26-905 Water Park Feasibility Study

Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia is soliciting statements of proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a Water Park Feasibility Study for the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department, with proposals due June 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and a mandatory pre-qualification/proposal conference on June 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The M/WBE Program requirements apply; the Local Small Business Program Preference has been waived due to insufficient certified firms.

The primary property under evaluation is Diamond Lakes Regional Park at 4335 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah, Georgia. The feasibility study must include market and demand analysis with a minimum of two focus groups and two public community meetings, site analysis of the primary location and alternative Richmond County sites, concept development with at least three 3D renderings, financial modeling with capital and operating cost projections and revenue forecasting, risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and a comprehensive implementation plan with project timeline and financing strategy. Deliverables include site observations, community engagement documentation, the final feasibility report with executive summary and "Go or No-Go" recommendations, and a public presentation to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. Addendum 26-905-ADD1 (posted May 12) emphasizes demonstrated experience with similar feasibility studies for water park or recreation facilities, preferably public-private partnerships, and requires detailed cost breakdowns by study phase with completion timelines.

Augusta-Richmond County will contribute up to $5 million in seed money and property. The fee proposal is submitted in a separately sealed envelope and is non-weighted in evaluation, though cost is not the driving factor in award determination. Evaluation criteria are qualifications and experience (20 points), organization and approach (15 points), scope of services (15 points), schedule of work (5 points), financial stability (5 points), references (5 points), optional presentation (10 points), optional Q&A response (5 points), and proximity to area (non-weighted bonus points). Written questions are due June 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Both in-person and Microsoft Teams virtual participation are available for the conference. Respondents must provide audited or unaudited financial statements, E-Verify compliance documentation, and a notarized Exhibit A with non-discrimination statements, non-collusion affidavits, and conflict of interest disclosures.