RFPMUL-PS-2026-02

The City of Mulberry, Georgia is requesting proposals for a Police Department Feasibility and Implementation Study under RFP RFPMUL-PS-2026-02, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. This is a professional-services engagement only and does not commit the City to establishing a police department, purchasing equipment, or modifying current service arrangements.

Mulberry is a newly incorporated municipality in Gwinnett County with approximately 41,400 residents across 28 square miles, currently contracting with Gwinnett County Police Department for law enforcement and operating a Marshal's Office. The study scope requires analysis of three mandatory alternatives on a single financial ledger with identical workload and accounting assumptions: an improved Gwinnett County Police Department contract (status quo), a full municipal police department, and a hybrid expanded Marshal's Office model. Proposers must demonstrate understanding of Mulberry's geography, including six miles of Interstate 85 and three schools in the S.R. 124 corridor, and preliminary operational demand of 33,000 to 41,000 calls annually with staffing envelopes of approximately 65 sworn and 12 civilian professional positions. The consultant shall deliver a reusable Excel or Google Sheets financial workbook. Minimum qualifications include five years consulting to local government public-safety agencies, at least two completed studies in the last seven years evaluating police department creation or contract exits, professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per claim, and disclosure of any prior work for Gwinnett County or GCPD in the last five years.

The planning range for proposal cost is $80,000 to $130,000 (guidance, not a cap). Study completion is required within 90 calendar days after award, no later than January 29, 2027. Award is targeted for on or before October 27, 2026.

Proposals will be scored on methodology and fit (30 points), team and relevant experience (25 points), work plan and schedule (15 points), cost and value (20 points), and clarity of writing and sample work (10 points). The City may interview a shortlist and request best-and-final offers. Award will be made to the proposal deemed most advantageous, which may not be the lowest priced. Questions are due October 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, with answers posted October 6. An optional pre-proposal conference was held September 29, 2026.