Savannah Escalator Modernization

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCC), on behalf of the Savannah Convention Center, is soliciting proposals for the complete modernization of four escalators located at One International Drive in Savannah, Georgia. The escalators to be modernized are situated in two areas: two units in the Ballroom section and two units in the Rotunda section, each measuring 48 inches wide with 40-inch steps, operating at 100 feet per minute, with a rise of 19 feet 6 inches servicing first to second floor transitions. The modernization scope includes in-truss escalator replacement, complete removal and disposal of existing components, site preparation, wellway and pit work, electrical service installation, fire safety systems, structural modifications, and surrounding area restoration. Contractors must demonstrate experience, qualifications, and financial ability, comply with all applicable federal, state, and local codes including ASME A17.1 and A17.2 standards, and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance naming the Authority as additional insured. The procurement requires firm, fixed-price pricing submitted via email to Ronbell@gwcc.com by 10:00 AM on May 20, 2026, with separate line items for Ballroom escalators modernization, Rotunda escalators modernization, 12-month warranty preventive maintenance costs (as monthly rates), and optional overnight work costs. A mandatory proposal conference and site visit is scheduled for April 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Savannah Convention Center, with technical questions due by May 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The contract includes a one-year warranty maintenance period with 24-hour emergency callback service commencing upon final acceptance, and pricing adjustments are permitted only if award is deferred beyond 180 days from the proposal due date.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions limiting respondent types, indicating that this procurement is open to qualified escalator modernization firms meeting the technical and insurance requirements. The payment structure is configured as 25 percent downpayment upon contract award, 35 percent upon material delivery, 30 percent as progress payment, and 10 percent retainage upon completion and owner satisfaction. No incumbent vendor or existing contractor information is provided in the solicitation documents. A restriction of communication is in effect throughout the procurement process, prohibiting all interested firms from communicating with Authority staff, GWCC officials, or facility representatives regarding the solicitation scope except through formal question submission procedures; violation of this restriction may result in rejection of the offending firm's submittal. The Authority explicitly reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, accept other than the lowest quotation, waive informalities, or cancel the procurement without obligation or liability. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available solicitation materials.