2026 RFP Stephens County Renovations and Modifications

The Stephens County Board of Education is soliciting proposals from qualified construction managers at risk (CM at Risk) for districtwide renovations and modifications across Stephens County Schools in Toccoa, Georgia, with proposals due October 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses fire-alarm system replacements and upgrades across multiple facilities (Stephens County High School and connected buildings prioritized for December 2026 start), athletic facility improvements at the middle and high schools, roof and HVAC improvements at Stephens County Middle School, districtwide bathroom and front-office renovations, paving improvements, STEM labs at elementary schools, and additional facility modifications as prioritized by the Owner. Work is structured as preconstruction services beginning immediately upon contract execution, followed by construction services upon execution of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendment, with substantial completion anticipated by December 2029.

Minimum qualifications include proof of adequate bonding capacity, current contractor's public liability insurance with specified limits, valid Georgia licenses, a current ratio of 1.0 or higher, an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 1.2 or less over the past three years, and certification of no termination for cause or default on prior public works contracts. Contractors must comply with Georgia's Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements and E-Verify provisions.

The estimated construction budget ranges from $20 million to $26 million, funded through ESPLOST (Education Special Local Option Sales Tax). The contract structure is Actual Cost plus percentage Fee not to exceed the GMP under a modified AIA Document A133 agreement; all savings under the GMP, including unused contingency, revert to the Owner.

Evaluation criteria weight qualifications at 80% and fee proposal at 20%. The Board anticipates finalizing contractor selection at its regular meeting on October 20, 2026, with the option to interview up to three highest-ranked proposers before fee negotiations begin. Written questions are due September 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Optional pre-proposal meetings and site visits are available by appointment. The full RFP is available through the Georgia Procurement Registry or by request to john.stith@stephenscountyschools.org.