Project # 777-26-098 - Kennesaw Campus Gateway Project

Kennesaw State University, operating under the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in Cobb County, is procuring general contractor services for Project No. 777-26-098, the Kennesaw Campus Gateway Project, through a two-step Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Competitive Sealed Bids (RFP) process. The scope of work encompasses Phase 1 construction including soils remediation for impacted areas, infrastructure rework, irrigation system installation, site regrading, retaining walls, pedestrian and hardscape improvements, site lighting, landscape enhancements, and utility coordination at the Kennesaw campus location. Key deliverables include bioretention stormwater management systems, site furnishings, electrical power connections, landscape installation, and as-built documentation in AutoCAD format for irrigation systems. The procurement requires bidders to submit Statements of Qualifications by March 24, 2026, with finalist notification by March 27, 2026; a mandatory pre-bid site visit on April 1, 2026; a questions deadline of April 8, 2026; and final sealed bids due May 22, 2026. Contractor qualifications must include a current Georgia General Contractor license, minimum bonding capacity of $2,000,000, current public liability insurance, a current financial ratio of 1.0 or higher, a workers' compensation Experience Modification Rate not exceeding 1.2, at least five years in business under the current company name, evidence of successful prior public works project completion, and proof of non-debarment. Evaluation criteria include firm stability and resources (10%), firm qualifications and experience (15%), relevant experience and project team suitability (40%), quality of proposed management plan (25%), and quality control and job safety measures (10%). The anticipated construction start date is June 8, 2026, with substantial completion required by September 7, 2026 (approximately 9.5 months after Notice to Proceed).

The procurement does not specify set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organizational types, though all respondents must comply with University System of Georgia Board of Regents and State of Georgia procurement policies. The University System of Georgia does not designate required or preferred subcontractors or vendors, allowing qualified contractors to procure all materials and services independently. Insurance companies and surety providers must be authorized to conduct business in Georgia with an A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of "A-" or better and Financial Size Category of Class V or larger, and bid and performance bonds are mandatory requirements. Three firms advanced to the shortlist for Step II competitive bidding: Albion GC, F.H. Paschen, and Synergy Construction. The project budget is estimated at approximately $800,000 as the construction cost limitation, with award anticipated to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on a lump sum basis. Bidders must provide bid security in the form of a bid bond equal to five percent of the bid amount, along with performance and payment bonds each equal to 100 percent of the contract sum prior to contract execution.