B2437 -RFP-Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road Intersection

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT
JOHNSON FERRY ROAD AT SHALLOWFORD ROAD INTERSECTION
THROUGH A
DESIGN-BUILD AGREEMENT
PROJECT NUMBER B2437
P.I. No. 0020001
INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA
COBB COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
RFP Issued: April 10, 2026
Proposals Due: June 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS ..........................................1-1
1.1 Introduction and Overview .........................................................................................1-1
1.2 RFP Documents ........................................................................................................1-1
1.3 General Project Description .......................................................................................1-2
1.4 Procurement Schedule .............................................................................................1-2
1.5 General Provisions Regarding Proposals ..................................................................1-2
1.6 Improper Conduct ......................................................................................................1-4
1.7 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) ......................................................................1-6
1.8 DBE Participation ......................................................................................................1-7
1.9 Federal Funding and Requirements ..........................................................................1-7
1.10 Qualification of Construction and Design Firms; Registration with the State ..............1-7
1.11 Establishment of Single Purpose Entity(ies) ..............................................................1-9
SECTION 2.0 PROCUREMENT ...........................................................................................2-1
2.1 Method of Procurement .............................................................................................2-1
2.2 Communications between the Owner and Proposers ................................................2-1
2.3 Questions and Responses Regarding the RFP Documents .......................................2-3
2.4 Addenda ....................................................................................................................2-4
2.5 Pre-Bid Meeting .........................................................................................................2-4
2.6 Due Diligence of the Existing Right of Way ................................................................2-5
2.7 RESERVED...............................................................................................................2-5
2.8 Open Records Laws ..................................................................................................2-5
SECTION 3.0 ALTERNATIVE TECHNICAL CONCEPT(S) AND STIPULATED FEE ...........3-1
3.1 Overview and Purpose of ATCs.................................................................................3-1
3.2 Owner Review of Pre-Proposal Submission of ATCs .................................................3-4
3.3 Incorporation of ATCs into the DBA ...........................................................................3-6
3.4 Disclosure of ATC Information ...................................................................................3-6
3.5 Third Party Approvals ................................................................................................3-6
3.6 Owner's Right to Modify .............................................................................................3-7
3.7 Status of ATC Information .........................................................................................3-7
3.8 RESERVED...............................................................................................................3-7
SECTION 4.0 PROPOSAL CONTENT AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS ......................4-1
4.1 Format .......................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Contents and Organization ........................................................................................4-1
Instructions to Proposers Page i

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
4.3 Submission of Proposals ...........................................................................................4-2
4.4 Disclosure of Proposals .............................................................................................4-2
4.5 Proposal Bond ...........................................................................................................4-2
4.6 Forfeiture of Proposal Bond .......................................................................................4-2
4.7 Cost of Preparing Proposal ........................................................................................4-3
4.8 Non-Responsive Proposal .........................................................................................4-3
4.9 Forms ........................................................................................................................4-3
4.10 Insurance Requirements ...........................................................................................4-3
SECTION 5.0 EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA ....................................................5-1
5.1 Responsiveness and Pass/Fail Evaluation ................................................................5-1
5.2 Proposal Evaluation ...................................................................................................5-3
SECTION 6.0 AGREEMENT AWARD AND EXECUTION ....................................................6-1
6.1 No Obligation to Award; Price Reasonableness; Proposal Schedule
Reasonableness ........................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Award and Execution .................................................................................................6-1
6.3 Debriefing of Unsuccessful Proposers .......................................................................6-4
SECTION 7.0 NON-RESPONSIVE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PROCEDURES ...................7-1
7.1 Owner's Responsibilities ...........................................................................................7-1
7.2 Proposer's Responsibilities ........................................................................................7-1
7.3 Technical Proposal Resolution ..................................................................................7-1
7.4 Time Frames .............................................................................................................7-1
7.5 Costs and Damages ..................................................................................................7-1
SECTION 8.0 THE COUNTY'S RIGHTS AND DISCLAIMERS .............................................8-1
8.1 Owner Reserved Rights ............................................................................................8-1
8.2 Disclaimers ................................................................................................................8-3
Instructions to Proposers Page ii

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
Exhibits:
Exhibit A Acronyms and Definitions
Exhibit B Administrative Information Submittal Requirements
Exhibit C Technical Proposal Submittal Requirements
Exhibit D Price Proposal and Bid Bond Submittal Requirements
Exhibit E Evaluation Criteria
Exhibit F List of Owner's Project Team
Exhibit G Project Map
Exhibit H BidExpress(R)
Forms:
Form A RESERVED
Form B Non-Collusion Affidavit
Form C Statement(s) of Disclosure (Conflict of Interest)
Form D Form of Bid Bond
Form E Contractor's Affidavit and Agreement
Form F Design-Build Price Proposal
Form G Form of Participating Members, Major Non-Participating Members, Contractors
and Key Personnel Commitment
Form H Equal Employment Opportunity Certification
Form I RESERVED
Form J Buy America and Build America, Buy America Certifications
Form J-1 Buy America Certificate
Form J-2 Build America, Buy America Certificate of Compliance for Construction Materials
Form K Certification Regarding Lobbying
Form L Debarment and Suspension Certification
Form M Performance Schedule Milestones Proposal
Form N RESERVED
Form O RESERVED
Form P Approved ATCs
Form Q RESERVED
Form R RESERVED
Form S Drug Free Workplace
Form T Certification of Compliance with the State of Georgia's Sexual Harassment
Prevention Policy
Form U RESERVED
Form V RESERVED
Form W RESERVED
Form X Insurance Letter
Form Y RESERVED
Form Z Financial Capacity, Strength, and Ability Certificate
Form AA Indicative Proposal Quantities
Form BB Certification Form
Form CC RESERVED
Form DD Basic Company Information
Form EE Industrial Safety Record
Form FF Resume Form
Instructions to Proposers Page iii

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1 Introduction and Overview
Electronic bids will be received via BidExpress(R) on behalf of the Cobb County Board of
Commissioners is issuing this Request for Proposals (or RFP) to solicit competitive
Proposals (as described in more detail in Section 1.5.1) from qualified Proposers to
deliver the Project under the Design-Build Agreement (or DBA) between the Proposer
selected pursuant to the terms of this RFP (as the Design-Builder) and Owner. Under
the DBA, the Design-Builder will be required to design and construct the Project during
the Contract Time for the Contract Sum, in each case, as both may be adjusted pursuant
to the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the DBA.
Owner will use a single-phase, low bid selection process on the Project. This RFP is
issued in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A 32-2-81 and Chapter 672-18 of
the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, and other applicable Laws and
guidelines.
Instructions to Proposers have been provided below, to be followed by Proposers in their
responses to the RFP.
Refer to Exhibit A for the meaning of capitalized terms and acronyms.
Unless otherwise specified, references to Sections, Exhibits and forms within this RFP
shall mean Sections of the RFP and Exhibits and forms attached to the RFP.
1.2 RFP Documents
The "RFP Documents" consist of the items listed below, and any other documents that
may be issued by Addendum, as such documents may be amended and supplemented:
(a) RFP (including the attached Exhibits and forms):
(b) Example of a DBA (including attached Exhibits);
(c) The Project Technical Provision Manual;
(d) The Bridging Documents
For avoidance of doubt, the RFP Documents are not the Design-Build Documents, as
defined under the DBA. The RFP and the Bridging Documents are not, and are not
intended to be, contractual and will not form a part of the Design-Build Documents
unless specifically incorporated into the DBA.
Furthermore, Owner directs Proposers' attention to the Bridging Documents, containing
provisions which are applicable for purposes of this procurement. Generally, Owner
makes no representation or guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness of
the Bridging Documents. Owner does not take any responsibility for the Bridging
Documents, and Proposers are responsible for any conclusions they may draw from the
Bridging Documents. Owner provides the Bridging Documents to Proposers for the sole
purpose of providing information in the possession of Owner, regardless as to whether
any such information within the Bridging Documents is of any value.
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-1

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
1.3 General Project Description
The Project will provide design and construction services to widen and reconfigure the
eastbound approach to the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Shallowford Road to
include a dedicated left-turn lane, a single eastbound through lane, and a dedicated
right-turn lane. The westbound approach will be reconfigured to provide dual left-turn
lanes and dual westbound through lanes. The eastbound approach will be widened to
align the through movement across the intersection. Additionally, raised medians will be
added for access control at commercial driveways, and all existing traffic signal and
pedestrian signal control components will be replaced. The Project is located in Cobb
County at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Shallowford Road. A map of the
Project is shown in Exhibit G.
Design-Builder will be responsible for the design and construction of the Project within
the Contract Time set forth in the DBA, which will be established based on the Design-
Builder's proposed Performance Schedule Milestone dates submitted in Form M, subject
to Owner's review, negotiation, and acceptance.
1.4 Procurement Schedule
The procurement schedule is as follows:
Activity Date Time
1. Owner issues Public Notice Advertisement 7/11/2025 ---------
(PNA)
2. Industry Form 9/30/2025 3:00 pm
3. Issue RFP 4/10/2026 ---------
4. Pre-Bid Meeting 5/5/2026 9:30 am
5. Deadline for submission of proposed ATCs 5/15/2026 12:00 pm
6. One-on-One meetings with Proposers regarding 5/18 to 5/22/2026 ---------
ATCs
7. Deadline for Proposers to submit Questions 5/29/2026 5:00 pm
regarding RFP
8. Proposal Due Date 6/11/2026 12:00 pm
9. Virtual Letting/Public Opening of Price 6/11/2026 2:00 pm
Proposals
All dates set forth above and in the RFP are subject to change at Owner's sole
discretion. All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta, Georgia. To the extent
such dates are changed, Owner will notify Proposers through the Bid Express(R) site as
described in Section 2.2 and issue an Addendum as described in Section 2.4 below.
1.5 General Provisions Regarding Proposals
1.5.1 Proposal Contents; No Qualifications
As used in this procurement, the term "Proposal" means a Proposer's complete
response to the RFP, including but not limited to the Proposer's:
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-2

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
(a) Administrative Information Submittal;
(b) Technical Proposal for the Project; and
(c) Price Proposal for the Project.
Detailed instructions regarding the Administrative Information Submittal, the Technical
Proposal, and the Price Proposal are provided in Exhibit B, Exhibit C, and Exhibit D,
respectively.
Forms required for inclusion in the Proposals are attached to this RFP and are to be
submitted as part of the Proposal in the locations prescribed in Exhibit B, Exhibit C, and
Exhibit D, respectively.
Each Proposal component shall be clearly titled and identified.
Each Proposal component shall be submitted without reservations, qualifications,
conditions, or assumptions with regard to the terms and conditions of this RFP and the
DBA. Owner will not be bound by or to any reservations, qualifications, conditions, or
assumptions of any Proposal.
Any failure to provide all the information and all completed forms in the format specified
by the RFP may result in the Owner's rejection of the Proposal, depending on the nature
of the omission, determined by the Owner at its sole discretion. All blank spaces in the
Proposal forms must be filled in as noted. No change(s) should be made to the original
text or structure of the Proposal forms, except as expressly permitted within this RFP.
No additional information shall be submitted beyond that which is required for inclusion
with the Proposal.
1.5.2 Inclusion of Proposal in Design-Build Documents
Portions of the successful Proposer's Proposal will become part of the Design-Build
Documents, as applicable and to the extent specified in the DBA. All other information is
for evaluation purposes only and will not become part of the Design-Build Documents.
1.5.3 Commitments in the Proposal
Each Proposal will be interpreted and evaluated based upon the commitments provided
by the Proposer.
Owner will give no consideration to tentative or qualified commitments in the Proposals.
For example, the Owner will give no consideration to phrases such as "we may," "we are
considering," "will endeavor to," or phrases of a similar nature in the evaluation process
because they do not indicate a firm commitment.
Conversely, all commitments in the Proposal will be deemed in the nature of an offer,
and the Owner will document the Proposal in the finalization of the Design-Build
Agreement as relates to the Apparent Successful Proposer.
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-3

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
1.5.4 Property of Cobb County; License
All documents included in the Proposals submitted by Proposers in response to this RFP
shall become the property of the Owner and will not be returned to the Proposer.
1.6 Improper Conduct
1.6.1 Prohibited Activities
If the Proposer, or anyone representing the Proposer, offers, gives, solicits, accepts, or
receives, directly or indirectly, any advantage, gift, gratuity, discount, bribe, or loan of
any sort to or from the County, or officers, administrators, staff or consultants of the
County, including agents or anyone representing the foregoing at any time during the
Project procurement: (1) the Owner shall immediately disqualify the Proposer; (2) the
Proposer shall forfeit its Bid Bond; [and ](3) the Owner may sue the Proposer for
damages
If a Proposer modifies any text in the Forms included in its Proposal, except whereas
expressly permitted under Sections 1.6 and 1.7 and Section B.2.1 of Exhibit B, relating
to duplicating and modifying forms as necessary, the Owner may immediately disqualify
the Proposer.
1.6.2 Non-Collusion
The Proposer, and each entity delivering the Non-Collusion Affidavit (Form B) with the
Proposal, shall not undertake any of the prohibited activities identified in the Non-
Collusion Affidavit (Form B). Note that multiple parties are required to execute copies of
Form B. Proposers are instructed to duplicate and to modify Form B as necessary to
identify accurately the entity giving the affidavit and to ensure that is signed by
Participating Members and Major Non-Participating Members.
To report bid rigging activities, call the US DOT toll-free "hotline" (1-800-424-9071)
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern time. All information will be
treated confidentially, and caller anonymity will be respected.
1.6.3 Organizational Conflicts of Interest
Proposers are advised that the Conflicts of Interest policy as referred to in the Design-
Build Manual and the organizational Conflict of Interest rules found in 23 C.F.R.
636.116, shall apply to this procurement.
Each Proposer must include in its Proposal a Statement of Disclosure (Conflict of
Interest) (Form C). Form C must be submitted with the Administrative Information
Submittal, as detailed more fully in Exhibit B.
The Proposer is prohibited from receiving any advice or discussing any aspect of the
Project or the procurement of the Project with any person or entity with an organizational
Conflict of Interest, including, but not limited to, the individual persons or entities listed in
in Exhibit F and any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of, or is under common ownership,
control or management with any of the foregoing entities.
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-4

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
Following submission of a Proposal, Proposers have a continuing obligation to make an
immediate and full written disclosure to the Owner, substantially in the form of Form C,
of any organizational Conflict of Interest thereafter discovered or determined and with a
description of the action that Proposer has taken or proposes to take to avoid or mitigate
such Conflict of Interest(s). If the Apparent Successful Proposer was aware of an
organizational Conflict of Interest prior to award of the DBA and did not disclose the
conflict to the Owner, the Owner may elect, in its sole discretion to disqualify the
Apparent Successful Proposer and to invoke any of the rights reserved to the Owner
under Section 8.1.
1.6.4 Restrictions on Participation
Proposers are advised that the following entities are restricted from submitting a
Proposal and from participating on a Proposer team as a Participating Member, Major
Non-Participating Member, Contractor, Subcontractor or subconsultant:
(a) any entity or individual listed in Exhibit F;
(b) any entity that is a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of any of the entities listed in
Exhibit F or that is under common ownership, control or management with any of
the foregoing entities; and
(c) any contractor who is currently suspended, debarred or voluntarily excluded
under 2 C.F.R. Part 180 or is otherwise determined to be ineligible to participate
in the federal-aid highway program.
1.6.5 No Participation on More Than One Proposer Team
1. Proposer Teams
Except as expressly permitted under this Section 1.6.5, and without limiting the other
procurement rules set forth in this Section 1.0, Major members of one Proposer's team
(i.e., intended to be among the Design-Build Team) are forbidden from participating, in
any capacity, on another Proposer's team during the course of the procurement.
In addition, entities that are under direct or indirect common ownership or have the same
upstream parent may not be on separate Proposer teams, proposed Design-Build
Teams, or act as guarantor on separate Proposer-proposed or proposed Design-Build
Teams.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,
a. Upon a Proposer's (or potential or proposed Proposer team member's) request,
the Owner may, in its sole discretion, permit a subcontractor or subconsultant
entity to participate on more than one Proposer team so long as Proposers
exercise reasonable care in ensuring all other constraints and restrictions under
this procurement are observed and the integrity of the procurement, by way of
precluding the risk of collusion among Proposers, is maintained. Any such
request shall describe the proposed roles on the Proposer team(s) and the
contractual relationship relative to the Lead Contractor or the Lead Design
Consultant. Proposers are advised that the Owner's review may, in its sole
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-5

Instructions to Proposers - Design-Build Project
Johnson Ferry Road at Shallowford Road Intersection Improvements
March 28, 2026
discretion, involve the Conflicts Committee (as defined in Georgia DOT's Design
Build Manual).
b. Subcontractors and subconsultants that are not in direct contractual privity with
the Lead Contractor or the Lead Design Consultant may be identified as
members of more than one Proposer team without need for the Owner's prior
permission, with similar constraints and restrictions as mentioned above (i.e.,
requiring that Proposers exercise reasonable care, etc.).
c. Proposers are encouraged to request review of any team member that has
informed the Proposer of its intent to participate as a team member on another
Proposer's team, regardless of whether such team member is a Major team
member on either the Proposer's team or another Proposer's team.
2. Individual Persons
Individuals serving Key Personnel roles on one Proposer's team may not serve Key
Personnel roles on another Proposer's team.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,
a. Upon a Proposer's request, the Owner may, in its sole discretion, permit
individuals serving non-Key Personnel roles to switch from one Proposer's team
to non-Key Personnel roles on another Proposer's team.
b. Upon a Proposer's request and in response to the Owner's requests for
additional information, representations, and warranties, the Owner also may, in
its sole discretion, consider allowing certain Key Personnel roles on more than
one Proposer team to be filled by the same individual person;
provided, however, that, in either case, the Lead Contractor Project Manager,
Lead Design Consultant Project Manager, Engineer of Record, Contractor
Superintendent, and Quality Control Manager Key Personnel roles shall be
exclusive to each Proposer.
Nothing in this Section 1.6.5 shall be construed to supersede the restrictions relating to
Conflicts of Interest and participation by any individual person or entity identified under
Exhibit F. Proposer team composition constitutes a material representation by the
Proposer to the Owner.
1.7 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Proposers shall not, in connection with the RFP and the Design-Build Documents,
discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. Proposers shall take
affirmative action to ensure that applicants for employment and employees are not
discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
marital status, or disability. The areas requiring such affirmative action shall include, but
not be limited to, the following: layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of
compensation, employment, job assignment, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment
and recruitment advertising, and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-
apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.
Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Page 1-6