pg. 1City of St. Marys

City of St. Marys 418 Osborne Street St. Marys, Georgia 31558

(912) 510-4032

Request for Proposal (RFP)

RFP # COSM

Adaptive Reuse of the former St. Marys Submarine Museum 102 W. St. Marys Street

Issued by

City of St. Marys, GA

Proposal must be submitted

No later than:

JANUARY 16, 2026

2:00 PM

To

City of St. Marys

Purchasing O�ice

418 Osborne Street

St. Marys, GA 31558

Late Proposals will be Rejected

City of St. Marys 418 Osborne Street

St. Marys, Georgia 31558

(912) 510-4032

pg. 2City of St. Marys

Purpose:

The City of St. Marys, Georgia is requesting proposals for the adaptive reuse of the former St.

Marys Submarine Museum, a historic two-story, 6,400 square foot structure on a 0.11-acre site in the Historic District. The building is located on W. St. Marys Street within walking distance of the riverfront, restaurants, and lodging, and will become available following the museum’s relocation to the new City Hall. The city’s waterfront serves as the departure point for Cumberland Island National Seashore, contributing to steady tourist activity in the downtown area. The property is zoned C-1 (Central Business District), permitting a wide range of commercial uses and providing an opportunity for an adaptive reuse project compatible with surrounding development and long-term planning objectives.

The City of St. Marys, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.

2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 23 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap/disabled in consideration for an award.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals/bids received, to waive informalities and to re-advertise, pursuant to federal and state law.

Proposals must be sealed and labeled as follows:

City of St. Marys–Submarine Museum Proposal Purchasing Office City of St. Marys 418 Osborne St.

St. Marys, GA 31558

Sealed proposals must be hand delivered or shipped to the City’s Purchasing Office, located at 418 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558, or delivered via U.S. Mail to 418 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558

Adaptive Reuse Opportunity………………………………………………………………….………………………….3

Historical Background………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Site Overview………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About the City of St. Marys…………………………………………………………………………………………….….6

Nearby Amenities………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Primary Trade Data……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Preferred Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Utilities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...10

Zoning + Allowable Uses + Historic Preservation…………………………………………………...11

Design Guidelines………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...15

Submission Guidelines……..………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADAPTIVE REUSE OPPORTUNITY

ST. MARYS SUBMARINE MUSEUM

102 W. ST. MARYS STREET

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

This site, located on W. Mary Street fronting the St. Marys Riverfront in beautiful downtown St.

Marys. The site consist of 0.11 acres and is in close proximity to several restaurants, shops, and bed and breakfast, and the historic Riverview Hotel.

Historic Downtown St. Marys is a highly walkable and bustling downtown commercial and residential district. In addition to the preservation of many of its historic buildings, it is home to the Cumberland Island National Seashore Headquarters and Museum, a vibrant waterfront and streets lines with majestic live oaks.

This opportunity is a single site, located in the heart of the downtown core adjacent to the intersection of W. St. Marys Street and Osborne Street. The building currently houses the St.

Marys Submarine Museum. However, this museum will be relocating to the new St. Marys City Hall and this building will be vacant and available for adaptive reuse.

St. Marys is located in Coastal Georgia along the shores of the beautiful St. Marys River. St. Marys is a major tourist attraction due to being the departure point for visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well a regional attractions.

Arnow sold to Arthur Lucas in the early 1930's who subsequently presented it to the City in 1936 as a me-morial to his son , Arthur Lucas Jr., who was killed in a hunƟng accident near St Marys. In the 1940's the building was renovated for use as a theater and conƟnued to operate as such unƟl the late 1960's. Since the property has been used for manufacturing, a youth center and most recently the Submarine museum.

Historically known as the Bedell Store, the building was originally constructed in 1911 by J. K. Bedell who subsequently acquired the property from J.R. BachloƩ in 1916. The structure is built of blocks made by local resident George Harris and his sons, prominent figures in St Marys' Black Cultural History. The same block was used to construct two historic homes in St. Marys as well as the wall around Oak Grove Cemetery which is listed on the NaƟonal Registry of Historic Places. Bedell situated the building in proximity to St Marys Railroad and ran a general merchandise store out of the first floor and offices on the second floor. A.M. Peeples purchased the store in 1918 which he conƟnued to operate while living upstairs unƟl 1929 when the property was sold to Isaac Arnow who used it as the City's Post Office of which he was Postmaster.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE

102 W. ST. MARYS STREET

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

SITE OVERVIEW

The 0.11 acre site is owned by the City of St. Marys (City) and is an exisƟng, historic, two story building with a total square footage of approximately 6,400 square feet. The lot is approximately 60 feet long by 40 feet wide. Public parking is provided through on‐street parking.

Asking Price: Price is negoƟable based upon proposed plan and uses

Address: 102 W. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558

Parcel ID: S41 08 007

Zoning: C‐1 –Central Business District: The C‐1, Central Business District is intended to protect and promote suitable areas for business and commercial uses which benefit from proximity to each other; to allow certain appropriate residenƟal uses; to encourage the evenƞul eliminaƟon of uses inappropriate to the central business area, and to encourage the cohesive development of a town center for the city.

Subject Property

O sb o rn e S tr e e t

ABOUT THE

CITY OF ST. MARYS

St. Marys is a place where rich history and coastal charm come together. From its NaƟve American roots and Spanish exploraƟon to the RevoluƟonary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War, the community’s story is woven with resilience and tradiƟon. Established in 1787 and officially incorporated in 1802, St. Marys grew from its early founders into a thriving port town, benefiƟng from its natural deep‐water harbor sheltered by Cumberland Island. Its streets, named aŌer the original seƩlers, sƟll carry the legacy of the city’s beginnings.

By the 1800s, St. Marys had become a bustling seaport and one of Georgia’s largest towns, known for shipping yellow pine, supporƟng a growing populaƟon, and hosƟng churches, schools, and businesses.

Though the Civil War brought destrucƟon and hardship, the community rebuilt and adapted, shiŌing from shipping to rail, and later welcoming industry with the Gilman Paper Company and the establishment of the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base—one of the Navy’s largest peaceƟme construcƟon projects. Each era reflects the town’s ability to endure and reinvent itself.

Today, St. Marys balances its quaint historic character with modern vitality. From being named the “#1 small boomtown in America” by Money Magazine to being featured by Southern Living and USA Today as one of the South’s best small towns, it conƟnues to aƩract recogniƟon for its charm and growth. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to its waterfront, historic district, and proximity to Cumberland Island, while its thriving economy and strong community spirit ensure St. Marys remains both a coastal treasure and a place of opportunity.

NEARBY AMENITIES

Riverview Hotel/Seagle’s Restaurant

Market on the Square

Cumberland Island Visitors Center

Cumberland Island Museum

St. Marys Street Boat Ramp

Waterfront Park

Cumberland Island Ferry

St. Marys River

ST. MARYS

PRIMARY TRADE AREA

YEAR POPULATION

2000 Census 14,002

2020 Census 18,256

2024 EsƟmate 20,119

2027 ProjecƟon 20,400

YEAR HOUSEHOLDS

2000 Census 3,338

2020 Census 6,966

2023 EsƟmate 7,578

2027 ProjecƟon 8,208

INCOME NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS

TOTAL 12,815

<$15,000 8.9%

$15,000—$24,999 8.6%

$25,000—$34,999 5.2%

$35,000—$49,999 12.7%

$50,000—$74,999 15.6%

$75,000—$99,999 14.8%

$100,000—$149,999 19.6%

$150,000—$199,999 7.9%

$200,000 or more 6.7%

Median income $73,617

POPULATION + HOUSEHOLDS

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

DOWNTOWN VISION and CITY MASTER PLAN

The City of St. Marys completed a downtown strategic visioning and planning process in Spring of 2016. This project provided a three‐stage process including public input and engagement, visioning and design, and implementaƟon of a work program. The City contracted with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson InsƟtute of Government to facilitate this process. More informaƟon on the plan can be found here.

The City of St. Marys has completed this strategic Master Plan to plot the course for the City to fully realize its potenƟal as a vibrant coastal community. The City is uniquely posiƟoned as a historic, waterfront community that hosts the gateway to Cumberland Island, one of the last remaining largely‐undeveloped and scenic barrier islands on the eastern seaboard. This Master Plan highlights what is special about St. Marys, while simultaneously encouraging the kind of economic revitalizaƟon that will improve the quality of life for the

City’s residents and improve the City’s capacity to enhance the tourism economy. AddiƟonal informaƟon on the One St. Marys Master Plan can be found here.

The site lends itself to several different opƟons. The community would prefer to see the adapƟve reuse of the building with a subsequent use that fits within the zoning of the downtown and will aƩract greater business and retail growth in the downtown area.

UTILITIES

Water: City of St. Marys

Sanitary Sewer: City of St. Marys

Contact:

Robby Horton

City Manager rhorton@stmarysga.gov

912‐510‐4000

Power: Georgia Power

Phone: 888‐655‐5888

Natural Gas: Atlanta Gas Light

Phone: 770‐907‐4321

Fiber/Internet: TDS Telecom

Phone: 866‐571‐6662

ZONING + ALLOWABLE USES + HISTORIC PRESERVATION

District intent. The C‐1, Central Business District is intended to protect and promote suitable areas for business and commercial uses which benefit from proximity to each other; to allow certain appropriate residenƟal uses; to encourage the evenƞul eliminaƟon of uses inappropriate to the central business area, and to encourage the cohesive development of a town center for the city.

Uses permiƩed

Generally recognized retail business which supply commodiƟes on the premises and without outdoor storage of goods, such as but not limited to groceries, drugs, clothing, noƟons or hardware except small box discount stores are not permiƩed under this subsecƟon.

Personal service establishments which perform services on the premises such as but not limited to repair shops (radios, television, shoes, upholstery, etc.), beauty parlors or barber shops, and dry cleaners.

Business establishments which perform services on the premises, such as but not limited to banks, loan companies, insurance offices and real estate offices.

Professional services including the following: medical offices, denƟsts, legal and similar or allied profes‐ sions.

Public offices such as post offices, city administraƟon, museums and similar governmental offices.

Private clubs, fraternal organizaƟons and lodge halls.

Public and private schools and religious insƟtuƟons.

Waterfront faciliƟes pertaining to normal fishing, shrimping, and boaƟng acƟviƟes.

Restaurants, grills, delicatessens, and similar eaƟng establishments, but not including "drive‐in" types.

Brew pubs.

Hotels and boardinghouses.

Accessory uses and structures.

Single‐family dwellings (must meet area regulaƟons and dwelling standards for single‐family dwelling in C‐1 District).

Sec. 110‐69. ‐ C‐1, Central Business District.

The St. Marys Submarine Museum is located with the C‐1, Central Business District of the City of St. Marys and is covered by the subsequent zoning classificaƟon and standards as outline below. Any addiƟonal quesƟons regarding land use and zoning should be directed to Mr. James Coughlin. These quesƟons will be answered and sent out to all respondents as an addendum to this RFP.

Apartment(s), either as part of a commercial use (must meet commercial area regulaƟons and commercial dwelling standards) or solely for residenƟal use (must meet commercial area regulaƟons and mulƟ‐family dwelling standards in C‐1 District.)

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permiƩed in accordance with the provisions contained in secƟon 110‐145, and if addiƟonal condiƟons which may be required are met.

Laundromats.

Theaters.

Parking lots (private and public) not including those areas required by arƟcle IV, off‐street parking and load‐ ing.

Public uƟlity installaƟons and buildings including water towers, electric transformer staƟons, and water and sewage pumping staƟons, provided that: no open storage is permiƩed at the site; the area is fenced in by a wall or fence at least six feet in height; and landscaped strip not less than five feet in width is planted and maintained.

Prohibited uses. The following use(s) are not permiƩed:

Small box discount stores.

Area regulaƟons:

Commercial uses. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, commercial uses permiƩed in the C‐1, Central Business District shall conform to the following requirements:

Minimum lot area: 3,000 square feet.

Minimum lot width: 30 feet.

Minimum front yard setback: None, however, pedestrian walkways shall be accessible.

Minimum side yard: None, unless the parcel is adjacent to a residenƟal district in which case the minimum side yard shall be five feet.

Minimum rear yard: None, unless the parcel is adjacent to a residenƟal district in which case the minimum rear yard shall be 15 feet.

Maximum percentage of lot coverage: 100 percent.

Maximum building height: 45 feet.

Off‐street parking and loading requirements as provided in arƟcle IV, except where the planning commis‐ sion waives such requirements or porƟon thereof, where it finds that they are unnecessary, excessive, or impracƟcal, given the size of the lot.

Single‐family detached dwelling uses. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, single‐family detached dwellings permiƩed in the C‐1, Central Business District shall conform to the following requirements:

Minimum lot area: 5,000 square feet.

Minimum lot width: 50 feet.

Minimum front and rear yard setback: Ten feet.

Minimum side yard setback: five feet for single story: Seven and one‐half feet for mulƟ‐story or five feet if mulƟ‐story and sprinkled for fire suppression.

Maximum percentage of lot coverage, remaining lot area aŌer meeƟng required setbacks and parking re‐ quirements.

Maximum building height: 45 feet.

Minimum of two off‐street parking spaces required per residence. No parking spaces permiƩed in front yard setback area.

Only one driveway per residence. If an alley exists behind the lot, ingress and egress to the residenƟal struc‐ ture must be accessed from the alley and no curb cut will be permiƩed along the main roadway.

A minimum roof pitch of five × 12 is required.

Structures built within the Historic District must comply with the historic preservaƟon ordinance.

Single‐family detached dwelling standards. All single‐family dwellings, whether site built or modular houses, must meet the following standards in the C‐1 District:

The roof shall be covered with asphalt composiƟon shingles, 5‐V metal roofing, Ɵle materials or other suita‐ ble materials. Corrugated metal or plasƟc panels are prohibited.

The exterior wall materials may include clapboards, simulated clapboards such as concrete composite sid‐ ing, wood shingles, shakes, stucco, tabby, brick, brick veneer, concrete block or similar materials, but shall not include smooth ribbed or corrugated metal or plasƟc panels

The minimum horizontal dimension of the structure as installed on the site shall be 24 feet.

The minimum heated and cooled floor area shall be 900 square feet.

All principal structures shall be placed on a permanent foundaƟon.

No "manufactured housing" or "mobile homes" as those terms are defined in subsecƟon 110‐8(b), shall be permiƩed in this district.

All units must meet wind loading requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Administrator and the State of Georgia adopted building codes.

Commercial dwelling standards. Dwelling units are permitted in buildings utilizing all or part of the first occupied floor for permitted C-1 commercial uses. Such buildings may house one or more dwelling units, for rent or sale, provided that no such unit shall be less than 450 square feet of heated and cooled area exclusive of any hallways and stairs designed for access to the unit(s).

Multi-family dwelling standards. Such buildings used exclusively for residential purposes may house two or more dwelling units, for rent or sale, provided that no such unit shall be less than 450 square feet of heated and cooled area exclusive of any hallways and stairs designed for access to the unit(s).

The exterior wall materials may include clapboards, simulated clapboards such as concrete com-posite siding, wood shingles, shakes, stucco, tabby, brick, brick veneer, concrete block or similar materials, but shall not include smooth ribbed or corrugated metal or plastic panels.

All principal structures shall be placed on a permanent foundation.

No "manufactured housing" or "mobile homes" as those terms are defined in subsection 110-8(b), shall be permitted in this district.

(Ord. of 9-12-94, § 608; Ord. of 11-10-03, §§ 1, 4; Ord. of 8-14-06, § 1; Ord of 11-13-06(2), §§ 2—6; Ord. No. 2015- 042, 11-2-15; Ord. No. 2020-12-21-001, 12-21-20; Ord. No. 2021-5-3-004, 5-3-21; Ord. of 3-7-22)

City of St Marys Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62: Historical PreservaƟon

In support and furtherance of its findings and determinaƟon that the historical, cultural and aestheƟc heritage of the City of St. Marys is among its most valued and important assets and that the preservaƟon of this heritage is essenƟal to the promoƟon of the health, prosperity and general welfare of the people; in order to sƟmulate revitalizaƟon of the waterfront district and historic neighborhoods and to protect and enhance historical and aestheƟc qualiƟes of the city for the enjoyment of the city's residents and visitors alike; in order to enhance the opportuniƟes for federal tax relief of property owners under relevant provisions federal law. In order to provide for designaƟon, protecƟon, preservaƟon and rehabilitaƟon of historic properƟes and districts and to parƟcipate in federal programs to do the same; in order that the above acƟviƟes will perpetuate the city's high quality of life for present and future generaƟons. The Mayor and Council of the City of St. Marys hereby declare it to be the purpose and intent of this arƟcle to establish a uniform procedure for use in providing for the protecƟon, enhancement, perpetuaƟon and use of places, districts, sites, buildings, structures and works of art having a special historical, cultural or aestheƟc interest or value, in accordance with the provisions of the arƟcle.

More informaƟon on the St. Marys Historic PreservaƟon Commission, Design Guidelines, and the required CerƟficate of Appropriateness can be found under CiƟzen Boards—Historic PreservaƟon Commission at the link.

Since the St. Marys Submarine Museum is located within the St. Marys Historic District, any “material” acƟon on the property would require a CerƟficate of Appropriateness from the City of St. Marys Historic

PreservaƟon Commission. See below for the addiƟonal reference.

In the City of St. Marys, the Historic PreservaƟon Commission works to preserve the historic, cultural, and architectural resources found in the City's Historic District. Along with the commission, the City is part of the

CerƟfied Local Government Program and Main Street Program, both of which seek to preserve historic resources while encouraging economic revitalizaƟon and development in historic downtown areas.

The purpose of the guidelines is to create site and building designs consistent with the City’s principles, goals, and policies. The document is organized by design guidelines topics with each secƟon containing guidelines dealing with specific topics.

The St. Marys Historic District Guidelines set parameters for design, but also allow design flexibility and creaƟve design soluƟons. Proposed development in the Historic District is expected to respond to the design guidelines and standards in a manner that complement the historic character of the City of St. Marys.

The City may permit a deviaƟon from specific stands it is determined that public benefit may be achieved by an alternaƟve proposal. The alternaƟve proposal must be consistent with the intent of the guidelines and the City’s overall goals and policies. The respondent must demonstrate that the proposed deviaƟon will result in increased pedestrian acƟvity and visual interest along the street. As an integral part of the City of St.

Marys improvement strategy, these guidelines provide a proacƟve means of encouraging development that is consistent with the Downtown Master Plan.

Developers and property owners can use the guidelines to beƩer understand the potenƟal for development consistent with the City’s vision for downtown prior to the implementaƟon of new building construcƟon or renovaƟon projects.

The City’s Community Development Department, Historic PreservaƟon Commission, Planning Commission, as well as InspecƟon and Code Enforcement Divisions can use the guidelines as a consistent framework for reviewing new projects. AddiƟonal informaƟon can be found at the link below.

hƩps://www.stmarysga.gov/departments/community_development/historic_preservaƟon/index.php

DESIGN GUIDELINES

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

All proposals should be based upon the components listed below. Each proposal will be scored based on the components outlined below.

Professional QualificaƟons—15 points

Design InnovaƟon—15 points

Proposals will be assessed on their efforts to shape and reflect the cultural idenƟty and historical context of St Marys. Designs and proposed uses should clearly convey a public benefit through placemaking strategies, fostering civic pride and providing funcƟonal spaces for community interacƟon. Each proposal should include design innovaƟons that the respondent proposes to use in the redevelopment of the building and site. Designs should reflect an understanding and integraƟon of the downtown vision as well as the City’s master plan.

Financial Capacity—15 points

Provide examples of past project funding structures, examples of the ability of the firm to provide and /or secure investment and leveraged funding, and documentaƟon of current banking or investment relaƟonships to insure that if awarded the project, the firm is able to iniƟate and successfully complete the final project.

Project Approach—15 points

The Respondent shall outline their approach to the development project, including alignment with the vision and key issues outlined in this RFP and the ability to engage with the local community and demonstrate community benefits. The project approach should clearly state how the Respondent will address the project parameters and key issues outlined in this RFP. Specifically describe any innovaƟve approaches or development components that will align the Project with the City's vision and add value for the community.

The approach should include the anƟcipated mix and balance of uses proposed for the development.

A conceptual site plan and other visuals may be included but are not required.

Public Accessibility ‐ 5 points

Proposals will be assessed on their efforts to shape and reflect the cultural idenƟty and historical context of St Marys. Designs and proposed uses should clearly convey a public benefit through access and placemaking, fostering civic pride and providing funcƟonal spaces for community interacƟon. Universal design, enabling all bodies (abled or disabled) to have common access is strongly encouraged, parƟcularly when it comes to fronƟng St Marys street and navigaƟng floodplain compliance.

Past Relevant Projects ‐ 10 points

The Respondent will provide three (3) examples of past, successfully completed redevelopment projects, preferably ones that consisted of the adapƟve reuse of a historic building. These projects should be representaƟve of downtown revitalizaƟon efforts as well as the overall capability of the company and partners.

Project Financing‐ 10 points

The Respondent shall include the anƟcipated Ɵme schedule to assemble financial commitments and types of financing expected. If the proposed financing includes the use of City of St. Marys incenƟves, idenƟfy the incenƟve and anƟcipated level of public parƟcipaƟon.

Responses that include purchase and/or ground lease opƟons for all or porƟons of the site are welcome. Respondents should provide appropriate documentaƟon and a clear raƟonale supporƟng their selected acquisiƟon method, whether it be a purchase, a ground lease, or a combinaƟon of both.

The explanaƟon should address why the chosen structure is suitable for the Project and how it aligns with the overall project financing plan.

Project Schedule‐ 5 points

Each Respondent shall submit a proposed Ɵme schedule for the project and demonstrate capability to meet schedules, deadlines, and budgets on similar redevelopment projects. Each Respondent shall include their readiness to proceed if they are successfully awarded this opportunity.

References ‐ 5 points

Provide three LeƩers of Reference that are relevant to the Project for which this RFQ seeks a Developer; include project contact name, phone number, email address, and relaƟonship of contact to Respondent.

Submission Requirements All Respondents must comply with this RFP and are advised to completely review the enƟre RFP and to follow the instrucƟons carefully. Addenda or addiƟonal informaƟon that may become necessary during the RFP process (each an “Addendum”) will be made available publicly on the City website hƩps:// www.stmarysga.gov/departments/community_development/index.php

Each Addendum will become a material part of this RFP. It is the responsibility of Responders to review the project website periodically for updates. The City is not responsible for direct distribuƟon of amendments/ addenda posted on the website to all Respondents who wish to submit a proposal.

QuesƟons and Responses regarding the Requests for Proposals (RFP) Each Respondent shall be responsible for reviewing the RFP and any Addenda issued by the City and for requesƟng wriƩen clarificaƟon or interpretaƟon of any perceived discrepancy, deficiency, ambiguity, error or omission contained therein. The City reserves the right not to respond to any clarificaƟon requests.

Addenda Responses to all wriƩen quesƟons received by the deadline will be provided via an Addendum. All Addenda will be posted on hƩps://www.stmarysga.gov/departments/community_development/index.php

The City reserves the right, in its sole discreƟon, to revise, modify, or change the RFP at any Ɵme before the Response Due Date. The Respondent must acknowledge receipt of all Addenda in the cover leƩer.

ConfidenƟality

ConfidenƟality of Respondent InformaƟon If a Respondent has special concerns about informaƟon that it desires to make available to the City but that it believes consƟtutes a trade secret, proprietary informaƟon, or other informaƟon exempted from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of InformaƟon Act, then the Respondent shall specifically and conspicuously designate that informaƟon by placing “CONFIDENTIAL” in the header or footer of each such page affected.

However, a general indicaƟon that the enƟre content, or a major porƟon of the proposal is proprietary will not be honored The provisions of the Freedom of InformaƟon Act, and other applicable Laws shall control in the event of a conflict between the procedures described above and the applicable Law.

Applicability of Freedom of InformaƟon Act If a request is made for disclosure of the Responses or other materials pursuant to the Freedom of InformaƟon Act, or other applicable Laws, the City will comply with its obligaƟons under the Freedom of InformaƟon Act, and other applicable Laws.

All documents submiƩed by a Respondent in response to the RFP shall become the property of the City and will not be returned to the Respondent except for Proprietary Intellectual Property (IP). Each Respondent grants the City the non‐exclusive, non‐revocable right to make use of Respondent’s intellectual property (IP) and work product (including but not limited to patents, invenƟons, concepts, ideas, methods, and processes) submiƩed by or on behalf of each Respondent to the City in connecƟon with its Response for the purposes of the Project. The right of the City to make or use each Respondent’s intellectual property (except for the

Proprietary IP) shall be royalty‐free. The Proprietary IP shall be idenƟfied as such in the Response and the City shall return all Proprietary IP to the Respondent.

Subject to the excepƟons specified herein, all wriƩen and electronic correspondence, exhibits, photographs, reports, printed material, tapes, disks, designs, and other graphic and visual aids submiƩed to the City by the

Respondent during this procurement process, whether included in the Response or otherwise submiƩed, shall become the property of the City upon delivery to the City and will not be returned to the submiƫng parƟes.

The Respondent shall familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Freedom of InformaƟon Act. Unless otherwise qualified for exempƟon from disclosure therein, all materials submiƩed by a Respondent shall be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of InformaƟon Act and any other laws and regulaƟons applicable to the disclosure of documents submiƩed under this RFP. In no event shall the City or any of its agents, representaƟves, consultants, directors, officers or employees be liable to any Respondent or any of the Respondent’s team members for the disclosure of any materials or informaƟon submiƩed in response to this RFP.

Conflicts of Interest

No City employee, appointed official, property owner, business owner or other volunteer or staff member of the City may parƟcipate on behalf of the City in the review or disposiƟon of any maƩer pending before the

City in which he/she has a personal or private interest.

Respondents shall not contact any member of the City Council or any member of a commiƩee and/or board of the City of Marys regarding this proposal aŌer the issuance date of this RFP. All quesƟons shall be directed only to the staff idenƟfied in the Submission Guidelines of this RFP. Proposers shall not offer any gratuiƟes, favors, or anything of monetary value to any official, employee, or agent of the City for the purpose of influencing consideraƟon of this proposal.

Each Respondent shall provide informaƟon concerning conflicts of interest and disclose all relevant facts concerning any past, present or currently planned interests that may present a conflict of interest. Each

Respondent shall state how its interests or those of any of its team members, consultants, contractors or subcontractors, including the interests of any chief execuƟves, directors or key personnel thereof, may result in, or could be viewed as, a conflict of interest.

ModificaƟons, Withdrawals, and Late SubmiƩals

ModificaƟons to the Response

A Responder may modify its Response in wriƟng prior to the due date set forth. The modificaƟon shall conform in all respects to the requirements for submission of the Response. ModificaƟons shall be clearly delineated as such on the face of the document and shall specifically state that the modificaƟon supersedes the previous Response and all previous modificaƟons, if any. Line‐item changes will not be accepted. No facsimile or other electronically transmiƩed modificaƟons will be permiƩed.

Withdrawal and Proposal Validity Period

A Respondent may withdraw its Response at any Ɵme prior to the Ɵme due on the Response Due Date by means of a wriƩen request signed by its Authorized Respondent RepresentaƟve. Such wriƩen request shall be delivered to the address listed in the Submission Guidelines. A withdrawal of the Response will not prejudice the right of the Respondent to file a new Response if it is received before the due date. A Response may not be withdrawn on or aŌer the Ɵme due on the Response Due Date. Response shall be valid for a period of 120 days aŌer the Response Due Date.

Late SubmiƩal

The City will not consider any late submissions of a Response. A Response or modificaƟons to the Response not requested and/or approved by the City received aŌer the Ɵme for submiƩal of the Response will be returned to the Respondent without consideraƟon or evaluaƟon.

City Rights and Disclaimers

The City may require addiƟonal confirmaƟon and informaƟon furnished by any Respondent and reserves the right, in its sole discreƟon, to take any acƟon with respect to this RFP, including, but not limited to: develop the Project in any reasonable manner that it deems necessary; reject any Response or porƟon of a Response;

modify this RFP in any manner, including extending deadlines, canceling or withdrawing the RFP, waiving or permiƫng variaƟons, deficiencies or nonconformance or permit submiƩal of addenda or supplements to data and informaƟon previously provided in a Proposal; disclose informaƟon contained in a Response to the public as described herein; disqualify the Response if the Response violates the terms of the RFP; and exercise any other right reserved or afforded to the City under this RFP or applicable Law.

The City may select one or no Respondents for the Project. The City reserves the right to refrain from contracƟng with or purchasing from any Respondent.

The City assumes no obligaƟons, responsibiliƟes, or liabiliƟes, fiscal or otherwise, to reimburse all or part of the costs incurred or alleged to have been incurred by parƟes considering a response to and/or responding to this RFP. All such costs shall be borne solely by the Respondents. By submiƫng its Response in response to this RFP, each Respondent agrees to (a) comply with each of the instrucƟons set forth herein and (b) the terms and condiƟons set forth in the RFP.

As a result of the selecƟon of a Respondent, the City is neither endorsing nor suggesƟng that the Respondent is the best or only soluƟon. The Respondent agrees to make no reference to the City in any literature, promoƟonal material, brochures, sales presentaƟon or the like without the express wriƩen consent of the

City.

All applicable Federal and State of Georgia laws, City of St. Marys and Camden County ordinances, licenses and regulaƟons of all agencies having jurisdicƟon shall apply to the respondents throughout and incorporated herein.

Professionals requiring special licenses must be licensed in the State of Georgia, and shall be responsible for those porƟons of the work as may be required by law.

No Response shall be accepted from, and no contract will be awarded to, any person, firm or corporaƟon that (i) is in arrears to the City of St. Marys with respect to any debt, (ii) is in default with respect to any obligaƟon to the City, or (iii) is deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the City.

The City shall be able to request of the Respondents’ saƟsfactory evidence that they have the necessary financial resources to accomplish potenƟal developments as contemplated in the RFP.

The City reserves the right to waive technicaliƟes, to reject any or all Responses or recommendaƟons, or any porƟon thereof, to seek new responses, to proceed to do the work otherwise, or to abandon the work, if the

City chooses for any reason to do so.

Equal Opportunity

The City is an equal opportunity owner/employer and will not discriminate against any vendor because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, naƟonal origin, or ADA disability status.

Process

EVENT DATE

Issuance of RFP Thursday, November 22nd, 2025

PosƟng on Georgia Procurement Registry Friday, November 21st, 2025

Pre‐SubmiƩal Project MeeƟng—(On‐Site / Non Mandatory) Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

QuesƟons Due Thursday, December 17th, 2025

Addendum Response for QuesƟons Issued Friday, December 19th, 2025

Response Due Date 2:00 PM Friday, January 16th, 2026

QuesƟons and ClarificaƟons

Comments and quesƟons may be submiƩed at any Ɵme prior to the applicable date specified above or such later date as may be specified in any Addenda. No telephone or oral requests will be considered. QuesƟons must be submiƩed via email to Mr. James M. Coughlin at jmcoughlin@launchcamden.com and must include the requestor’s name, address, telephone number, and email address, and the Responder he/she represents.

Review and EvaluaƟon

Responses will be evaluated based on the proposal components outline in the Submission Guidelines.

Following the review of responses received, a shortlist of Respondents may be asked to provide a presentaƟon to the Review Panel.

The Review Panel will provide a recommendaƟon of the most qualified candidate and a next step(s), to the

City Council of the City of St. Marys.

The Review Panel may select one, or no Respondents for the Project.

SUBMITTING PROPOSALS

For quesƟon related to, or to submit a response to this Request for Proposal, please contact:

James M. Coughlin

ExecuƟve Director

Camden county Joint Development Authority jmcoughlin@launchcamden.com

912‐729‐7201