RFQ 26_35_003 Center Road Corridor Study.pdf

Date Posted 5/7/2026

BARTOW COUNTY/CITY OF

CARTERSVILLE

Request for Qualifications

RFQ #26-35-003

Engineering and Design Services

Center Road Corridor Study

Statement of Qualifications Due:

June 12, 2026 @ 3:30pm

Deadline for Written Questions Due:

June 5, 2026 @ 5:00pm

Information on this solicitation may be found at:

www.bartowcountyga.gov www.cityofcartersvillega.org

Georgia Procurement Registry Click on Projects for Bid

Questions should be directed to Shanice Amos, via email to:

amoss@bartowcountyga.gov

Bartow County Commissioner 135 West Cherokee Avenue | Suite 124 | Cartersville, Georgia 30120 http://www.bartowcountyga.gov/ http://www.cityofcartersvillega.org/ mailto:https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/ mailto:amoss@bartowcountyga.gov

Date Posted 5/7/2026

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES

Center Road Corridor Traffic Study

Bartow County is accepting sealed proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a Corridor Study related to the above-named project. The purpose of this RFQ is to select a qualified consultant to provide professional services to assist the County with evaluating existing conditions and identifying improvement strategies, including associated intersections and roadway segments along Center Road. The objective of the study is to assess traffic congestion, safety concerns, operational performance, and projected growth impacts to develop feasible improvement alternatives. Recommendations may include intersection modifications, capacity enhancements, access management strategies, and multimodal considerations.

These recommendations should be designed to improve safety, mobility, and overall corridor efficiency while accounting for both current and future traffic demands.

Sealed statements of qualifications will be received no later than June 12, 2026, at 3:30pm at the Bartow County Commissioner’s Office, Suite 251, 135 West Cherokee Avenue, Cartersville, GA 30120, at which time the names of the Offerors will be publicly read aloud. Submittals received after the above date and time, or in any location other than the Commissioner’s Office, will not be considered.

There is an Offerors Conference scheduled for this procurement. The offerors conference will be conducted in the Bartow County Zoning Hearing Room located on the lower level of the Bartow County Government Administration Building, 135 W. Cherokee Avenue, Cartersville, GA 30120, on Friday, May 22nd, 2026, at 2:00PM. This meeting is optional but highly suggested. The deadline for written questions is Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 5:00 PM

RFQ documents may be obtained from Ms. Shanice Amos, CBMPO Transportation Project Manager and Planner via email request at amoss@bartowcountyga.gov.

Restrictions on Communications are in place with the Staff/Buyer of Record from the issue date of this RFQ until a firm is selected and the selection is announced. Offerors are directed to submit all questions about this RFQ including technical requirements, submission instructions, and any other general information to Shanice Amos. All questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted in writing to amoss@bartowcountyga.gov. No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the County. Bartow County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to make award of contract in the best interest of the County and to waive technicalities and informalities.

Shanice Amos CBMPO Transportation Project Manager and Planner

QUALIFICATIONS LETTER AND CERTIFICATION

We propose to furnish and deliver any and all of the deliverables and services named in the attached Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

We further agree to strictly abide by all the terms and conditions contained in the Bartow County Purchasing Policies as modified by any attached special terms and conditions, all of which are made a part hereof. Any exceptions are noted in writing and included with the Statement of Qualifications.

It is understood and agreed that this Statement of Qualifications constitutes an offer, which when accepted in writing by Bartow County, and subject to the terms and conditions of such acceptance, may be the basis for a valid and binding contract between the undersigned and Bartow County.

It is understood and agreed that we have read the County’s specifications shown or referenced in the RFQ and that this statement is made in accordance with the provisions of such specifications.

By our written signature on this Statement of Qualifications, we guarantee and certify that all items included in this statement meet or exceed any and all such County specifications. We further agree, if awarded a contract, to deliver goods and services which meet or exceed the specifications. It is further understood that Bartow County reserves the right to reject any or all offers, waive technicalities, and informalities, and to make a contract award in the best interest of the county.

It is understood and agreed that this Statement of Qualifications shall be valid and held open for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days from opening date.

I certify that this Statement of Qualifications and offer is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a statement for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I understand collusive bidding is a violation of State and Federal Law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. I agree to abide by all conditions of the Statement of Qualifications and certify that I am authorized to sign this Statement for the Offeror. I further certify that the provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Sections 45-10-20 et. seq. has not been violated and will not be violated in any respect.

QUALIFICATIONS LETTER AND CERTIFICATION

Statement of Qualifications Submitted by:

Company Name: _____________________________________________

Contact Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________ Facsimile: ___________________

E-Mail: _____________________________________________________

Signature: ________________________ Date: ____________________________

All spaces must be filled in, and the Qualifications Letter must be signed where indicated. Failure to sign and return the Qualifications Letter WILL cause rejection.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Engineering and Design Services

I. General Project Information

A. Overview

Bartow County (“County”) and the City of Cartersville (“City”) are soliciting proposals from qualified firm(s) or organization(s) to provide professional planning and transportation consultation services related to the redesign of Center Road Corridor. Center Road is a busy, curvilinear two-lane roadway that extends approximately three miles from U.S. highway 41/SR 3 eastward to Spur 20, crossing multiple times between the incorporated limits of Cartersville and the unincorporated areas of Bartow County. The study area includes Center Road from US 41 to Spur 20, including associated intersections and roadway segments impacted by existing, approved, and anticipated residential development. The purpose of this study is to evaluate current roadway conditions, traffic operations, safety concerns, land use patterns, and projected growth within the corridor. This effort will assist the County and City in proactively identifying transportation improvements, roadway enhancements, access management strategies, and multimodal considerations necessary to support appropriate and balanced residential growth in the area. The selected consultant will conduct a study to develop research-based, data-driven recommendations. The objective is to establish conceptual corridor layouts and improvement strategies that address both existing and future development demands. This study is not intended to produce final engineering design plans but will provide strategic guidance and planning-level alternatives to help guide future infrastructure investments and development.

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify a firm for the project/contract listed in Exhibit A. Firms that respond to this RFQ are invited to offer proposals and/or possibly present and/or interview for these services. All respondents to this RFQ are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFQ and follow instructions carefully. Bartow County reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications or Consultant Plan Proposals, and to waive technicalities and informalities at the discretion of Bartow County.

B. Bartow County supports DBE participation on all federally funded projects. The history and amount of DBE proposed will be a consideration in the award of contracts on this project.

Bartow County and the Georgia Department of Transportation have established a DBE participation goal of 8%. Bartow County will monitor and assess each consultant services submittal for their DBE participation and/or good faith effort in promoting equity and opportunity in accordance with the State of Georgia, Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Program Plan.

C. Scope of Services

Under the terms of the resulting Agreements, the selected consultants will provide engineering design related services for the Corridor Study. The anticipated scope of work for the project/contract is included in Exhibit “A”.

D. Contract Term and Type

The County and City anticipate one (1) Project Specific contract to be awarded to one (1) firm, for the project/contract identified. The County and City anticipates that the Contract Type will be paid via Firm Fixed Price methodology. As a Project Specific contract, it is the County and City intention that the Agreements will remain in effect until successful adoption of the Center Road Corridor

Study. The County and City may choose to utilize the selected consultant for use on plan revisions as necessary.

E. Contract Amount

The Project Specific contract amount will be determined via negotiations with the County and City.

If the local governments are unable to reach a satisfactory agreement and at reasonable rates to be paid for the services to be provided, the local governments reserve the right to terminate negotiations with the highest scoring finalist and begin negotiations with the next highest scoring finalist.

II. Selection Method

A. Method of Communication

All general communication of relevant information regarding this solicitation will be made via the CBMPO website and reference RFQ #26-35-003. All firms are responsible for checking the website on a regular basis for updates, clarifications, and announcements. The County and City reserves the right to communicate via electronic mail with the primary contact listed in the Statements of Qualifications. Other specific communications will be made as indicated in the remainder of this

RFQ.

B. Phase I - Selection of Finalists

Based on the Statements of Qualifications submitted in response to the projects/contracts listed in this RFQ, the Selection Committee will evaluate the submittals based on Section IV. Selection Criteria. The Selection Committee will discuss the top submittals, and the final rankings of the top submittals will be determined. From the final rankings of the top submittals, the Selection Committee will identify up to three (3) firms which will be shortlisted and requested to participate in Phase II Technical Approach.

All firms must meet the minimum requirements as listed in Section IV.A. below.

C. Phase II – Finalists Response on Technical Approach/Past Performance

Top-ranked consultant teams will be given an opportunity for a presentation/interview. Proposed key personnel (up to four) from the project team may be requested to present the teams’ and their qualifications at the interview. The interview format will consist of up to a 45-minute presentation with an additional time allowed for discussion. Each finalist firm shall be notified in writing and informed of the presentation date. Any additional detailed instructions and requirements, beyond that provided in Section V. Selection Criteria for Phase II, for the finalists, will be provided in the Finalist Notification. All members of the Selection Committee will review the written proposal (and will attend the presentation/interview). Firms shall not address any questions, prior to the award announcement, to anyone other than the designated contact.

D. Final Selection

Final selection will be determined by summing the scores from Phase I and Phase II for each Finalist. Phase I will account for a possible 60 total points of the total score. Phase II will make up the remaining 40 points. The top 3 scoring firms will be contacted for Phase II negotiations.

Negotiations will then be initiated with the top-ranked firm(s) to finalize the terms and conditions of the contract(s), including the fees to be paid. In the event a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached with the highest-ranking firm(s), The County and City will formally terminate the negotiations and possibly enter into negotiations with the second highest-ranking firm, and so on in turn until a mutual agreement is established and The County and City awards a contract. The final form of the contract shall be approved by the County and City.

III. Schedule of Events

The following Schedule of Events represents The County and City’s best estimate of the Schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are using Eastern Standard Time. The County and City reserve the right to adjust the Schedule as the County and City deem necessary.

IV. Selection Criteria for Phase I - Criteria for Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications

Each submittal must provide notice of any changes to the following information submitted with any current Master Agreement. Significant changes in the opinion of the Review Committee may result in adjustments to the original Phase I scoring for that firm.

A. Area Class Requirements and Certification REQUIRED

Presented teams must be prequalified in the indicated Georgia Department of Transportation Area Class(es) to be evaluated. Required proof of prequalification shall be submitted as indicated in Section VI.B.4. below. All Submittals will be pre-screened to verify that the Prime consultant and the overall team have 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 the County and City 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 The County and City to determine if Firm is eligible for award.

B. Project Manager, Key Team Leader(s) and Prime’s Experience and Qualifications – 20 points

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Experience and Qualifications, which shall account for a total of twenty (20/100) points of the total evaluation. The following criteria for scoring Phase I of the evaluation will be utilized to determine which firms are shortlisted:

SCHEDULE DATE TIME

a. Bartow County issues RFQ 5/7/2026 ----------

b. Offeror’s Conference 5/22/2026 2:00pm

c. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification 6/5/2026 5:00pm

d. Deadline for submission of Statements of Qualifications 6/12/2026 3:30pm

e. Bartow County completes evaluation and issues notification and other information to finalist firms

6/19/2026 5:00pm

f. Conduct Consultant Interviews

Week of 6/22

TBD

g. Award of Contract

7/8/2026 10:00am

- Project Manager education, registration, relevant engineering experience, relevant project management experience, experience in utilizing Georgia Department of Transportation specific processes, manuals, or guidance.

- Key Team Leaders’ education, registration, relevant technical experience, and relevant experience in utilizing Georgia Department of Transportation specific processes, manuals, or guidance.

- Prime Consultant’s experience for a minimum of the previous five (5) years in delivering projects of similar complexity, size, scope, and function.

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

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Resources availability and Workload Capacity which shall account for a total of twenty (20/100) points of the total evaluation. The following criteria for scoring the Resources and Workload Capacity will be utilized to determine which firms are shortlisted:

- Project Manager Workload

- Workload capacity of Key Team Leader(s)

- Resources dedicated to delivering projects

- Ability to Meet Project Schedules

A. Past Performance – 20 points

The Selection Committee will evaluate all firms on their Past Performance which shall count for a total of twenty (20/100) points of the total evaluation. The Selection Committee will consider information provided via references provided for relevant projects, knowledge any selection committee member has of performance on relevant projects, past DBE participation levels, and performance evaluations or knowledge presented on similar projects.

V. Selection Criteria for Phase II - Criteria for Evaluation of Presentation

B. Presentation/Interview – 40 points

The Selection Committee will evaluate the shortlisted firms (Finalists) on their Technical Approach, which shall account for a total of forty (40/100) points. The Selection Committee shall utilize the following additional criteria for scoring Phase II of the evaluation to determine the highest ranked/most qualified (NOTE: Scores from Phase I will be carried forward and combined with the scores from the Phase II to determine the final ranking of Finalists):

- Demonstrated Technical ability to deliver the project products. (including design concepts and use of alternative methods)

- Familiarity with State and Federal procedures

- Provide any specific qualifications, skills, or knowledge which your firm has which could benefit the project, and evidence of your ability and willingness to meet time requirements.

VII. Instructions for Submittal of Phase I - Statements of Qualifications

A. There are two (2) submittals required for Phase I. Submittal #1 must follow the format and meet the content requirements identified below. Respondents must submit one original and five identical copies. Submittal #2 is an electronic version of Submittal #1 which allows for Bartow County to maintain the files electronically (preferably on a thumb drive). The original and each copy of this submittal should be stapled separately. The original and each copy of this submittal should be bound together using a binder clip or other similar fashion which allows the individual copies to be separated and distributed easily to Selection Committee Members. See Exhibit E for a summary of how the submittals for Phase I should be prepared.

B. Submittals must be typed on standard (8½” x 11”) paper. Concept drawings are to be furnished on sheets no larger than 11” x 17”. The pages should be numbered; however, submittal pages will be counted by section to determine compliance with page limits. Responses are limited to the page counts indicated in each section and may be double-sided using a minimum of size 11 font. Page counts will be determined by pages with print on them, not by the physical piece of paper. For example, a piece of paper which has print on both sides, shall be considered two pages while a piece of paper with print on only one side would be considered a single page. Each Statement of Qualifications shall be prepared simply and economically as indicated above. Fancy bindings, colored displays, and promotional materials are not desired. Emphasis must be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content.

NOTE: Additional pages other than what has been specified above in each section should not be included and will be grounds for disqualification. The sole exception is that any Addenda published on the Georgia Procurement Registry as a result of questions received MUST be included in the Phase I and Phase II submittals.

Phase I submittals must be sealed in an opaque envelope or box, and the words “Center Road Corridor Study” and “STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” must be clearly indicated on the outside of all the envelopes or boxes. Statements of Qualifications must be physically received by Bartow County prior to the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Events (Section III of RFQ) at the exact address below:

BARTOW COUNTY

Attention: Kathy Gill

Bartow County Commissioner’s Office

135 West Cherokee Avenue, Suite 251

Cartersville, Georgia 30120

No submittals will be accepted after the time and date set for receipt.

Statements of Qualifications submitted via facsimile or e-mail will be rejected. All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The County and City is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of The County and City. 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.

The County and City reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any technicalities associated with this submittal if deemed in the best interest of the State.

The submittal for Phase II will be presented at the time of the interview.

VII. Instructions for Preparing Technical Approach Response – Phase II Response

The Selection Committee will evaluate the shortlisted firms using the information provided as requested below (NOTE: Scores from Phase I will be carried forward into Phase II).

IX. Instructions for Submittal for Phase II – Technical Approach and Past Performance Response

A. There are two (2) submittals required. Submittal #1 must follow the format and meet the content requirements identified below. Respondents must submit one original and three identical copies. Submittal #2 is an electronic version of Submittal #1 which allows Bartow County to maintain the files electronically (preferably on a thumb drive). The original and each copy of this submittal should be stapled separately. The original and each copy of this submittal should be bound together using a binder clip or other similar fashion which allows the individual copies to be separated and distributed easily to Selection Committee Members.

See Attachment 1 for a summary of how the submittals should be prepared.

X. The County and City Terms and Conditions

A. Statement of Agreement

With the submission of a SOQ, the respondent agrees that he/she has carefully examined the Request for Qualifications and agrees that it is the respondent’s responsibility to request clarification on any issues in any section of the Request for Qualifications with which the respondent disagrees or needs clarified. The respondent also understands that failure to mention these items during the question period or in the SOQ will be interpreted to mean that the respondent is in full agreement with the terms, conditions, specifications and requirements therein. With submission of a SOQ, the respondent hereby certifies: (a) that this SOQ is genuine and is not made in the interest or on behalf of any undisclosed person, firm, or corporation; (b) that respondent has not directly or indirectly included or solicited any other respondent to put in a false or insincere SOQ; (c) that respondent has not solicited or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a

SOQ.

B. Joint-Venture Proposals, Sub-Consultants, and Vendors

“Populated Joint-Ventures” are welcomed. A populated joint-venture is where an alliance is brought to life by infusing it with working capital, employees, and control systems. The alliance implements all necessary business systems, including payroll processing, purchasing, property control, etc.

The alliance will develop its own indirect rate structure and calculates its own indirect cost rates, based on the direct and indirect costs it incurs.

Sub-Consultants shall generally be considered any team member which is performing any service which typically requires pre-qualification, which is subject to the Audit and Accounting System Requirements, and whose services are billed as cost. Sub-Consultant Team Members must be written into the resulting Agreement and are subject to all terms and conditions in the Agreement.

Vendors shall be considered any team member which is performing any service which typically does not require prequalification, which is not subject to the Audit and Accounting System Requirements, and whose services are billed as direct expenses. Vendors may not be written into the resulting Agreement and may not be subject to all terms and conditions in the Agreement.

C. General Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Requirements

Consultant and/or Contractor shall have and maintain in full force and effect insurance coverage against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of duties performed with coverage and limits no less than:

Commercial General Liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars) combined single limit per occurrence for comprehensive coverage including for bodily and personal injury, sickness, disease or death, injury to or destruction of property, including loss of use resulting therefrom. If a general aggregate limit applies, the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

Commercial Automobile Liability (owned, non-owned, hired) coverage of at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars) combined single limit per occurrence for comprehensive coverage including bodily and personal injury, sickness, disease or death, injury to or destruction of property, including loss of use resulting therefrom.

Valuable Papers Coverage in an amount sufficient to assure the restoration of any plans, drawings, field notes, or other similar data relating to the Work

Professional Liability of at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars) limit for claims arising out of professional services and caused by Consultant’s/Contractor’s errors, omissions or negligent acts.

Workers Compensation limits as required by the State of Georgia and Employers’ Liability limits of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) per occurrence or disease. (If consultant is a sole proprietor, who is otherwise not entitled to coverage under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act, Consultant must secure Workers’ Compensation coverage approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and the Commissioner of Insurance. The amount of such coverage shall be the same as what is otherwise required of employers entitled to coverage under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act.)

D. Civil Rights, Non-Discrimination and DBE Requirements

The County and City, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of a County department that receives Federal aid funding. The County and City further assure every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether or not those programs and activities are federally funded.

The County and City support DBE participation on all federally funded projects. The history and amount of DBE proposed will be a consideration in the award of contracts on this project. Therefore, The County and City, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d--42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this RFQ, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this RFQ and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Contractor/Consultant shall also insure that its employees and employment applicants are not discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin.

E. Immigration Requirements

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L.

99-603, contractor/consultant is required to provide evidence of compliance with the Federal Work

Authorization Program, commonly referred to as E-Verify and must submit a fully executed E-Verify Affidavit, included herein as Exhibit “C”, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, organization or corporation which is engaged in a physical performance of services agreement with The County and City, Georgia has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore, the undersigned consultant/contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, and the undersigned consultant/contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the consultant/contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91(b).

F. Audit and Accounting System Requirements

The County and City reserve the right to reject any proposal with firms that do not meet the following requirements:

1. Firm(s) should have an accounting system in place to meet requirements of 48 CFR Part 31 and, in the case of non-profit organizations, OMB Circular A-122.

2. Firm(s) should have no significant outstanding deficient audit findings from previous contracts with The County and City or any other state or local government agency that have not been resolved.

3. The prime is responsible for being reasonably assured that all sub-consultant(s) presented as a part of the proposed team are similarly in compliance with the above requirements.

G. Submittal Costs and Confidentiality

All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the respondent submitting the response. The County and City are not obligated to any respondent to reimburse such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of the County. Labeling information provided in submittals as “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 a final award.

H. 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 local governments and does not obligate the local governments to procure or contract for any services. Neither the local governments nor any respondent submitting a response will be bound unless and until a written contract mutually accepted by all parties is negotiated as to its terms and conditions and is signed by the County and a respondent containing such terms and conditions as are negotiated between those parties. The local government reserves the right to waive non-compliance with any requirements of this Request for Qualifications and to reject any or all proposals submitted in responses. Upon review of responses, the local governments will determine the respondents’ proposal that in their judgment meets the best interest of the local governments (if any is so determined), with respect to the evaluation criteria stated herein. The local governments then intend to conduct negotiations with such respondent(s) to determine if an acceptable contract may be reached.

I. Debriefings

In lieu of Pre-Award and Post-Award debriefings, it shall be the local governments’ policy to provide the “Selection Package” at the time of the Selection Announcement (also referred to as the Announcement of Entering into Negotiations). The “Selection Package” will include the scores and comments of phases for all firms who responded and will typically be provided as a PDF file and e-mailed. Previously, pre-award debriefings only provided the scores and comments of the firm. It shall be the policy of the County that all debriefings will typically be conducted in writing.

J. Right to Cancel or Change RFQ

The County and City reserve the right to cancel any and all Request for Qualifications where it is determined to be in the best interest of the County to do so. The County and City reserve the right to increase, reduce, add or delete any item in this solicitation as deemed necessary.

It is the responsibility of all firms interested in submitting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) for this advertisement to routinely check the posting on the CBMPO website for any revisions to this RFQ. No changes will be posted later than 48 hours prior to the submittal deadline.

K. Substitutions, Alternates, Exceptions, and Extensions

No substitutions or alternatives will be accepted for this solicitation. Any respondent submitting substitutions or alternatives will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for award.

L. The County and City Code of Conduct Pertaining to Conflict of Interest in the Award and Administration of Contracts

Any County and City employee who leaves the employment of the local governments and subsequently becomes employed with a consultant firm and whose duties while employed with the local governments included the direct involvement with the negotiation, administration, or management of a contract in which the firm is either the primary consultant or a subconsultant SHALL NOT be authorized to work on that contract as an employee of that firm for a period of one

(1) year after their employment ends.

Additionally, on July 1st of each year, any consultant firm that is under contract with the County and City as a prime or sub consultant shall provide to the County Community Development Director a current list of all former County and/or City employees employed by the firm and a document that certifies the responsibilities of those employees as it relates to the current contracts with the County and/or City. This certification document shall attest to the fact that over the last year no former County employee that is employed by their firm has worked on a contract between the County and their firm where that employee, when employed by either local government, had direct involvement with the selection, award and/or administration of the consultant contract. Any consultant firm entering into a contract with the local governments for the first time as a prime or subconsultant shall provide the initial required list of former County and City employees and certification prior to the contract effective date. If the local governments determine at any point during a contract that an actual conflict exists as it relates to the above paragraph, then that local government shall have the authority to issue a stop work order on that contract.

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EXHIBIT “A”

Project/Contract

1. PI Number(s): PI#

2. County: Bartow

3. Description: Prepare Center Road Corridor Study

4. Required Area Classes:

Prime Consultants are defined as the firm submitting the Statement of Qualifications and the firm with whom the County and City will contract. The Team is defined as the Prime Consultant and their subconsultants, who are considered team members. The Prime Consultant must be prequalified in the Area Classes identified below in Section 5.A. The Prime Consultant or subconsultant team members must be prequalified in the Area Classes identified below in Section 5.B. Respondents should submit a summary form (example provided in Exhibit “D”) which details the required area classes for the Prime Consultant and all subconsultants or joint venture of consultants on the team listed in the Statement of Qualifications. The area classes listed on the summary form must meet all required area classes or the team will be disqualified. The Prequalification Expiration Date must be current by the deadline stated for this RFQ.

A. The Prime Consultant MUST be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation in the area classes listed below:

1.01 State-Wide System Planning 1.02 Urban Area and Regional Transportation1.06(a) NEPA Documentation 1.06(b) History 1.06(c) Air Studies 1.06(h) Bat Surveys 1.09 Location Studies

1.10 Traffic Projections 1.13 Non-Motorized Transportation Planning 3.01 Rural Roadway Design 3.02 Urban Roadway Design 3.06 Traffic Operation Studies 3.07 Traffic Operation Design 3.08 Landscape Architecture 3.09 Traffic Control Systems Analysis, Design and Implementation 3.10 Utility Coordination 3.12 Hydraulic and Hydrological Studies 3.13 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design 3.15 Highway Lighting and Outdoor lighting 3.16 Value Engineering 5.01 Land Surveying 5.02 Engineering Surveying 5.08 Overhead/Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

5. The Team (either the Prime Consultant and/or one or more of their subconsultant team members) MUST be prequalified by Georgia Department of Transportation in the area classes listed below:

1.01 State-Wide System Planning 1.02 Urban Area and Regional Transportation1.06(a) NEPA Documentation 1.06(b) History 1.06(c) Air Studies 1.06(h) Bat Surveys 1.09 Location Studies

1.10 Traffic Projections 1.13 Non-Motorized Transportation Planning 3.01 Rural Roadway Design 3.02 Urban Roadway Design 3.06 Traffic Operation Studies 3.07 Traffic Operation Design 3.08 Landscape Architecture 3.09 Traffic Control Systems Analysis, Design and Implementation 3.10 Utility Coordination 3.12 Hydraulic and Hydrological Studies 3.13 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design 3.15 Highway Lighting and Outdoor lighting 3.16 Value Engineering 5.01 Land Surveying 5.02 Engineering Surveying 5.08 Overhead/Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

6. Scope:

Center Road Corridor Study of Center Road extending from Hidden Valley Road to Spur 20 is experiencing significant residential growth and development activity. As development continues, increased traffic volumes and additional access points will place greater demands on the existing roadway. This study provides an opportunity for the city and county to proactively assess corridor conditions and infrastructure needs prior to additional development pressures. The analysis will focus on identifying strategic, planning-level improvements to support safe, efficient, and balanced growth along the corridor.

The county previously had a traffic study conducted for this corridor to evaluate current and projected traffic conditions associated with existing and potential developments. Building upon the findings of that study, the city and county seek a qualified consultant to further evaluate the corridor and develop a conceptual analysis of improvement strategies that will support continued growth while maintaining safe and efficient traffic operations. The purpose of this study is to utilize the previously completed traffic analysis to develop conceptual transportation improvements and planning -level design recommendations for the corridor. These recommendations will assist the county and city in guiding future development, identifying necessary infrastructure improvements, and ensuring that roadway capacity, safety and operational performance remain balanced with anticipated growth.

On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the COUNTY & CITY hereby engages the CONSULTANT to provide design services for the Center Road from US 41 to Spur 20 in accordance with the Scope of Services, attached and meets the federal requirements. It is understood that the Scope of Services may be modified by change order as the Service or Project progresses, but to be effective and binding, any such change order must be in writing, executed by the parties, and in accordance with the COUNTY’s purchasing policies and Procedures. A copy of these procedures will be made available to the CONSULTANT upon request. The tasks to be performed by the CONSULTANT include but are not limited to:

A. Project’s Administration and Project Kickoff

a. Kickoff meeting

b. Review available documents

c. Review targeted study areas

d. Discuss project expectations and scheduling

B. Corridor Overview and Existing Conditions

a. Analyze and summarize existing conditions based on traffic study data

b. Evaluate current roadway characteristics including all geometrical and operational features

c. Evaluate current traffic patterns and current potential problems

d. Examine pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and connectivity within the corridor

e. Review existing and incoming residential developments that will influence the corridor’s traffic demand

f. Identify all concerns within the corridor

C. Growth Analysis

a. Examine the cumulative effects of existing, incoming/approved and anticipated residential development on corridor capacity and intersection operations

b. Estimate future traffic based on potential developments and projected growth

c. Identify areas that may require infrastructural improvements and modifications

D. Future Conditions Modeling

a. Evaluate corridor performance under future development scenarios

b. Identify scenarios that may cause operational deficiencies

c. Evaluate potential congestion points and traffic flow constraints

E. Conceptual Framework

a. Develop conceptual roadway configurations and intersection layouts to accommodate existing and projected impacts

b. Consider multimodal improvements where necessary

c. Identify potential improvements; lanes, turn lanes, roundabouts, intersection improvements, speed improvements, traffic control measurements, etc.

d. Evaluate options for improving traffic flow and safety throughout the corridor

7. Related Key Leaders (up to four may be included).

A.

B.

C.

D.

The completed study is due no later than February 22, 2027.

EXHIBIT “B”

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.

Initial each box below indicating certification. The person initialing must be the same person who signs the Certification Form. (If unable to initial any box for any reason, place an “X” in the applicable box and attach a statement explaining the non-certification. The County will review and make a determination as to whether or not the firm shall be considered further or disqualified).

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

I further certify that the submitting firm and any principal employee of the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) 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, nor is any team members/principals currently under indictment for any reason related to actions on public infrastructure projects.

I further certify that I understand that Firms included on the current Federal list of firms suspended or debarred are not eligible for selection and that the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) years, been suspended or debarred from contracting with any federal, state or local government agency, and further, that the submitting firm is not now under consideration for suspension or debarment from any such agency.

I further certify that the submitting firm has not in the immediately preceding five (5) years been defaulted in any federal, state or local government agency contract and further, that the submitting firm is not now under any notice of intent to default on any such contract, nor has been removed from a contract or failed to complete a contract as assigned due to cause or default.

I further certify that the firm or any affiliate(s) has not been involved in any arbitration, litigation, mediation, dispute review board or other dispute resolution proceeding with a client, business partner, or government agency in the last five years involving an amount in excess of $500,000 related to performance on public infrastructure projects.

I further certify that there are not any pending regulatory inquiries that could impact our ability to provide services if we are the selected consultant.

I further certify that there are no possible conflicts of interest created by our consideration in the selection process or by our involvement in the project.

I further certify that the submitting firm’s annual average revenue for the past five (5) years is sufficient to allow the services to be delivered effectively by our firm and that there are no trends in the revenue which may be concerning other than normal market fluctuations.

I further certify that in regards to Audit and Accounting System Requirements, that the submitting firm:

I. Has an accounting system in place to meet requirements of 48 CFR Part 31 and, in the case of non-profit organizations, OMB Circular A-122.

II. Has no significant outstanding deficient audit findings from previous contracts with The County and City that have not been resolved.

III. Is responsible for being reasonably assured that all sub-consultant(s) presented as a part of the proposed team are similarly in compliance with the above requirements.

I acknowledge, agree and authorize, and certify that the proposer acknowledges, agrees and authorizes, that The County and City may, by means that either deems appropriate, determine the accuracy and truth of the information provided by the proposer and that the The County and City may contact any individual or entity named in the Statement of Qualifications for the purpose of verifying the information supplied therein.

I acknowledge and agree that all of the information contained in the Statement of Qualifications is submitted for the express purpose of inducing the The County and City to award a contract.

A material false statement or omission made in conjunction with this proposal is sufficient cause for suspension or debarment from further contracts, or denial or rescission of any contract entered into based upon this proposal thereby precluding the firm from doing business with, or performing work for, the State of Georgia. In addition, such false statement or omission may subject the person and entity making the proposal to criminal prosecution under the laws of the State of Georgia of the United States, including but not limited to O.C.G.A. §16-10-20, 18 U.S.C. §§1001 or 1341.

Sworn and subscribed before me

This _____ day of ________, 20___. Signature

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires: _________________ NOTARY SEAL

EXHIBIT “C”

GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT

Contracting Entity/Respondent:

Address:

Solicitation No./Contract No.: RFQ #26-35-003

Solicitation/Contract Name CBMPO Center Road Corridor Study

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned person or entity verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or entity which is contracting with The County and City has registered with, is authorized to participate in, and is participating in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

The undersigned person or entity further agrees that it will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, and it will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the undersigned with the information required by O.C.GA. § 13-10-91(b).

The undersigned person or entity further agrees to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to the County within five (5) business days after any subcontractor is retained to perform such service.

E-Verify/Company Identification Number Date of Authorization

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent Date (Contractor Name)

Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Consultant

Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN

BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

_____ DAY OF ______________________, 201_

________________________________________ [NOTARY SEAL]

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ___________________

RFQ- #16-34-03

EXHIBIT “D”

Area Class Summary Example

Respondents should complete a table similar to the below and indicate by placing an “X” in the appropriate column indicating the firm which meets each required area class for each specific project with particular emphasis on the area classes which the Prime must hold as well as the subconsultants. The table below is a full listing of all area classes.