Request for proposals for engineering services

Cook County is seeking qualifications and proposals from engineering firms to provide comprehensive pre- and post-award services for community and economic development projects. The procurement focuses on public infrastructure improvements, including water, sewer, street paving, and drainage systems, with potential funding from multiple sources such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Competition, Employee Incentive Program (EIP), Redevelopment Fund (RDF), and Immediate Threat and Danger (ITAD) funds through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Required services encompass preparing preliminary engineering reports, planning, design, cost estimating, bidding, contracting, construction oversight, quality control, and project closeout. The engineering firm must also obtain and maintain Build America Buy America (BABA) documentation and certify these actions at project completion. Proposals will be evaluated using a scoring system ranging from 1-4 points (Poor to Excellent) across 13 qualification criteria, including years in business, resource capability, community knowledge, insurance coverage, and CDBG program experience. The proposal submission deadline is February 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with interested firms required to contact Lindsay Ray at Southern Georgia RC to request necessary documentation.

The contract opportunity explicitly encourages Section 3 Business Concerns to apply, with specific provisions for businesses owned by low/very low-income persons or those meeting specific labor hour requirements for Section 3 workers. Firms must demonstrate compliance with HUD Section 3 requirements, including notifying opportunities through multiple community sources and maintaining detailed documentation of compliance efforts. The county is committed to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing, and the contract is considered a Section 3 Covered Contract. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement suggests potential for future engineering service contracts based on grant funding availability. Firms must provide comprehensive documentation including errors and omissions insurance, professional licenses, registrations, references, and key personnel qualifications. Non-compliance with Section 3 requirements could result in penalties of $100 per day or potential contract termination, underscoring the importance of meeting these specific business and workforce development objectives.