Operational efficiency assessment

The City of Augusta, Georgia is requesting proposals for an Operational Efficiency Assessment under RFP 26-908, with proposals due October 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and a pre-qualification/proposal conference scheduled for October 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. M/WBE program requirements apply to all bids regardless of dollar amount, with contract-by-contract subcontracting goals for projects exceeding $300,000.

The scope spans a two-phase comprehensive review of Augusta's operations, management systems, and organizational structure. Phase I covers seven departments (Central Services, Engineering & Environmental Services, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, and Recreation & Parks); Phase II covers eight additional departments (Animal Services, E911, Fire, Housing & Community Development, Planning & Development, Transit, Utilities, and Richmond County Correctional Institution). The selected consultant must deliver practical, measurable, and implementable recommendations using best-practice methodologies, benchmarking, and quantitative analysis, including project management plans, interim updates every 30 days, written summaries and final reports for each phase, implementation plans with prioritized recommendations, and presentations to the Board of Commissioners as requested. The study shall identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery, reduce or avoid costs while maintaining or enhancing service levels, strengthen internal controls and accountability, and align staffing, processes, and technology with best practices.

Augusta intends to award the contract to one firm in its entirety but reserves the right to award multiple firms per service. Evaluation criteria are firm experience (25 points), key personnel qualifications (25 points), project understanding (25 points), project management approach (15 points), references (10 points), and proposed fees (10 points), with potential for an additional 10 points if interviews are conducted. Proposers must provide lump-sum fees for Phase I and Phase II separately, along with hourly rates for additional future scope work to be honored for up to three years from award. This is a one-time procurement with no anticipated renewals. The contract is fixed and firm unless modified by mutual written consent. Augusta is exempt from Georgia Sales and Use Tax and Federal Excise Tax. Professional liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate is required. Extensive knowledge of public budgeting, local government operations, and best practices is required, with strong local government experience preferred.