CSU_J-465-DP One Arsenal Place Renovation

Columbus State University, through the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is requesting qualifications for design professional services for the One Arsenal Place Renovation (Project J-465-DP) in Columbus, Georgia, with qualifications due July 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. This is a two-step qualifications-based selection process culminating in interviews and fee proposal evaluation.

The scope covers comprehensive design services for a 71,000 gross-square-foot historic masonry building constructed circa 1850, including assessment and improvement of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, building envelope, roof, and stormwater drainage systems; ADA compliance upgrades; interior reconfiguration to support academic use; and courtyard improvements. The project will incorporate sustainable design under Georgia's Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Construction Act, with Georgia Peach certification and commissioning required. Construction Management at-Risk delivery will be used.

Firms may respond as individual firms performing a minimum of 50% of architectural design services in-house, or as associated firms sharing design effort equally. Step I evaluates Statements of Qualifications on firm stability (25%), relevant project experience and previous performance (45%), and apparent suitability (30%). Finalist firms will be notified between July 17–24, 2026. Step II requires shortlisted firms to attend a mandatory pre-proposal site visit on July 30, attend interviews on August 12, and submit fee proposals by August 11, 2026.

The Design Professional Base Fee is estimated at approximately $930,000 for Basic Design and Construction Administration services, with preliminary project construction cost set at $13,500,000. Design services are anticipated to commence in Fall 2026, with construction documents completion targeted for Winter 2027.

All proposers must submit certifications regarding insurance coverage, minority business status, contractor affidavits under Georgia's Security and Immigration Compliance Act (O.C.G.A. 13-10-91) including E-Verify enrollment, proposer's disclosure statements, Section 179D allocation election, project team composition, and fee proposals on standardized exhibits. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive technicalities, and negotiate with the highest-ranked firm; if negotiations fail, the Owner will proceed with the next-ranked firm.