Comprehensive Egress Study

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority is requesting proposals for a comprehensive egress study of its multi-building Atlanta facility, with proposals due February 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. A strict communication restriction is in effect during the procurement — firms are prohibited from contacting Authority staff or representatives except through formal question submission, and finalists and the apparent awardee are restricted from making public statements about their selection or award status.

The scope encompasses approximately 3.9 million square feet across multiple buildings, including front-of-house and back-of-house areas, with analysis of egress systems during multiple event configurations in exhibit halls. Centennial Olympic Park is excluded. The selected firm must conduct site visits during active events to observe facility use and back-of-house exit-access corridor impact, conduct data gathering through site observation and architectural plan review, and produce preliminary and final life safety drawings incorporating occupant loads, egress element capacities, travel distances, and fire resistance rated construction separations. The scope also includes narrative development of key life safety systems and up to two meetings with the State Fire Marshal's office. The adjacent Signia by Hilton hotel shares egress components with Building C; detailed information will be provided to the successful contractor. The study will address identified noncompliance areas and note additional life safety code compliance issues observed, but is not intended to update the annual Life Safety Evaluation.

Proposals must be submitted in one original plus five copies on standard paper in a minimum 11-point font, limited to 24 pages or fewer (preferably 12 double-sided pages), plus one USB Flash Drive copy in PDF format, with signed and notarized exhibits including Statement of Qualifications Certification, Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit, and Non-Discrimination Certification. Evaluation criteria are weighted: Firm Experience and Qualifications (35%), Suitability for Project (20%), Stability and Resources (15%), Past Performance (15%), and Cost (15%). A virtual pre-bid meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. Questions are due February 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., with responses provided by February 14. Howe Engineers was selected as the Apparent Awardee.