RFQ # 26-33, Greenway Feasibility Study

City of South Fulton, Georgia

Public Works

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR

RFQ NUMBER: 26-33

GREENWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY

ISSUED: September 11, 2026 QUALIFICATIONS DUE NO LATER THAN: 2.00 P.M. ET, October 29, 2026

City of South Fulton Director of Procurement 4715 Frederick Dr. SW South Fulton, GA 30336

The City of South Fulton, Georgia 4715 Frederick Dr. SW., Atlanta, GA

30336 Phone: 470-809-7667

Website:

Procurement Department | South Fulton, GA

City of South Fulton, Public Works Department

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS #26-33

GREENWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DATE

Qualification Release Date: September 11, 2026

Non-Mandatory Pre-Qualification Conference:

Our staff will hold a Non-Mandatory Pre-Qualification Conference. For the person(s) Qualifying, please refer to the information in the Instructions to Consultants for details.

September 18, 2026, 11:00 AM

Deadline for questions:

Questions must be submitted online at:

https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton

October 2, 2026, 3:00 PM

Answers will be posted by addendum at:

https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton

October 9, 2026

All responses to this RFQ must be submitted online at:

https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton. Consultants are required to submit responses to solicitations electronically. Assistance with registering or using the platform, please call Bidnet Direct's Support Team at 800-835-4603 ext. 2. To attend the Qualification Opening, please refer to the Information and Instructions to Consultants.

October 29, 2026, 2:00 PM

THIS QUALIFICATION SOLICITATION FORM

MUST BE SIGNED AND SUBMITTED WITH QUALIFICATION

COMPANY NAME: DATE:

MAILING ADDRESS: PHONE:

CITY: FAX:

STATE: ZIP: CITY VENDOR NUMBER, IF CURRENTLY

ASSIGNED:

EMAIL: TITLE OF AUTHORIZED

REPRESENTATIVE:

PRINTED NAME: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS TO CONSULTANTS

INTRODUCTION

EVALUATION PROCESS………………………………………………………………………18

EVALUATION SELECTION CRITERIA………………………………………………………20

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A – SCOPE OF SERVICES

ATTACHMENT B – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A – REQUIRED FORM SUBMITTALS

APPENDIX B – FEDERAL AND GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT PROVISIONS

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS TO CONSULTANTS

1. Request for Qualifications: The City is seeking statements of Qualifications from qualified Consultants. Work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT standards, specifications, and City requirements.

2. Solicitation Method: This solicitation is being conducted in accordance with all applicable provisions of the City of South Fulton Purchasing Policy, codified in Sec. 1-9001 et seq of the City of South Fulton Code of Ordinances. By submitting a Qualification response in reference to this solicitation, a Consultant acknowledges that it is familiar with all laws applicable to this solicitation, including, but not limited to, the City’s Code of Ordinances, which rules are incorporated into this RFQ by reference.

3. Minimum Qualifications: Each Consultant and team member must have the minimum experience outlined in this RFQ.

4. Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Georgia: Each Consultant must submit documentation that demonstrates it is duly authorized to conduct business in the State of Georgia. This requirement also applies to Joint Venture Team Members and Sub-Consultants.

5. Business License: Consultant must submit a copy of their current, valid business license with the Qualification response. If the Consultant is a Georgia corporation, they must also submit a valid City or County business license. If the Consultant is a joint venture, each joint venture member must hold a valid business license. If the Consultant is not a Georgia corporation, it must provide a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Georgia, along with a current, valid business license from their home jurisdiction.

6. Professional License: Consultant must attach a copy of any professional license required by this

RFQ with its response.

7. No Offer by City and Firm Offer by Consultant: This RFQ is a request for Qualifications and does not constitute an offer by the City. No contractual obligation is created by issuance of this RFQ, receipt of a Qualification, issuance of a notice of intent to award, or a notice of award. A Qualification submitted in response to this RFQ constitutes a firm offer by the Consultant for the period stated in this RFQ and may be withdrawn only as expressly permitted by this RFQ, the City Code of Ordinances, and applicable law.

8. Qualification Duration: Qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ shall remain valid for ninety (90) calendar days after the Qualification Submission Deadline.

9. Qualification Submission Deadline: Responses to this RFQ will be accepted online at https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton on October 29, 2026, by 2:00 P.M.

Eastern Time (ET). Qualifications received after this time will not be considered.

10. Non-Mandatory Pre-Qualification Conference has been scheduled for September 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, and will be hosted by our staff and responsible personnel. To attend the Pre- Qualification Conference, please access Microsoft Teams via the app or on the web using the information below:

Meeting ID: 259 009 818 971 946 Passcode: pG6V5ER2 Download Teams | Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 929-583-6155,,941913903# United States, New York City Phone Conference ID: 941 913 903#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Attendance at the Pre-Qualification Conference is non-mandatory for Consultants responding to this RFQ.

During the Pre-Qualification Conference, the project's general requirements will be discussed.

Any questions during the Pre-Qualification Conference will not be authoritative. Each Consultant must be fully informed of all existing and anticipated conditions and matters that may affect the cost or performance of the Services. It should be emphasized, however, that nothing stated or discussed during the course of this Pre-Qualification conference shall be considered to modify, alter, or change the requirement of the solicitation documents, unless it is subsequently incorporated into an addendum to the solicitation documents.

11. Solicitation Questions/Prohibited Contacts: All questions and communications regarding this RFQ must be submitted in writing by logging into https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton by October 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM, ET. Questions received after this deadline may not be addressed. Any responses provided by the City will be posted online at https://www.Bidnetdirect.com/georgia/Cityofsouthfulton as an addendum. No Consultant should rely on any verbal response to questions regarding this

RFQ.

Questions Deadline: All questions must be submitted in writing through BidNet no later than the Questions Deadline stated in the Schedule of Events. Addenda Cutoff: The City intends to issue final addenda no later than 3 business days prior to the Qualification Due Date. Oral interpretations are not binding; only written addenda issued through BidNet are binding.

12. All Consultants, and/or representatives of Consultants, seeking an award of a City of South Fulton Contract may not initiate or continue any verbal or written communications regarding a solicitation with any City Officer, Elected Official, Employee or other City representative other than the Director of Procurement, between the date of the issuance of the solicitation and the date of the final Contract award by City Council, unless specified otherwise herein.

Attempting to influence the outcome of any Contract given before a recommendation of award to the City Council is prohibited. The Director of Procurement will review alleged violations of this prohibition. If the Director determines that such a communication has compromised the competitive process. In that case, the Qualification submitted by that Consultant may be disqualified from consideration for award, and that Consultant may, among other things, be placed on the ineligible source list.

Violations of this prohibition may also be subject to prosecution under federal, state, or local laws. City of South Fulton Employees, Officials, and their family members are prohibited from seeking, requesting, or receiving any material payment, gift, job offer, security, promise of future benefit, or any other tangible or intangible thing of value when such receipt has the potential to influence a procurement decision or to gain unfair advantage in a procurement competition, and as outlined in Sec. 1- 9004 (d) of the City of South Fulton Code of Ordinances and all other applicable policies.

Consultant must report any unauthorized contact or attempted contact regarding this solicitation to the Director of Procurement within twenty-four (24) hours of occurrence or discovery. Failure to report may result in disqualification and placement on the ineligible source list.

13. Ownership of Qualifications: Each Qualification submitted to the City will become the property of the City, without compensation to a Consultant, for the City’s use, at its discretion.

The City shall not be liable for any Qualification preparation costs incurred by Consultants.

14. Litigation and Claims Disclosure: Each Consultant shall submit with its Qualification a statement identifying any litigation, claims, disputes, or arbitration proceedings that the Consultant, its officers, or key Sub-Consultants have been involved in during the past five (5) years. The City reserves the right to deem a Consultant non-responsible if the City determines that such litigation or claims may adversely affect the Consultant’s ability to perform the Work.

15. Georgia Open Records Act: Information provided to the City is subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50 18 70 et seq., in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50 18 72(a)(34), which states, "an entity submitting records containing trade secrets that wishes to keep such records confidential under this paragraph must submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitutes trade secrets pursuant to Article 27 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 [O.C.G.A. § 10 1 760 et seq.]."

Qualification tabulations are not considered confidential and will be released following the award to avoid disputes among Consultants.

16. Records Retention and Audit Access: Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records relating to this Contract, including tickets, quantities, invoices, Consultant support, and any adjustment documentation, for six (6) years after final payment or longer if required by law. If any audit, claim, protest, or dispute is pending, Consultant shall retain records until final resolution. The City and its authorized representatives shall have access to such records during normal business hours upon reasonable notice.

Director of Procurement, 4715 Frederick Dr. SW, South Fulton, GA 30336

17. Iran Divestment Certification: The Consultant certifies that they are not included on the Iran

Divestment List created under O.C.G.A. § 50 5 85.1 and do not participate in investment activities in Iran’s energy sector.

18. Certification Regarding Boycotts of Israel: Consultants certify that they are not currently engaged in and agree for the duration of the contract not to engage in a boycott of Israel as defined in O.C.G.A. 50-5-85.

19. Debarment and Suspension Certification: The Consultant certifies that neither it nor any of its principals is currently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for contracts by any Federal or State agency.

20. Cost-Plus Prohibition: The City must not accept a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost Consultant

Contract. Any such contract submitted must be considered non-responsive.

21. Non-Discrimination: The Consultant agrees not to discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in performing this Agreement.

22. Insurance Requirements: The Insurance requirements for any Contract that may be awarded pursuant to this RFQ are outlined in Attachment B: Insurance Requirements. Consultant must provide a copy of a current certificate of insurance, evidencing any existing commercial general liability policies issued for Consultant, if any. For purposes of this section, “Consultant” must mean an individual, corporation, or other corporate entity submitting a Qualification in connection with this solicitation, including each Joint Venture partner if Consultant is a Joint Venture.

23. Sub-Consultants and Manufacturers: Consultants are required to submit, in writing, the addresses of any proposed Sub-Consultants or manufacturers listed in the Qualification and may be required to submit other material information relative to proposed Sub-Consultants.

The City reserves the right to disapprove any proposed Sub-Consultants whose technical or financial ability, resources, or experience are deemed inadequate.

24. Examination of Qualification Documents:

24.1 Each Consultant must promptly notify the City in writing should the Consultant find discrepancies, errors, ambiguities, or omissions in the solicitation documents, or should their intent or meaning appear unclear or ambiguous, or should any other question arise relative to the RFQ. Replies to such notices may be submitted as an addendum to the RFQ, which will be issued simultaneously to all potential Consultants. No oral responses are binding on the City.

24.2 The City may, in accordance with applicable law, by Addendum, modify any provision or part of the RFQ at any time before the Qualification due date and time.

24.3 Each Consultant must confirm that all Addenda have been received and acknowledge receipt by executing the Acknowledgment of Addenda form provided with each Addendum.

24.4 The City may waive any technicalities and formalities in this solicitation. Additionally, the

City reserves the right to cancel the RFQ in its entirety.

24.5 The City of South Fulton may disqualify Qualifications because of, but not necessarily limited to, the following reasons:

24.5.1 Failure to follow the City of South Fulton’s Qualification schedule.

24.5.2 Failure to return applicable compliance and/or specification sheets.

24.5.3 Failure to return applicable addenda.

24.5.4 Failure to provide information on alternates or equivalents, when allowed.

24.5.5 Failure of Consultant to sign all requested documents.

24.5.6 Failure to submit a Qualification by the deadline.

24.5.7 Failure to meet specified delivery requirements.

24.5.8 A Qualification submitted by a Person on the Ineligible Source List.

24.5.9 A non-responsive Qualification.

24.6 Addenda Responsibility: All Addenda issued by the City shall be made available through BidNet. It is the sole responsibility of each Consultant to verify the issuance of any Addenda prior to the Qualification Opening. Failure of a Consultant to acknowledge receipt of all Addenda may result in rejection of the Qualification as non-responsive.

Acknowledgment is a material requirement; failure to acknowledge all addenda in the manner required may result in rejection as nonresponsive.

25. Award and Execution of Contract: A Notice of Intent to Award, recommendation of award, or Council action authorizing award does not constitute a binding contract and does not authorize performance.

25.1 Authority and Binding Effect

Award and execution of any contract resulting from this RFQ shall be in accordance with the City of South Fulton Code of Ordinances, including Sec. 1-9001 et seq., and applicable approval thresholds. No contract, task order, or Notice to Proceed is valid or binding unless executed by an authorized City official and supported by lawful availability of funds.

25.1.1 No Obligation Until Fully Executed: No obligation of the City arises from the issuance of this RFQ, receipt of a Qualification, issuance of a notice of intent to award, or a notice of award. Any contract, task order, change, or Notice to Proceed is void unless executed by an authorized City official in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and supported by lawful funding and appropriation.

26. Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act: This RFQ is subject to the Illegal

Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011, formerly known as the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.

26.1 E-Verify Requirement

All Consultants must provide proof that they are registered with, and will continue to participate in, the E-Verify Program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

26.2 Required Forms

The Consultant and Sub-Consultant Affidavit Forms are included in Appendix A:

Required Form Submittals must be submitted with the Qualification. Each Consultant performing covered physical services shall submit a signed and notarized contractor affidavit in the form required by O.C.G.A. § 13,10,91. Failure to submit a legally required affidavit with the Statement of Qualifications shall render the submission ineligible for consideration when the statute prohibits the City from considering the submission.

26.3 Business Structure Requirements

If the Consultant is required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), the Consultant Affidavit must be completed on behalf of that entity and include its Federal Work Authorization User ID Number.

If the Consultant does not require an EIN, each entity within the corporate structure must submit its own Affidavit.

26.4 Responsibility of Consultants

This notice does not provide legal advice. Consultants are responsible for understanding and complying with all requirements of the Act.

26.5 Additional Information

To learn more about or enroll in the E-Verify Program, visit:

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll. Instructions for completing the Consultant Affidavit appear in the section preceding this form in the RFQ.

27. Solicitation and Award Protest Procedure

27.1.1 Solicitation protest. A prospective Consultant protesting an alleged impropriety, ambiguity, restrictive requirement, or other defect apparent in this RFQ must submit a written protest no later than the Questions Deadline stated in the Schedule of Events. A protest based on an amendment must be submitted no later than three business days after the applicable addendum is posted, unless the addendum establishes a different deadline.

27.1.2 Award protest. An actual Consultant protesting the intended award must submit a written protest within five business days after the City posts or transmits the Notice of Intent to Award.

27.1.3 Filing method. A protest must be submitted through BidNet and by email to the Director of Procurement at the email address identified in this RFQ. A protest is filed only when received through both methods.

27.1.4 Required contents. The protest must identify the protestor, solicitation number, challenged action, complete factual and legal grounds, supporting documentation, and requested relief.

Grounds known or reasonably available but not included in the initial protest are waived.

27.1.5 Decision. The Director of Procurement, after consultation with the City Attorney, shall issue a written decision. The City may request additional information, conduct a conference, or establish a submission schedule.

27.1.6 Procurement activity. Filing a protest does not automatically stay evaluation, award, or contract performance. The Director of Procurement may stay procurement activity when necessary to protect the integrity of the process or the City’s interests.

27.1.7 Exhaustion. Failure to submit a timely protest in accordance with this section constitutes waiver of the protest to the fullest extent permitted by law.

28. Joint Ventures: Each party to a Joint Venture will be required to fully complete and submit the Required Submittal Forms unless otherwise indicated in this RFQ.

29. Conflict of Interest: Consultants are advised to read and familiarize themselves with the conflict-of-interest provisions of this RFQ. The City reserves the right to issue an RFQ for specific projects that are independent of RFQ #26-33 GREENWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY. Except as stated in this RFQ, these Instructions, and the Notice to Consultants concerning Conflicts of Interests, successful Consultants under this RFQ are not precluded from responding to such solicitations.

30. Tax Exemption Status: The City is exempt from Federal Excise Tax or Georgia Sales Tax regarding goods and services purchased directly by the City of South Fulton, and tax exemption certificates will be furnished upon request.

31. Codes, Permits, Fees, Licenses, and Laws: All permits, fees, arrangements for inspections, licenses, and costs incurred for the same must be the sole responsibility of the successful Consultant. All materials and labor must comply with all applicable rules and regulations of local, state, and/or national codes, laws, and ordinances of all authorities having jurisdiction over the project, which must apply to the Contract throughout and will be deemed to be included in the Contract the same as though herein written out in full.

32. TITLE VI SOLICITATION NOTICE - The City of South Fulton, GA, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations (28 CFR Part 42), hereby notifies all Consultants or offerors that it will ensure that for any Contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to submit Qualifications in response to this Request for Qualification and will not be, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in consideration for an award for any program or activity that receives Federal funds or other Federal financial assistance.

33. Payment Terms: The City will provide payment within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of an undisputed invoice. Milestone-based billing will be permitted when deliverables are clearly defined.

34. Minimum Requirements: Minimum experience requirements are mandatory and shall be evaluated on a pass-fail basis. Consultant must demonstrate at least eight (8) verifiable years of experience performing services substantially similar to the Scope of Services. Failure to demonstrate the required experience shall render the Qualification nonresponsive or non-responsible, as applicable.

35. Encouragement of Partnerships: Local Businesses are encouraged to form Joint Ventures, Sub-Contracting arrangements, or consortia to meet the requirements of this RFQ. Prime Consultant is encouraged to include small businesses in their teams.

The City reserves the right to reject any submission that fails to comply with these electronic submission requirements.

36. Electronic Signature Acknowledgment: The City of South Fulton utilizes Adobe Sign, or another City-approved electronic signature platform, for the official execution of a contract, by submitting a Qualification and, if awarded, executing a contract with the City, the Consultant acknowledges and agrees to the following:

36.1 Legally Binding: An electronic signature executed possesses the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature, in accordance with the Georgia Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (O.C.G.A. § 10-12-1 et seq.), the Federal Electronic Signatures in the Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.), and any other applicable law.

36.2 Authority to Sign: The individual executing the contract electronically on behalf of the Consultant affirms their authority to bind the Consultant to the terms of the contract.

36.3 Official Record: The fully executed contract, as maintained by the City, shall serve as the official and binding version of the contract for all purposes.

36.4 No Requirement for Paper Originals: Unless specifically requested by the City, no paper copies or handwritten signatures shall be necessary for the validity or enforceability of the contract.

37. Electronic Communications: All communications pertaining to this Solicitation and any resulting contract, including but not limited to Addenda, Notices of Award, contract amendments, and other official correspondence, shall be transmitted electronically by the City of South Fulton. The Consultant agrees to the following terms:

37.1 Official Delivery: Communications sent by the City shall be considered officially delivered on the date and time transmitted, unless the City encounters an error message indicating unsuccessful transmission.

37.2 Responsibility to Monitor: Consultant is responsible for actively monitoring the email address and/or electronic platform designated in their Qualification submission for communications from the City. Failure to receive or review electronic communications shall not exempt the Consultant from any obligations under this RFQ or any resulting contract.

37.3 Legal Effect: Electronic communications issued in accordance with this section shall carry the same legal force and effect as if provided in hard copy.

38. Federal and Grant Funded Contract Requirements: The City shall identify the anticipated funding before issuing this RFQ. When any portion of the Agreement is funded or reimbursed through a federal or state award, the Consultant and each Sub-Consultant shall comply with every applicable requirement imposed by the award, the funding agency, federal and state law, and the City’s grant Agreement.

The applicable federal and grant requirements are incorporated into the Agreement through Appendix B, Federal and Grant Funded Contract Provisions. If a conflict exists between Appendix B and another provision of the Agreement, Appendix B shall control to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable funding requirement.

The Consultant shall flow down each applicable provision to every Sub-Consultant and lower-tier

Agreement. The Consultant remains responsible for Sub-Consultant compliance.

The City makes no representation that a general reference to federal law excuses the Consultant from complying with an applicable requirement expressly included in Appendix B.

The following federal provisions are included, as applicable:

2 CFR Part 200 procurement requirements

Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 contract clauses

Byrd Anti-Lobbying Certification, if applicable

Debarment and Suspension certification

Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act clauses, when thresholds apply

Domestic preference requirements, if applicable

Brooks Act (23 CFR Part 172), if applicable

Equal Employment Opportunity, if required (Executive Order 11246)

Davis-Bacon Act (if applicable) – 29 CFR 5.5

39. Order of Precedence: If a conflict exists among the solicitation documents, the following order of precedence shall govern:

1. Written addenda issued by the City, with the most recent addendum controlling over earlier addenda;

2. The executed Professional Services Agreement;

3. Special terms and conditions;

4. Attachment A, Scope of Services;

5. Attachment B, Insurance Requirements;

6. General Terms and Conditions:

7. Information and Instructions to Consultants;

8. Required forms; and

9. The Consultant’s accepted Statement of Qualifications, but only to the extent expressly incorporated into the executed Agreement.

The Schedule of Events shall control all solicitation dates and deadlines. The City may revise the Schedule of Events only through a written addendum posted through BidNet.

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INTRODUCTION

The City solicits Request for Qualifications from qualified Consultants to provide a Greenway Feasibility Study. The feasibility study for the Greenway project is a planning document that assesses whether a proposed trail (and related improvements) can realistically be designed, funded, permitted, constructed, operated, and maintained. It helps decision-makers understand costs, benefits, risks, and potential alternatives before advancing to the design phase.

This procurement is a Request for Qualification. Award, if made, will be to the most qualified Consultant in accordance with the City Code and the requirements of this RFQ. The City may award, reject any and all Qualifications, waive informalities, and cancel this RFQ in whole or in part when it is in the City’s best interest.

1. INTENT TO AWARD

The City intends to award a contract to the most qualified Consultant under the evaluation criteria.

Responsibility - The City will determine whether the Consultant meets the following standard requirements:

1. Has the appropriate and adequate technical experience required

2. Has adequate personnel and equipment to perform the work expeditiously

3. Ability to comply with the required or proposed delivery schedule

4. Has a satisfactory record of performance

5. The ability of the Consultant to provide future maintenance and/or service

6. Has adequate financial means to meet obligations incidental to the work; and such other factors the City deems to be pertinent to either the Qualifications or the Contract.

The City may request additional documentation after the Qualifications opening to validate the responsibility factors listed above.

Responsiveness - The City will determine the Consultant’s responsiveness based on whether the Consultant has submitted complete Qualifications documents that meet the RFQ requirements without irregularities, exclusions, special conditions, or alternative Qualifications for any item unless specifically requested in the RFQ.

Criteria The City will award the contract to the most qualified Consultant under the evaluation criteria.

City Rights The City reserves the right to reject any Qualifications deemed non-responsive, non-responsible, or not in the City's best interest; to waive technicalities; and to accept the Qualification that complies with all non-mandatory requirements.

2. TERM OF CONTRACT

The term of the contract, from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed, is 15 months. The Consultant will mobilize sufficient resources to ensure all work is completed within the specified time for this project. Failure to meet the fifteen-month performance requirement constitutes nonperformance unless the City approves an extension in writing.

3. SUB-CONSULTANTS

3.1. Consultant must ensure the standards for each of its Sub-Consultants, as listed below and in each part of this RFQ, are met. Verification must include documentation that each Sub- Consultant meets the criteria required to perform the work, including any professional license, certification, or insurance requirements of this RFQ, any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the matter, or any law or regulation about the work or requirements. The Consultant must not furnish any statement, representation, or certification in connection with Sub-Consultants that is materially false, deceptive, incorrect, or incomplete. Failure of the Consultant to provide information concerning the reliability of any Sub-Consultant may result in a finding that the Consultant is not responsible.

3.2. All proposed Sub-Consultants and suppliers performing Work shall be identified in the

Consultant’s response. Consultant shall ensure that each Sub-Consultant has adequate personnel, experience, facilities, financial capacity, and business systems to perform its assigned Scope of Services. The City reserves the right to approve or reject any Sub- Consultant.

3.3. Consultant is responsible for verifying the existence, authenticity, and expiration dates of all licenses and certifications required for Sub-Consultants performing Work. Failure to maintain required licensure or certification is a material breach and may result in termination for cause effective upon loss of licensure or certification. The City may require the immediate removal of any unlicensed entity from the Project.

3.4. The City must approve all Sub-Consultants before performing. Consultant must receive written permission to add Sub-Consultants not initially submitted with the Consultant’s response. Sub-Consultants must not subcontract any portion of their work pursuant to this RFQ without the written consent of the City. Failure of the Consultant to obtain from the City prior approval of each Sub-Consultant performing work on the project may result in suspension of work by that Sub-Consultant, removal of work performed by unapproved Sub- Consultant(s), and all permissible sanctions against the Consultant.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SECURITY

The Consultant shall use nonpublic City information solely to perform the Agreement and shall not disclose such information except to personnel and approved Sub-Consultants who require access and are bound by written obligations at least as protective as this section.

The Consultant shall maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information and the risk presented by unauthorized access, use, alteration, loss, or disclosure.

The Consultant shall notify the City in writing without unreasonable delay, and no later than twenty-four hours after discovery, of any actual or reasonably suspected unauthorized access, acquisition, use, alteration, loss, or disclosure involving City information.

The notice shall describe the known facts, affected information, affected systems, containment measures, corrective actions, and the responsible incident contact. The Consultant shall preserve relevant evidence, cooperate with the City, provide periodic updates, and take reasonable corrective action at its own expense when the incident results from the Consultant’s failure to comply with the Agreement.

Upon request, expiration, or termination, the Consultant shall return or securely destroy City information, except for records required to be retained by law. Any retained information remains protected under this section.

Nothing in this section requires the City to withhold a public record contrary to the Georgia Open Records Act. The City retains sole authority to determine its disclosure obligations.

5. STANDARD CONTROL

Work Authorization: Work shall be performed pursuant to the Contract and City-issued Notice to Proceed. The City reserves the right to adjust quantities, sequencing, and project priorities.

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EVALUATION PROCESS

Administrative Compliance, Responsiveness, and Responsibility

Procurement shall conduct the initial administrative compliance review and determine whether each submission is timely and contains the mandatory forms and information required by this RFQ.

The Director of Procurement, after consultation with the City Attorney when appropriate, shall make the final determination concerning responsiveness. The using department and the Evaluation Committee may provide relevant factual information, but shall not direct or override the procurement determination.

The City shall evaluate the Consultant's responsibility separately from the technical scoring.

Responsibility considerations may include legal authority to conduct business, licensing, integrity, financial capacity, available resources, past performance, and ability to perform the resulting Agreement.

The Evaluation Committee shall evaluate and score only those submissions that Procurement has released for evaluation.

This maintains governance separation. Evaluators should score technical merit. Procurement should control responsiveness and process integrity.

Shortlist, Presentation, and Interview Process

The City anticipates shortlisting no more than three of the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Consultants based on the written Statement of Qualifications. If fewer than three Consultants are determined qualified, the City may shortlist fewer than three or cancel the solicitation.

Each shortlisted Consultant shall participate in a mandatory presentation and interview. Failure to participate on the date and time established by the City may result in disqualification.

The City shall provide each shortlisted Consultant with the same presentation instructions, time limit, core questions, and scoring criteria. The Evaluation Committee may ask the Consultant specific follow-up questions reasonably necessary to clarify information contained in the Statement of Qualifications.

A Consultant may explain or clarify information previously submitted, but may not materially revise its team, experience, technical approach, schedule, commitments, or other evaluated information after the submission deadline, except when the City requests and permits the same type of clarification from similarly situated Consultants.

The written Statement of Qualifications shall constitute sixty percent of the final Qualifications score.

The presentation and interview shall constitute forty percent of the final Qualifications score.

The Evaluation Committee shall calculate the final Qualifications score as follows:

Final Qualifications Score equals the 60% Written Statement of Qualifications Score multiplied by 0.60, plus the 40% Interview Score multiplied by 0.40.

Procurement shall verify all calculations and maintain the individual scores, evaluator narratives, any approved consensus score, conflict certifications, clarification communications, reference results, and final ranking in the procurement file.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Qualifications-Based Selection

This procurement is based exclusively on demonstrated competence and Qualifications. Consultants shall not submit cost, pricing, labor rates, fees, or other compensation information with the Statement of Qualifications. The City shall not consider compensation information when evaluating, shortlisting, interviewing, or establishing the final Qualifications ranking.

After the City establishes and documents the final Qualifications ranking, the City shall request a detailed scope and cost Proposal only from the highest-ranked Consultant. Before reviewing that Proposal, the City shall prepare an independent estimate of the anticipated scope, labor effort, schedule, and cost.

The City shall negotiate with the highest-ranked Consultant to reach a fair and reasonable Agreement concerning scope, staffing, labor hours, labor rates, indirect costs, reimbursable expenses, fixed fee, schedule, deliverables, and the maximum contract amount.

If the City determines that a fair and reasonable Agreement cannot be reached, the City shall terminate negotiations with that Consultant in writing. The City may then initiate negotiations with the next highest-ranked Consultant.

Selection, ranking, negotiation, or Council authorization does not create a contract or authorize performance. No services may begin until the Agreement has been fully executed by the authorized representatives of the City and the Consultant, and the City has issued a written Notice to Proceed.

EVALUATION SELECTION CRITERIA

The City's selection of a Consultant shall be based on the Consultant's demonstrated competence and Qualifications to provide the required service. Each Qualification will be evaluated and scored by the City's staff. The City reserves the sole discretion to determine a respondent’s responsiveness and responsibility.

Failure to meet any mandatory requirement may result in disqualification without further evaluation.

Numerical scoring is an internal evaluation tool and does not create any right or entitlement to award. The Respondent’s submittal must fully address the requirements listed in this solicitation and demonstrate the Consultant's experience, knowledge, and ability to provide qualified support staff. The Proposal does not include any exclusions, conditions, or provisions for the aforementioned request. It is the City's intention to select a Consultant that is the most qualified to meet the City's needs. The award shall be based on, but not limited to, the following factors:

EVALUATION CRITERIA DESCRIPTION SCORING

VALUE

MAXIMUM

POINTS

Qualification of Consultant – Qualifications to be considered include, but are not limited to:

Experience in performing work of a closely similar nature; record of completing work on schedule; strength and stability of the Consultant; technical competence; and strength and stability of proposed sub-Consultants. Qualifications of project staff will also be considered, particularly key personnel, and, especially, the project manager.

Technical Approach The technical approach used to help decision-makers understand costs, benefits, risks, and potential alternatives for the proposed trail before advancing to design.

Schedule and Capacity Realism of timeline, staffing depth, and ability to meet deadlines.

Past Performance and References Focuses on schedule adherence, client reference assessments, and change order history.

MAXIMUM SCORING POINTS TOTAL 100

Each evaluator shall independently score every responsive Statement of Qualifications and provide written comments supporting material strengths, weaknesses, risks, and point deductions.

The evaluation committee may meet to discuss Proposals and reconcile factual misunderstandings. Evaluators shall not change scores merely to achieve consensus. Any score revision must be supported by a written explanation.

Procurement shall calculate and retain the individual scores, consensus scores if used, evaluator comments, conflict certifications, reference results, clarification requests, and final ranking in the procurement file.

The City anticipates shortlisting up to three highest ranked Respondents. If fewer than three Respondents are qualified, the City may shortlist fewer firms or cancel the solicitation.

References may be used to verify information and evaluate responsibility. References shall not create an undisclosed scored criterion unless a specific point value is published by the Addendum.

Presentation and Interview Evaluation

Shortlisted Respondents shall participate in a mandatory presentation and interview. The presentation and interview shall be evaluated separately using the following criteria:

1. Understanding the Greenway Feasibility Study, 20 points;

2. Approach to the Greenway Feasibility Study, 20 points;

3. Qualifications and Communication of Key Personnel, 25 points;

4. Controls and Risk Management, 20 points;

5. Transition, Availability, and Responsiveness, 15 points.

Total interview score: 100 points for shortlisted firms.

Only proposed key personnel may answer technical and operational questions unless the City authorizes otherwise. The final ranking is based solely on the interview score, or a clearly disclosed combined calculation. Procurement shall provide the same presentation instructions, time limits, core questions, and scoring criteria to every shortlisted Respondent. Follow-up questions may differ when reasonably necessary to clarify a Respondent’s specific Statement of Qualifications. No price consideration until the highest-ranked firm has been selected.

Cost Proposal and Negotiation

Cost shall not be submitted with the Statement of Qualifications and shall not be used to establish the Qualifications ranking.

After the final ranking of Qualifications, the City shall request a detailed cost Proposal from the highest-ranked Respondent. Before opening or reviewing that cost Proposal, the City shall prepare an independent cost estimate appropriate to the anticipated Services.

The City shall negotiate the scope, staffing, labor hours, labor rates, indirect costs, expenses, fixed fee, contract ceiling, and other commercial terms with the highest-ranked Respondent.

If the City determines that a fair and reasonable Agreement cannot be reached, the City shall formally terminate negotiations in writing and may begin negotiations with the next highest-ranked Respondent.

The City shall not return to a Respondent whose negotiations were terminated unless permitted by applicable law and approved by the Director of Procurement and City Attorney.

Selection does not create a contract or authorize performance. No contract exists until executed by all authorized parties, and all conditions precedent have been satisfied.

This procedure aligns with federal Qualifications-based selection requirements when 23 CFR Part 172 applies. 23 CFR 172.7.

ATTACHMENT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES

ATTACHMENT A - SCOPE OF SERVICES

The feasibility study for the Greenway project is a planning document requested to determine whether a proposed trail (and related improvements) can realistically be designed, funded, permitted, constructed, operated, and maintained. It helps decision-makers understand costs, benefits, risks, and potential alternatives before advancing to design.

The Consultant shall provide:

1. Need and Purpose

• Why Greenway is being proposed

• Connectivity to parks, schools, neighborhoods, transit, commercial areas, and employment centers.

• Safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists

• Recreation, health, and economic development benefits

2. Existing Conditions Assessment

• Current land use and zoning

• Roadway network and traffic conditions

• Sidewalks, bike facilities, and existing trails

• Utilities and drainage infrastructure

• Environmental constraints

• Topography and terrain

3. Route Alternatives Analysis Identify and compare multiple alignments:

• Along roadways

• Utility corridors

• Stream corridors

• Railroad corridors (if applicable)

• Park connections

Each alternative should be evaluated for:

• Length

• Connectivity

• Environmental impacts

• Right-of-way requirements

• Construction cost

• Public acceptance

4. Right-of-Way Evaluation

• Existing public right-of-way availability

• Easement needs

• Property acquisitions

• Utility conflicts

• Encroachments

5. Environmental Review

• Wetlands

• Streams and buffers

• Floodplains

• Tree impacts

• Protected species habitats

• Cultural and historic resources

• Georgia Department of Transportation

• Georgia Environmental Protection Division

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

6. Conceptual Design Typical elements as applicable:

• 10-foot to 14-foot multi-use trail (or most suitable cross-section)

• Trailheads

• Parking areas

• New access roads

• Bridges and boardwalks

• Lighting

• Wayfinding signage

• Crosswalks and pedestrian signals

Include conceptual exhibits and typical sections.

7. Cost Estimates Planning-level costs for:

• Design and engineering

• Right-of-way acquisition

• Utility relocations

• Environmental mitigation

• Construction

• CEI (Construction Engineering and Inspection)

• Contingency

8. Funding Opportunities Potential funding sources:

• Atlanta Regional Commission grants

• Georgia Department of Transportation

• Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

• Local SPLOST/TSPLOST

• Federal grants

• Private partnerships

9. Public Involvement Plan (3 meetings minimum)

• Stakeholder meetings

• Public information meetings

• Surveys

• Adjacent property owner outreach

10. Implementation Plan Recommended phasing:

• Phase 1: Design

• Phase 2: Right-of-Way

• Phase 3: Utility Relocations

• Phase 4: Construction

• Existing conditions maps

• Environmental constraints maps

• Conceptual trail alignments

• Right-of-way exhibits

• Cost estimates

• Benefit-cost discussion

• Recommended preferred alternative

• Implementation strategy

A Conceptual Design that includes conceptual exhibits and typical sections.

ATTACHMENT B

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Insurance Requirements

1. Statutory Workers' Compensation Insurance Employers Liability:

Bodily Injury by Accident - $500,000 each accident Bodily Injury by Disease - $500,000 policy limit Bodily Injury by Disease - $500,000 each employee

2. Commercial General Liability Insurance

2.1.1 $1,000,000 limit of liability per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage

2.1.2 Separate Owner's and Consultant's Protective policy with City South Fulton (and any applicable authority) as Named Insured

2.1.3 The following additional coverages must apply:

2.1.3.1 The City of South Fulton shall be endorsed as an Additional Insured on the insurance policies, with coverage provided on a primary and non-contributory basis.

2.1.3.2 1986 (or later) ISO Commercial General Liability Form

2.1.3.3 Dedicated limits per project site or location (CG 25 03 or a modification for completed operations or a separate endorsement covering Completed Operations)

2.1.3.4 Blanket Contractual Liability

3. Broad Form Property Damage

3.1. Severability of Interest

3.2. Underground, explosion, and collapse coverage

3.3. Personal Injury (deleting both Contractual and employee exclusions)

3.4. Incidental Medical Malpractice

3.5. Hostile Fire Pollution Wording

4. Auto Liability Insurance

$2,000,000 limit of liability per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage.

Comprehensive form covering all owned, non-owned, leased, hired, and borrowed vehicles.

Additional Insured Endorsement.

Contractual Liability.

b. Umbrella Liability Insurance - Minimum $5,000,000 limit of liability

(Higher limit may be required depending on the extent of the Contract) The following additional coverages must apply:

Additional Insured Endorsement

Concurrency of Effective Dates with Primary Blanket Contractual Liability Drop Down Feature Care, Custody, and Control - Follow Form Primary Aggregates: Apply Where Applicable in Primary Umbrella Policy must be as broad as the primary policy City of South Fulton (and any applicable Authority) shall be shown as an additional insured on General Liability, Auto Liability, and Umbrella Liability policies and noted accordingly on the Certificate of Insurance.

Certificate Holder must read:

City of South Fulton 4715 Frederick Avenue SW South Fulton, GA 30336

5. Professional Liability of $1 million.

6. The cancellation provision shall provide 30 days’ notice of cancellation.

7. Insurance Company, except Worker's Compensation carrier, must have an A.M. Best Rating of A-10 or higher. Certain Workers' Comp funds may be acceptable with the Risk Management Division's approval. European markets, including those based in London and domestic surplus lines markets that operate on a non-admitted basis, are exempt from this requirement provided that the Consultant’s broker/agent can provide financial data to establish that a market is equal…