RFP ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

Seminole County, Georgia is seeking engineering and architectural firms to provide comprehensive services for federally assisted projects, specifically focusing on a FY2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks firms experienced in preparing Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER), final design, and construction administration for local government projects utilizing federal funds. Proposals are due by October 20, 2025, with the county planning to contract with a firm within one year of the notice. The evaluation will be based on a scoring sheet that assesses six key criteria: project discipline capabilities, construction experience, key personnel qualifications, reference quality, previous CDBG project experience, and price competitiveness. Firms must demonstrate expertise in working with various federal funding sources, including CDBG, Redevelopment Fund Projects, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Economic Development Administrations, and USDA Projects. The selected firm will be expected to provide detailed documentation, including firm history, federal funds engineering experience, current workload, proposed service scope, project references, fee structures, and insurance documentation.

The procurement emphasizes Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, actively encouraging Section 3 Business Concerns to apply. Qualified firms can meet Section 3 Business Concern status through three primary methods: being 51% owned by low or very low-income residents, having over 75% of labor hours performed by Section 3 workers in the prior three months, or being 51% owned and controlled by current public housing or Section 8-assisted housing residents. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the opportunity suggests potential for multiple projects over a 23-year period, with contracts subject to federal and state provisions prescribed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Non-compliance with Section 3 requirements could result in significant penalties, including contract termination, daily liquidated damages of $100, and potential exclusion from future HUD-funded projects. The solicitation requires comprehensive documentation, including workforce information, income verification, and self-certification forms, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating economic opportunities for low-income residents and businesses in the project area.