RFQ

Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission

Request for Qualifications

RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP (Step I)

And

Request for Proposals

(Step II)

To Provide Design Professional Services for

Project No. TCSG-398 Quick Start EV Training Center

Bryan County

Solicitation Issue Date: February 16, 2023 Qualifications Package Due By: March 14, 2023- 2:00 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

2. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS

3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP I)

4. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

5. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

6. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

7. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

II. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) from Qualified Finalists

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION

2. BUILDING PROGRAM

3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)

4. PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT

5. SELECTION PROCESS

6. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION AND EXTENSIONS

7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING DESIGN TEAM PROPOSALS

8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING FEE PROPOSALS

9. INTERVIEW / PRESENTATION

10. SUBMITTAL OF DESIGN TEAM PROPOSALS AND FEE PROPOSALS

11. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO THE RFQ / RFP

EXHIBITS

Exhibit “A” – Certification Form Exhibit “B” - Contractor Affidavit Under O.C.G.A §13-10-91(b)(1) Exhibit “C” – Disclosure Statement

RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP Quick Start EV Training Center – Bryan County

I. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Design Professional Services

RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP for

Project No. TCSG-398 Quick Start EV Training Center Bryan County

The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC), as “Owner”, on behalf the Technical College System of the State of Georgia (“Using Agency” or ''TCSG''), and Georgia Quick Start, (''GQS'') is seeking Statements of Qualifications from architectural/engineering (“Design Professional” or “DP”)firms interested in providing design professional services for a project known as Project No. TCSG-398 Quick Start EV Training Center – Bryan County. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify the most qualified potential providers of the above-mentioned services.

Some firms which respond to this RFQ, and who are determined by the Owner to be especially qualified, may be deemed eligible and may be invited to offer proposals for these services. All respondents to this RFQ are subject to instructions communicated in this document and additional terms and conditions listed in the Owner’s Request for Proposals (RFP).

GSFIC reserves the right to reject any or all statements of qualifications or proposals, and to waive technicalities and informalities at the discretion of GSFIC.

RESTRICTION OF COMMUNICATION: From the issue date of this (RFQ-RFP) solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any members of the Selection Committee, the Using Agency, or the End-User except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQ and RFP, or during the proposer's conference (if applicable), or as provided by any existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Owner reserves the right to reject the qualifications/proposal of the offending proposer.

1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Background:

As a critical part of the State of Georgia’s commitment to becoming a leader in the emerging e-mobility industry, the State has committed to building, equipping, and operating a state-of-the-art training center (“Training Center”) to prepare individuals effectively and efficiently with the skills required to perform successfully in the manufacturing of electric vehicles for a major automotive original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”). In addition to the training for e-vehicle assembly, the training center will also accommodate training for a lithium-ion battery joint-venture partner that will be located on the same site with the OEM. The training facility will be state-owned and operated, but its functionality and design will be aligned with the processes required by the Companies’ production operations, as well as the Companies’ comprehensive branding propositions, which will be summarized below.

The Training Center will be operated by Georgia Quick Start, a unit within the Technical College System of Georgia, which has proven experience in building and operating state-of-the-art training centers for world-class companies. Examples of Quick Start’s modeling of customized training centers include the Kia Georgia Training Center, the Georgia Bio-Science Training Center, and the Quick Start Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.

Project Description:

Given the rapidly evolving technology and markets for electric vehicles, the ultimate configuration of the Training Center will be determined during rigorous programming exercises. While Quick Start is part of the Technical College System of Georgia, it’s important to note that Quick Start’s training centers are not comparable to traditional educational facilities, and trainee activities are not comparable to those of traditional students. These distinctions are significant in order to preclude any interested DPs from basing submissions on misdirected assumptions. The programming will focus on the functional requirements for both the OEM’s e-vehicle assembly and also the Battery JV’s lithium-ion battery production, identifying where commonalities exist in order to maximize efficiency. Additionally, a rigorous design charrette will likely be required in order to align training center design elements with the primary OEM’s vision.

The Training Center will be constructed just southeast of Intersection of US-280 & Interstate 16 (Exit 143), near Ellabell, Georgia, within the boundaries of a mega site currently being developed in Bryan County. The maximum building capacity is currently projected to be 500, and the DP (Design Professional) will comply with the Georgia State Properties

Commission’s guidelines regarding assignment of spaces. Assuming a general estimate of the building size of 80,000- 100,000 GSF, the Training Center will include classrooms, technical labs, high-capacity spaces suitable to contain manufacturing-scale training simulations incorporating robotics, mechatronics, welding, motors, and other advanced manufacturing technologies. There will be a critical demand for hardwired and wireless networking capabilities, multiple segmented and secured server spaces, and A/V installations. Designated training spaces will also need appropriate utilities, air-handling and safety/emergency response capabilities related to high-voltage components, “thermal runaways” and potential toxic chemical release. The Center will require robust safety, security, fire suppression and emergency response systems. Candidate teams will demonstrate competency and experience in sustainable, healthy-building design strategies.

Training for the “Battery JV” operation will require some training spaces that may need to be physically segregated, contained, restricted, and equipped to accommodate hazardous chemicals, fire suppression, emergency response and access.

In general, the conceptual design approach will be derived from brand propositions such as simplicity and functionality, eco-friendly, community, fluidic sculpture, and a unified identity in vehicle and spatial design. An additional aspiration is to creatively place the facilities within its regional context, specifically referencing Savannah’s original planning concept of a ‘grid-with-centered-squares’ fostering flexible functionality, human-scale mobility, and egalitarian community. The landscaping design will be based on sustainable, eco-friendly integration with the coastal plain’s ecosystem.

The general scope of services to be provided by the Design Professional is outlined below. The DP should provide recommendations as appropriate to further accelerate the design and construction processes without compromising the integrity and functionality of the building project.

Considering the current challenges regarding the availability of certain materials and equipment, the DP will provide ongoing due diligence to inform the team of fluctuations in costs and availability of considered materials, fixtures, devices, etc. to facilitate decision-making that balances choice preferences with controlled costs and tight deadlines.

While not necessarily limited to, the general scope of services to be provided by the DP will include:

• Architecture (Facility Programming, Conceptual, SD, DD, CD, CA)

• Engineering (Civil, Structural, MEP, Fire Systems, LV)

• Landscape Architectural & Irrigation Design

• Voice/Data Communications; Electronic/Audio Visual; Security

The scope of services shall align with the definitions outlined in the Design Professional contract hyperlinked in the Request for Proposals section of this advertisement.

Project Delivery Method:

The delivery method for this Project will be construction manager at-risk (CM/GC), and, at a minimum, will employ the services of a Design Professional and a Commissioning Agent, in addition to the services of a CM/GC.

Project Budget The preliminary stated (construction) cost limitation (SCL) for the Project is estimated to be $44,100,000.00. The final SCL may differ due to actual program requirements, funding, and other circumstances.

Project Schedule:

The Design Professional’s services are anticipated to commence early in the second quarter of 2023 with 75% construction documents anticipated for completion by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. It is envisioned that Construction would start no later than the first quarter of 2024 with the issuance of an early component package thereafter, with material completion being reached by the end of the second quarter of 2025. (Note: All of the dates indicated in this section are estimates and as such are subject to change.)

Sustainable Approach:

The project will incorporate the requirements of the Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Construction Act of 2008 (O.C.G.A.

50-8-18) and it is the desire of the Owner to incorporate sustainable design and construction concepts in the project where feasible to do so. Further, Georgia Peach certification is required with commissioning.

Design Professional Requirements The required Design Professional Services are detailed in GSFIC Design Professional Contract which can be found on-line at http://gsfic.georgia.gov/construction-agreements-agency-request-form. Proposers are encouraged to review and become familiar with the terms and conditions of this contract. The selected Proposer will be required to execute this contract without any exceptions.

The Design Professional will provide all design services necessary to produce construction documents for the Project and will be required to perform construction contract administration services, in accordance with the GSFIC Design Professional Contract. The DP will perform programming and provide the complete schematic design documents, design development documents, and construction documents. The DP will be required to design the Project so that the cost of construction shall not exceed the Stated Cost Limitation. The DP will be required to produce an estimate of the construction cost with each phase of documents and will be expected to attend design review meetings every two weeks throughout design. The DP will also be required to provide extensive Construction Contract Administration Services which include, but are not limited to, inspection of all work, responding to requests for information, creating scope for and reviewing costs of change orders, review and approval of payment applications, attendance at bi-weekly OAC meetings, and coordination of Special Inspections. It is expected the Design Professional will work closely with the selected contractor and any other consultants engaged by the Owner and in the best interest of the Owner and the project. The offering firm shall be the primary contracting firm as the individual firm held responsible for fulfilling all contractual obligations. The primary contracting firm shall perform a minimum of 50% of the architectural design services (exclusive of engineering and specialty consultants) in-house. An associated firm (if necessary) may provide up to 50% of the architectural design services, allowing two or more architectural firms to share in the design effort on an equal basis. The Owner does not intend to enter into “joint-venture” agreements with multiple design professional firms. In the event that two or more firms desire to joint-venture, one firm shall act as the primary firm. It is strongly recommended that one firm act as the official primary design professional firm with the remaining firm(s) serving as consultants to the primary. The Project will be constructed by a general contractor to be selected and contracted with separately by the Owner. It is expected the Design Professional will work closely with the selected contractor and any other consultants engaged by the Owner and in the best interest of the Owner and the project.

2. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS

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

Step I - Qualifications Review Qualifications Review, is initiated with this RFQ, which is issued for the purpose of acquiring Statements of Qualifications from prospective Design Professional firms. A selection of finalist firms will be made by a Selection Committee consisting of representatives of the Using Agency, GSFIC, and possibly a third party representative (i.e., another state representative, Architect, etc.). The Selection Committee will receive and review Statements of Qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ using the following criteria:

Criteria for Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications

25% Factor: Stability of the firm, including the firm’s corporate history, growth, resources, form of ownership, litigation history, financials, etc.

45% Factor: Experience and Qualifications: Firm’s relevant project experience and qualifications, including the demonstrated ability of firm in creating effective design of projects comparable in complexity, size, and function to the one contemplated hereby. Experience with owners such as the State of Georgia and/or other similarly-structured organizations. This includes relevant experience and qualifications of the principal Design Professional(s) and lead staff, and evidence of relevant competencies for this project. Evaluators may also consider personal or agency past experience with firms.

30% Factor: Firm’s suitability to provide services for the project, including the firm’s apparent fit to the project type and/or needs of the Owner, any unique qualifications for the project, current and projected workloads, the proximity of office to project location, non-discrimination policies, and record of addressing public safety, social, environmental concerns, accessibility for persons with disabilities and special needs, and special services for project-related concerns.

3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP I)

The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta, Georgia. The Owner reserves the right to adjust the schedule as needed.

STEP I (RFQ) DATE TIME

a. Owner issues public advertisement of RFQ 2/16/2023 -----

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification (See 4. Submittals of Questions and Requests for Clarification below) 3/1/2023 2:00 PM

c. Deadline for submission of Statements of Qualifications 3/14/2023 2:00 PM

d. Owner completes qualification evaluation and determines finalist firms 3/21/2023 TBD

4. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

It is the responsibility of each respondent to examine the entire RFQ and RFP, to seek clarification in writing, and review their submittal for accuracy before submitting the document. Once the submission deadline has passed, all submissions will be final. The Owner will not request clarification from individual respondents relative to their submission, but reserves the right to ask for additional information from all parties who have submitted qualifications. Questions about any aspect of the RFQ, RFP, or the project, shall be submitted in writing via e-mail to:

Jeff Lacks, Director Procurement Services

(404) 463-5740 jeff.lacks@gsfic.ga.gov

The deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFQ is the time and date shown in the Schedule of Events (Section 3). All relevant and significant questions that have been submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled, and answers will be posted to the project information on the Georgia Procurement Registry at:

http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/

5. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Interested firms shall submit/upload one (1) electronic copy in .pdf format of the complete qualifications package to a GSFIC ftp site. Submittals must be prepared in a manner that when printed would typically fit on standard (8 ½” x 11”) paper. (The entire response shall not exceed 50 pages. All pages count, no exceptions.) Submittals that include qualifications of more than one firm shall not exceed the page limits. Emphasis should be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content. To expedite the review of submittals, it is essential that respondents follow the format and instructions outlined below.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

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

A. Description and Resources of Firm A1- Provide basic company information: Company name, address, name of primary contact, the year the company was established, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, and company website (if available). If the firm has multiple offices, the qualification statement shall include information about the parent company and branch office separately. Identify office from which the project will be managed, it’s proximity to the project site, the year the local office was established and the number of persons staffing that office and their disciplines. Provide form of ownership, including state of residency or incorporation, and number of years in business. Is the offeror a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), joint venture, or other structure? For joint venture entities that have not undertaken at least two projects together, each firm should submit its qualifications separately. Joint submittals are subject to the same submittal page limit.

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

mailto:jeff.lacks@gsfic.ga.gov http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/

A3- Has the firm or any of its principals been involved in any litigation in the past five (5) years? Describe your experience with litigation with Owners and/or Contractors. List any active or pending litigation and explain.

A4- Provide name of insurance carrier, types and levels of coverage, and deductible amounts per claim.

A5- List the firm’s annual revenue for each of the past 5 years.

A6- Supply financial references and main banking references.

A7- Has the firm ever been removed from a design services contract or failed to complete a contract as assigned?

A8- Provide the firm’s Federal Employer Identification Number on an IRS Form W-9.

A9- Firm has all the necessary, valid and current licenses to do business in the State of Georgia as issued by the respective State Boards and Government Agencies responsible for regulating and licensing the services to be provided and performed. Provide copies of relevant licenses. (i.e., Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, etc.)

A10- Complete the Certification Form (exhibit “A” enclosed with RFQ), and provide a notarized original with response as section “A10” of the firm’s Statement of Qualifications.

A11- Complete and submit the “CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT UNDER O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(1)” (Exhibit “B”) with response as Section “A11” of the firm’s Statement of Qualifications. Failure to submit this form with Statement of Qualifications will result in the firm being eliminated from consideration for this project.

A12- Complete and submit the “Disclosure Statement” (Exhibit “C”) with response as Section “A12” of the firm’s

Statement of Qualifications.

B. Experience and Qualifications B1- Provide professional qualifications and description of the level of experience for principal Architect or Engineer personnel in the design of projects similar to this project. All Consultants should provide a similar level of information particularly any specialized engineers or designers that may be on the team. (At this stage, firms are asked for information on lead staff only, but may list qualifications and experience on more than one lead individual who is qualified and available for proposed project. If the firm is selected as a finalist, the Owner will request detailed information on the exact proposed expanded team and their relevant experience.)

B2- Provide information of the firm’s experience on projects of similar type, size, function, and complexity. Describe no more than ten (10) in order of most relevant to least relevant, which demonstrate the firm's capabilities to perform the project at hand. (If a project listed was performed by an employee that previously worked at another firm, please indicate as such.) For each project, the following information should be provided:

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

b. Project delivery method (e.g. construction manager at risk, design-build, or design-bid-build).

c. Brief description of project and physical description (final construction cost, square footage, number of stories, site area).

d. Services performed by your firm. Identify the key personnel that participated in the project and state whether or not they are still with the firm.

e. Owner’s stated satisfaction in design and service of your firm.

f. Owner’s current contact information.

g. Contractor’s current contact information.

h. Provide construction budget and final construction cost for each project.

i. Describe in detail the reasons for any cost increases that may have occurred (Change orders, unforeseen conditions, Owner directed scope increases, errors/omissions, etc.

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

C2- Describe non-discrimination policies and the firm’s record and methodologies of addressing public safety, social, environmental, historical preservation, accessibility for persons with disabilities and special needs, or other related concerns.

C3- Provide evidence of experience and proficiency with design of public buildings with regard to the areas of public safety, accessibility for persons with disabilities and special needs, and environmental concerns.

6. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Submit one (1) electronic copy of the complete package in .pdf format onto the GSFIC / Egnyte ftp site. Uploaded responses (file names) must reference the RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP, the firm’s name, and the word “Qualifications.”

(File Name Example: TCSG-398-DP, ABC Company, Qualifications) The entire submittal should be submitted as ONE (1) file. Please do not submit individual documents or sections separately.

Proposers are reminded that failure to comply with the following could result in your submission being deemed non-responsive. Non-responsive submittals will not be considered by the selection committee:

The total page count of the submittal must not exceed 50 pages. All pages count regardless of content - including the cover, blanks, exhibits, appendices, etc.

No links to external electronic documents are permitted.

Be sure to include the following completed exhibits in your submission. (Forms located at the end of this document):

o Exhibit A – Certification Form.

o Exhibit B – Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(l) o Exhibit C – Disclosure Statement.

Statements of Qualifications must be electronically received by the Owner prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events (Section 3 of this RFQ).

Printed copies will not be accepted.

UPLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

Upload one (1) electronic copy of the complete package in .pdf format onto the GSFIC / Egnyte ftp site by selecting the link and following the upload instructions provided below.

https://gsfic.egnyte.com/ul/pNZmp64ims

Click on the provided link above, when the page opens, enter name, email address, and company name, click “Continue.”

Drag and drop your file or click the “Browse” button to select a document from your computer. You should see an upload progress bar and when it gets to 100% the upload is complete.

Firms are encouraged to verify with GSFIC that their submittal was received and should do so on the date they are due. Contact Christy Sanders; phone: (404) 463-0732 email: christy.sanders@gsfic.ga.gov, or the main GSFIC number 404-463-5600, for assistance or confirmation that the file was received.

(Experience with the ftp site indicates that uploads do not always receive the confirmation statement that the file was “successfully uploaded.” Typically, for files ranging in size from 5 – 10 Mb, it should not take more than one or two minutes to complete the upload.)

7. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

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

Step II - DP Selection, will be initiated by invitation to finalists to submit Design Team Proposals as instructed in the Owner’s Request for Proposals (RFP). Finalists will be those firms determined by the Selection Committee to be especially qualified to perform as the Design Professional for this Project in accordance with the qualification criteria herein. The Owner will issue a notice to finalists to participate in an oral presentation/interview. The successful DP will be determined from the proposals and interviews

End of Section mailto:christy.sanders@gsfic.ga.gov

II. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

(From Qualified Finalists)

RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP for

Project No. TCSG-398 Quick Start EV Training Center Bryan County

To firms who have been issued notification as having been deemed eligible, the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC), as “Owner,” on behalf the Technical College System of the State of Georgia (“Using Agency” or ''TCSG''), and Georgia Quick Start , (''GQS'') issues this Request for Proposals (RFP), for those firms to offer proposals for design professional services for the specific project.

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION

The delivery method for this project will be construction manager at-risk (CM/GC), and, at a minimum, will employ the services of a Design Professional and a Commissioning Agent, in addition to the services of a CM/GC. The contract for Architectural and Engineering professional services will be generally based on the Design Professional Agreement for http://gsfic.georgia.gov/construction-agreements-agency-request-form

Firms are encouraged to review and become familiar with the terms and conditions of this contract. GSFIC does not intend to modify any language contained in general terms and conditions of the contract, and any significant exceptions proposed by a firm could lead to a firm being deemed non-responsive

2. BUILDING PROGRAM

(See RFQ Step 1, Section 1)

3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)

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

STEP II (RFP) DATE TIME

a. Owner issues notice to finalist firms to propose as instructed in RFP 3/21/2023 ---

b. Owner conducts Pre-Proposal Site Visit for finalists 3/27/2023 11:00 AM

c. Deadline for finalist submission of written questions and requests for clarification 4/4/2023 2:00PM

d. Deadline for submission of Design Team Proposals 4/13/2023 2:00 PM

e. Owner interviews finalist firms 4/19/2023 TBA

4. PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT

A pre-proposal site visit may be conducted by the Owner and, if so, attendance of finalist firms will be mandatory. The date for the site visit is tentatively listed above. The site visitors will convene at a time and location to be determined and communicated in the Notice to Finalists. Additional information, possibly including some program, plans and drawings, may be available at the site visit for finalist review.

The Owner reserves the right to disqualify a proposer from the selection process due to a failure by a proposer to arrive for the site visit by the scheduled time. Failure to attend a mandatory site visit will automatically result in disqualification from the selection process.

http://gsfic.georgia.gov/construction-agreements-agency-request-form

5. SELECTION PROCESS

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

Criteria for the Evaluation of Project Proposals

15% Factor: Previous Performance of the firm including level of quality of the services of the firm to previous customers, customer’s statements of that quality, the firm’s ability to meet established time requirements, the firm’s response to project needs during design and construction, the firm’s control of design schedule, quality and budget. The Selection Committee may use references from stakeholders from previous projects of the finalists, among other information as necessary.

20% Factor: Design Team Qualifications and Experience of the Proposed Project Team. Experience of the principal, lead designer, and project manager on completed projects of similar size, type, and complexity; assigned team’s experience with effective budget and schedule control; availability of the proposed team for this project. Provide information regarding percentage of the primary team member’s time that will be committed to this project.

15% Factor: Quality of Proposed Design Plan: The firm’s design and detailed work plans; Firm’s approach for managing responsibility and accountability for project concerns; Firm’s process for effectively resolving issues and maintaining project commitments.

Criteria for the Evaluation of Finalist Interviews

25% Factor: Methodology Presented: The firm’s ability to assure success to complete the project within the time and cost budgeted. The firm’s presentation of the proposed design Plan, and the committee’s overall impression of the firm and key team members (lead designer, project manager, project director, project executive, etc.)

25% Factor: Team Communications/Project Solutions: The effectiveness in communication of the team members during the interview process, and the firm’s ability to effectively answer project questions and provide solutions during the interview.

6. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION AND EXTENSIONS

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

Jeff Lacks, Director Procurement Services

(404) 463-5740 jeff.lacks@gsfic.ga.gov

The deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFP is the time and date shown in the Schedule of Events (Section 3).

All relevant and significant questions that have been submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing and issued directly to all proposers via E-mail. Any proposer exceptions to the RFP requirements or requests for deadline extensions must also be communicated to the Owner by the deadline to be properly considered.

Any requests for proposal deadline extensions must include the reason(s) for such a request. The Owner reserves the right to approve or reject such requests as the Owner deems necessary mailto:jeff.lacks@gsfic.ga.gov

7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING DESIGN TEAM PROPOSALS

Finalist firms shall submit/upload one (1) electronic copy in .pdf format of the complete proposal package to a GSFIC ftp site. Submittals must be prepared in a manner that when printed would typically fit on standard (8 ½” x 11”) paper.

Proposals should not exceed 40 pages. Emphasis should be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content.

To expedite the review of submittals, it is essential that respondents follow the format and instructions outlined below. The content of all Project Proposals must be categorized and numbered as outlined in the following “PROJECT PROPOSAL DELIVERABLES,” and must address in a responsible and responsive manner all requested information:

DESIGN TEAM PROPOSAL

(DELIVERABLES “D”, and “E” FOR FINALIST FIRMS ONLY)

D. Qualifications and Experience of Proposed Project Team

D1- Describe your firm's proposed organization for the design team. Please designate all specific individuals and their roles on your team by submitting an organizational chart for the project: At a minimum, the project organization chart shall show the names of key designers and staff; descriptions of responsibilities for all proposed staff.

D2- Please provide for each of the above personnel current resumes listing relevant project experience and percentage of the person’s time to be committed to this project.

D3- Please identify the individual who, from project start to finish, will be the leader of your team and the principal point of contact between your firm and the Using Agency. Provide detailed information on the qualifications of this individual and the direction, authority, and management tools that will be provided to the individual by the firm. This individual’s competence, his/her leadership, and his/her ability to achieve customer satisfaction will be heavily considered in the selection.

D4- Provide examples of your team’s recent experience in similar projects, including the following information:

a. Provide detailed information on the three most recent relevant projects your firm has completed with proposed team members working together. Include the total value of the project, dates of the project, quantity of change orders or amendments to the contact and net total cost increase. Summarize the actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule. For each project, provide the name of Client’s representative (with a current phone number) who is most familiar with your performance on the project.

Summarize successes achieved and problems encountered with the project.

b. Provide a reference from the Client and any other stakeholders (with current phone numbers) familiar with your performance on each of the above projects.

c. List the individuals who served as the Principal Architect/Executive/Director, lead designers, project manager, and other key roles on the projects. Please note whether these individuals are still employed with your firm. Identify and provide detailed information on projects in which all or any combination of members of the proposed team has worked together on.

d. Provide detailed information on the level of experience team members have incorporating environmentally friendly/sustainable designs and principles into past projects, if applicable.

E. Design Plan E1- Provide a statement of your definition of your firm’s proposed overall role in this project, your anticipated level of management responsibility and accountability for project concerns. Describe your process for efficiently resolving issues and maintaining the project commitments while working collaboratively with the Using Agency and others as applicable. Provide detailed procedures for routine solving of complex project issues without compromising your team commitments. Provide your proposed methods and plans of communication.

E2- Provide your proposed timeline covering the scope of design, and a detailed work plan for the project. Each milestone must include the detailed steps describing the tasks to be done. Describe systems and procedures your firm uses to manage the design schedule. Describe alternatives that may be explored to shorten the schedule.

E3- Please explain your process for construction administration.

E4- Provide your detailed plan for applying sustainable design and principles into the project or any services not specifically mentioned herein. Explain the relevance of these services to this project and how they benefit the project.

8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING FEE PROPOSALS

Fee proposals may be solicited from the finalists invited to interview. If applicable, instructions for submitting fee proposals will be included with the Notice to Finalists.

9. INTERVIEW / PRESENTATION

Interview Format

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

• The interview will last a total of 60 minutes (10 minutes for setup and introductions, 30 minutes for the presentation, 20 minutes reserved for questions and answers). The Selection Committee will consist of representatives of the Using Agency, GSFIC and possibly other project stakeholders.

• The presentation may involve visual aides, along with the oral presentation.

• Electronic presentations, such as PowerPoint presentations are allowed.

• All members of the Selection Committee will be present during all of the presentations and interviews.

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

Interview Requirements The primary intent of the formal interview process is to provide the Selection Committee with in-depth and clarifying information about the firm. Information provided should assist the Selection Committee in making an informed decision as to the proposer best suited for the work.

Firms should focus their presentations on:

• Specific roles of your team members

• Describing their detailed plan for designing and administrating the construction, schedule, and quality on the project

• Unique characteristics or services the firm offers

Firms are discouraged from reviewing general company history and past experience as submitted in Statements of Qualifications or Project Proposals unless this information is particularly relevant to the presentation. All key personnel should be present at the interview to discuss how the team will successfully complete the project.

10. SUBMITTAL OF DESIGN TEAM PROPOSALS

Project/Team Proposals Submit one (1) electronic copy of the complete package in .pdf format onto the GSFIC / Egnyte ftp site. Uploaded responses (file names) must reference the RFQ No. TCSG-398-DP, the firm’s name, and the word “Proposal”

(File Name Example: TCSG-398-DP, ABC Company, Proposal) The entire submittal should be submitted as ONE (1) file. Please do not submit individual documents or sections separately.

See the upload instructions provided in Section 6 of the RFQ for detailed instructions regarding the upload of your submittal.

Proposals should not exceed 40 pages

Proposals must be electronically received by the Owner prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events (Section 3 of RFP). Printed copies will not be accepted.

Firms should verify their upload was successful.

Final Evaluation Upon completion of the evaluation and interview process by the Selection Committee, the firms will be ranked in descending order of recommendation. Negotiations will then be initiated with the best-qualified firm to finalize the terms and conditions of the contract. In the event a satisfactory fee agreement cannot be reached with the highest ranking firm, the Owner will formally terminate the negotiations in writing and enter into negotiations in turn with the second highest ranking firm and so on until a mutual agreement is established and the Owner awards an architectural services contract.

11. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO THE RFQ / RFP

Submittal Costs and Confidentiality All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The Owner is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of the Owner.

Labeling information provided in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential,” or any other designation of restricted use will not protect the information from public view. Subject to the provisions of the Open Records Act, the details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award.

Award Conditions This request is not an offer to contract or a solicitation of bids. This request and any proposal submitted in response, regardless of whether the proposal is determined to be the best proposal, is not binding upon the Owner and does not obligate the Owner to procure or contract for any services. Neither the Owner nor any party submitting a response will be bound unless and until a written contract mutually accepted by both parties is negotiated as to its terms and conditions and is signed by the Owner and a party containing such terms and conditions as are negotiated between those parties.

The Owner reserves the right to waive non-compliance with any requirements of this Request for Proposal and to reject any or all proposals submitted in response. Upon receipt and review of responses, the Owner will determine the party(s) and proposal that in the sole judgment of the Owner is in the best interest of the Owner (if any is so determined), with respect to the evaluation criteria stated herein. The Owner then intends to conduct negotiations with such party(s) to determine if a mutually acceptable contract may be reached and in the course of doing so may use ideas expressed in any proposal.

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

Reciprocal Preference Law For the purposes of evaluation only, a proposer that resides in the State of Georgia will be granted the same preference over proposers that reside in another State in the same manner, on the same basis, and to the same extent that preference is granted in awarding bids for the same goods or services by such other State to proposers that reside therein. For the purposes of this law, the definition of a resident proposer is one who maintains a place of business with at least one employee inside the State of Georgia. A P.O. Box address will not satisfy this requirement.

Joint-Venture Proposals GSFIC does not generally desire to enter into “joint-venture” agreements with multiple firms. In the event two or more firms desire to “joint-venture,” it is strongly recommended that one incorporated firm propose and maintain status as the Design Professional Services firm with the remaining firms participating as major consultants.

Small and Minority Business Enterprise It is the policy of the state of Georgia that minority-owned business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned business enterprises (WBE) and small business enterprises (SBE), have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the state purchasing process. Therefore, the Owner encourages all MBE, WBE and SBE to compete for contracts to provide goods, services, and construction, and encourages contractors to solicit MBE, WBE and SBE in procuring subcontractors and suppliers. This desire on the part of the Owner is not intended to restrict or limit competitive bidding or to increase the cost of the work. The Owner supports a healthy free market system that seeks to include responsible businesses and provides ample opportunity for business growth and development.

Contractors and subcontractors who utilize qualified minority subcontractors may qualify for a Georgia state income tax credits for qualified payments made to minority subcontractors. In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Section 48-7-38, when computing taxable net income of a Georgia based corporation, partnership, or individual, there shall be subtracted from federal taxable income or federal adjusted gross income 10 percent of the amount of qualified payments to certified minority subcontractors for state-agency-related construction projects. For more information on filing only, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue at 404-417-2399.

A company cannot receive an MBE Certification with the state of Georgia government without first receiving the DBE certification. To obtain information on the DBE/MBE Certification contact:

Georgia Department of Transportation One Georgia Center 600 West Peachtree NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308 404-631-1990

DOAS Supplier Relations 200 Piedmont Avenue, S.E.

Suite 1308, West Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9010 404-657-6000

Statement of Agreement With submission of a proposal, the Proposer agrees that he/she has carefully examined the Request for Proposal, and the Proposer agrees that it is the Proposer’s responsibility to request clarification on any issue(s) in any section of the Request for Proposal with which the Proposer disagrees or needs clarified. The Proposer also understands that failure to mention these items in the proposal will be interpreted to mean that the Proposer is in full agreement with the terms, conditions, specifications and requirements in the therein. With submission of a proposal, the Proposer hereby certifies:

(a) that this proposal is genuine and is not made in the interest or on behalf of any undisclosed person, firm, or corporation; (b) that Proposer has not directly or indirectly included or solicited any other Proposer to put in a false or insincere proposal; (c) that Proposer has not solicited or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a proposal.

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

Restriction of Communication From the issue date of this (RFQ/RFP) solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and the selection is announced, proposers are not allowed to communicate about this solicitation or this Project for any reason with any members of the Selection Committee, except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQ/RFP, or during the proposer's conference (if applicable), or as provided by any existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Owner reserves the right to reject the proposal of the offending proposer.

End of Section http://www.gsfic.georgia.gov/

(Exhibit A)

CERTIFICATION FORM

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

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

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

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

I further certify that the…