RFQ for Master Planning Services for the South Commons District

The Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia is seeking master planning services for the South Commons District through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued on December 5, 2025. The procurement aims to develop a vibrant, year-round mixed-use destination similar to The Battery Atlanta, complementing the new Synovus Park Double-A baseball stadium and incorporating legacy sites like AJ McClung Memorial Stadium and the Civic Center. Qualified firms will provide comprehensive planning services focused on creating a district featuring hospitality, retail, residential, and public amenities that integrate with existing sports and civic facilities. The evaluation will use a 100-point scale, with 30% allocated to Relevant Experience and Expertise, 45% to Past Performance and References, and 25% to Understanding of Project Goals and Local Context. Proposal submissions are due by 5:00 PM on January 16, 2026, with the last day to submit written questions being December 15, 2025. The Authority will provide written responses by January 2, 2026, and potential interviews are expected to occur between January and February 2026, with a design firm selection anticipated in February 2026. Proposals must include a comprehensive package with a cover letter, executive summary, firm profile, team qualifications, relevant experience, approach and methodology, project schedule, deliverables, and a minimum of three references.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the RFQ documentation. The procurement appears open to qualified planning and design firms with experience in mixed-use, sports, or entertainment projects. Proposers are required to submit a fully executed and notarized Limitation of Liability Agreement, with failure to do so resulting in automatic disqualification. The Development Authority reserves the right to modify or terminate the procurement process at any time and is not obligated to enter into an agreement with any proposer. All submission costs are the responsibility of the proposer, with no reimbursement provided. While no specific budget range was disclosed, the project's scope suggests a significant investment in creating a comprehensive mixed-use district that will enhance economic development and tourism in the Columbus area. All submitted proposals will become the property of the Authority and may be subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act.