RFQ 484_100226.pdf

Date Posted: 9/2/2026

Request for Qualifications

To Provide

Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

RFQ 484-100226

Qualifications Due: October 2, 2026

Georgia Department of Transportation One Georgia Center

600 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308

5-2026 Single v4

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(s). 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:

Rhonda Hightower-Rucker rhightower-rucker@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) Multi-Phase, Project Specific contract to be awarded to one (1) firm, for the project/contract identified. 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 a project-specific contract, the Department intends that the Agreement will remain in effect until successful completion of the project.

D. Contract Amount

The Multi-Phase, Project Specific contract amount will be determined via negotiations with the Department. If the Department is unable to reach a satisfactory agreement and at reasonable rates to be paid for the services to be provided, the Department reserves the right to terminate negotiations with the highest scoring finalist and begin negotiations with the next highest scoring finalist.

mailto:rhightower-rucker@dot.ga.gov

E. Scope of Services

Under the terms of the resulting Agreements, the selected consultants will provide the anticipated scope of work for each project as outlined in the accompanying Exhibit(s) 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. 9/2/2026 --------

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification

9/18/2026 2:00 PM

c. Deadline for submission of SOQs

10/2/2026 2:00 PM

II. Selection Method

A. Phase I - Selection of Finalists

Based on the SOQs submitted in response to the projects/contracts listed in the Exhibit(s) 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(s). Note that there may be separate Selection Committees for each project/contract listed in the Exhibit(s).

Upon completion of the evaluation process, GDOT will formally award the contract to the top-ranked firm(s). Following the award, GDOT will initiate negotiations to finalize the terms and conditions of the contract(s), 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(s), 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(s), 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 Leaders, Key Team

Members, 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, 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. Addendum(s) - Signed cover page (Only) of any Addendum(s) issued. (Excluded from the page count).

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 Construction Engineering and Inspection Experience: Describe the Project Manager’s relevant experience involving transportation construction, ITS, traffic signal, managed lane, connected vehicle, NEVI, or other transportation technology projects.

e. Relevant Project Management Experience: Describe the Project Manager’s experience managing multi-phase, project-specific contracts and associated task orders, including making day-to-day decisions regarding scope, schedule, budget, staffing, risk, quality, and workflow for projects of similar complexity, size, scope, and function.

f. Relevant Training: Identify construction engineering, inspection, project management, safety, ITS, testing and acceptance, or other training applicable to the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5.

g. GDOT-Specific Experience: Describe experience applying GDOT specifications, construction and inspection procedures, traffic-control requirements, ITS or traffic-signal standards, documentation requirements, and applicable project-management or reporting systems. For experience obtained on non-GDOT projects, identify the comparable standards and procedures used.

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

2. Key Team Leaders are defined as individuals who oversee project areas deemed critical to each specific project (see Section 6 of the Project Description in Exhibit(s) below for the required Key Team Leader roles per project). For each 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’s area of responsibility (e.g., PE, RLA, PG), if necessary and applicable.

d. Relevant KTL Experience: Describe the Key Team Leader’s experience performing responsibilities directly related to the applicable position identified in Exhibit I-1: (1) Senior Technology Lead — Sections B.4–B.5; or (2) Senior Construction Lead — Sections B.6–B.7.

Identify projects of comparable complexity, size, scope, and function and clearly describe the individual’s leadership responsibilities and technical involvement.

e. Relevant Training and Certifications: Identify training and certifications applicable to the individual’s proposed KTL position and the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5.

f. GDOT-Specific Experience: Describe the Key Team Leader’s experience applying GDOT specifications, construction and inspection procedures, ITS or traffic-signal standards, testing requirements, traffic-control requirements, documentation procedures, or other requirements applicable to the proposed position. For experience obtained on non-GDOT projects, identify the comparable standards and procedures used.

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

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 Leaders specified in the Project Exhibit(s). 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 all required Key Team Leaders 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(s) and ensure strict compliance with both the number and content of Key Team Leader submittals.

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: Identify the proposed Key Team Member’s resource area and describe the individual’s relevant experience supporting one or more of the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5. Include projects of comparable complexity, size, scope, and function.

e. Team Role: Explain why the Key Team Member is important to the successful delivery of this contract, the responsibilities the individual will perform, and how the individual’s expertise complements the Project Manager and required Key Team Leaders.

f. Relevant Training and Certifications: Identify training, licenses, registrations, or certifications applicable to the individual’s proposed role.

g. GDOT-Specific Experience: Describe the individual’s experience applying GDOT specifications, construction and inspection procedures, ITS or traffic-signal standards, testing requirements, documentation procedures, or other GDOT requirements applicable to the proposed role. For experience obtained on non-GDOT projects, identify the comparable standards and procedures used.

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

4. NOTE: Key Personnel Changes

Shortlisted firms may provide information regarding any Project Manager or Key Team Leader changes occurring after the RFQ submission deadline as part of their Technical Approach submittal.

If a Project Manager or Key Team Leader listed in the SOQ is no longer employed with the firm, a replacement may be submitted. 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. If no personnel changes have occurred, no response is required for this section.

D. Additional Resources and Challenges

Overall Resources - Provide information regarding the personnel, offices, technical resources, equipment, systems, and organizational support available to perform the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5, including:

1. Organizational Chart - Provide an organizational chart that identifies the Project Manager, Prime

Consultant, Key Team Leaders, 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 the primary office responsible for managing the contract. State the number and types of personnel located in that office and describe how the office will support project management, coordination, staffing, quality, and timely delivery of the required services throughout the state. This information must be included on one (1) page, combined with the Narrative on Additional Resource Areas and Ability described in Section D.3.

3. Narrative on Additional Resource Areas and Ability – Describe the additional resource areas important to performing the scope and explain how the Project Manager, Senior Technology Lead, Senior Construction Lead, Key Team Member, supporting personnel, and subconsultants will integrate and work together. Address the team’s current workload and capacity to support multiple phases and task orders; respond to changing staffing needs; and provide nighttime, weekend, emergency, and statewide support when required. Respondents may identify the strengths and advantages of the proposed organization and explain how the team will support timely and successful contract delivery.

Respondents submitting more than one (1) page combined for Sections D.2 and D.3 will be subject to disqualification.

4. Identify Additional Resources – Identify additional resources outside the proposed Project Manager, Key Team Leaders, and Key Team Member that may be used to perform the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5. Describe each resource’s proposed role and how it will support the project’s construction inspection, technology inspection, systems integration, testing and acceptance, electrical or NEVI, structural, documentation, training, staffing, or other scope requirements. This information is limited to one (1) page maximum.

E. Prime Consultant Experience and Past Performance

Provide detailed information demonstrating the Prime Consultant’s experience and past performance managing and delivering multi-phase, project-specific contracts involving multiple task orders or assignments. The projects presented collectively should demonstrate the Prime Consultant’s ability to perform services comparable to those identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5, manage concurrent activities, respond to changing priorities, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and meet quality, budget, schedule, staffing, and documentation requirements.

1. Similar Project Experience - For each project presented, provide the following information:

a. Project: Provide the project or contract name, GDOT PI number, if applicable, and project location or geographic coverage.

b. Client: State the name of the client.

c. Dates: Provide the start and end dates of the services. Identify ongoing contracts accordingly.

d. Description: Describe the overall project and the services performed directly by the Prime

Consultant. Identify the services comparable to Exhibit I-1, Section 5, including applicable construction inspection, ITS or technology inspection, systems and network integration, testing and acceptance, electrical or NEVI inspection, structural inspection, documentation, training, or closeout services.

e. Contract and Firm Value: Provide the overall contract or project value, the Prime Consultant’s total fees, and, when applicable, the number and value of task orders performed.

f. Client Contact: Provide the name, telephone number, and email address of a client representative with direct knowledge of the firm’s performance.

g. Proposed Team Involvement: Identify the involvement of the proposed Project Manager, Senior Technology Lead, Senior Construction Lead, and Key Team Member, if applicable. For each participating individual, state the employer at the time, position held, responsibilities performed, and dates of involvement.

h. Similarity: Explain how the project demonstrates the Prime Consultant’s ability to perform the services required under this RFQ.

2. Similar Project Experience Summary Write-up - For the projects identified in Section E.1, provide an evidence-based narrative describing the Prime Consultant’s experience managing multi-phase, project-specific contracts and associated task orders. Address how the firm managed scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, quality, risks, reporting, and coordination among construction and technology personnel. Describe the firm’s experience recruiting, retaining, assigning, and reallocating qualified personnel; supporting concurrent project phases or task orders; and providing nighttime, weekend, emergency, or statewide services when required. Describe the firm’s experience applying GDOT specifications, construction and inspection procedures, ITS or traffic-signal requirements, testing and acceptance procedures, documentation standards, and applicable project-management systems. For non-GDOT projects, identify the comparable standards and procedures used. Include specific examples and measurable results where available.

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.

This information is excluded from the page count.

G. Area Class Prequalification Requirements:

1. Summary Table.

2. Notice of Professional Consultant Qualifications.

Respondents must complete a table indicating the firm (Prime Consultant or Subconsultant) that meets each required GDOT Area Class for each project/ Exhibit. The applicable Area Classes are listed in each Exhibit Section 4.

3. Definitions:

a. Prime Consultant: The firm submitting the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and the entity with whom GDOT will contract.

b. Team: The Prime Consultant and any Subconsultants and/or joint venture partners included in the

SOQ. The Team (either the Prime Consultant or one or more of their Subconsultant team members) must be prequalified by GDOT in all Area Classes required for each project/Exhibit.

4. Instructions for completing the Summary Table:

a. Place an “X” in the appropriate column to identify whether the Prime Consultant or a

Subconsultant holds each required Area Class.

b. Only include Area Classes that apply to the specific project.

c. Highlighted Area Classes required for the Prime Consultant, as specified in Exhibit Section 4.

d. Ensure that the Prequalification Expiration Date is valid and current at the time of submission.

e. For each required Area Class, only one (1) "X" shall be placed within the Area Class column to identify the firm being relied upon to satisfy that Area Class requirement. Multiple firms shall not be identified within the same Area Class column on the Summary Table.

f. Refer to an example of the required Area Class Summary Table below:

Failure to demonstrate valid prequalification for all required Area Classes will result in disqualification.

Primes and Subconsultants

Area Class No. Area Class Description Prime

Required Team

Required

Firm Name(s) (Prime) 1.06(a) NEPA Documentation X

(Insert Sub Name) 3.01 Rural Roadway Design X

(Insert Sub Name) 4.03 Complex Bridge Design X

(Insert Sub Name) 5.02 Engineering Surveying X

5. The proposed project team must meet the Area Class requirements listed in the Exhibit(s) for each project at the time SOQs are due. GDOT will conduct pre-screening of all potential shortlisted teams to verify that the proposed team meets the required Area Class(es). If the required Area Class(es) are not met, the team will be disqualified from further consideration.

6. If a team member’s prequalification is scheduled to expire before the SOQ due date, the respondent must provide documentation confirming that a renewal application has been submitted prior to the SOQ due date. It is the consultant’s responsibility to maintain current prequalification certifications in accordance with the GDOT Prequalification Manual throughout the procurement process to remain eligible for award.

7. If the highest-ranking firm does not meet the required Area Class(es), the Department reserves the right to award the contract to the next highest-ranking firm that meets all Area Class requirements.

8. The Area Class Summary Table (Excluded from the page count) may be submitted in portrait or landscape orientation on (8.5” X 11”) or (11” x 17”) paper, particularly when the Area Class Table requires an extensive list of area classes or a large consultant team, plus one (1) page for each team member’s Notice of Professional Consultant Qualifications.

9. The Area Class Summary Table is intended solely to demonstrate compliance with the required Area

Class requirements. Additional resources, overlapping capabilities, and multiple firms possessing the same Area Class may be identified through the Organizational Chart and other SOQ narrative sections.

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 include the completed and notarized form in the firm’s Phase II Response. This requirement applies to the Prime Consultant only.

2. Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit – Complete the affidavit and include the completed and notarized form in the firm’s Phase II Response. This requirement applies to the Prime Consultant only.

3. Addendum(s) - Include the signed cover page of each Addendum issued to shortlisted firms.

This requirement applies to the Prime Consultant only.

B. Technical Approach

1. Describe the firm’s understanding of the contract, the services identified in Exhibit I-1, Section 5, and the principal challenges associated with delivering ITS CEI services under a multi-phase, project-specific contract.

2. Describe the firm’s approach to managing the contract and associated task orders, including scope, schedules, budgets, burn rates, invoices, risks, reporting, and coordination with GDOT.

3. Describe how the Project Manager, Senior Technology Lead, Senior Construction Lead, supporting personnel, and subconsultants will coordinate their responsibilities and make day-to-day decisions.

4. Describe the firm’s approach to recruiting, retaining, assigning, and reallocating qualified construction and technology inspection personnel to support changing project phases, task orders, and staffing requirements.

5. Describe how the firm will provide statewide coverage and respond to nighttime, weekend, emergency, and 24/7 on-call requirements, including the two-hour target response time identified in the scope.

6. Describe the firm’s approach to preconstruction review and mobilization, including constructability, systems integration, submittal management, Inspection and Testing Plans, utility coordination, documentation systems, schedules, and traffic impacts.

7. Describe the firm’s approach to construction-phase CEI, including civil construction, materials verification, traffic control, erosion control, quantities, daily reporting, nonconformance management, and corrective actions.

8. Describe the firm’s approach to ITS, fiber-optic, device, systems, and network-integration inspection, including configuration, communications, cybersecurity-related verification, and coordination with applicable GDOT systems.

9. Describe the firm’s approach to testing and acceptance, including FAT, SAT, end-to-end communications testing, OTDR and optical-loss testing, burn-in periods, deficiency correction, retesting, punch lists, and final acceptance documentation.

10. Describe the firm’s approach to electrical, NEVI/EVSE, ancillary structural, documentation, training, and closeout services.

11. Describe the firm’s QA/QC approach and how the firm will meet the reporting, documentation, accuracy, timeliness, nonconformance-resolution, and safety performance metrics established in Exhibit I-1, Section 5.

12. If any proposed Key Team Leaders are currently assigned to other projects or contracts, provide a workload breakdown for each Key Team Leader. For each active project or contract, include:

a. Project/Contract Name.

b. GDOT PI Number (if applicable).

c. Client Name.

d. Role of the Key Team Leader on the project/contract.

e. Percentage of time or hours per week committed to the project/contract.

f. Start and end dates (or note if ongoing).

This information will be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages, excluding question 12.

C. Key Personnel Changes (if applicable)

Shortlisted firms may provide information regarding any Project Manager or Key Team Leader changes occurring after the RFQ submission deadline as part of their Technical Approach submittal. If a Project Manager or Key Team Leader listed in the SOQ is no longer employed with the firm, a replacement may be submitted. 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. If no personnel changes have occurred, no response is required for this section.

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) and the Area Class Summary Table 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 Number, RFQ Title, and the specific project contract being submitted.

To submit your Phase I Statement of Qualification (SOQ) 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.

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.

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

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.