Owner's Project Budget. Owner reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to proceed to construction for one or both phases, to defer construction, or to re-scope the Project, without obligation beyond payment for properly authorized and satisfactorily performed preconstruction services.

The Proposal shall contain all information as required in the Request for Proposals ("RFP").

Based on the information contained in the Proposals and, if conducted, Proposer interviews, the Owner will select the Proposal that is most advantageous to the Owner.

Copies of the RFP may be obtained from CIVCAST (www.civcastusa.com) beginning on THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of RFP including Addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated plan room.

Owner will in no way be liable for any costs incurred by any Proposer in the preparation of its Proposal in response to this RFP.

The successful Proposer will not be required to provide Performance and Payment Bonds for the Preconstruction Services Contract. Performance Bond and Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the applicable GMP Contract amount, will be required at the time of execution of each Work Authorization for Construction.

Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive irregularities and informalities.

Any Proposer that contacts any of the Owner's elected officials or staff, or the Owner's consultants, directly or indirectly after the date of issue of this invitation for the purpose of influencing the selection process prior to award shall be immediately disqualified and removed from consideration.

Columbus Water Works Jeremy Cummings

President/Chief Executive Officer Date of Issue: April 30th, 2026 https://www.civcastusa.com/

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

1.01 Purpose and Objective

Columbus Water Works ("Owner") is soliciting competitive sealed Proposals (“Proposal”) from qualified Construction Manager at Risk ("CMAR") firms to provide preconstruction and construction phase services for a two-phase per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) treatment improvement program at the Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant ("FBWTP") and the North Columbus Water Resources Facility ("NCWRF") in Columbus, Georgia. The selected CMAR will assist Owner and Engineer during design and will subsequently propose Guaranteed Maximum Prices ("GMP") and construct the PFAS improvements for each phase, subject to Owner's approval and project budget.

1.02 Project Background

Owner owns and operates the FBWTP on Fort Benning Army Post and the NCWRF in Columbus, Georgia. Both facilities face current or anticipated regulatory requirements related to PFAS that necessitate implementation of new PFAS treatment facilities and associated improvements. At FBWTP, pilot testing and preliminary engineering have identified granular activated carbon ("GAC") as the selected PFAS treatment technology. At NCWRF, PFAS improvements will be designed to meet Owner's regulatory and operational objectives for that facility.

1.03 Project Phasing

The Project will be delivered as a single CMAR contract with two phases:

Phase 1 - FBWTP PFAS Treatment Improvements: Construction of new GAC treatment facilities and associated improvements at FBWTP to achieve compliance with applicable PFAS drinking water standards and to integrate with existing treatment processes.

Phase 2 - NCWRF PFAS Treatment Improvements: Construction of PFAS treatment facilities and associated improvements at NCWRF to provide PFAS treatment capacity consistent with regulatory and operational objectives. The Owner has an ongoing pilot study and technology evaluation. Selected technology will be determined after the piloting phase concludes.

The CMAR will provide preconstruction services under separate preconstruction services fees for each phase and construction services under separate GMPs for each phase, with Construction Services Fees and Construction Support Costs expressed individually for each phase as a percentage of the Cost of the Work.

1.04 Funding and Contingencies

The Project is anticipated to be funded through various funding sources. Execution of construction for one or both phases, and issuance of any Work Authorization, will be expressly contingent upon Owner's Project budget. Owner reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to proceed to construction for one or both phases, to defer construction, or to re-scope the Project, without obligation beyond payment for properly authorized and satisfactorily performed preconstruction services.

1.05 Facility Operations Constraints

The NCWRF facility operates 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, and is the only water treatment facility in Columbus serving over 200,000 residents. No full plant shutdowns will be permitted at the NCWRF facility. The FBWTP facility operates 5 days per week (Monday – Friday), 10 hours per day, and has the capability to be fed from the NCWRF for service during weekends and shutdown periods. Partial shutdowns of the FBWTP facility may be obtained with close coordination with plant operations staff. The CMAR will be required to plan, phase, and execute the Work such that treatment and conveyance capacities remain available in accordance with Owner's operational requirements and regulatory permit conditions.

1.06 Legal Authority

This procurement is being conducted pursuant to the applicable provisions of Georgia law governing public works and alternative delivery methods for local government entities, including without limitation the Local Government Public Works Construction Law and other applicable provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, as well as Owner's procurement policies and procedures.

SECTION 2 - PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.01 Submission of Proposals

All Proposals are to be delivered as stated in the Invitation to Proposers.

The Owner will not accept any Proposals received after the designated time and shall return such late Proposals to the Proposer unopened. Proposer shall submit six (6) bound copies of the Proposal. Proposer shall also provide one (1) copy in searchable and bookmarked PDF format on a flash drive. Flash drive shall be labeled as to the name of the Proposer.

Proposals shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope or box. If the Proposal is sent through the mail or other delivery system, the sealed envelope or box shall be enclosed with the notation "PROPOSAL ENCLOSED" on the face of it. The outside of the envelope or box containing the Proposal must be plainly marked with the following information:

Proposal for PFAS Treatment Improvements CMAR

Proposer's correct name and address

Proposals will be publicly acknowledged in a manner to avoid public disclosure of contents.

Only the names of Proposers will be read aloud.

2.02 Compliance with the Request for Proposal

Proposals must be in strict compliance with this RFP. Failure to comply with all provisions of the RFP may result in disqualification.

2.03 Inquiries and Addenda

Any explanation desired by a Proposer regarding the meaning or interpretation of this RFP shall be requested in writing. Submit questions related to this RFP through the CIVCAST Solicitation (www.civcastusa.com).

Proposers are advised that responses to questions will only be official and binding where issued in a formal written addendum. Inquiries must be submitted by 5:00 P.M. EST Friday, May 22, 2026.

2.04 Ambiguity, Conflict, or Other Errors in the RFP

If a Proposer discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the RFP or any document attached to, incorporated into or referenced by the RFP, they shall immediately provide notice of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document as outlined in Paragraph 2.03 above. Modifications will only be made by issuance of a written addendum. Addenda will be issued by Engineer or the designated plan room to those parties which have downloaded the RFP from the plan room.

Failure of Proposer to receive or acknowledge any addendum shall not relieve it of any obligation under this RFP. All addenda shall become part of this RFP.

2.05 Proposal and Presentation Costs

The Owner will not be liable in any way for any costs incurred by any Proposer in the preparation of its Proposal in response to this RFP, nor for the presentation of its Proposal and/or participation in any discussions or negotiations.

2.06 Rejection and Acceptance of Proposal

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals submitted. Reasons for which Proposers may be disqualified and their Proposals not considered include, but are not limited to:

The Owner determines that the Proposer's Proposal is not responsive to the RFP.

The Owner determines that the Proposer is not responsible. This may be due to the failure of the Proposer to promptly supply information in connection with an evaluation of responsibility.

The Proposer fails to complete the Proposal in its entirety.

An individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names files more than one Proposal.

Reasonable grounds exist for believing that any Proposer has a proprietary or pecuniary interest in more than one Proposal, or that collusion exists among the Proposers.

Failure of the Proposer to satisfy any requirement of the RFP.

Proposer has contacted the Owner's elected officials or staff, or the Owner's consultants directly or indirectly after the date of issue of this invitation for the purpose of influencing the selection process prior to award.

The Owner may accept proposals that are submitted properly and are not rejected for any reason. However, the Owner reserves the right to request clarifications or corrections to proposals.

All proposals shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days from date due.

2.07 Examination of Request for Proposal and Site

It is the responsibility of each Proposer before submitting a Proposal:

To examine thoroughly the RFP and other related data identified in the RFP Documents.

To become familiar with and satisfy Proposer as to the general, local, and site conditions that may affect Proposer's performance or furnishing of labor for the Work.

Reference RFP Paragraph 3.03 and 4.03 for available data and site visit information.

2.08 Proposer Responsibilities

The Proposer will be required to follow contract requirements, assign qualified persons to the work, provide the equipment required to do the assigned task or accomplish the work, retain and manage qualified subcontractors as needed, maintain records of Project progress, submit required reports on schedule, and maintain a clear line of communication for prompt resolution of problems.

2.09 Owner's Right to Research Proposer's Background

Prior to or after receipt of the Proposal, Proposer agrees that Owner shall have the right to research work performed by the Proposer. This research effort will be conducted by Owner's personnel and their representatives as deemed appropriate by the Owner, which may include site visits and interviews with anyone involved with such projects.

The Owner reserves the right to contact any and all references (including project owners not furnished by the Proposer in their Proposal) to obtain, without limitation, for the purpose of evaluating the Proposer's experience and qualifications, the following minimum information regarding Proposer's performance on the listed jobs:

Did Proposer bring value to the team during Pre-Construction Services?

Did the Proposer actively collaborate during Pre-Construction Services?

Did Proposer make available the proper level of expertise and experience in the performance of Pre-Construction Services?

Did the Proposer develop strategies or options to meet the Owner's goals (e.g., schedule, budget, etc.) and to resolve issues with the Owner's goals in mind?

Was owner satisfied with how costs evolved over the course of Pre-Construction Services?

Did Proposer bring valuable cost cutting or time saving ideas during Pre-Construction Services?

Did Proposer adequately staff the Pre-Construction Services phase of project?

Was the owner satisfied with the Proposer's level of transparency in the development of the GMP, pay application requests and use of contingencies?

Was Proposer cooperative during the submittal process (e.g., schedule, shop drawings, etc.)?

Was the owner satisfied with daily operations on the project during construction?

Did Proposer effectively address problems that arose during construction of the project?

Did Proposer minimize the effect of its activities on nearby operations and activities?

Did the owner consider the number and validity of Proposer generated change orders and Requests for Information, if any, appropriate?

Did Proposer manage its subcontractors well?

Did Proposer timely address warranty and punch-list items?

Were Proposer's project superintendent and other key personnel competent and professional?

Did the Proposer maintain key personnel through the project in accordance with its proposal?

Was the owner satisfied with the finished product?

Would the owner look forward to hiring Proposer for another construction project?

Did the subcontractors selected by the Proposer perform well on the project?

2.010 Acknowledgement of Contract Terms and Conditions

By submitting its proposal to the Owner, the Proposer acknowledges that it has read, understands and agrees to the Contract, General Conditions and other provisions for the Project as included in Appendix E, unless Proposer has noted any concerns or suggested changes under Tab VIII as described in Paragraph 7.09 of this RFP.

2.011 Joint Ventures

If a Proposal is submitted by a Joint Venture, all parties to the joint venture must submit corporate experience identified herein.

SECTION 3 - PROJECT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OWNER

3.01 Owner and Engineer

Owner: Columbus Water Works, 1421 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, Georgia 31901.

Engineer: Freese and Nichols, Inc., 1201 Front Avenue, Suite N, Columbus, Georgia 31901

Freese and Nichols, Inc., will be acting as Owner's consultant and Engineer of Record for the Project.

3.02 Design Status

Preliminary engineering for FBWTP PFAS Treatment Improvements is underway and includes preparation of a Preliminary Engineering Report and conceptual drawings required for Georgia Environmental Protection Division ("GA EPD") approval. Piloting and future design for NCWRF PFAS Treatment Improvements is being advanced; design status at the time of CMAR selection is anticipated to be at or near conceptual level, progressing to sixty percent (60%) design at the time of GMP development for each phase.

3.03 Technical Data

Owner will make the following information available to the selected CMAR for review:

FBWTP PFAS pilot testing results and technology selection documentation (Granular Activated Carbon (GAC))

Preliminary Engineering Report and conceptual drawings for FBWTP PFAS Treatment improvements

Available surveys, geotechnical investigations, and environmental technical memoranda

Reference Appendix F for currently available reference documents.

Owner does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information and will provide it for the CMAR's reference in accordance with the Contract Documents.

3.04 Permitting and Regulatory Requirements

The Project will require approvals from GA EPD and other regulatory agencies as applicable for drinking water facilities, environmental impacts, and site development. The CMAR will support Owner and Engineer in planning for regulatory compliance, addressing construction-related permit requirements, and sequencing work to maintain compliance with permits.

SECTION 4 - PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

4.01 General

This RFP will be conducted as a one-step CMAR procurement process with written Proposals, shortlisting, and interviews prior to final selection and Columbus Water Works Board of Commissioners (Board) approval.

4.02 Procurement Schedule

The following schedule is provided as a planning guide and may be modified at Owner's sole discretion:

Event Date

RFP Issuance April 30, 2026

Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Optional) May 14, 2026

Deadline for Questions May 22, 2026

Last Addendum Issued (If required) May 28, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline 2:00 PM, June 4, 2026

Shortlisting of Proposers (If conducted) June 11, 2026

Interviews of Shortlisted Proposers (If conducted) June 15, 2026, to June 26, 2026

Board Authorization / Award (Anticipated) July 20, 2026

Notice to Proceed for Preconstruction Services (Anticipated)

August 18, 2026

4.03 Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Visits

A pre-proposal conference is not anticipated. An optional site visit to the FBWTP and NCWRF will be provided to interested proposers on May 14th, 2026, from 9:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST. Available parking is limited at both plants. Interested proposers are encouraged to carpool to minimize impact to existing water treatment plant operations. At a minimum, please bring the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety vest and closed toe shoes. A tentative itinerary for the pre-proposal site visit is outlined below:

Interested Proposers Travel to Fort Benning Army Base Visitor’s Center

Note that a visitor’s pass is required to access the Fort Benning Army Base. This can be obtained at the Lindsey Creek Visitors Center. All attendees will need a real ID/driver’s license, passport, etc.

Address: I-185 Lindsey Creek Parkway, Fort Benning, GA 31905

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jPigEagGTKeWUMDX7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/jPigEagGTKeWUMDX7

Site Visit #1: Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant

FBWTP Address: 6709 Cole Drive, Fort Benning, GA 31905

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ho36RsMMGs8hUR8X7

Time allotted: 9:00 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST

Aerial drones are not permitted.

Travel from Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant to North Columbus Water Resources Facility

10:30 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST

Site Visit #2: North Columbus Water Resources Facility

NCWRF Address: 5301 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yrjix4jMvgcrgx4q6

Time allotted: 11:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST

Aerial drones are not permitted.

Proposers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with site conditions and operational constraints.

4.04 Addenda

Requests for clarification of this RFP must be submitted in writing through CIVCAST (www.civcastusa.com) no later than the date indicated in Paragraph 4.02. Only written addenda issued by Owner or Engineer will be binding. Oral communications will not be binding.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ho36RsMMGs8hUR8X7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yrjix4jMvgcrgx4q6

SECTION 5 - PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

5.01 Method of Contractor Selection

The Owner is seeking to contract for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services.

A panel appointed by the Owner will evaluate the Proposals. The panel will be made up of Owner's staff. The criteria to be used by the panel in this evaluation are listed in Paragraph 5.02.

Once the evaluation is complete, the panel will rank all responsive Proposers based on the evaluation criteria stated herein and will make a recommendation to the Board to select the top-ranked firm and authorize acceptance of the proposal.

5.02 Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The Owner will base its evaluation of Proposals and Proposers on the criteria listed in the table below. The evaluation criteria listed in section 5.02 are listed in the order of importance to the Owner.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Alignment of Proposer’s Corporate Values with CWW’s S.E.R.V.E. Values and Demonstration of How the Proposer Lives Their Corporate Values (Reference Tab II in Paragraph 7.03)

2. Proposed Project Team Experience and Approach

a. Qualifications and experience of key personnel, collaboration on similar projects, and project understanding

b. Approach for pre-construction and construction services.

3. Corporate Preconstruction and Construction Services Experience

a. Experience and performance in CMAR/progressive design-build delivery for water treatment projects

b. Related water treatment construction experience, financial qualifications, litigation history, on-time/budget completion record

4. Proposed Fees

a. Phase 1 and Phase 2 Preconstruction Services Fees

b. Construction Service Fee (% of Cost of the Work)

c. Construction Support Cost (% of Cost of the Work)

d. Reasonableness of staffing/rates

5. Responsiveness and Quality of Proposal (Pass/Fail) (must meet minimum RFP requirements)

5.03 Interview

After submittal of the Proposals, and an initial review and initial ranking, but before a final ranking of Proposers, the Owner may create a shortlist of Proposers and conduct individual interviews with a selected number of the highest ranked firms. The location of the interviews will be in Columbus, Georgia. The interview schedule will generally be in accordance with the Procurement Schedule in SECTION 4.

Interviews will be used to confirm understanding of the project, proposed approach, roles and responsibilities, and the Proposer's commitment not to replace key personnel without Owner approval. Interviews will be scheduled for 1.5 hours with a maximum of 45 minutes for the presentation and 45 minutes for questions and answers (Q&A). If the Proposer elects to shorten their presentation time, the additional time can be allotted towards Q&A time.

Interview performance will be used to finalize scoring under the published criteria in Section 5.02.

5.04 Anticipated Selection and Contracting Sequence

Upon approval of Board, the Owner will enter into an agreement with the selected Proposer to perform the Pre-Construction Services. The Pre-Construction Services scope of work will generally include design collaboration, constructability reviews, estimating, scheduling, value engineering (VE), and GMP development. See Appendix D for more details.

During the Pre-Construction Services period, the selected Proposer will prepare and submit the GMP. The GMP will be based on partial design of the Work (approximately 60 percent complete construction documents (drawings and specifications)).

Subsequent to successful negotiation of the GMP(s) and Construction Contract, the proposed Construction Contract will be recommended to Board for final authorization.

Additional design details will be issued to the selected Proposer as design progresses.

If at any time satisfactory negotiations of the Pre-Construction Services Proposal, the GMP, or the Construction Contract cannot be obtained, negotiations may be conducted, in the sole discretion of the Owner, with the second ranked, and then the third ranked, and so on, Proposers. If the Owner is unsuccessful in its first round of negotiations, it may reopen negotiations with any Proposer with whom it previously negotiated. The scope of the work may be changed during this negotiation process at the discretion of the Owner in an effort to reduce the cost and/or to benefit the project in any manner. The Owner reserves the right to engage in "Value Engineering" discussions during this negotiation process.

5.05 Basis of Award

Owner intends to award the CMAR contract to the Proposer whose Proposal, inclusive of interview performance, is determined to be most advantageous to Owner, considering the published evaluation criteria and budget constraints.

SECTION 6 - SCOPE OF CMAR SERVICES

6.01 General

The CMAR will provide preconstruction services and construction services for both phases of the Project under the CMAR Agreement (EJCDC CMAR-525) and phase-specific Work Authorizations (EJCDC CMAR-545). A detailed scope of work is included in Appendix D to this RFP.

6.02 Preconstruction Services (Both Phases)

1. General Preconstruction Role

Act as the construction advisor to the Owner and Engineer during planning and design, with no self-interest other than project success.

Collaborate with Owner and Engineer to optimize scope, cost, schedule, phasing, equipment pricing, delivery schedules, and construction means/methods while maintaining required treatment performance and regulatory compliance.

Plan for transition to construction so the CMAR can assume the general contractor role smoothly after Work Authorization for construction services.

6.03 Construction Services (Both Phases)

1. General Construction Phase Obligations

Serve as the General Contractor for the Work, assuming primary responsibility for means, methods, sequencing, safety, and quality, consistent with the Contract Documents and the GMP.

Perform all construction services required to deliver a complete, fully functional, and permitted water treatment facility, including all civil, structural, architectural, process mechanical, electrical, and I&C work.

Coordinate closely with Owner and Engineer to maintain plant operations, regulatory compliance, and safety throughout construction.

SECTION 7 - PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENTS

7.01 General

The information listed in Section 7 shall be submitted with each Proposal and should be submitted in the order shown. Each section should be clearly labeled, with pages numbered and separated by tabs. Failure by a Proposer to include all listed items may result in the rejection of the Proposal. All items in all tabs shall be included in each copy of the Proposal.

Proposer shall submit six (6) bound copies of the Proposal plus one (1) searchable and bookmarked PDF on flash drive, labeled with Proposer name.

Proposals shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope or box marked: "PROPOSAL ENCLOSED

- PFAS CMAR - Proposer Name"

Deliver to: Columbus Water Works, 1421 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA 31901

Deadline: 2:00 p.m. local time, THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

7.02 Tab I - Affidavits

The Proposer shall complete the following:

Proposal Affidavit.

Non-Collusion Affidavit of Proposer.

Proposer's License Certification (for each member of a joint venture, if applicable)

Drug Free Workplace Affidavit

E-Verify / Immigration Compliance Affidavit

Acknowledgment of Addenda, and any other forms as provided herein and include under Tab I.

All forms are provided and can be found in Appendix A.

7.03 Tab II - Corporate Profile and Corporate Values

The Proposer shall provide the following for the Corporate Profile:

Name, address, and telephone number of Proposer's corporate headquarters, regional offices, subsidiaries and affiliates, if any. Provide name, title, and biographical summary of pertinent corporate officers.

Corporate structure and Georgia license information.

A statement of bonding capacity from the Proposer's surety company. Provide agent contact persons and telephone numbers. Define current maximum approved bonding program, allowable single project limit, and current bonded work backlog.

A statement that Proposer has not defaulted on a project nor failed to complete a project within the past ten (10) years. If this is not the case, explain.

A statement that Proposer has not filed for bankruptcy or been judged bankrupt at any time over the past ten (10) years. If this is not the case, explain.

A statement that the Proposer has never abandoned a project, even temporarily, during a dispute. If this is not the case, please explain.

A statement whether Proposer has or has not been involved in litigation or arbitration as a plaintiff against an owner, design firm or construction contract administration firm, or served an owner with a claim for additional compensation prepared by an attorney or a claims consultant, excluding routine change order requests, in the past five (5) years. If Proposer has, explain.

Financial capacity and project backlog information.

Provide the Proposer’s Corporate Values and demonstrate how the Proposer lives their Corporate Values. Describe how the Proposer’s Corporate Values relate to the Owner’s Corporate Values (S.E.R.V.E.) listed below:

Service First: We approach every task with a can-do attitude, focusing on solutions, empathy, and customer-oriented service.

Ethics and Integrity: We act honestly and sincerely in all our dealings, building trust through transparency and open communication.

Respect for All: We ensure inclusion, fairness, and a strong awareness of the differences that make our community unique.

Value Excellence: We hold ourselves accountable, continuously training and developing our team to excel in every aspect of our work.

Environmental and Economic Stewardship: We practice sustainability and resilience, with a commitment to fiscally and environmentally sound practices that protect our resources.

7.04 Tab III - Proposed Project Team Experience

Provide organizational charts for preconstruction and construction phases.

For both pre-construction and construction phase proposed project teams, clearly indicate where proposed key project team members have worked on previous projects together.

Provide a brief description of the previous project, team members involved, indicate the role(s) in which they served, and any unique/relevant project challenges that the team overcame.

Proposers should limit the responses to a half page (8.5”x11”) per project and provide three reference projects for both the pre-construction and construction phase reference projects.

Pre-Construction Phase Organizational Chart: Identify those primary personnel who will actively participate in the Pre-Construction Services workshops. Separately, also provide a listing of key support personnel "behind the scenes”.

Construction Phase Organizational Chart: Show the proposed on-site and off-site project team structure.

Provide resumes for all key personnel including project executive, project manager, preconstruction manager, project/field engineer(s), cost controls/project accountant, scheduler, construction manager, superintendent, QA/QC manager, safety manager, and startup/commissioning lead. Resumes should include:

Name and professional credentials

Years of experience with the firm

Total years of relevant experience

Education and certifications

Specific CMAR or alternative delivery experience

Relevant water project experience

Role on this project

For joint ventures, clearly identify the roles of team members from each party.

The Proposer's commitment not to replace key personnel without Owner approval will be confirmed during interviews.

7.05 Tab IV - Approach

Proposers shall submit a clear, detailed narrative describing their overall Project Approach to delivering the Work under the CMAR model. The Project Approach should demonstrate a deep understanding of CMAR delivery, water treatment facilities, and the specific challenges of this

Project. At a minimum, address the following topics.

1. Preconstruction Services Approach

Describe your firm’s philosophy and detailed approach to preconstruction services, including:

How you will collaborate with Owner and Engineer during planning and design (communication protocols, workshop formats, and decision-making support).

How you will conduct constructability reviews, phasing/operational continuity planning, and site logistics planning for a fully operational facility.

Your approach to developing and updating cost models and estimates at each design milestone, including use of subcontractor/supplier input.

How you will develop and maintain preconstruction schedules (design, permitting, procurement, and anticipated construction sequencing).

Your approach to facilitating value engineering and risk workshops during design, and how recommendations will be documented and tracked to decision.

Highlight any specific tools, processes, or lessons learned from similar projects that you will apply to this Project.

2. Construction Services Approach

Describe your overall strategy for planning and executing construction under the CMAR contract, including:

Project management and staffing approach (key roles, on-site vs. off-site presence, continuity from preconstruction to construction).

Approach to working in and around an operating treatment facility, including outage planning, tie-ins, temporary systems, and protection of existing processes.

Subcontracting and procurement strategy, including competitive pricing, prequalification of critical trades, and integration of long lead equipment.

Schedule development and control (baseline CPM schedule, progress updates, delay mitigation, and recovery planning).

Quality control and safety management of all work on the site, including direct oversight and quality control of subcontractors and self-performance staff.

Commissioning approach, including integration of vendor services, testing, startup, and operator training.

Explain how your team will coordinate with Owner’s operations staff and Engineer throughout construction to minimize disruption and maintain regulatory compliance.

3. Cost Management and Cost Saving Approach

This subsection is of particular importance to Owner. Provide a detailed description of your firm’s approach to cost management and cost savings on this Project, including:

How you will proactively identify and evaluate cost saving opportunities during preconstruction (design alternatives, materials, construction methods, packaging strategies, etc.).

How value engineering ideas will be generated, screened, analyzed (cost, schedule, risk, and lifecycle impacts), and presented to Owner for decision.

How you will keep the Project within the established budget as design progresses, including:

➢ Cost trend tracking and reconciliation with Owner/Engineer estimates.

➢ Use and management of allowances and contingencies.

➢ Early identification of potential overruns and recommended corrective actions.

Your philosophy and practices regarding:

➢ Open-book pricing and transparency (during GMP development and throughout construction).

➢ Competitive procurement of subcontracts and major equipment.

Examples from recent CMAR projects where your approach produced measurable cost savings or helped maintain budget without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Proposers are encouraged to discuss both short-term capital cost savings and long-term lifecycle value, and how they will help Owner balance these considerations.

4. Risk Management and Problem Solving

Explain how your team will identify, communicate, and manage project risks, with emphasis on:

Key risks you anticipate for this Project (technical, schedule, operational, market/supply chain, permitting) and how your approach will mitigate them.

How you will work with Owner and Engineer to resolve issues quickly, avoid claims, and maintain a collaborative, solution-oriented environment.

Any innovative approaches or tools your firm uses for risk tracking, decision support, or option comparison.

5. Innovation, Lessons Learned, and Added Value

Describe specific innovations, best practices, or lessons learned from prior CMAR water projects that you propose to apply here, such as:

Alternative delivery or sequencing approaches that reduced cost or time.

Digital tools (BIM/VDC, 4D/5D modeling, prefabrication strategies) that improved coordination or reduced rework.

Approaches to improving safety, quality, or operability that also produced cost or schedule benefits.

For each item, briefly indicate how it would add value to this Project.

7.06 Tab V - Corporate Preconstruction Services Experience

The Proposer shall list out in tabular form a list of projects (three to five) procured through similar alternate delivery methods (CMAR, progressive design-build, or other collaborative delivery methods) and identify the procurement method for each project. Proposer shall identify the role that each proposed team member had on these projects, if any. Information listed on the Project Reference Form (Appendix B) shall be provided in a format of the Proposer's choosing, but such information shall be clearly indicated.

The Proposer shall identify its experience in the performance of Pre-Construction Services which will be required on this project, specifically: (1) collaborating with Owner's engineering and operations personnel and design engineers in the advancement of design concepts and vetting of ideas leading toward the preparation of construction documents, (2) value engineering reviews, (3) preparing cost estimates and models on partially completed construction documents, (4) project scheduling, and (5) developing a GMP.

Emphasis should be placed on water facilities. Describe preconstruction services role, GMP development, and outcomes.

7.07 Tab VI - Corporate Construction Experience

Provide information on three to five recent water treatment projects of similar scope and complexity performed within the past 10 years, including advanced treatment experience where available. Information listed on the Project Reference Form (Appendix B) shall be provided in a format of the Proposer's choosing, but such information shall be clearly indicated.

Provide a matrix listing of all projects presently under construction with the following details:

Owner name and contact information

Project name and location

Contract amount and current status

Projected completion date

Brief description

For joint ventures, clearly identify the roles of each party to the joint venture in the execution of the project. Identify previous joint venture arrangements with the same teaming partner or other partners.

Additional relevant experience can be provided in Tab IX.

7.08 Tab VII - Proposer's Proposed Fees

Complete and submit the Proposal Cost Form in Appendix C, including:

Lump sum Preconstruction Services Fee for Phase 1 (FBWTP)

Lump sum Preconstruction Services Fee for Phase 2 (NCWRF)

Construction Services Fee for Phase 1 (FBWTP): percentage for overhead and profit applied to Cost of Work

Construction Services Fee for Phase 2 (NCWRF): percentage for overhead and profit applied to Cost of Work

Construction Support Costs for Phase 1 (FBWTP): percentage applied to Cost of Work.

Construction Support Costs for Phase 2 (NCWRF): percentage applied to Cost of Work

Schedule of fully burdened hourly rates for all preconstruction and construction support roles

Important Notes on Fees:

The Owner will not entertain a Proposal whereby a Contractor would perform Pre-Construction Services for free, presumably as an enticement for selection. Therefore, a minimum fixed fee is established in Appendix C. A Proposer may increase such fixed fee if it deems the minimum is an insufficient fee.

The Construction Services Fee and Construction Support Costs estimate shall be expressed as a percentage of the Cost of the Work and will be applied to both Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction.

The Owner may decide not to accept the Guaranteed Maximum Price of selected Proposer or may decide not to construct the project (either or both phases). Should this occur, the successful Proposer will be compensated an equitable amount of the Pre-Construction Services Fee for work performed to date and terminate its contract.

7.09 Tab VIII - Acceptance of Contract Conditions

Provide a statement accepting the terms and conditions of the EJCDC CMAR-525 Agreement, EJCDC CMAR-545 Work Authorization, CMAR-700 General Conditions, CMAR-800 Supplementary Conditions, and project-specific Special Conditions (Appendix E).

The Proposer may present suggested changes to the documents contained in Appendix E, which may or may not be accepted by Owner. Any requested exceptions must be clearly identified and justified.

7.10 Tab IX - Appendices

Include any additional information that will assist Owner in evaluating the Proposal (safety programs, QA/QC manuals, project examples, awards, etc.). However, the Proposer should limit materials to a max number of 5 pages, with a max page size of 11” x 17” and only include information that will be helpful to the Owner in understanding the Proposal.

SECTION 8 - CONTRACT FORM AND KEY COMMERCIAL TERMS

8.01 Contract Form

The CMAR Agreement will be based on the EJCDC CMAR Series 2023 Edition (Appendix E), including:

EJCDC CMAR-525 - Agreement between Owner and Construction Manager at Risk

EJCDC CMAR-545 - Work Authorization for Construction Phase Services (separate for each Phase/GMP)

EJCDC CMAR-700 - General Conditions of the Construction Manager at Risk Contract

EJCDC CMAR-800 - Supplementary Conditions

Owner will issue project-specific Special Conditions and Exhibits, including scope of services, preliminary schedule, insurance and bonding requirements, and any additional requirements.

8.02 GMP Structure and Contingencies

The CMAR will propose separate GMPs for Phase 1 and Phase 2, each based on approximately sixty percent (60%) design completion for that phase. Each GMP will identify Cost of the Work, Construction Support Costs, allowances, contingencies (CMAR and Owner), and Construction Services Fee. GMPs will be documented and authorized via EJCDC CMAR- 545 Work Authorization.

Unused portions of Owner contingency and CMAR contingency will be treated in accordance with the CMAR Agreement and Supplementary Conditions.

8.03 Self-Performance and Subcontracting

The CMAR will competitively procure subcontractors and suppliers. The extent of CMAR self-performance will be subject to Owner approval and applicable policy limits. Selection of Contractor or subcontractor to perform the work shall be made in the best interest of Columbus Water Works. CMARs are not precluded from self-performing the work.

8.04 Insurance and Bonds

Insurance and bonding requirements will be as set forth in the CMAR Agreement and Supplementary Conditions and are anticipated to include:

Commercial General Liability

Automobile Liability

Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability

Umbrella/Excess Liability

Builder's Risk insurance for the Work

Performance and Payment Bonds, each 100% of applicable GMP (no bonds for preconstruction services)

8.05 Liquidated Damages and Incentives

Owner may establish liquidated damages for late Substantial and Final Completion and may include schedule incentives for early completion where justified. Specific amounts and milestones will be established in the CMAR Agreement or Work Authorizations.

8.06 Dispute Resolution

Disputes will be resolved through negotiation, mediation, and if necessary, litigation in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia, in accordance with EJCDC CMAR-700 and Georgia law. Arbitration is not anticipated.

SECTION 9 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

9.01 Georgia Open Records

All Proposals and related materials are subject to the Georgia Open Records Act, subject to limited exceptions for trade secrets and other exempt information. Proposers shall clearly mark any proprietary information; however, Owner cannot guarantee confidentiality beyond what is permitted under Georgia law.

9.02 Protest Procedures

Any protest to an Owner’s action in connection with this procurement must be filed in writing no later than three (3) business days following such action.

9.03 Equal Employment Opportunity and DBE/MBE Participation

The CMAR will be required to comply with applicable equal employment opportunity laws and any DBE/MBE participation goals associated with funding sources. Details will be set forth in the Contract Documents.

9.04 E-Verify and Immigration Compliance

In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, the CMAR and all subcontractors must register with and use the federal E-Verify program to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees. Affidavits of compliance are required.

9.05 Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-24-1 et seq., the CMAR must maintain a drug-free workplace program that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Affidavit of compliance is required.

9.06 Safety, Security, and Site Access

The CMAR shall comply with all Owner and facility-specific security and safety requirements, including:

Fort Benning access procedures for work at FBWTP (background checks, badging, vehicle inspections, escorts)

NCWRF site access requirements (badging, training, security protocols)

Restrictions on site access hours, traffic control, and coordination with Owner operations

Compliance with Owner safety policies and OSHA requirements.