HVAC Upgrades at Downtown Elementary, Blackmon Road Middle, and Chiller Replacement at Rigdon Road E

The Muscogee County School District in Columbus, Georgia is seeking a Construction Manager (CM) at Risk through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for comprehensive HVAC upgrades and system replacements at three school locations: Downtown Elementary, Blackmon Road Middle, and Rigdon Road Elementary Schools. The project will be executed under an AIA A133-2019 Standard Form of Agreement with a guaranteed maximum price, with the CM serving simultaneously as contractor and construction manager. Proposed work includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, demolition, painting, floor covering, and ADA compliance upgrades, with substantial completion targeted for July 18, 2026. Proposal evaluation will be based on weighted criteria: Stability of CM (20%), Relevant Experience and Qualifications (20%), Quality of Proposed Management Plan (15%), Past Performance (20%), and Fee (25%). A mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 10am, with sealed proposals due by 2pm on October 16, 2025. Pre-construction services will include cost estimating, constructability analysis, and scheduling, with the objective of developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by January 9, 2026.

The RFP requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers Compensation, General Liability ($1,000,000), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), Excess Liability Umbrella ($5,000,000), and Builder's Risk (100% of contract amount). While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the School District emphasizes cooperation and value engineering, potentially adjusting project scope to meet budget constraints. The procurement suggests the possibility of integrating new HVAC systems with existing school infrastructure, requiring careful planning and technical compatibility. Although a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the upgrades across three school locations implies a significant project budget. The School District appears open to collaborative approaches that can maximize project efficiency and cost-effectiveness, potentially offering opportunities for innovative solutions from qualified construction management firms.