RFP 26017- On-Call Environmental, Geotechnical and Materials Testing Svcs

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is issuing RFP 26017 for On-Call Environmental, Geotechnical and Materials Testing Services through an indefinite-quantity, cost-plus services contract. This procurement seeks qualified firms to provide comprehensive environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, subsurface exploration, and construction materials testing on a project-by-project basis. Key deliverables include soil test borings to 50 feet depth, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, groundwater sampling, in-situ testing, concrete and asphalt testing per ASTM standards, concrete compressive strength testing and mix design verification, masonry and reinforcing steel evaluations, welding inspections, and construction inspection services. Evaluation will occur in two phases, with Phase 1 assessing technical approach including firm public sector experience (30 points), staff qualifications and experience (20 points), understanding of requirements (20 points), and references (10 points), while Phase 2 evaluates the cost proposal (20 points). Proposals must be submitted electronically through OpenGov Procurement by 12:00 P.M. ET on February 4, 2026, with questions due by 2:00 P.M. ET on January 21, 2026. Proposals are limited to 24 pages excluding mandatory forms and must include minimum three references from similar public sector projects completed within three years, organizational qualifications, key personnel resumes, and a completed price proposal schedule with unit rates for professional staff at multiple levels, per-sample testing rates, daily equipment rental rates, and per-linear-foot boring rates. Required qualifications include current workers compensation insurance at statutory limits, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $1,000,000, contractor's pollution liability of $3,000,000, umbrella liability of $2,000,000, professional liability of $1,000,000, and compliance with Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance requirements.

The RFP contains no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organization types; however, all firms must obtain an Athens-Clarke County business license if physically located within the county, or maintain a valid business license from their home jurisdiction if located elsewhere in Georgia, with out-of-state firms required to obtain an Athens-Clarke County business license prior to contract award. Current contract holders providing similar services to the county include Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc., S&ME Inc., Nova Engineering & Environmental LLC, Terracon Consultants, Inc., and United Consulting. The estimated total project value for the full contract term is $2,000,000, covering one initial year plus four optional one-year renewal periods, with pricing to be negotiated on a unit-cost basis following contractor selection and established through the Price Proposal Schedule submitted with initial proposals. The contract will utilize task-order methodology with individual scopes of work and cost estimates developed for approval by Athens-Clarke County, supporting various projects including building renovations, site development, new construction, parks and trails improvements, and roadway, sidewalk, drainage, and utility projects. The proposal acceptance period is 120 days following proposal opening, and for optional renewal periods, contractors must submit updated Price Proposal Schedules at least 90 days prior to the extension start date, or previously approved rates will remain in effect. The selection process will determine the number of new awards based on the county's best interest, with no predetermined number of firms specified for selection.