GSOU J-460-PM School of Optometry

Georgia Southern University (GSOU), on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is soliciting qualifications and fee proposals through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Fee Proposal process for Program Management Services for Project No. J-460-PM, the School of Optometry at GSOU in Statesboro, Georgia. The procurement seeks a qualified Program Manager to provide comprehensive services spanning the programming, planning, design, and preconstruction phases, with potential continuation through construction administration and project completion. The project encompasses comprehensive renovation of a 34,000 square-foot existing facility and construction of a new 10,000 square-foot clinical practice expansion to support a new Doctor of Optometry program, including academic spaces, research laboratories, clinical laboratories, clinical rooms, offices, and conference areas. The total project budget is estimated at $29,800,000 with a preliminary stated cost limitation for construction of $21,000,000. Key evaluation criteria for Step I include firm stability (25%), relevant project experience and team qualifications (45%), and suitability for the project type (30%), while Step II evaluation focuses on project management team qualifications and experience (50%), management plan and methodology (25%), and team communications and project solutions (25%). The qualifications package is due May 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM, limited to 50 pages and submitted electronically via the BOR Egnyte platform. A mandatory pre-proposal site visit for finalist firms is scheduled for June 9, 2026, with fee proposals due June 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM and finalist interviews on June 18, 2026. Design services are anticipated to commence in Fall 2026 with construction documents completion targeted for Fall 2027, and the project will utilize a Construction Manager-at-Risk delivery method incorporating sustainable design requirements under Georgia Peach certification with commissioning.

The procurement requires all proposing firms to comply with federal work authorization requirements through E-Verify registration, demonstrated by a notarized Contractor Affidavit, and mandates continued use throughout the entire contract period with equivalent affidavit requirements for all subcontractors. Proposers must disclose Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) status and complete a Certificate of Insurance and Minority Status form documenting professional liability insurance coverage. All proposers must complete a notarized RFQ Certification Form attesting to their eligibility and compliance status, including certifications that neither they nor principal employees have been convicted of crimes of moral turpitude or felonies, had professional licenses suspended or revoked, or been subjected to disciplinary proceedings within the preceding five years, and that they have not been suspended or debarred from contracting with any federal, state, or local government agency. A Proposer's Disclosure Statement is required addressing any business transactions, gifts, hospitality, or benefits provided to the Board of Regents, Using Agency, or end-user within specified timeframes, and any actual or potential conflicts of interest. The Program Management Base Fee is approximately $300,000 for Phase I (Predesign) and Phase II (Preconstruction) services, with the final fee structure to be negotiated between the Owner and the selected Program Manager, and the contract will be based on the Program Manager Agreement for Construction Management at-Risk located on the University System of Georgia's Office of Real Estate and Facilities website.