RFQ 484_072426 Steel Fabrication Inspection a.pdf

Date Posted: 6/23/2026

Request for Qualifications

To Provide

Steel Fabrication Inspection and Testing Services

RFQ 484-072426

Qualifications Due: July 24, 2026

Georgia Department of Transportation

One Georgia Center 600 West Peachtree Street, NW

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

5-2026 IDIQ Single v2

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

I. General Project Information

A. Overview

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from a qualified firm(s) to provide Consultant Services for the projects listed above:

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify potential providers for the Scope of Services for the project/contract listed in the Exhibit. Firms that respond to this RFQ and are determined by GDOT to be sufficiently qualified may be deemed eligible and invited to offer a Technical Approach and/or possibly present and/or interview for these services. All respondents to this RFQ are subject to the instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFQ and follow instructions carefully.

GDOT reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications and Technical Approach, and to waive technicalities and informalities at the discretion of GDOT.

B. Restriction of Communications

From the date of advertisement of this solicitation until the successful respondents are selected and the award is officially announced, all firms are strictly prohibited from communicating in any way regarding this solicitation or the associated scope of work with any GDOT staff, including the Commissioner and GDOT Board Members. This restriction applies to all potential respondents and will be strictly enforced.

The only exception to this restriction is for the purpose of obtaining a Consultant Evaluation Form to support a project being included in the SOQ submittal.

All questions or requests for clarification regarding any aspect of this RFQ must be submitted in writing via email to:

Melissa Hannah mehannah@dot.ga.gov

Deadlines for the submission of questions are listed in the Schedule of Events section of this RFQ.

Method of Communication.

All general communication regarding this solicitation, including updates, clarifications, and official announcements, will be posted to the Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR) under this RFQ. It is the responsibility of all interested firms to monitor the GPR regularly for such information.

GDOT reserves the right to communicate directly via electronic mail with the primary contact listed in the submitted Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Additional communications may be conducted as specified elsewhere in this RFQ.

C. Contract Term and Type

GDOT anticipates. one (1) On-Call Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract to be awarded to one

(1) firm, for the project/contract identified in the Exhibit. GDOT anticipates that the Payment Type may be Lump Sum, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost per Unit of Work, or Specific Rate of Compensation. As an On-Call Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract, the Agreements will remain in effect for up to a maximum of five (5) years.

D. Contract Amount

The On-Call, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract will have a minimum dollar amount of Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) and a maximum dollar amount of Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000.00).

mailto:mehannah@dot.ga.gov

E. Scope of Services

Under the terms of the resulting Agreement, the selected consultants will provide the anticipated scope of work for the project as outlined in the accompanying Exhibit referenced herein.

F. Schedule of Events

The following Schedule of Events represents GDOT’s best estimate of the Schedule that will be followed.

All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta, Georgia. GDOT reserves the right to adjust the Schedule as GDOT deems necessary.

PHASE I DATE TIME

a. GDOT issues a public advertisement for this RFQ. 06/23/2026 --------

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification 07/10/2026 2:00 PM

c. Deadline for submission of SOQs 07/24/2026 2:00 PM

II. Selection Method

A. Phase I - Selection of Finalists

Based on the SOQs submitted in response to the project/contract listed in the Exhibit below, individual Selection Committee members will evaluate all firms individually based on the Phase I selection criteria and weights listed in the solicitation. All firms will be discussed and evaluated by the selection committee as a group and assigned a group rating for each of the Phase I evaluation criteria and weights, resulting in a group score for Phase I, and the final rankings of the top submittals will be determined. From the group scores of the top submittals, at least three (3) or more of the most highly qualified consultants will be shortlisted for additional evaluation.

B. Finalist Notification

Each finalist firm shall be notified by email to participate in Phase II of the evaluation process and informed of all due dates, additional details, and requirements beyond those provided in the solicitation.

C. Phase II – Evaluation of Final Selection

Based on the Phase II response from the finalist firms, the selection committee members will evaluate and discuss each finalist firm's submittal based on the Phase II selection criteria and weights listed in the solicitation and assign a group rating resulting in a group score for Phase II.

D. Final Selection

The Final selection will be determined by carrying the selection committee group scores from Phase I forward and adding them to the results for Phase II selection committee group scores, together for a total score. The finalists will be ranked in order of preference. At least three firms will be identified as the most highly qualified to perform the services listed in the Exhibit.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, GDOT will formally award the contract to the top-ranked firm.

Following the award, GDOT will initiate negotiations to finalize the terms and conditions of the contract, including the scope, compensation, and fees to be paid.

If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached with the highest-ranked firm, GDOT will formally terminate negotiations and may initiate discussions with the next highest-ranked firm, continuing in order of ranking until a mutual agreement is established and the contract is executed.

III. Selection Criteria and Weights

A. Phase I - The following criteria and weights will be utilized in the evaluation and scoring of Phase I SOQs to determine which firms are shortlisted:

1. Project Manager, Key Team Leader, and Key Team Member – Experience and Qualifications Weight:

30% - Evaluation will be based on the relevant experience, professional qualifications, and technical expertise of the proposed Project Manager, Key Team Leader, and Key Team member for the identified scope of work.

2. Additional Resources and Challenges Weight: 20% - This criterion considers the firm on its Additional

Resources and Approach to address scope challenges.

3. Prime Consultant Experience and Past Performance Weight: 10% - Past performance will be assessed using the evaluation forms submitted by the firm and any relevant experience or project knowledge held by members of the Selection Committee, particularly regarding similar or related GDOT projects.

B. Phase II – The following criteria and weights will be utilized in the evaluation and scoring of the shortlisted firms (finalists): Technical Approach.

1. Technical Approach Weight: 40% - This criterion evaluates the firm’s proposed methodology, understanding of the project requirements, approach to managing key tasks, anticipated challenges, and strategies for delivering a successful project outcome.

2. Presentation/Interview GDOT reserves the right to request a presentation/interview on any project/contract as determined in its best interests; however, this additional requirement shall typically be reserved for the most complex projects.

Phase I accounts for 60% of the total score, and Phase II accounts for 40% of the total score.

IV. Instructions for Content and Preparation of Statement of Qualifications – Phase I Response

The SOQs submittal must be submitted per the instructions provided below and be organized, categorized using the same headings (in red), numbered and lettered exactly as outlined below, and responsive to all requested information. For the sections in which page number limits are stated, each section with a stated limit must begin on a new page and end on the last page allowed for the section. New sections shall not begin on a page allowed for a previous section, if applicable. This will enable the Department to ensure compliance with the page limitations.

Restrictions on Inclusion of GDOT Employees and Personnel Disclosure

Respondents may reference current Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) employees within the Prime Consultant Experience and Past Performance sections of the SOQ (Sections E and F), including within project descriptions, evaluation forms, and narratives, where applicable. Such references shall be limited to the individual’s role on the referenced project and shall not imply participation on the proposing team or involvement in the current procurement.

Respondents shall not list, reference, or otherwise include any current GDOT employee as part of the proposed team, including but not limited to resumes, organizational charts, narratives, or proposed team roles. The inclusion of any current GDOT employee as part of the proposed team shall render the SOQ non-responsive.

Respondents must also ensure that all individuals identified in the SOQ have been informed of, and have agreed to, their inclusion on the proposed team. Respondents shall not list employees of other firms—including potential sub-consultants or unaffiliated entities—without those individuals’ knowledge and the concurrence of their current employer.

To ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest, Respondents must clearly identify the current employer of all individuals proposed in the SOQ, including the Project Manager, Key Team Leader, Key Team Member, and all individuals shown on the organizational chart, and any individual referenced in the SOQ narrative or resumes. Failure to comply with these requirements shall result in a determination of non-responsiveness

Cover page – Each project/contract submittal must have a separate cover page for each copy of each Phase I submittal and must indicate the response is for Phase I, and each project/contract must list the RFQ Number, RFQTitle, proposing firm’s full legal name, and the specific project contract being submitted, including the District/Region/County(ies), and Project Description

A. Addendum(s) - Signed cover page (Only) of any Addendum(s) issued.

B. Basic Company Information

The following general information is required for each submittal. This information will not be scored but may be used by the Department to determine eligibility for selection. Firms must submit only the requested information. Providing additional or unsolicited information may result in disqualification from this solicitation.

1. Company Name: Provide the full legal name of the company.

2. Company Headquarters Address: Include the complete address of the company’s headquarters.

3. Primary Contact Information: Provide the name, telephone number(s), and email address of the individual who will serve as the main point of contact for this solicitation. This individual will receive all communications from the Department.

4. Company Website: Include the company’s website URL, if available.

5. Georgia Office Locations: Identify all office locations within the State of Georgia, including full addresses.

6. Staffing in Georgia Offices: List the number of staff members employed at each Georgia office and specify their disciplines.

7. Ownership Structure: Indicate the form of ownership (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other structure). Include the state of residency or incorporation and the number of years the firm has been in business.

This information is (Excluded from the page count).

C. Experience and Qualifications

1. Project Manager - The following information must be provided for the proposed Project Manager. This section is critical for evaluating qualifications and project relevance. Resumes and supporting documentation must be clearly labeled and organized.

a. Current Employment

1) State the name of the firm where the Project Manager is currently employed.

2) Indicate the number of years the Project Manager has been with the firm.

3) Provide the total number of years of experience serving in the role of a Project Manager, to distinguish between overall career length and actual leadership experience directly relevant to the position.

b. Education: List relevant degrees or academic credentials.

c. Registration, if applicable and necessary for the position.

d. Relevant Project Management Experience: Provide a combination of narrative and listing of specific experience managing on-call contracts or multiple projects of similar complexity, size, scope, and function, and experience managing internal and sub-consultant resources to staff projects on an as-needed basis.

e. GDOT-Specific Experience: Describe experience utilizing GDOT-specific procedures, policies, and guidance such as the Plan Development Process (PDP), Design Policy Manual, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc. If any listed projects did not follow GDOT processes, clearly identify the alternative processes, manuals, or guidance used and provide a comparison where appropriate.

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

2. Key Team Leader is defined as an individual who oversees project areas deemed critical to the specific project (see Section 6 of the Project Description in Exhibit below for the required Key Team Leader role for project). For the Key Team Leader identified, the following information must be provided:

a. Current Employment and Experience:

1) State the name of the firm where the Key Team Leader is currently employed.

2) Indicate the number of years with the firm.

3) Provide the total years of experience serving in a leadership role within their discipline.

b. Education: List relevant degrees or academic credentials.

c. Registration: Provide details of applicable licenses or registrations required for the Key Team

Leader area of responsibility (e.g., PE, RLA, PG), if necessary and applicable.

d. Relevant Resource Area Experience: Describe the Key Team Leader’s relevant experience in their specific resource area, highlighting involvement in projects of comparable complexity, size, scope, and function.

e. Experience with GDOT-Specific Standards, detailing the Key Team Leader’s use of GDOT-specific processes, manuals, and guidance relevant to their discipline (e.g., PDP, Design Policy Manual, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.) For any projects that did not follow GDOT processes, list the alternative processes, manuals, or standards used and explain their comparability.

The information required for the Key Team Leader, as identified in Section 6 of each Project Exhibit, is limited to one (1) page maximum.

Respondents submitting more than one (1) page for any Key Team Leader will be subject to disqualification. Additionally, respondents must provide only the Key Team Leader specified in the Project Exhibit. Submitting more Key Team Leaders than required will be considered non-compliant and may result in disqualification, as it provides an unfair advantage over firms that followed the stated requirements. Conversely, failure to submit the required Key Team Leader will render the proposal nonresponsive, and the respondent’s team will be deemed unqualified for the award. It is the respondent’s responsibility to carefully review Section 6 of the relevant Exhibit and ensure strict compliance with both the number and content of the Key Team Leader submittal.

3. Key Team Member is defined as an individual team member not included as the Project Manager or a Key Team Leader, whose qualifications the Prime firm would like to highlight as essential in the delivery of the proposed project/contract. For the Key Team Member identified, the following information must be provided:

a. Current Employment and Experience:

1) State the name of the firm where the Key Team Member is currently employed.

2) Indicate the number of years with the firm.

3) Provide the total years of experience serving in a leadership role within their discipline.

b. Education: List relevant degrees or academic credentials.

c. Registration: Provide details of applicable licenses or registrations required for the Key Member area of responsibility (e.g., PE, RLA, PG), if necessary and applicable.

d. Relevant Resource Area Experience: Describe the Key Team Member's relevant experience in their specific resource area, highlighting involvement in projects of comparable complexity, size, scope, and function.

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

f. Experience with GDOT-Specific Standards, Detail the Key Team Member's use of GDOT-specific processes, manuals, and guidance relevant to their discipline (e.g., PDP, Design Policy Manual, Environmental Procedures Manual, etc.) For any projects that did not follow GDOT processes, list the alternative processes, manuals, or standards used and explain their comparability.

The information is limited to one (1) page Maximum.

4. NOTE: Key Personnel Changes

If, after the RFQ submission deadline, a Project Manager or Key Team Leader listed in the SOQ is no longer employed with the firm, a replacement may be submitted if the firm is shortlisted. The replacement must be selected from within the same firm and included as part of the Phase II Technical Approach submittal. All required information for the replacement personnel must be provided, and the submittal must comply with the original page limitations. During the Phase II evaluation meeting, the evaluation team will revisit and adjust the Phase I score to reflect the experience and qualifications of the replacement personnel.

D. Additional Resources and Challenges

Overall Resources - Provide information regarding the overall resources dedicated to delivering the specific project, including:

1. Organizational Chart - Provide an organizational chart that identifies the Project Manager, Prime Consultant, Key Team Leader, support personnel, and reporting structure. This chart is (Excluded from the page count) and may be submitted in portrait or landscape orientation on (8.5” X 11”) or (11” x 17”) paper, particularly when the Chart requires a large consultant team.

2. Primary Office - Identify and discuss the primary office responsible for managing the specific project.

Include the number and types of staff within that office and describe how this office will benefit the project and promote efficiency. This information must be included on one (1) page, combined with the Narrative on Additional Resource Areas and Abilities described in Section D.3.

3. Narrative on Additional Resource Areas and Ability – Provide a narrative describing any additional resource areas important to the project. Discuss how the key areas will integrate and work together, and include any pertinent information relevant to these areas. The narrative should also explain how the team’s organization—including the Project Manager, Key Team Leader, and Key Team Member

— will support project delivery on schedule, given their current workload capacity. GDOT acknowledges that some individuals may meet schedule requirements while managing heavier workloads. Respondents may highlight the strengths and advantages of their team and explain how the team’s capabilities will help meet the proposed schedule outlined in the applicable Exhibit. If no schedule is provided, discuss how the team’s composition will support the project moving forward as expeditiously as possible. Note: Respondents submitting more than one (1) page combined for Sections D.2 and D.3 will be subject to disqualification.

4. Identify Additional Resources – Respondents are allowed one (1) page to provide information on additional resources, outside of the Project Manager, Key Team Leader, and Key Team Member, providing a brief description of the resource and describing how the additional resources identified will help address scope challenges. Respondents submitting more than one (1) page will be subject to disqualification.

E. Prime Consultant Experience and Past Performance

Provide detailed descriptions of the Prime Consultant’s past performance on task order-based, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), or similar contract experience that demonstrates the firm’s ability to manage and deliver a variety of assignments that differ in scope, schedule, and complexity. Emphasize experience that highlights the ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments, respond quickly to evolving priorities, coordinate effectively across teams, and consistently meet quality, budget, and schedule requirements.

1. Similar Project Experience - Provide information on the prime consultant’s experience and ability to deliver effective services for projects of similar complexity, size, scope, and function, demonstrating the firm's qualifications to perform services for GDOT. For each project listed, include the following details:

a. Project: Provide the project name, GDOT PI number (if applicable), and project location.

b. Client: State the name of the client.

c. Date: Indicate the start and end dates of service. If the project is ongoing, please note that accordingly.

d. Description: Provide a brief description of the overall project and clearly define the services your firm performed.

e. Overall/Firm Budget: Include the overall project budget (total of PE, ROW, UTL, CST costs) and the firm’s total fees.

f. Client Contact: Provide current contact information for the client, including contact name(s), telephone number(s), and e-mail address(es).

g. Team Involvement: Specify the involvement of the Project Manager and Key Team Leader identified in your SOQ on each project listed.

h. Similarity: Explain why this project is similar to the project(s) for which the firm is submitting a proposal.

i. If applicable. If performance ratings are not available, provide a brief explanation.

2. Similar Project Experience Summary Write-up For the similar projects listed above, provide a summary write-up detailing the firm’s experience utilizing GDOT-specific processes, manuals, or guidance, such as the Plan Development Process (PDP), Design Policy Manual, Environmental Procedures Manual, and other applicable resources. If any projects did not follow GDOT processes, clearly identify the alternative processes, manuals, or guidance that were used and explain their comparability to GDOT standards.

This information is limited to four (4) pages maximum.

F. Prime Consultant Evaluation Forms – Respondents must submit a completed Project Evaluation Form for each project referenced in the Similar Project Experience section. The form must be the most current version of the Contract Management Information System (CMIS) Evaluation Form, printed directly from CMIS for the respective project, and included in the SOQ submittal.

Evaluation Forms shall be submitted in the following order of preference: (1) CMIS Evaluation Form; (2) Locally Administered Project (LAP) Evaluation Form, if applicable; and (3) Legacy Evaluation Form when neither a CMIS nor LAP Evaluation Form is available for the referenced project.

If neither a CMIS nor a Locally Administered Project (LAP) Evaluation Form is available, respondents shall complete and include the Legacy Evaluation Form provided with the RFQ on the Georgia Procurement Registry.

For projects with non-Georgia clients, respondents may submit another agency’s performance evaluation form in place of the CMIS, LAP, or Legacy Evaluation Forms, provided the submitted form includes comparable evaluation criteria (e.g., quality, timeliness, cost management, and communication) and clearly identifies the project, the firm’s role, and the evaluator. GDOT reserves the right to request additional information or clarification if the submitted form does not provide sufficient detail for evaluation.

Firms may submit project experience performed as a subconsultant when proposing as the Prime Consultant; however, the firm’s role and responsibilities on the project must be clearly defined in the SOQ.

The Prime Consultant shall not include or rely upon work performed by other firms or subconsultants in which the Prime Consultant had no direct involvement.

Evaluation Forms shall be completed by individuals with direct knowledge and oversight of the referenced project (e.g., Project Manager or responsible supervising official) and are independent of the Evaluation Committee.

Note: GDOT will no longer issue reference requests via email or Microsoft Forms. It is the sole responsibility of the respondent to obtain and include all required evaluation forms with the SOQ submittal.

Failure to provide the required Evaluation Forms for each referenced project may result in a lower evaluation rating for the Similar Project Experience factor.

The Project Evaluation Form assesses the consultant’s performance on a specific project, focusing on key performance indicators such as:

1. Project Quality

2. Timeliness

3. Cost Management

4. Communication

5. Overall, Client Satisfaction

These evaluations serve as a record of the consultant’s effectiveness, professionalism, and ability to meet project objectives and deadlines. The Department reserves the right to randomly validate any submitted project evaluations by contacting the evaluators listed on the forms.

G. Area Class Prequalification Requirements: Area Classes are not required for this Solicitation

This information is excluded from the page count.

V. Instructions for Preparing Technical Approach – Phase II Response

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

The Phase II response must be submitted following the instructions provided below and must be organized, categorized using the same headings (in red), numbered and lettered exactly as outlined below, and responsive to all requested information. For the sections in which page number limits are stated, each section with a stated limit must begin on a new page and end on the last page allowed for the section. It is not allowed to begin new sections on a page allowed for a previous section, if applicable. This will enable the Department to ensure compliance with the page limitations.

Phase II Cover page – Each submittal must have a separate cover page for each copy of each Phase II submittal. Each must indicate the response is for Phase II, list the RFQ Number, RFQ Title, proposing firm’s full legal name, and the specific project contract being submitted, including the District/Region/County(ies), and Project Description.

A. Administrative Requirements

Each submittal will require a certification to allow the Department to analyze risks in determining if any Firm should be ineligible for the award. The certification shall cover a wide variety of information. Any firm that responds in any potentially concerning manner must provide additional information as directed herein for consideration by GDOT to determine if the Firm is eligible for an award.

1. Certification Form - Complete the Certification Form and provide a notarized original within the firm’s Statement of Qualifications. This is to be submitted for Prime ONLY.

2. Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit – Complete the form and provide a notarized original within the firm’s Statement of Qualifications. This is to be submitted for Prime ONLY.

3. Addendum(s) - Signed cover page of any Addenda issued to shortlisted firms. This is to be submitted for the Prime ONLY.

B. Technical Approach

1. Technical approach to managing on-call contracts.

2. Technical approach to assigning and managing services performed by sub-consultants.

3. Technical approach to managing uncertain workload and staffing needs.

4. Provide any unique challenges of the project/contract and how your firm intends to mitigate these challenges, including quality control and quality assurance procedures.

5. Provide any specific qualifications, skills, or knowledge that your firm has that could benefit the contract and subsequent projects.

This information will be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages.

C. Key Personnel Changes (if applicable)

If, after the RFQ submission deadline, a Project Manager or Key Team Leader listed in the SOQ is no longer employed with the firm, a replacement may be submitted if the firm is shortlisted. The replacement must be selected from within the same firm. All required information for the replacement personnel must be provided and must comply with the original page limitations. During the Phase II evaluation meeting, the evaluation team will revisit and adjust the Phase I score to reflect the experience and qualifications of the replacement personnel.

D. Presentation/Interview

GDOT reserves the right to request a presentation/interview on any project/contract as determined in its best interests; however, this additional requirement shall typically be reserved for the most complex projects.

VI. Instructions for Submittal for Phase I and Phase II Response

A. There is one (1) electronic version submittal required. The Submittal must follow the format and meet the content requirements identified in Section IV for Phase I and Section V for Phase II Responses. Phase II Responses are intended solely for those firms identified and notified as finalists.

Submittals must be typed in portrait orientation on standard (8½” x 11”) paper. However, the Organization Chart (11” x 17” allowed) may be submitted in landscape orientation. Pages should be numbered, but compliance with page limits will be determined by counting pages within each section. The page count will be based on pages containing printed content rather than the total number of sheets. Responses must follow the specified page limits in each section, using a minimum font size of 11. Each submittal should be prepared simply and economically, focusing on completeness, relevance, and clarity. Colored displays and promotional materials are not required or desired.

NOTE: Additional pages other than those specified above in each section should not be included and will be grounds for disqualification. Submittals are limited to the information requested in each Section.

Hyperlinks or embedded videos are not allowed.

B. The submittals must be a PDF document for each project/contract. Each PDF document must follow the naming convention for electronic records as follows: the proposing firm’s full legal name, RFQ#, RFQ Title, and the specific project contract being submitted.

To submit your Phase I, Statement of Qualification, and Phase II, Technical Approach, click the following Link: https://solicitation.dot.ga.gov/

NOTE: Solicitation Submittal Manual

To review the manual for solicitation Submittal, click the following Link:

https://dotauthoring.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/SolicitationTraining.aspx.

If a firm is responding to multiple projects or contracts, a separate submittal must be uploaded for each response. Each submittal must comply with the required electronic records naming convention and be submitted using the designated submission link provided. Upon successful submission, the system will generate an email confirmation to the sender. If a confirmation email is not received within one (1) hour of submission, the firm must promptly contact the Negotiator listed in Section B: Restrictions on Communications.

Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) must be received by GDOT no later than the deadline specified in Section F: Schedule of Events. Technical Approach submittals must be received by the deadline indicated in the Remaining Schedule as referenced in the Notice to Selected Finalists.

Late submittals will not be accepted under any circumstances unless the deadline is formally revised through an official amendment issued by GDOT.

All costs associated with the preparation and submission of responses are solely the responsibility of the submitting party. GDOT is under no obligation to reimburse any such expenses. All submittals become the property of GDOT upon receipt. Designating any part of a submittal as “proprietary,” “confidential,” or with any other restriction will not prevent disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act. The contents of all submittals will remain confidential only until the final contract award is made.

GDOT reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive any technicalities or informalities associated with the submittal process when such action is determined to be in the best interest of the State.

https://solicitation.dot.ga.gov/ https://dotauthoring.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/SolicitationTraining.aspx

GDOT Terms and Conditions

A. Statement of Agreement

With the submission of an 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 to be 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 the submission of an 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 an SOQ.

The respondent also understands that failure to provide the required information may result in disqualification. Failure to provide administrative information may not result in disqualification. At the Department’s discretion, the Department may notify the respondent that administrative information is not provided or that there was an error in the information provided, and the Department will allow the respondent to provide an update to the administrative information. However, the exception to this is the provision of the required GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT, which, by Georgia law, requires disqualification of the response. The above changes mentioned to administrative information would be considered allowable, as these would be limited to changes that do not affect the information that the evaluators use to score the respondents.

Failure of a respondent to provide the specific administrative information as required in the notice will result in disqualification. Any respondent who provides changes in addition to the information requested in the notice shall be subject to disqualification. Failure of a respondent’s SOQ to provide any information about a respondent and its team's qualifications, of any type, will subject the SOQ to disqualification. The Department will not allow updates to qualifications to be provided to avoid disqualification, as this would allow a respondent to modify its SOQ and alter the information that evaluators would score. The above changes related to qualifications would not be allowable, as these would allow changes that affect the information that the evaluators use to score the respondent's SOQ.

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

GDOT does not generally desire to enter “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 Program Management firm, with the remaining firms participating as major firms.

Any joint venture, proposed and established as a separate business entity, should have its own set of books and supporting documentation sufficient for an audit trail. Transactions should be recorded consistently with the joint-venture agreement, and care must be taken to ensure that the joint-venture bears its equitable share of the costs. Therefore, “unpopulated joint ventures” would not have an adequate accounting system suitable for cost-reimbursement contracts.

However, more traditional “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 indirect rate structure and calculate its indirect cost rates, based on the direct and indirect costs it incurs.

Sub-consultants shall generally be considered any team member who is performing any service that typically requires prequalification, which is subject to the Audit and Accounting System Requirements, and whose services are billed as costs. 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 who is performing any service that 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. Audit and Accounting System Requirements

GDOT reserves the right to reject any proposal from firms that do not meet the following requirements:

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

2. Any firm that currently has an aggregate contract amount exceeding $250,000 should have submitted its yearly CPA overhead audit.

3. The firm (s) should have no significant outstanding deficient audit findings from previous contracts with GDOT that have not been resolved.

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

D. Submittal Costs and Confidentiality

All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the respondent submitting the response. The Department is not obligated to reimburse any respondent for such expenses. All submittals upon receipt become the property of the Department. Labeling information provided in submittals as “proprietary,” “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.

E. 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, are not binding upon the Department and do not obligate the Department to procure or contract for any services. Neither the Department nor any respondent 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 Department and a respondent containing such terms and conditions as are negotiated between those parties.

The Department reserves the right to waive non-compliance with any requirements of this Request for Qualifications and to reject any or all proposals submitted in response. Upon review of responses, the Department will determine the respondent's proposal that, in the sole judgment of the Department, is in the best interest of the Department (if any is so determined), concerning the evaluation criteria stated herein. The Department then intends to conduct negotiations with such respondent(s) to determine if an acceptable contract may be reached.

F. Debriefings

In place of Pre-Award and Post-Award debriefings, it shall be the Department’s 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 the phases for all firms that responded and will typically be provided as a PDF file and emailed. Previously, pre-award debriefings only provided the scores and comments of the firm. It shall be the policy of the Department that all debriefings will typically be conducted in writing.

G. Right to Cancel or Change RFQ

GDOT reserves the right to cancel any Request for Qualifications where it is determined to be in the best interest of the Department to do so. GDOT reserves the right to increase, reduce, add to, 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 Georgia Procurement Registry for any revisions to this

RFQ.

H. GDOT Code of Conduct Pertaining to Conflict of Interest in the Award and Administration of Contracts

Under GDOT Policy 3A-17, any GDOT employee who leaves the employment of the Department and subsequently becomes employed with a consultant firm and whose duties while employed with the Department included the direct involvement with the negotiation, administration, or management of a contract in which the firm is either the primary consultant or a sub-consultant SHALL NOT be authorized to work on that contract as an employee of that firm for one (1) year after their employment ends.

Additionally, on July 1st of each year, any consulting firm that is under contract with the Department as a prime or sub-consultant shall provide to the Department's Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) a current list of all former Department employees employed by the firm and a document that certifies the responsibilities of those employees as it relates to the current contracts with the Department. This certification document shall attest to the fact that over the last year, no former Department employee who is employed by their firm has worked on a contract between the Department and their firm where that employee, when employed by the Department, had direct involvement with the selection, award, and/or administration of the consultant contract. Any consultant firm entering a contract with the Department for the first time as a prime or sub-consultant shall provide the initial required list of former Department employees and certification before the contract's effective date. If the Department's CPO determines at any point during a contract that an actual conflict exists as it relates to the above paragraph, then the CPO shall have the authority to issue a stop-work order on that contract.

EXHIBIT I-1

1. Contract Type: IDIQ

2. District/Region: N/A

3. Description: Steel Fabrication Inspection and Testing Services

4. Required Area Classes: None Required

5. Scope:

The Consultant shall provide:

A. Structural Steel Inspectors: Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI), Non-Destructive Testers (NDT) and coatings inspectors with the following qualifications.

1. All Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) shall be qualified in accordance with ANSI/AASHTO/American Welding Society (AWS) D1.5 Bridge Welding Code Inspection Personnel Qualification requirements

2. Non-Destructive Testers shall be certified as NDE Level II inspectors to the requirements of SNT-TC-1A in the test method they are performing / witnessing including UT, VT, RT, PT and MT.

3. Coatings inspectors shall be certified at a minimum as an Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)/National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Basic Coatings Inspector (CIP)/Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) Level I.

B. Inspection Services (ISB) Technical Service Specialist (TSE) Inspectors with the following qualifications:

1. Thoroughly familiar with various manufacturing and production practices, standards for quality management systems (QMS) that meet GDOT, FHWA and other applicable regulatory requirements.

2. Extensive experience performing initial plant evaluations and audits in accordance with GDOT guidelines.

3. Extensive knowledge of various GDOT construction materials acceptance criteria, standard operating procedures (SOPs). Proper sampling, testing and inspection procedures per AASHTO, ASTM and GDOT specifications.

C. Structural Steel Inspectors shall be able to provide inspection services to include monitoring of welding, welders and weld procedures, coatings and coatings procedures, non-destructive testing and inspection and physically perform inspection and testing within the confines of steel fabrication facilities and on-site project locations, including bridge projects under construction as approved and directed by the Inspection Services Branch.

D. Inspection Services Branch (ISB) TSE Inspectors shall be able to provide technical inspection services to include the monitoring of qualified products lists (QPL) vendors, initial QPL plant evaluations, audits, review of welder qualifications and weld procedures, coatings and coatings procedures, non-destructive testing and inspection and physically perform inspection and testing within the confines of manufacturing facilities and on-site project locations, including bridge projects under construction.

E. Inspectors shall be able to thoroughly read, study, understand and be totally familiar with the required Departmental specifications, standard procedures, practices and welding codes including the material sampling and testing system used by the Department.

F. Inspectors must be trained, qualified, and certified to the satisfaction of the Department.

G. Inspections will be in accordance with current editions of the GDOT Standard Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, plans, contract documents and applicable ANSI/AASHTO/AWS Welding Codes, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) specifications and other specifications as appropriate.

H. The consultant firm must employ an NDE Level III certified by ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing).

I. The consultant firm must employ a Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 3).

J. The consultant firm shall provide a qualified project manager, who is a licensed professional engineer per

GA. Code 43-15-9 and has experience relevant to materials and steel fabrication inspection, for overall project oversight whose duties will include but will not be limited to:

1. Coordinates with the on-site TSE liaison and Department regarding staffing needs and inspector assignments including visits and communication with internal Departmental offices such as Materials and Testing - Inspection Services Branch, Design Policy and Support, Bridge Design, Bridge Maintenance, etc. regarding fabrication, welding and design issues and non-conformances.

2. Review materials, reports, and records prepared and submitted by the consultant to assure services conform to the Department criteria.

3. Assist and foster teamwork with the Office of Materials and Testing Inspection Services Branch, fabricators, suppliers, contractors and other personnel within the Department.

K. The consultant firm shall provide an on-site TSE liaison (Assistant PM), who shall have physical and active involvement with GDOT QPL vendors and suppliers, and fabrication inspection for a minimum of three of the past five years, whose duties will include but will not be limited to:

1. Serve as first point of contact for all TSE inspection related activities

2. Coordinates communication between the consultant and the Department regarding staffing needs including visits and communication with internal Departmental offices such as Materials & Testing - Inspection Services Branch, Design Policy and Support, Bridge Design, Bridge Maintenance, District/Area Construction and Maintenance, etc. regarding fabrication, welding and design issues and non-conformances.

3. Serve as co-chair of the Inspection Services Branch QPL Review Team

4. Provide training to consultant TSE Inspectors

L. The Consultant firm shall be responsible for assigned administrative functions as defined in this Scope of

Services and referenced manuals and procedures.

M. The consultant firm shall be responsible for providing qualified consultant inspectors at the proper time such that the responsibilities assigned under the contract are effectively administered. All services shall be performed in accordance with the established standard procedures and practices of the Department.

N. The consultant firm shall be responsible for providing inspectors with all equipment, including computers, cell phones, non-destructive testing, protective coatings and weld inspection equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by law to perform the duties as outlined in this Scope of Services and as directed by the Department.

O. The consultant’s inspectors shall be able to travel as necessary. Costs associated directly as a result of this contract will be reimbursable.

P. The consultant shall maintain close coordination with the Department in order to minimize the number of personnel needed during time of reduced construction activity.

Q. The consulting firm will provide quality assurance (QA) weld inspection, coating inspection, and non-destructive examination for the fabrication of structural steel and various other…