RFQC_Program Support and Outreach Consulting Servi.pdf

Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

(GEFA)

Request for Qualified Contractor

(RFQC)

To Provide

Water Program Support and Outreach Services for the

GEFA Water Resources Division

GEFA RFQ No. 928-ERD25-TA-ESPC

REQUEST FOR QUALIFIED

CONTRACTOR RFQC # 928-WRD26-

PRGRMSVCS

Water Program Support and Outreach Services for GEFA Water Resources Division

I. General Information

A. PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) is interested in receiving qualifications responses from interested experienced consultants to provide program support and outreach services to the Water Resources Division. The selected consultant will assist GEFA in implementing, performing and enhancing several key water resource programs and initiatives.

The desired consultant services are envisioned to aid the efficiency of the Water Resources Division (WRD) of GEFA in its support of local government entities in Georgia and enhance Georgia citizens, and therefore the qualifications of the consultant(s) are of paramount importance. Accordingly, this Request for Qualified Contractor (RFQC) is being issued by GEFA in consideration of the stakeholders’ interests and prescribes a qualifications-based initial step in procurement. One or more firms that respond to this RFQC by submitting statements of qualifications may be determined to be especially qualified to deliver these services and may be deemed eligible for further consideration by GEFA, as described herein.

All respondents to this RFQC are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review the entire RFQC and follow instructions carefully. GEFA retains the right to reject any or all statements of qualifications or any subsequent submittals and/or proposals, and to waive technicalities, irregularities, and informalities. GEFA retains the right to cancel or conclude this procurement at any time without selecting a firm to provide the services described, without any liability to any respondents, person or entity, and is under no obligation to make an award relating to this process to any person or entity. The final terms of any Agreement shall comply with applicable Georgia and federal laws.

B. RESTRICTION OF COMMUNICATION

From the time of advertisement of this solicitation until a prospective contract is executed (final award) with successful respondent and such final award is/are announced, interested firms are not allowed or permitted to communicate about this solicitation or scope with any WRD staff or any official representatives of GEFA or stakeholder agencies other than the Issuing Officer and except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFQC, or as provided by any existing work agreement. Finalists and Apparent Awardee(s) are restricted from making public statements or press releases about their selection as finalists or their apparent award. For violation of this restriction, GEFA reserves the right to reject the submittal of the offending respondent.

II. Scope of Services

Important- GEFA considers the services which are envisioned and generally described herein to be necessary.

The actual, final scope of services, however, may differ, may be greater or lesser, and shall be fully determined through further proposal/bid, negotiation, collaboration, and execution of a prospective Agreement with a successful firm. GEFA also reserves the right to request a Best and Final Offer from one or more respondents.

The successful consultant will work with GEFA, and/or other appropriate stakeholders and resources to further determine the full and appropriate scope of the services.

Envisioned Scope of Work of the successful Consultant

1. WaterFirst Program Support

• Plan and conduct two WaterFirst workshops:

o One for existing WaterFirst communities o One for communities interested in applying to the program

• Update and enhance the WaterFirst Program by:

o Recruiting and facilitating a task force to guide program updates o Creating a WaterFirst application guidance document o Creating a WaterFirst social media toolkit o Developing and launching a WaterFirst Mentor Program to foster peer-to-peer learning and collaboration

2. Stormwater Outreach

• Plan and implement one in-person workshop and one webinar to achieve the following goals:

o Increase the number of stormwater and nonpoint source pollution project applications submitted to GEFA o Provide case studies and best practices on how communities have developed and implemented a dedicated stormwater funding mechanism o Maximize participation in the Stormwater Infrastructure Needs Survey o Support the launch and promotion of the Stormwater Rates Dashboard

3. GEFA Affordability Scoring Tool

• Provide ongoing technical and analytical support to GEFA in the use, interpretation, and application of the affordability scoring tool

4. Georgia Funders’ Forum

• Plan, convene, and facilitate four Funders’ Forum meetings per year.

• Maintain the Funders’ Forum website, including:

o Regularly update the Water Funding Summary Table and make it publicly available online.

• Organize one in-person workshop designed to:

o Help communities identify and evaluate various water infrastructure funding opportunities o Strengthen their understanding of financial and managerial capacity related to water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Respondents must demonstrate experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Water infrastructure financing

• Group facilitation and stakeholder engagement

• Event planning

• Water affordability analysis and planning, including experience with census and socioeconomic data

• Comprehensive knowledge of water, wastewater, stormwater, and watershed management issues

• Familiarity with best management practices (BMPs) for water utility management

2. Demonstrated experience working with state and federal agencies that fund water infrastructure.

Expected Program Support and Outreach Services Timeline (target):

• April 2026 – January 2028

The Consultant(s) may or may not choose to utilize subconsultants for portions of the scope of services, only as approved by GEFA. Ultimately, the Consultant and their team will be responsible for working proactively, collaboratively, and professionally to produce the expected services and deliverables efficiently and effectively in a manner that will maximize the benefit to GEFA, local governments and Georgia citizens.

III. Evaluation and Selection Process

A. OVERVIEW

GEFA shall conduct the selection process (procurement) in appropriate steps. The initial qualifications phase will be administered generally pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-22-1 et seq., with this solicitation for statements of qualifications and subsequent evaluation and ranking for determination of one or more finalist firms. However, selecting a successful firm as Consultant after finalist determination may consist of subsequent proposal and/or possible interview phases. GEFA has enlisted the following appropriate resources for assistance in carrying out this procurement:

1. Selection Facilitator

This individual shall be assigned by GEFA and will be responsible to GEFA for the interests of GEFA. This individual shall be the issuing officer of the solicitation and shall facilitate this procurement process, including posting of solicitations and notices, receipt of submittals and questions, coordination of review, evaluation, ranking recommendation, facilitation of meetings and interviews, and other duties up to, and throughout, the committee rankings of firms, and negotiation and prospective execution of a Consulting Services Agreement(s).

2. Selection Committee

This Committee shall be composed of qualified persons approved by GEFA to review and evaluate respondent firms’ statements of qualifications and other submittals and possibly interview qualified finalist firm(s). The Selection Committee shall, through the procedures defined herein, perform the following: a) Ranking of all submitting firms for determination of finalist(s); and b) (If applicable), further evaluation and ranking of finalist firms’ proposals or further deliverables for determination of successful Consultant(s).

B. METHOD OF COMMUNICATION

Public procurement documents, including attachments, and associated addenda (if issued) will be publicly posted on the Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR). Any communication of relevant, significant information regarding this solicitation will also be made via the GPR. Known interested firms and those firms which are deemed likely to be interested may be directly solicited immediately after public advertising, however all firms are responsible for checking the GPR on a regular basis for updates, clarifications, and announcements.

GEFA reserves the right to communicate via email with the respondents’ primary contacts listed in the Statements of Qualifications. The Issuing Officer/Selection Facilitator named herein shall be the SOLE point of contact for participating firms for the duration of the procurement. Other specific communications will be made as indicated in the remainder of this RFQC. In accordance with Section I-B above, GEFA reserves the right to reject the submittal of any respondent violating this provision.

C. EVALUATION OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

The Selection Committee will evaluate all submittals upon submittal validation by the Selection Facilitator, which shall include verification of receipt-on-time and in good order (apparent responsiveness). Responsiveness validation will also include verification of receipt of the following signed and notarized Exhibits: Exhibit I, Statement of Qualification Certification form; and Exhibit II, Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit form.

Submittals from respondents with apparent significant conflicts of interest are subject to additional pre-review prior to validation, other action, or disqualification. For validated submittals, each member/ evaluator will assign points using the criteria identified in Section VI.

Under facilitation and coordination from the Selection Facilitator, the Selection Committee members will thoroughly review and evaluate Statements of Qualifications submitted in response to this RFQC, using the criteria stated herein. For each evaluator, the points assigned to each criterion will be totaled and an individual evaluator rank will be determined for each firm. The rankings of all evaluators will be totaled to arrive at the sum of individual rankings for each submittal evaluated to determine the most qualified firm(s). If applicable, the number of multiple finalists may be determined through review of any large differences between firms’ sums of individual rankings only upon agreement by most Selection Committee members. In a similar manner, the Selection Committee shall have the ability to choose to produce a consensus ranking in lieu of individual rankings.

D. FINALIST NOTIFICATION

The firm(s) selected as finalist(s) will ll receive notification (Finalist Notification) from the Selection Facilitator which will address the necessary elements of the remainder of the selection process. Criteria for the remainder of the selection process will be communicated in the Finalist Notification, along with other appropriate evaluation information. The Finalist Notification may also address the following:

1. Issuance of Additional Program Information

The Finalist Notification may include any additional available program information, and finalist firms may be given relevant available information which has previously been developed (such as program descriptions and regulatory guidelines, etc.), and other available additional scope information. A specimen copy of the Consulting Services Agreement may also be provided.

2. Presentation / Interview (Only if Applicable)

In the Finalist Notification, an interview may be requested of finalist firms, if determined necessary by GEFA. Each finalist firm shall be notified in writing and informed of the place, date and time for the presentation/interview session and/or proposal due date. Detailed presentation/interview instructions and requirements of the finalists will be provided in the Finalist Notification. All members of the Selection Committee will be present and participating during the presentation/interview. Firms shall not address any questions prior to the Presentation/Interview, to anyone other than designated contact.

E. EVALUATION OF FINALISTS, APPARENT AWARD, AND FINAL AWARD

Under facilitation and coordination from the Selection Facilitator, the Selection Committee members will thoroughly review and evaluate any submittals and interview sessions or proposals/bids that were carried out in response to the Finalist Notification, using the criteria stated therein. The Selection Facilitator shall review all supporting data to determine the Committee’s final selected firm, or “Apparent Awardee(s)”.

Upon posting of Apparent Award and notification to the Apparent Awardee(s), the Selection Facilitator will request partial execution of a Consultant Services Agreement from the Apparent Awardee. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached timely with the highest-ranking firms by the negotiation team, GEFA may formally terminate the negotiations and, at its option may 1) request a fee proposal from, and enter into negotiations with, additional highest-ranking firms (new Apparent Awardees) upon formal notification, and so on in turn until mutual agreements are established and GEFA awards contracts; or 2) cancel the procurement. The final form of the contract shall be issued by GEFA.

IV. Schedule of Events

The following Schedule of Events table represents GEFA’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All the times indicated are prevailing times in Georgia. GEFA reserves the right to adjust the schedule, with prior notice, as it deems necessary.

a. Selection Facilitator issues public advertisement of RFQC- 12/15/25 ----------

b. Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification- 1/12/2026 2:00 PM

c. Selection Facilitator provides answers/clarifications/addenda- 2/16/2026 ----------

d. Deadline for submission of Statements of Qualifications (SOQs)- 3/2/2026 2:00 PM

e. SOQ evaluation completed and Selection Facilitator issues Finalist Notification, Specimen Consultant Services Agreement, and may issue additional program information to Finalist(s)-

3/15/2026

V. DELIVERABLES for Statements of Qualifications

IMPORTANT- Statements of Qualifications must include certain signed and notarized Exhibits, which are provided herein, as follows: Exhibit I, Statement of Qualification Certification form; and Exhibit II, Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit form. The Statements of Qualifications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in Section VI-B, must be categorized and numbered as outlined below, and must be responsive to all requested information below. References in submittals to websites or referrals to other sources of information will not cause a review of the information, and such information may not be evaluated.

A. STABILITY AND RESOURCES

1. Provide basic company information: company name, address, name of primary proposing contact, telephone number, email address, and company website (if available). If the firm has multiple offices, the qualification statement shall include information about the parent company and branch office separately.

Identify office from which project will be managed and this office’s proximity to GEFA. Provide form of ownership, including state of residency or incorporation, and number of years in business. Is the respondent a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability Corporation, or other structure?

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

3. Has the firm or any affiliate been involved in any arbitration, litigation, mediation, dispute review board or other dispute resolution occurring during the last 5 years involving an amount more than $50,000? Also describe any pending regulatory inquiries that could impact your ability to provide services if you are the selected Consultant. List any indictments that have been issued against the project team members or principals of the firm.

4. Provide a Statement of Disclosure, which will allow GEFA to evaluate possible conflicts of interest.

Respondents must provide, in their own format, a statement of all potential legal or otherwise significant conflicts of interest possibly created by the respondents or their proposed team being considered in the selection process or by the respondents or their team’s involvement in the project. Respondents should provide information as to the nature of relationship(s) with parties in such potential conflicts.

5. Provide name of insurance carrier(s), types and levels of coverage, and deductible amounts per claim.

6. Has the firm ever been removed from a contract or failed to complete a contract as assigned? Explain.

B. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Provide information pertaining to the principal personnel including but not limited to: Principal in Charge, Client/Project Manager and all other key personnel. Please include resumes for personnel identified.

Provide a high-level organization chart for the principal Consulting Team, and any known significant prospective sub consultants. Provide information on the level of commitment for proposed senior personnel and key members of the team.

2. Provide water infrastructure related consulting services experience of key resources on relevant or similar projects of the firm including professional qualifications and description of involvement/experience for proposed project staff. This should include the degree of apparent relevant competencies of the principal professional(s) and lead staff relative to the project and services required, and evidence of competence.

Provide information regarding firm/staff experience with varied state and federally funded water programs for government infrastructure, and other relevant public infrastructure and water affordability consulting experience. (At this stage, firms are asked for information on lead staff only, but each firm may list qualifications and experience on more than one lead individual who is being proposed for services.)

3. Provide information on the firm’s experience and ability in delivering effective water program consulting and outreach services such as those described in the scope herein, and any related services for public entity water infrastructure program consulting services similar in complexity, size, scope, and function to the scope herein. Describe no more than 6 and no less than 3 programs or projects, in order of most relevant to least relevant, that demonstrate the firm's capabilities to provide appropriate supportive services to GEFA. For each program or project, the following information should be provided:

a. Client entity name, project location and dates during which services were performed.

b. Clear description of overall scope and services performed by your firm.

c. The duration of project services provided by your firm, and overall program, planning budget estimate.

d. Current client contact information including contact names, email addresses, and telephone numbers.

4. Provide a statement on the firm’s experience and qualifications in a complex consulting role for similar projects. Include any water program support or program outreach consulting of similar complexity, including experience in providing leadership in such programs. Include any certifications, industry ratings, and national or international achievement recognitions, etc., to attest to the level of experience and success. Describe innovations that the firm might have introduced or employed to increase the client’s adherence to compliance with program standards.

C. SUITABILITY

Provide any information that may serve to differentiate your firm from other firms in suitability for the services including but not limited to:

1. Furnish evidence of the firm’s fit to the project and/or needs of GEFA, any special or unique qualifications for the project, or unique approaches to providing Water Resources Division program support and outreach services.

2. Provide your firm’s philosophy/technique on group facilitation and stakeholder engagement for program success.

3. Provide a statement on the firm’s water infrastructure financing and federal funding knowledge.

4. Describe any special or enhanced capabilities offered by the firm that may be particularly suitable for this scope such as experience in water affordability analyses and planning, including experience with census and socioeconomic data.

5. Describe the firm’s ability to provide facilitation resources in vicinity to stakeholders, and/or any knowledge of the project areas which may uniquely benefit the firm and projects.

6. Provide any non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities policies of the firm and evidence of efforts or success in W/MBE-DBE inclusion.

7. Describe other services or relevant water, wastewater, stormwater, and watershed management scopes offered by the firm which might be especially suitable for the project.

VI. Evaluation Criteria

A. Criteria for Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications

The Selection Committee will evaluate Statements of Qualifications using the following criteria:

15 % Factor} Stability and resources of the submitting firm, including the firm’s history, status, growth, overall resources of the firm, form of ownership, litigation history, financial information, and other evidence of stability.

45% Factor} Firm’s relevant experience and qualifications, including the demonstrated expertise in water infrastructure program assistance and facilitation, stakeholder engagement, relevant water, wastewater, stormwater, and watershed management experience, ability of the firm in effective services in outreach to multiple local governmental clients comparable in complexity, size, and function as GEFA WRD stakeholders, and other similarly structured organizations.

40% Factor} Firm’s apparent suitability to provide services for project, including the firm’s knowledge and significant prior experience working with state and federally-funded water programs for public infrastructure, apparent fit to the service type and/or needs of GEFA, any special or unique qualifications for the project, suitability for innovative methods, current and projected workloads

(available resources), proximity of office(s) and/or lead staff to service locations and/or proven ability to gather resources in locations of service, proposed quality control/quality assurance procedures, special or enhanced capabilities, firm’s non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities policies in W/MBE-DBE inclusion, as well as the firm’s record and methodology of addressing public benefit and environmental concerns.

VII. Submittal Conditions

A. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

Questions about any aspect of the RFQC, or the project, shall be submitted prior to the appropriate deadlines indicated in the Schedule of Events, and shall be submitted in writing to:

Richard Sawyer

GEFA

rsawyer@gefa.ga.gov

The deadlines for submission of questions relating to the RFQC are the times and dates shown in the (Schedule of Events- Section IV). From the date of this solicitation until a successful respondent is selected and the selection is announced, the Restriction of Communication shall be in effect. For violation of this provision, GEFA shall reserve the right to reject the submittal of the offending respondent. At any time prior to the submission date, GEFA may issue an RFQC addendum to further clarify any part of this RFQC, amend this RFQC or issue instructions or further information. Each such addendum will be posted and/or distributed to all respondents. In addition, GEFA may adjust any timelines related to the project referenced herein or otherwise.

B. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

An electronic original of the qualifications shall be prepared. One complete copy must be provided via email as a SINGLE .pdf file. Each submittal shall include a transmittal letter as a part of the file. Submittals must be able to be printed on standard (8½” x 11”) paper. The pages of the qualification submittals must be numbered. A table of contents must be included to identify each section as instructed in this RFQC. Responses are limited to 15 printable pages or less using a minimum of size 11 font. Each SOQ shall be prepared simply and economically, providing straightforward, concise delineation of respondent’s capabilities. Irrelevant displays and promotional materials are not desired. Emphasis must be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content.

NOTE: All pages shall be included in the page limit EXCEPT for the front cover, cover (transmittal letter), table of contents, and required Exhibits. Submittals must be emailed with reference to GEFA RFQC 928-WRD26- PRGMSVCS and the words “STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” clearly indicated on emailed message subject line. Submittals received after the time and date set for receipt are subject to rejection. Emailed Submittals shall be sent to:

Richard Sawyer

Email: rsawyer@gefa.ga.gov

Statements of Qualifications submitted via facsimile will not be accepted. All SOQ submittals and other submittals are considered Sealed Proposals and upon receipt become the property of GEFA. Labeling information provided in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential”, or any other designation of restricted use will not be binding upon GEFA or its representatives and 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 the final award. All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. GEFA is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses.

mailto:rsawyer@gefa.ga.gov mailto:rsawyer@gefa.ga.gov

C. RFQC CONDITIONS

1. Respondents understand and agree that GEFA is not required to select an ultimately lowest priced fee proposal and has the right to reject any or all submittals or to cancel the RFQC process at any time without any liability to GEFA or any other person, and GEFA and its stakeholders are under no obligation to make an award relating to this RFQC to any person or entity. In addition, GEFA reserves the right to evaluate only those Proposals determined to be fully responsive to the RFQC. All such decisions (including the selection of the Consultant) are ultimately to be made in the sole discretion of GEFA, for any reason or for no reason whatsoever, and GEFA is not under obligation to assign any reason for the rejection, non-review or non-acceptance of any SOQ. Under no circumstances shall this RFQC and component processes within be construed as a contractual offer.

2. Respondents understand and agree that GEFA may, in its sole discretion, judge whether any apparent conflicts of interest of respondents warrant rejection of the submittal(s) of the respondent, or other action;

and that GEFA may, in its sole discretion, request fee proposals from, and subsequently enter into an agreement with, any entity selected in this process. Furthermore, respondents shall not hold GEFA, their customers, and/or any of their respective employees, representatives, agents, attorneys, advisors or consultants liable for any reason whatsoever related to this RFQC and respondents hereby waive all such claims.

3. Respondents may make no modification, correction or withdrawal of their submissions after the submission date. By submitting, each respondent represents that: (i) it has read and understands this RFQC, (ii) its submission complies with the requirements of this RFQC, (iii) respondent has the necessary corporate/firm authority to submit its SOQ

4. All information supplied in this RFQC is provided solely as a convenience to facilitate the selection process.

GEFA does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information supplied. In addition, the respondent shall not rely on any express or implied statements, warranties or representations made.

Respondent agrees that GEFA and their employees, representatives, agents, advisors or consultants cannot be held liable for any such statements, warranties or representations or inaccuracies or incompleteness in any information provided.

5. Small and Minority Business Enterprise

It is the policy of the state of Georgia that small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the state purchasing process. Therefore, GEFA encourages all small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses to compete for, win, and receive contracts for goods, services, and construction. This desire on the part of GEFA is not intended to restrict or limit competitive bidding or to increase the cost of the work. GEFA supports a healthy free market system that seeks to include responsible businesses and provides ample opportunities for business growth and development. The Georgia Department of Administrative Services maintains an office to assist small businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses in understanding the State procurement process. In addition to contacting GEFA, all businesses, female-owned businesses and minority businesses can also contact the Georgia Department of Administrative Services for assistance.

All Respondents should be aware that contractors and subcontractors who utilize qualified minority subcontractors may qualify for a Georgia state income tax credits for qualified payments made to minority subcontractors. See O.C.G.A. § 48-7-38.

6. Drug Free Workplace

GEFA, as a policy, operates all facilities as a drug-free workplace, and requires that the labor force of the Consultant be drug-free. The consultant hereby acknowledges this requirement and asserts that the organization of the consultant adheres to such policy and practice. The consultant acknowledges that it may be required to produce certificates affirming its compliance of these requirements of a drug-free workplace for duration of an agreement term, at execution, or at any time during the term of the agreement, pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 50-24-3.

7. Vendor Protests

A vendor who is aggrieved regarding a solicitation may communicate the grievance by letter to the selection facilitator of the solicitation with copy to the Executive Director of GEFA prior to the submittal deadline required by the solicitation. Any actual respondent who is aggrieved regarding the award of a contract may communicate the grievance by letter to the selection facilitator of the solicitation, with copy to the Executive Director of GEFA no later than 10 calendar days following the apparent award.

EXHIBIT I

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS CERTIFICATION FORM

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

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

I further certify that the submitting firm and any principal employee of the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) years, been convicted of any crime of moral turpitude or any felony offense, nor has had their professional license suspended, revoked or been subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

I further certify that the submitting firm has not, in the immediately preceding five (5) years, been suspended or debarred from contracting with any federal, state or local government agency, and further, that the submitting firm is not now under consideration for suspension or debarment from any such agency.

I further certify that the submitting firm has not in the preceding five (5) years been defaulted in any federal, state or local government agency contract and further, that the submitting firm is not now under any notice of intent to default on any such contract.

I acknowledge, agree and authorize, and certify that the proposer acknowledges, agrees and authorizes, that the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (“Authority”) may, by means that either deems appropriate, determine the accuracy and truth of the information provided by the proposer and that the Authority may contact any individual or entity named in the Statement of Qualifications for the purpose of verifying the information supplied therein.

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

I certify we have not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this contract and that we have not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide employee working solely for us, any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or the making of this contract.

I certify that any proposal we submit for this project shall be made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting or who will be submitting a separate proposal on the same project or for the same services, materials, labor, supplies, or equipment and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. We understand collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. We agree to abide by all conditions of this solicitation.

We certify that no person associated with our firm is a member of the Board of Governor’s or officer or employee of the Authority or holds any statewide elective or appointed office. We further certify that no person who holds any state-wide elective or appointed office or who is a member of the Board of Governors or officer, or employee of the Authority has been paid or promised by the firm any compensation in connection with this procurement by the Authority.

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

Sworn and subscribed before me

This day of , 20 .

Signature

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires: [NOTARY SEAL]

EXHIBIT II

GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT

Respondent’s Name:

STATE OF GEORGIA

CONSULTANT AFFIDAVIT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Consultant verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. §13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is interested in contracting with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (“Authority”) has registered with, is authorized to participate in, and is participating in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify,* in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

The undersigned Consultant further agrees that it will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the prospective contract period and, should it employ or contract with any subconsultant(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to this prospective contract with the Authority, Consultant will secure from such subconsultant(s) similar verification of compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 on the Subconsultant Affidavit provided in Rule 300-10-01-.08 or a substantially similar form. Consultant further agrees to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to the Authority at the time the subconsultant(s) is retained to perform such service.

EEV / E-VerifyTM User Identification Number Date of Authorization

BY: Authorized Officer or Agent Date (Contractor Name)

Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Consultant

Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN

BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

DAY OF , 20

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

[NOTARY SEAL]

*or any subsequent replacement operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603