Executive Search/Recruitment Services for Columbus Sports & Entertainment Authority Buyer: Heather Biddle

COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
Georgia's First Consolidated Government
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
PURCHASING DIVISION 1111 1st AVENUE - 1ST FLOOR, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901
P. O. BOX 1340, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31902-1340
706-225-4087 | www.columbusga.org
Date: May 29, 2026
REQUEST FOR Qualified firms are requested to submit proposals, subject to conditions and
PROPOSALS: instructions as specified, for the furnishing of:
RFP No. 26-0036 EXECUTIVE SEARCH/RECRUITMENT SERVICES
FOR COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
AUTHORITY
GENERAL SCOPE Columbus Consolidated Government (the City), on behalf of the Columbus Sports
& Entertainment Authority. is requesting qualified firms to provide executive
search/recruitment services for an Executive Director for the Authority.
Firms must specialize in providing search/recruitment services for sports-related
&entertainment entities.
DUE DATE JUNE 26, 2026 - 5:00 PM (Eastern)
SUBMISSION See Appendix A for Submission Requirements, Submission Requirements
REQUIREMENTS Checklist, and DemandStar Registration and Submission Instructions.
ADDENDA IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Any and all addenda will be posted on the Purchasing Division's web page, at
https://columbusga.gov/finance/bid-opportunities. It is the vendors' responsibility
to periodically visit the web page for addenda before the due date and prior to
submitting a quote.
NO SUBMITTAL If you are not interested in this solicitation, please complete and return page 3.
Andrea J. McCorvey,
Purchasing Division Manager
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
E-Notification
The City uses the Georgia Procurement Registry e-
notification system. You must register with the Team
Georgia Market Place/Georgia Procurement Registry to
receive future procurement notifications via
https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/getting-started-
supplier.
If you have any questions or encounter any problems
while registering, please contact the Team Georgia
Marketplace Procurement Helpdesk:
Telephone: 404-657-6000
Fax: 404-657-8444
Email: procurementhelp@doas.ga.gov
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STATEMENT OF "NO PROPOSAL SUBMISSION"
Notify the Purchasing Division if you do not intend to submit a Proposal:
Email: bidopportunities@columbusga.org
Attn: Heather Biddle, Buyer II
We, the undersigned decline to submit a proposal for RFP No. 26-0036 for EXECUTIVE
SEARCH/RECRUITMENT SERVICES FOR COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
AUTHORITY for the following reason(s):
Specifications are too "tight", i.e. geared towards one brand or manufacturer (explain below)
There is insufficient time to respond.
We do not offer this product and/or service.
We are unable to meet specifications.
We are unable to meet bond requirements.
Specifications are unclear (explain below).
We are unable to meet insurance requirements.
Other (specify below)
Comments:
COMPANY NAME:
REPRESENTATIVE:
DATE:
TELEPHONE:
EMAIL:
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PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES AS
OUTLINED BELOW IN SECTION 3-110 OF THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE. ALL
PROPOSALS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL AFTER AWARD.
3-110. Competitive Sealed Proposals (Negotiations)
(1) Conditions for Use
When the Purchasing Manager determines that the use of competitive sealed bidding for any
procurement is either not practicable or not advantageous to the City, a contract may be entered
into using the competitive sealed proposals (negotiation) method. In addition, the competitive
sealed proposal process shall be used for the procurement of professional services, specialized
equipment or supplies.
The competitive sealed proposal process may be used for procurements with an estimated total
cost less than $50,000.00, if deemed to be in the best interest of the City. If the total cost can be
determined, the authority to approve such solicitations will be as prescribed by article 3-104,
Purchasing Limits. If, due to the required services, a total cost cannot be determined then the
award recommendation will be approved by Council.
I. Request for Proposals
Proposals shall be solicited through Request for Proposals. The Purchasing Division shall
establish the specifications with the using agency and set the date and time to receive
proposals. The request for proposal shall include a clear and accurate description of the
technical requirements for the service or item to be procured.
II. Public Notice
The public will be given adequate notice of the request for proposals, provided that, adequate
notice shall mean at least fifteen (15) business days before the due date, which is stated in the
request. The City reserves the right to seek request for proposals in a shorter period, if
necessary, as determined by the Purchasing Manager.
Notice shall be published in a reasonable time before due date, contain a description of the
procurement in general terms, as well as, the place and due date for proposals, and appear in
a newspaper(s) of general circulation, specifically the City's legal organ. In addition to
publication in newspapers, notice shall also be made by electronic means, including posting
on the internet and on the City's government access television channel.
Public works construction projects shall be advertised in accordance with Georgia State Law.
The City reserves the right to mail or e-mail invitations directly to vendors under the following
circumstances:
- Solicitations for specialized equipment/supplies.
- Solicitations for specialized services.
- Re-bid of solicitations where normal advertising procedures netted no responses.
- Whenever deemed necessary by the purchasing manager.
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III. Receipt of Proposals
Proposals must be received by the deadline date established. No public opening will be held.
No proposals shall be handled to permit disclosure of the identity of any offeror or the contents
of any proposal to competing offerors during the process of discussion. A register of proposals
shall be prepared as part of the contract file, and shall contain the name of each offeror, the
number of modifications received (if any), and a description sufficient to identify the item
offered. The register of proposals shall be open for public inspection only after contract award.
IV. Evaluation Factors
The request for proposals shall identify the relative importance of cost (when applicable) and
other evaluation criteria.
V. Evaluation Process
An odd number of voting members of a Selection or Evaluation Committee shall evaluate all
proposals received based upon the criteria stated in the request for proposals. Each voting
committee member shall grade each submitted proposal based upon the evaluation criteria.
VI. Discussion with Responsible Offerors and Revisions to Proposals
As provided in the Request for Proposals, discussions (negotiations) may be conducted with
responsible offerors who submit proposals determined to be reasonably susceptible of being
selected for award, to assure full understanding of and conformance to the solicitation
requirements. All qualified, responsible offerors shall be given fair and equal treatment with
respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of proposals, and such revisions may be
permitted after submissions and prior to award for the purpose of obtaining best and final
offers. In conducting discussions, there shall be no disclosure of the identity of competing
offerors or any information derived from proposals submitted by competing offerors. If only
one proposal response is received, then the award recommendation shall be to the single
offeror, if the offeror meets all requirements.
VII. Award
After negotiations, the award recommendation must be presented to Columbus City Council
for final approval. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined
to be the most advantageous to the City, taking into consideration total cost (if determined)
and all other evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Proposals.
After Council approval, a contract based on the negotiations (if negotiations were necessary)
will be drawn and signed by all necessary parties. If Council does not approve the award, it
may direct that further negotiations may take place with the recommended offeror, or that
negotiations begin with the next most qualified offeror. Council may also exercise the option
to reject all offers and instruct the Purchasing Division to begin the procurement process again.
The contract file shall contain the basis on which the award is made.
After contract award, the contract file, will be made public. Unsuccessful offerors will be
afforded the opportunity to make an appointment with the Purchasing Division for a
debriefing. After the award, the contract file and the unsuccessful proposals will become
subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act.
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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR NEED
CLARIFICATION ABOUT THIS SOLICITATION?
COMMUNICATION CONCERNING ANY SOLICITATION CURRENTLY
ADVERTISED MUST TAKE PLACE IN WRITTEN FORM AND ADDRESSED TO
THE PURCHASING DIVISION.
ALL QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION
SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. THE CITY WILL NOT ORALLY OR
TELEPHONICALLY ADDRESS ANY QUESTION OR CLARIFICATION
REGARDING BID/PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS. IF A VENDOR VISITS OR CALLS
THE PURCHASING DIVISION WITH SUCH QUESTIONS, HE OR SHE WILL BE
INSTRUCTED TO SUBMIT THE QUESTIONS IN WRITING.
ALL CONTACT CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION SHALL BE MADE
THROUGH THE PURCHASING DIVISION. BIDDERS SHALL NOT CONTACT
CITY EMPLOYEES, DEPARTMENT HEADS, USING AGENCIES, EVALUATION
COMMITTEE MEMBERS OR ELECTED OFFICIALS WITH QUESTIONS OR ANY
OTHER CONCERNS ABOUT THE SOLICITATION. QUESTIONS,
CLARIFICATIONS, OR CONCERNS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE
PURCHASING DIVISION IN WRITING. IF IT IS NECESSARY THAT A TECHNICAL
QUESTION NEEDS ADDRESSING, THE PURCHASING DIVISION WILL FORWARD
SUCH TO THE USING AGENCY, WHO WILL SUBMIT A WRITTEN RESPONSE.
THE PURCHASING DIVISION WILL FORWARD WRITTEN RESPONSES TO THE
RESPECTIVE BIDDER OR IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO REVISE ANY PART OF
THIS SOLICITATION, A WRITTEN ADDENDUM WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL
BIDDERS.
THE CITY IS NOT BOUND BY ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS,
CLARIFICATIONS, OR CHANGES MADE TO THE WRITTEN SPECIFICATIONS BY
CITY EMPLOYEES, UNLESS SUCH CLARIFICATION OR CHANGE IS PROVIDED
TO THE BIDDERS IN A WRITTEN ADDENDUM FROM THE PURCHASING
MANAGER.
BIDDERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE ENCLOSED
"QUESTION/CLARIFICATION FORM" TO EMAIL QUESTION(S).
ANY REQUEST, AFTER A SOLICITATION HAS CLOSED AND PENDING
AWARD MUST ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE PURCHASING
DIVISION.
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QUESTION/CLARIFICATION FORM
Date:
To: Heather Biddle, Buyer II
Email bidopportunities@columbusga.org
Re: EXECUTIVE SEARCH/RECRUITMENT SERVICES FOR COLUMBUS SPORTS &
ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY - RFP No. 26-0036
Questions and requests for clarification must be submitted at least five (5) business days before the due date:
From:
Company Name Website
Representative Email Address
Complete Address City State Zip
Telephone Number Fax Number
RFP No. 26-0036 Executive Search/Recruitment Services for Columbus Sports & Entertainment Authority Page 7 of 37

COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
EXECUTIVE SEARCH/RECRUITMENT SERVICES FOR COLUMBUS
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY
RFP No. 26-0036
Columbus Consolidated Government (the City), on behalf of the Columbus Sports & Entertainment
Authority. is requesting qualified firms to provide executive search/recruitment services for an Executive
Director for the Authority.
Firms must specialize in providing search/recruitment services for sports-related &entertainment
entities.
A. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL DATE:
PROPOSALS ARE DUE: JUNE 26, 2026 NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM (Eastern). Submit one
electronic response via DemandStar.
The City shall not be held liable for any expenses incurred by the respondent in preparing and submitting
the proposal and/or attendance at any interviews, final contract negotiations or applicable site visits. The
City reserves the right to award this project or to reject any and all proposals; whichever is in the
best interest of the City.
B. RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS:
Unless otherwise stated in the technical specifications of the RFP, the City will accept one, and only one,
proposal per Offeror. In the event a team of firms is entering into a joint venture to respond to the RFP,
one firm shall be named the prime contractor and the proposal shall be submitted in the name of the prime
contractor. All correspondence concerning the RFP will be between the City and prime contractor.
C. SUBCONTRACTING:
Should the offeror intend to subcontract all or any part of the work specified, names and address of
subcontractors must be provided in proposal response. The offeror shall be responsible for subcontractors'
full compliance with the requirements of the RFP specifications. If awarded the contract, payments will
only be made to the offerors submitting the proposal. The Columbus Consolidated Government will not be
responsible for payments to subcontractors.
D. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RFP:
Communication concerning any solicitation currently advertised must take place in writing and addressed
to the Purchasing Division. See page titled "Do You Have Questions ..." within this proposal package.
Questions and Requests for Clarification will be received until five business days prior to the proposal
due date.
E. PUBLIC INFORMATION:
All information and materials submitted will become the property of the Columbus Consolidated
Government, Columbus, Georgia; and shall be subject to the provisions of the Georgia public records law.
If awarded the contract, the proposal submission, in its entirety, will be included as part of the contract
documents and filed, as public record, with the Clerk of Council.
F. ADDENDA:
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The proposer shall include acknowledgment of receipt of addenda (if any) in their sealed proposal. The
proposer should include an initialed copy of each addendum in the proposal package. It is the proposer's
responsibility to contact the City for copies of addenda if they receive the proposal document from any
other source other than the City.
G. CONTRACT:
Each proposal is received with the understanding that an acceptance in writing by the City of the offer to
furnish any or all of the services and materials described shall constitute a contract between the proposer
and the City. This contract shall bind the proposers to furnish and deliver the services and materials quoted,
at the prices stated and in accordance with the condition of said accepted proposal.
It is agreed that the successful respondent will not assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of the
contract or its right, title or interest in or to the same, or any part thereof, without previous consent of the
City and any sureties.
H. NON-COLLUSION:
Proposer declares that the proposal is not made in connection with any other proposer submitting a proposal
for the same commodity or commodities, and that the proposal is bona fide and is in all respects fair and
without collusion or fraud.
I. INDEMNITY:
The Contractor covenants to save, defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the City, and all of its officers,
departments, agencies, agents, and employees (collectively the "City") from and against any and all claims,
losses, damages, injuries, fines, penalties, costs (including court costs and attorney's fees), charges, liability,
or exposure, however caused, resulting from, arising out of, or in any way connected with the Contractor's
intentional, negligent, or grossly negligent acts or omissions in performance or nonperformance of its work
called for by the Contract Documents.
J. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CLAUSE:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (minority or women owned businesses) will be afforded full
opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the
grounds of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in consideration for
an award. It is the policy of the City that disadvantaged business enterprises and minority business
enterprises have an opportunity to participate at all levels of contracting in the performance of City contracts
to the extent practical and consistent with the efficient performance of the contract.
K. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM - NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE:
The City has an Affirmative Action Program in connection with Equal Employment Opportunities. The
successful vendor will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and
employment of the handicapped, and concerning the treatment of all employees, and will not discriminate
between or among them by reason of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin or physical handicap.
L. SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS:
The specifications detailed herein represent the quality of equipment, goods or services required by the
City. Whenever in this invitation any particular process, service or equipment is indicated or specified by
patent, proprietary or brand name of manufacturer/developer/inventor, such wording will be deemed to be
used for the purpose of facilitating descriptions of the process, service or equipment desired by the City. It
is not meant to eliminate offerors or restrict competition in any RFP process. Proposals that are equivalent
or surpass stated specifications will be considered. Determination of equivalency shall rest solely with the
City.
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M. TAXES:
The City is exempt from State Retail Tax and Federal Excise Tax. Tax Exemption No. GA Code Sec. 48-
8-3. Federal ID No. 58-1097948.
N. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:
Per Ordinance No. 93-55, in compliance with Federal and State Drug Free Workplace Acts, the Council of
Columbus, Georgia adopted a drug free Workplace Policy. Consequently, any vendor providing goods or
services to Columbus Consolidated Government must comply with all applicable Federal and State Drug
Free Workplace Acts.
O. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL LAWS:
All respondents will comply with all Federal, State and Local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
relative to conducting business in Columbus, Georgia and performing the prescribed service. Ignorance on
the part of the respondent shall not, in any way, relieve the respondent from responsibility for compliance
with said laws and regulations or any of the provisions of these documents.
P. PROVISIONS OF THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE:
The provisions of the Procurement Ordinance for the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia as
adopted and amended by Council shall apply to all invitations to respond to Requests for Proposals and is
specifically incorporated herein by this reference. A copy of the ordinance is on file in the Purchasing
Division.
Q. INSURANCE:
All respondents shall maintain, and if requested, show proof of insurance applicable for services described
in these specifications.
R. HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT:
The successful respondent hereby agrees to indemnify, hold free and harmless Columbus Consolidated
Government (The City), its agents, servants, employees, officers, directors and elected officials or any other
person(s) against any loss or expense including attorney fees, by reason of any liability imposed by law
upon the City, except in cases of the City's sole negligence, sustained by any person(s) on account of bodily
injury or property damage arising out of or in the consequence of this agreement.
S. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT:
1. Default: If the contractor refuses or fails to perform any of the provisions of this contract with
such diligence as will ensure its completion within the time specified in this contract, or any
extension thereof, otherwise fails to timely satisfy the contract provisions, or commits any other
substantial breach of this contract, the Purchasing Division Director may notify the contractor
in writing of the delay or nonperformance and if not cured within ten (10) days or any longer
time specified in writing by the Purchasing Division Director, such director may terminate the
contractor's right to proceed with the contract or such part of the contract as to which there has
been delay or a failure to properly perform.
In the event of termination in whole or in part the Purchasing Division Director may procure
similar supplies or services, from other sources, in a manner and upon terms deemed appropriate
by the Purchasing Division Director. The contractor will continue performance of the contract
to the extent it is not terminated and will be liable for excess costs incurred in procuring similar
goods or services.
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