RFP26_0003.pdf

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 1 of 51

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

PURCHASING DIVISION 1111 1st AVENUE - 1st FLOOR, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901

P. O. BOX 1340, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31902-1340

706-225-4087 | www.columbusga.org Date: April 8, 2026

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS:

RFP No. 26-0003

Interested parties are requested to submit qualification packages, subject to conditions and instructions as specified, for the furnishing of:

CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR

SCHOOL TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY – P.I. #0020288

GENERAL SCOPE Columbus Consolidated Government (the “City”) is requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a School Traffic Impact Study to assess the effects of increased traffic volume due to student drop-offs, pick-ups, and overall school-related activities.

All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), Plan Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals, and current software version approved by the Project Manager.

DUE DATE MAY 8, 2026 - 5:00 PM (EASTERN)

SUBMISSION

REQUIREMENTS

See EXHIBIT XI for information and instructions on how to register and submit a proposal through DemandStar.

ADDENDA The Purchasing Division will post addenda (if any) on the City’s Bid Opportunities page at https://www.columbusga.gov/finance/Bid-Opportunities, on the Georgia Procurement Registry and on DemandStar. Vendors are responsible for periodically visiting the web pages for addenda, before the due date and prior to submitting a response.

NO SUBMITTAL If you are not interested in this solicitation, complete and return page 3.

Andrea J. McCorvey, Purchasing Division Manager

COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

Georgia’s First Consolidated Government http://www.columbusga.org/ https://www.columbusga.gov/finance/Bid-Opportunities

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 2 of 51

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

E-Notification

The City uses the Georgia Procurement Registry e-notification system. You must register with the Team Georgia Marketplace to receive future procurement notifications at https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/getting-started-supplier.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems while registering, please contact the Team Georgia Marketplace Procurement Helpdesk:

Telephone: 404-657-6000 Fax: 404-657-8444 Email: procurementhelp@doas.ga.gov https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/getting-started-supplier https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/getting-started-supplier mailto:procurementhelp@doas.ga.gov

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 3 of 51

STATEMENT OF "NO QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION"

Notify the Purchasing Division if you do not intend to submit a Proposal:

Email: BidOpportunities@ColumbusGa.org Attn: Heather Biddle, Buyer Mail: Columbus Consolidated Government

Purchasing Division P. O. Box 1340 Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340

We, the undersigned decline to submit a prequalification package for RFP No. 26-0003 for Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 for the following reason(s):

Specifications are too “tight”, i.e., geared towards one brand or manufacturer (explain below) There is insufficient time to respond.

We do not offer this product and/or service.

We are unable to meet specifications.

We are unable to meet bond requirements.

Specifications are unclear (explain below).

We are unable to meet insurance requirements.

Other (specify below)

Comments:

COMPANY NAME:

REPRESENTATIVE:

DATE:

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

mailto:BidOpportunities@ColumbusGa.org

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 4 of 51

PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES AS

OUTLINED BELOW IN SECTION 5-401 THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE.

5-401. Competitive negotiation qualification-based selection. In accordance with the requirements of the Brooks Act, the following procedures shall apply to the competitive negotiation procurement method:

(1) Solicitation. The solicitation process shall be by public announcement, public advertisement, or any other public forum or method that assures qualified in-state and out-of-state consultants are given a fair opportunity to be considered for award of the contract. Procurement procedures may involve a single step process with issuance of a request for proposal (RFP) to all interested consultants or a multiphase process with issuance of a request for statements or letters of interest or qualifications (RFQ) whereby responding consultants are ranked based on qualifications and request for proposals are then provided to three or more of the most highly qualified consultants.

Minimum qualifications of consultants to perform services under general work categories or areas of expertise may also be assessed through prequalification process whereby statements of qualifications are submitted on an annual basis. Regardless of any process utilized for prequalification of consultants or for an initial assessment of a consultant's qualifications under an RFQ, an RFP specific to the project, task, or service is required for evaluation of a consultant's specific technical approach and qualifications.

(2) Request for proposal (RFP). The RFP shall provide all information and requirements necessary for interested consultants to provide a response to the RFP and compete for the solicited services.

The RFP shall:

(A) Provide a clear, accurate, and detailed description of the scope of work, technical requirements, and qualifications of consultants necessary for the services to be rendered. The scope of work should detail the purpose and description of the project, services to be performed, deliverables to be provided, estimated schedule for performance of the work, and applicable standards, specifications, and policies;

(B) Identify the requirements for any discussions that may be conducted with three or more of the most highly qualified consultants following submission and evaluation of proposals;

(C) Identify evaluation factors including their relative weight of importance in accordance with subparagraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section;

(D) Specify the contract type and method(s) of payment to be utilized in accordance with § 172.9;

(E) Identify any special provisions or contract requirements associated with the solicited services;

(F) Require that submission of any requested cost proposals or elements of cost be in a concealed format and separate from technical/qualifications proposals as these shall not be considered in the evaluation, ranking, and selection phase; and

(G) Provide a schedule of key dates for the procurement process and establish a submittal deadline for responses to the RFP which provides sufficient time for interested consultants to receive notice, prepare, and submit a proposal, which except in unusual circumstances shall be not less than 14 days from the date of issuance of the RFP.

(3) Evaluation factors.

(A) Criteria used for evaluation, ranking, and selection of consultants to perform engineering and design related services must assess the demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of professional services solicited. These qualifications-based factors may include, but are not limited to, technical approach (e.g., project understanding, innovative concepts or

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 5 of 51 alternatives, quality control procedures), work experience, specialized expertise, professional licensure, staff capabilities, workload capacity, and past performance.

(B) Price shall not be used as a factor in the evaluation, ranking, and selection phase. All price or cost related items which include, but are not limited to, cost proposals, direct salaries/wage rates, indirect cost rates, and other direct costs are prohibited from being used as evaluation criteria.

(C) In-state or local preference shall not be used as a factor in the evaluation, ranking, and selection phase. State licensing laws are not preempted by this provision and professional licensure within a jurisdiction may be established as a requirement which attests to the minimum qualifications and competence of a consultant to perform the solicited services.

(D) The following non-qualifications based evaluation criteria are permitted under the specified conditions and provided the combined total of these criteria do not exceed a nominal value of ten percent of the total evaluation criteria to maintain the integrity of a qualifications-based selection:

(i) A local presence may be used as a nominal evaluation factor where appropriate. This criterion shall not be based on political or jurisdictional boundaries and may be applied on a project-by-project basis for contracts where a need has been established for a consultant to provide a local presence, a local presence will add value to the quality and efficiency of the project, and application of this criteria leaves an appropriate number of qualified consultants, given the nature and size of the project. If a consultant outside of the locality area indicates as part of a proposal that it will satisfy the criteria in some manner, such as establishing a local project office, that commitment shall be considered to have satisfied the local presence criteria.

(ii) The participation of qualified and certified disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) sub-consultants may be used as a nominal evaluation criterion where appropriate in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 and the Columbus Consolidated Government's FHWA-approved DBE program.

(4) Evaluation, ranking, and selection.

(A) Consultant proposals shall be evaluated by the Columbus Consolidated Government based on the criteria established and published within the public solicitation.

(B) While the contract will be with the prime consultant, proposal evaluations shall consider the qualifications of the prime consultant and any sub-consultants identified within the proposal with respect to the scope of work and established criteria.

(C) Following submission and evaluation of proposals, the Columbus Consolidated Government shall conduct interviews or other types of discussions determined three of the most highly qualified consultants to clarify the technical approach, qualifications, and capabilities provided in response to the RFP. Discussion requirements shall be specified within the RFP and should be based on the size and complexity of the project as defined in Columbus Consolidated Government written policies and procedures (as specified in § 172.5(c)).

Discussions may be written, by telephone, video conference, or by oral presentation/interview. Discussions following proposal submission are not required provided proposals contain sufficient information for evaluation of technical approach and qualifications to perform the specific project, task, or service with respect to established criteria.

(D) From the proposal evaluation and any subsequent discussions which have been conducted, the Columbus Consolidated Government shall rank, in order of preference, at least three

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 6 of 51 consultants determined most highly qualified to perform the solicited services based on the established and published criteria.

(E) Notification must be provided to responding consultants of the final ranking of the three most highly qualified consultants.

(F) The Columbus Consolidated Government shall retain acceptable documentation of the solicitation, proposal, evaluation, and selection of the consultant accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 18.42.

(5) Negotiation.

(A) Independent estimate. Prior to receipt or review of the most highly qualified consultant's cost proposal, the Columbus Consolidated Government shall prepare a detailed independent estimate with an appropriate breakdown of the work or labor hours, types or classifications of labor required, other direct costs, and consultant's fixed fee for the defined scope of work.

The independent estimate shall serve as the basis for negotiation and ensuring the consultant services are obtained at a fair and reasonable cost.

(B) Elements of contract costs (e. g., indirect cost rates, direct salary or wage rates, fixed fee, and other direct costs) shall be established separately in accordance with § 172.11.

(C) If concealed cost proposals were submitted in conjunction with technical/qualifications proposals, only the cost proposal of the consultant with which negotiations are initiated may be considered. Concealed cost proposals of consultants with which negotiations are not initiated should be returned to the respective consultant due to the confidential nature of this data (as specified in 23 U.S.C. 11 2 (b)(2) (E)).

(D) The Columbus Consolidated Government shall retain documentation of negotiation activities and resources used in the analysis of costs to establish elements of the contract in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 18.42. This documentation shall include the consultant cost certification and documentation supporting the acceptance of the indirect cost rate to be applied to the contract (as specified in § 172.11 (c)).

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 7 of 51

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR NEED

CLARIFICATION ABOUT THIS SOLICITATION?

COMMUNICATION CONCERNING ANY SOLICITATION CURRENTLY

ADVERTISED MUST TAKE PLACE IN WRITTEN FORM AND ADDRESSED TO

THE PURCHASING DIVISION.

ALL QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION

SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. THE CITY WILL NOT ORALLY OR

TELEPHONICALLY ADDRESS ANY QUESTION OR CLARIFICATION

REGARDING BID/PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS. IF A VENDOR VISITS OR CALLS

THE PURCHASING DIVISION WITH SUCH QUESTIONS, HE OR SHE WILL BE

INSTRUCTED TO SUBMIT THE QUESTIONS IN WRITING.

ALL CONTACT CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION SHALL BE MADE

THROUGH THE PURCHASING DIVISION. BIDDERS SHALL NOT CONTACT

CITY EMPLOYEES, DEPARTMENT HEADS, USING AGENCIES, EVALUATION

COMMITTEE MEMBERS OR ELECTED OFFICIALS WITH QUESTIONS OR ANY

OTHER CONCERNS ABOUT THE SOLICITATION. QUESTIONS,

CLARIFICATIONS, OR CONCERNS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE

PURCHASING DIVISION IN WRITING. IF IT IS NECESSARY THAT A TECHNICAL

QUESTION NEEDS ADDRESSING, THE PURCHASING DIVISION WILL FORWARD

SUCH TO THE USING AGENCY, WHO WILL SUBMIT A WRITTEN RESPONSE.

THE PURCHASING DIVISION WILL FORWARD WRITTEN RESPONSES TO THE

RESPECTIVE BIDDER OR IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO REVISE ANY PART OF

THIS SOLICITATION, A WRITTEN ADDENDUM WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL

BIDDERS.

THE CITY IS NOT BOUND BY ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS,

CLARIFICATIONS, OR CHANGES MADE TO THE WRITTEN SPECIFICATIONS BY

CITY EMPLOYEES, UNLESS SUCH CLARIFICATION OR CHANGE IS PROVIDED

TO THE BIDDERS IN A WRITTEN ADDENDUM FROM THE PURCHASING

MANAGER.

BIDDERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE ENCLOSED

“QUESTION/CLARIFICATION FORM” TO FAX OR EMAIL QUESTION.

ANY REQUEST, AFTER A SOLICITATION HAS CLOSED AND PENDING

AWARD MUST ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE PURCHASING

DIVISION.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 8 of 51

QUESTION/CLARIFICATION FORM

Date:

To: Heather Biddle, Buyer Email BidOpportunities@ColumbusGA.org

Re: Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288; RFP No. 26-0003

Questions and requests for clarification must be submitted at least five (5) business days before the due date:

From:

Company Name Website

Representative Email Address

Complete Address City State Zip

Telephone Number Fax Number mailto:BidOpportunities@ColumbusGA.org

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 9 of 51

COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study

PI #0020288

Columbus Consolidated Government (the “City”) is requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a School Traffic Impact Study to assess the effects of increased traffic volume due to student drop-offs, pick-ups, and overall school-related activities.

All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), Plan Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals, and current software version approved by the Project Manager.

A. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL DATE:

SEALED PROPOSALS ARE DUE: MAY 8, 2026, NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM (Eastern). Submit one electronic response via DemandStar .

The City shall not be held liable for any expenses incurred by the respondent in preparing and submitting the proposal and/or attendance at any interviews, final contract negotiations or applicable site visits. The City reserves the right to award this project or to reject any and all proposals; whichever is in the best interest of the City.

B. RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Unless otherwise stated in the technical specifications of the RFP, the City will accept one, and only one, proposal per Offeror. In the event a team of firms is entering into a joint venture to respond to the RFP, one firm shall be named the prime contractor and the proposal shall be submitted in the name of the prime contractor. All correspondence concerning the RFP will be between the City and prime contractor.

C. SUBCONTRACTING:

Should the offeror intend to subcontract all or any part of the work specified, names and address of subcontractors must be provided in proposal response. The offeror shall be responsible for subcontractors’ full compliance with the requirements of the RFP/RFQ specifications. If awarded the contract, payments will only be made to the offerors submitting the proposal. The Columbus Consolidated Government will not be responsible for payments to subcontractors.

D. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RFP:

Communication concerning any solicitation currently advertised must take place in writing and addressed to the Purchasing Division. See page titled “Do You Have Questions …” within this proposal package.

Questions and Requests for Clarification will be received until five business days prior to the proposal due date.

E. PUBLIC INFORMATION:

All information and materials submitted will become the property of the Columbus Consolidated Government, Columbus, Georgia; and shall be subject to the provisions of the Georgia public records law.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 10 of 51

If awarded the contract, the proposal submission, in its entirety, will be included as part of the contract documents and filed, as public record, with the Clerk of Council.

F. ADDENDA:

The proposer shall include acknowledgment of receipt of addenda (if any) in their proposal. It is the proposer’s responsibility to contact the City for copies of addenda if they receive the RFP/RFQ document from any other source other than the City.

G. CONTRACT:

Each proposal is received with the understanding that an acceptance in writing by the City of the offer to furnish any or all of the services and materials described shall constitute a contract between the proposer and the City. This contract shall bind the proposers to furnish and deliver the services and materials quoted, at the prices stated and in accordance with the condition of said accepted proposal.

It is agreed that the successful respondent will not assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of the contract or its right, title or interest in or to the same, or any part thereof, without previous consent of the City and any sureties.

H. NON-COLLUSION:

Proposer declares that the proposal is not made in connection with any other proposer submitting a proposal for the same commodity or commodities, and that the proposal is bona fide and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud.

I. INDEMNITY:

To the full extent permitted by Georgia law, the successful respondent agrees, by entering into this contract, to indemnify and hold CCG harmless from any and all causes of actions or claims of damages arising out or under this contract.

J. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CLAUSE:

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (minority or women owned businesses) will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in consideration for an award. It is the policy of the City that disadvantaged business enterprises and minority business enterprises have an opportunity to participate at all levels of contracting in the performance of City contracts to the extent practical and consistent with the efficient performance of the contract.

K. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM - NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE:

The City has an Affirmative Action Program in connection with Equal Employment Opportunities. The successful vendor will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and employment of the handicapped, and concerning the treatment of all employees, and will not discriminate between or among them by reason of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or physical handicap.

L. SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS:

The specifications detailed herein represent the quality of equipment, goods or services required by the City. Whenever in this invitation any particular process, service or equipment is indicated or specified by patent, proprietary or brand name of manufacturer/developer/inventor, such wording will be deemed to be used for the purpose of facilitating descriptions of the process, service or equipment desired by the City. It is not meant to eliminate offerors or restrict competition in any RFP process. Proposals that are equivalent or surpass stated specifications will be considered. Determination of equivalency shall rest solely with the City.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 11 of 51

M. TAXES:

The City is exempt from State Retail Tax and Federal Excise Tax. Tax Exemption No. GA Code Sec. 48- 8-3. Federal ID No. 58-1097948.

N. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:

Per Ordinance No. 93-55, in compliance with Federal and State Drug Free Workplace Acts, the Council of Columbus, Georgia adopted a drug free Workplace Policy. Consequently, any vendor providing goods or services to Columbus Consolidated Government must comply with all applicable Federal and State Drug Free Workplace Acts.

O. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL LAWS:

All respondents will comply with all Federal, State and Local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relative to conducting business in Columbus, Georgia and performing the prescribed service. Ignorance on the part of the respondent shall not, in any way, relieve the respondent from responsibility for compliance with said laws and regulations or any of the provisions of these documents.

P. PROVISIONS OF THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE:

The provisions of the Procurement Ordinance for the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia as adopted and amended by Council shall apply to all invitations to respond to Requests for Proposals and is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. The Procurement Ordinance is codified on Section 2-

3.03 of the Columbus Code and can be accessed through the City’s website at https://library.municode.com/ga/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances.

Q. INSURANCE:

All respondents shall maintain, and if requested, show proof of insurance applicable for services described in these specifications.

R. HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT:

To the full extent permitted by Georgia law, the successful respondent agrees, by entering into this contract, to indemnify and hold CCG harmless from any and all causes of actions or claims of damages arising out or under this contract.

S. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT:

1. Default: If the contractor refuses or fails to perform any of the provisions of this contract with such diligence as will ensure its completion within the time specified in this contract, or any extension thereof, otherwise fails to timely satisfy the contract provisions, or commits any other substantial breach of this contract, the Purchasing Division Director may notify the contractor in writing of the delay or nonperformance and if not cured within ten (10) days or any longer time specified in writing by the Purchasing Division Director, such director may terminate the contractor’s right to proceed with the contract or such part of the contract as to which there has been delay or a failure to properly perform.

In the event of termination in whole or in part the Purchasing Division Director may procure similar supplies or services, from other sources, in a manner and upon terms deemed appropriate by the Purchasing Division Director. The contractor will continue performance of the contract to the extent it is not terminated and will be liable for excess costs incurred in procuring similar goods or services.

2. Compensation: Payment for completed supplies or services delivered and accepted by the City will be at the contract price. The City may withhold from amounts due the contractor such sums as the Purchasing Director deems to be necessary to protect the City against loss because of https://library.municode.com/ga/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 12 of 51 outstanding liens or claims of former lien holders and to reimburse the City for the excess costs incurred in procuring similar goods and services.

3. Excuse for Nonperformance or Delayed Performance. Except with respect to defaults of subcontractors, the contractor shall not be in default by reason of any failure in performance of this contract in accordance with its terms (including any failure by the contractor to make progress in the prosecution of the work hereunder which endangers such performance) if the contractor has notified the Purchasing Division Director within 15 days after the cause of the delay and the failure arises out of causes such as: acts of God; acts of public enemy; acts of the City and any other governmental entity in its sovereign or contractual capacity; fires; floods;

epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes or other labor disputes; freight embargoes; or unusually severe weather, If the failure to perform is caused by the failure of a subcontractor to perform or to make progress, and if such failure arises out of causes similar to those set forth above, the contractor shall not be deemed to be in default, unless the supplies or services to be furnished by the subcontractor was reasonably obtainable from other sources in sufficient time to permit the contractor to meet the contract requirements.

Upon request of the contractor, the Purchasing Division Director shall ascertain the facts and extent of such failure, and, if such director determines that any failure to perform was occasioned by anyone or more of the excusable causes, and that, but for the excusable cause, the contractor’s progress and performance would have met the terms of the contract, the delivery schedule shall be revised accordingly.

T. TIME FOR CONSIDERATION:

Due to the evaluation process, proposals must remain in effect for at least 180 days after date of receipt.

U. CONTRACT AWARD:

Award of this contract will be made in the best interest of the City.

V. REQUEST FOR EVALUATION RESULTS:

Per the City’s Procurement Ordinance, evaluation results cannot be divulged until after the award of the contract. After contract award, proponents desiring to review documents relevant to the RFP evaluation results shall submit a written request to the Purchasing Division.

W. GOVERNING LAW:

The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Georgia, both as to interpretations and performance.

X. FINAL CONTRACT DOCUMENTS:

It is understood that the final contract shall include the following: 1) The RFP; 2) Addenda; 3) Awarded Vendors(s) response; 4) Awarded Vendor(s) Clarifications; 5) Negotiated Components; and 6) Awarded Vendor(s) Business Documents.

After award of Contract by Columbus City Council, awarded vendor will be notified to provide one

(1) identical hard copy of submitted proposal with original signatures. The awarded vendor will receive a digital copy of the executed contract.

Y. PAYMENT DEDUCTIONS:

The City reserves the right to deduct, from payments to awarded vendor(s), any amount owed to the City for various fees, to include, but not limited to: False Alarm fees, Ambulance fees, Occupation License Fees, Landfill fees, etc.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 13 of 51

Z. PAYMENT TERMS:

The City's standard payment term is usually net 30 days, after successful receipt of goods or services.

Payment may take longer if invoice is not properly documented or not easily identifiable, goods/services are not acceptable, or invoice is in dispute.

AA. RIGHT TO PROTEST:

A. Right of Protest. Any actual or prospective bidder offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with a solicitation or award of a contract may protest to the Purchasing Manager initially. All protests shall be filed in the manner prescribed herein. Protests that do not comply with the following rules shall be deemed invalid and of no effect.

B. The protest must be in writing, executed by a company officer that is authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the bidder or offeror or provided by an authorized legal representative of the protestor.

C. A protest with respect to an invitation for Bids or Request for Proposals shall be submitted in writing no less than five (5) business days prior to the opening of bids or the closing date of proposals or qualification statements.

D. Stay of Procurement During Protests. If there is a timely protest submitted as described above, the Purchasing Manager shall not proceed further with the solicitation or award of the contract until all administrative remedies have been exhausted or until the City Council, Mayor, or City Manager makes a determination on the record that the award of the contract without delay is necessary to protect substantial interests of the City.

NOTICE TO VENDORS

Sec. 2-3.05. - Submitting bids to Consolidated Government, etc.—By mayor or councilmembers.

Neither the mayor nor any member of the Columbus Council shall submit any bid to the consolidated government, nor shall the mayor or any member of the Columbus Council own or have a substantial pecuniary interest in any business that submits a bid to the consolidated government. (Ord. No. 92-60, 6-23-92)

Sec. 2-3.06. - Same—By members of boards, authorities, commissions.

No member of any board or authority or commission or other independent or subordinate entity of the consolidated government shall submit any bid to the consolidated government or have a substantial pecuniary interest in any business that submits a bid to the consolidated government if such bid pertains to the board or authority or commission on which such person holds such membership. (Ord. No. 92-61, 6-23-92)

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 14 of 51

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR

I. General Project Information

A. Overview

Columbus Consolidated Government (the “City”) is requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a School Traffic Impact Study to assess the effects of increased traffic volume due to student drop-offs, pick-ups, and overall school-related activities.

B. IMPORTANT – A RESTRICTION OF COMMUNICATION IS IN EFFECT FOR THIS

PROJECT/QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RFP

B.1 From the advertisement date of this solicitation until successful respondents are selected and the award is made official and announced, firms are not allowed to communicate about this solicitation or scope with any staff of CCG including members of Columbus Council, except for the submission of questions as instructed on pages 7 and 8. For violation of this provision, CCG reserves the right to reject the submittal of the offending respondent.

B.2 Questions about any aspect of the RFP, or the project, shall be submitted in writing via e-mail to Heather Biddle at BidOpportunities@ColumbusGA.org. The deadlines for submission of questions relating to the RFP are the times and dates shown in the (Schedule of Events - Section III, page 15 ).

C. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation In accordance with the Department of Transportation Interim Final Rule regarding 49 CFR Part 26, DBE Participation goals are temporarily suspended.

D. Scope of Services

Under the terms of the resulting agreement, the selected consultant will provide a School Traffic Impact Study to assess the effects of increased traffic volume due to student drop-offs, pick-ups, and overall school-related activities.

E. Contract Term and Type Columbus Consolidated Government will award a contract to one firm. The contractor will be compensated on a firm fixed price/lump sum basis.

F. Indemnity Clause To the full extent permitted by Georgia law, the successful respondent agrees, by entering into this contract, to indemnify and hold CCG harmless from any and all causes of actions or claims of damages arising out or under this contract.

G. Contract Amount The project specific contract amount will be determined via negotiations with Columbus Consolidated Government. If Columbus Consolidated government is unable to reach a satisfactory agreement and at reasonable rates to be paid for the services to be provided, CCG

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 15 of 51 reserves the right to terminate negotiations with the highest scoring finalist and began negotiations with the next highest scoring finalist, and so on until a satisfactory agreement and reasonable rates are attained.

II. Selection Method

A. Method of Communication

All general communication of relevant information regarding this solicitation will be made under RFP No. 26-0003 via the CCG’s Bid Opportunity page at https://www.columbusga.gov/finance/Bid-Opportunities, the Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR) and DemandStar. All firms are responsible for checking the CCG Bid Opportunity page or GPR on a regular basis for updates, clarifications, and announcements. CCG reserves the right to communicate via electronic mail with the primary contacts listed in the vendor’s submission.

B. Evaluation, ranking, and selection.

(1) Consultant proposals shall be evaluated by the Columbus Consolidated Government based on the criteria established and published within the public solicitation.

(2) While the contract will be with the prime consultant, proposal evaluations shall consider the qualifications of the prime consultant and any sub-consultants identified within the proposal with respect to the scope of work and established criteria.

(3) Following submission and evaluation of proposals, the Columbus Consolidated Government

MAY conduct interviews with the three (if applicable) highest scoring consultants.

Discussions may be written, by telephone, video conference, or by oral presentation/interview. Discussions following proposal submission are not required provided proposals contain sufficient information for evaluation of technical approach and qualifications to perform the specific project, task, or service with respect to established criteria.

(4) From the proposal evaluation and any subsequent discussions which may have been conducted, the Columbus Consolidated Government shall rank, in order of preference, at least three consultants (If applicable) determined most highly qualified to perform the solicited services based on the established and published criteria.

(5) Notification must be provided to responding consultants of the final ranking of the three most highly qualified consultants.

(6) The Columbus Consolidated Government shall retain acceptable documentation of the solicitation, proposal, evaluation, and selection of the consultant accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 18.42.

III. Schedule of Events

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

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 16 of 51

DATE TIME

a. CCG issues public advertisement of RFP No. 26-0003 4/8/2026 5:00 PM

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification 5/1/2026 5:00 PM

c. Deadline for submission of Proposals 5/8/2026 5:00 PM

IV. Evaluation Criteria

A. Area Class Requirements and Certification

Presented Firms/Teams must be prequalified in the indicated Area Class(es) in order to be evaluated. Required proof of prequalification shall be submitted as indicated in the Technical Specifications, Page 28, Section 5. All Submittals will be pre-screened to verify that the Prime consultant has the required Area Class(es) and that the overall team has the required Area Class(es). Any submittal in which the Prime consultant or the overall team area class requirements are not met will be disqualified from further consideration.

Each submittal will require a certification to allow CCG to analyze risks in determining if any Firm should be ineligible for award. The certification shall cover a wide variety of information.

Any firm which responds in any potentially concerning manner must provide additional information as directed herein for consideration by CCG to determine if Firm is eligible for award.

B. Project Manager, Key Team Leader(s), Key Team Member, and Prime’s Experience and

Qualifications – 30%

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Experience and Qualifications, which shall account for a total of thirty percent (30%) of the total evaluation.

1. Project Manager’s education, registration, relevant engineering experience, relevant project management experience for projects of similar complexity, size, scope and function, experience in utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance.

2. Key Team Leaders’ education, registration, relevant technical experience, and relevant experience in utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance.

3. Key Team Member’s education, registration, relevant technical experience, and relevant experience in utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance.

C. Project Manager, Key Team Leader(s) and Prime’s Additional Resources and Workload Capacity – 20%

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Additional Resources and Workload

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 17 of 51 capacity which shall account for a total of twenty percent (20%) of the total evaluation.

1. Project Manager Workload

2. Workload capacity of Key Team Leader(s)

3 Resources dedicated to delivering project

4. Ability to Meet Project Schedule

D. Technical Approach/Service Plan – 40%

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Technical Approach/Service Plan, which shall account for a total of forty percent (40%).

1. Provide a written narrative that demonstrates the method or manner in which the offeror proposes to satisfy the requirements described herein.

2. Based on information provided, briefly describe your approach and why.

3. Provide a detailed estimated timeline for completion of the study, including major milestones (do not use actual dates; use days, weeks, and months).

E. Past Performance – 10%

The Selection Committee may consider information provided via references provided for relevant projects, knowledge any selection committee member has of performance on relevant projects, and performance evaluations or knowledge presented on GDOT projects.

Past performance may be evaluated through the checking of project references for the proposed project manager as well as the firm. For this reason, attention should be paid to the references provided to ensure that the contact information provided is accurate and the individual references are reachable. Other past performance information which may be utilized includes GDOT consultant performance ratings as well as knowledge that any member of the Selection Committee has pertaining to the past performance of the firm on any project. The Selection Committee will consider all factors in their totality and score from 0 to 10 when arriving at a final score for the Past Performance.

F. COST PROPOSAL:

The cost proposal shall be submitted separately from the Proposal Submission. The cost proposal shall not be considered during the evaluation, ranking and selection phase. Once the Committee has decided on the highest ranking, responsive vendor, then that vendor’s Cost Proposal will be opened and reviewed.

Consequently, vendors shall submit two files: One for the Proposal Submission and one for the Cost proposal.

V. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTENT AND PREPARATION OF RFP RESPONSE

The Request for Proposal Response must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in Section V and must be organized, categorized using the same headings (in red), RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 18 of 51 and numbered and lettered exactly as outlined below, and must be responsive to all requested information. For the sections in which page number limits are stated, each section with a stated limit must begin on a new page and end on the last page allowed for the section. It is not allowed to begin new sections on a page allowed for a previous section, if applicable. This will enable CCG to ensure compliance with the page limitations.

Cover page – The submittal must have a cover page and must list the RFP#, RFP Title, proposing firm’s full legal name and the Project Number, PI Number, County, and Description.

A. Contract Consideration Checklist

The Proposal submittal should include a Contract Consideration Checklist sheet similar to the one shown in Exhibit IX.

B. Administrative Requirements

It is required to submit the information below for the submittal. This is general information and will not be scored but may be used to determine eligibility for selection.

Under Administrative Requirements section, only submit the information requested;

additional information will be subject to disqualification of your firm.

1. Transmittal Letter - Basic company information:

a. Company name.

b. Company Headquarter Address.

c. Contact Information - Name and all contact information (telephone number(s) and e-mail address) of primary proposing contact (this will be the individual with whom the Department will direct all communications).

d. Company website (if available).

e. Georgia Addresses - Identify and provide addresses for the offices located in the State of

Georgia.

f. Staff - List the number and disciplines of staff members employed in each office in the

State of Georgia.

g. Ownership - Provide form of ownership, including state of residency or incorporation, and number of years in business. Is the Offeror a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability Corporation, or other structure?

h. Include a statement to the effect that the proposal is binding for at least 180 days from the proposal date.

i. An authorized agent of the business must sign the transmittal letter.

2. Certification Form - Complete the Certification Form (Exhibit “II” enclosed with RFP), and provide a notarized original within the firm’s submission. This is to be submitted for the Prime ONLY.

3. E-Verify - Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit – Complete the form (Exhibit “III” enclosed with RFP) and provide a notarized original within the firm’s submission. This is to be submitted for the Prime ONLY.

4. Conflict of Interest Affidavit – Complete the form (Exhibit “IV” enclosed with RFP) for

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 19 of 51

5. Addenda – Signed Addenda Acknowledgement form (Exhibit “V”) for the Prime ONLY.

6. Federal Compliance Form – Signed form (Exhibit “VI”) for the Prime ONLY.

7. Communication Concerning This Solicitation Form – Signed form (Exhibit “VII”) for

8. Insurance Information – for the Prime ONLY The vendors shall be required, at their own expense, to furnish to the City of Columbus Purchasing Division, evidence showing the insurance coverage to be in force throughout the term of the contract. Insurance requirements are listed on the attached Insurance Checklist (Exhibit VIII). The limits shown are minimum limits. Vendor shall indicate the actual limit they will provide for each insurance requirement. The bidder shall complete the Insurance Checklist and include with bid response. Certificate of Insurance is acceptable. The Insurance Checklist will indicate to the City, the bidder’s ability and agreement to provide the required insurance, in the event of contract award.

The successful candidate shall provide the required Certificates of Insurance within 10 business days after award notification. The Certificates of Insurance will name Columbus Consolidated Government as an additional insured, as well as list the applicable project name and/or solicitation number. The Certificate of Insurance will be included with the contract documents prior to signing.

8. Business License - Provide a current copy of the Business License (Occupation License) that is required to conduct business at your location.

If awarded the contract, the successful vendor must obtain a business license from the City of Columbus. However, if the business is located in Georgia and has proof of being properly licensed by a municipality in Georgia, and paid applicable occupation taxes in that City, the contractor will not be required to pay occupation taxes in Columbus, Georgia.

If you have questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Revenue Division at 706-225-3780.

9. W-9 - Page 1 of form W-9 (see https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf for the most recently revised form W-9)

C. Experience and Qualifications

1. Project Manager - Provide information pertaining to the project manager, including but not limited to:

a. Education.

b. Registration (if necessary and applicable).

c. Relevant engineering experience.

d. Relevant project management experience for multi-phase project specific contracts of similar complexity, size, scope, and function, and experience managing internal and sub-consultant resources to staff projects on an as-needed basis.

e. Relevant experience utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance (Plan Development Process, Design Policy, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.).

This information is limited to two (2) pages maximum.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 20 of 51

2. Key Team Leaders - Provide experience of Key Team Leaders (defined as those individuals who oversee project areas determined as particularly important to each specific project, refer to the Project Description in Exhibit I, specifically Section 8 for the list of Key Team Leaders for each Project). For each Key Team Leader identified provide:

a. Education.

b. Registration (if necessary and applicable).

c. Relevant technical experience in the applicable resource area of the most relevant project.

d. Relevant experience utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance

(PDP, Design Policy, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.) which are specific to the key team leader’s area.

This information is limited to one (1) page maximum for each Key Team Leader identified in Section 8 of Exhibit I. Respondents submitting more than one (1) page for each Key Team Leader identified will be subject to disqualification. Respondents who provide more Key Team Leaders than what is outlined in the requirement will be subject to disqualification as this would provide an advantage over firms who complied with the requirement and had the required number of Key Team Leaders.

Respondents who do not provide the required Key Team Leaders will be subject to disqualification as this does not meet the requirements of the project and therefore would deem the respondent and its team unqualified for the award.

3. Key Team Member – Provide qualifications of one (1) key team member (defined as a team member not included as the Project Manager or a Key Team Leader whose qualifications the Prime firm would like to highlight as essential in the delivery of the proposed project/contract). For the Key Team Member identified provide:

a. Education.

b. Registration (if necessary and applicable).

c. Relevant technical experience.

d. Relevant experience utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance

(PDP, Design Policy, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.) which are specific to the key resource area.

e. Narrative discussing why the inclusion of the Key Team Member is important in the overall delivery of the project/contract.

This information is limited to one (1) page maximum.

4. Prime Experience - Provide information on the prime’s experience and ability in delivering effective services for projects of similar complexity, size, scope, and function, which demonstrate the firm's capabilities to provide services for GDOT. For each project, the following information should be provided:

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

b. Description of overall project and services performed by your firm.

c. Duration of project services provided by your firm, and overall project budget.

d. Experience utilizing GDOT specific processes, manuals, or guidance (PDP, Design

Policy, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.).

e. Client(s) current contact information including contact names, telephone numbers and e-mail address.

RFP No. 26-0003 Consultant Services for School Traffic Impact Study – PI #0020288 Page 21 of 51

f. Involvement of Key Team Leaders and Key Team Member on the projects.

This information is limited…