Tobacco road playground equipment & poured rubber safety surfacing; RFP#26-221

Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia is soliciting sealed proposals under RFP #26-221 for the design, delivery, and installation of two playgrounds and poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing at Tobacco Road Elementary School, with proposals due December 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The school system has allocated a $200,000 budget covering all labor, materials, equipment, delivery, and installation. Pricing must be all-inclusive, with no separate quotations, and vendors should submit projects valued at the full $200,000 allocation. Contract prices must exclude applicable federal or state taxes because the school system is exempt from state sales tax.

The two playgrounds serve ages 2–5 and ages 5–12. Proposals must include an equipment list, design specifications, scale plan-view drawings, color elevation drawings in digital format (*.pdf and *.dwg), surfacing specifications, warranty information, and proof of required insurance. Installation must be performed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) or a qualified contractor certified by the National Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI). All equipment must bear IPEMA certification validating compliance with ASTM F1487, and surfacing must meet ASTM F1292 and F1951, with certified testing data for the specific equipment fall height. The contractor assumes full financial responsibility for utility locating, site preparation, aggregate base installation, and any damage to utilities or school property.

Warranty requirements include a minimum 10-year structural defect warranty on all equipment components and a minimum 3-year warranty on subgrade preparation preventing water pooling and ground shifting. Required coverage includes $5 million minimum product liability insurance, plus workers' compensation, general liability, automobile liability, contractual liability, errors and omissions, and umbrella coverage at $1,000,000 each, with umbrella at $5,000,000.

Evaluation weights are years of playground installation experience (15%), RFP compliance and technical specifications (10%), design functionality and play events (20%), ADA compliance (10%), component warranty strength (15%), protective covering and shade durability (20%), and lead time for installation completion (10%). Site visits are encouraged before submission. The anticipated award date is December 15, 2026, and the successful vendor must complete delivery and installation within 90 days of award notification. Sealed proposals go to 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.