RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout City of Columbu

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: April 24, 2026
REQUEST FOR Interested parties are requested to submit qualification packages, subject to conditions
PROPOSALS: and instructions as specified, for the furnishing of:
CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR MASTER STUDY FOR
RFP No. 26-0005
TRAILS/SIDEWALKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF
COLUMBUS - P.I. #0020290
GENERAL SCOPE Columbus Consolidated Government (the "City") and the Columbus-Phenix City
Transportation Study (C-PCMPO) are requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to
perform a study that will assess the current state of trails and sidewalks throughout
the city to identify areas for improvement, ways to enhance connectivity and add
additional trails/sidewalks, and evaluate the safety of existing facilities.
All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT).
The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development
Process (PDP), Plan Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals,
and current software version approved by the Project Manager.
DUE DATE MAY 22, 2026 - 5:00 PM (EASTERN)
SUBMISSION See EXHIBIT XI for information and instructions on how to register and submit a
REQUIREMENTS proposal through DemandStar.
ADDENDA The Purchasing Division will post addenda (if any) on the City's Bid Opportunities
page at https://www.columbusga.gov/finance/Bid-Opportunities, on the Georgia
Procurement Registry and on DemandStar. Vendors are responsible for
periodically visiting the web pages for addenda, before the due date and prior to
submitting a response.
NO SUBMITTAL If you are not interested in this solicitation, complete and return page 3.
Andrea J. McCorvey,
Purchasing Division Manager
RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 1 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
E-Notification
The City uses the Georgia Procurement Registry e-
notification system. You must register with the Team
Georgia Marketplace to receive future procurement
notifications at 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
RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 2 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

STATEMENT OF "NO QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION"
Notify the Purchasing Division if you do not intend to submit a Proposal:
Email: BidOpportunities@ColumbusGa.org
Attn: Heather Biddle, Buyer
Mail: Columbus Consolidated Government
Purchasing Division
P. O. Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340
We, the undersigned decline to submit a prequalification package for RFP No. 26-0005 for
Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout the City of Columbus
- P.I. #0020290
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:
RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 3 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES AS
OUTLINED BELOW IN SECTION 5-401 THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE.
5-401. Competitive negotiation qualification-based selection. In accordance with the requirements of
the Brooks Act, the following procedures shall apply to the competitive negotiation procurement method:
(1) Solicitation. The solicitation process shall be by public announcement, public advertisement, or any
other public forum or method that assures qualified in-state and out-of-state consultants are given a
fair opportunity to be considered for award of the contract. Procurement procedures may involve a
single step process with issuance of a request for proposal (RFP) to all interested consultants or a
multiphase process with issuance of a request for statements or letters of interest or qualifications
(RFQ) whereby responding consultants are ranked based on qualifications and request for proposals
are then provided to three or more of the most highly qualified consultants. Minimum qualifications
of consultants to perform services under general work categories or areas of expertise may also be
assessed through prequalification process whereby statements of qualifications are submitted on an
annual basis. Regardless of any process utilized for prequalification of consultants or for an initial
assessment of a consultant's qualifications under an RFQ, an RFP specific to the project, task, or
service is required for evaluation of a consultant's specific technical approach and qualifications.
(2) Request for proposal (RFP). The RFP shall provide all information and requirements necessary for
interested consultants to provide a response to the RFP and compete for the solicited services. The
RFP shall:
(A) Provide a clear, accurate, and detailed description of the scope of work, technical requirements,
and qualifications of consultants necessary for the services to be rendered. The scope of work
should detail the purpose and description of the project, services to be performed, deliverables
to be provided, estimated schedule for performance of the work, and applicable standards,
specifications, and policies;
(B) Identify the requirements for any discussions that may be conducted with three or more of the
most highly qualified consultants following submission and evaluation of proposals;
(C) Identify evaluation factors including their relative weight of importance in accordance with
subparagraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section;
(D) Specify the contract type and method(s) of payment to be utilized in accordance with 172.9;
(E) Identify any special provisions or contract requirements associated with the solicited services;
(F) Require that submission of any requested cost proposals or elements of cost be in a concealed
format and separate from technical/qualifications proposals as these shall not be considered in
the evaluation, ranking, and selection phase; and
(G) Provide a schedule of key dates for the procurement process and establish a submittal deadline
for responses to the RFP which provides sufficient time for interested consultants to receive
notice, prepare, and submit a proposal, which except in unusual circumstances shall be not less
than 14 days from the date of issuance of the RFP.
(3) Evaluation factors.
(A) Criteria used for evaluation, ranking, and selection of consultants to perform engineering and
design related services must assess the demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type
of professional services solicited. These qualifications-based factors may include, but are not
limited to, technical approach (e.g., project understanding, innovative concepts or alternatives,
quality control procedures), work experience, specialized expertise, professional licensure,
staff capabilities, workload capacity, and past performance.
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The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

(B) Price shall not be used as a factor in the evaluation, ranking, and selection phase. All price or
cost related items which include, but are not limited to, cost proposals, direct salaries/wage
rates, indirect cost rates, and other direct costs are prohibited from being used as evaluation
criteria.
(C) In-state or local preference shall not be used as a factor in the evaluation, ranking, and selection
phase. State licensing laws are not preempted by this provision and professional licensure
within a jurisdiction may be established as a requirement which attests to the minimum
qualifications and competence of a consultant to perform the solicited services.
(D) The following non-qualifications based evaluation criteria are permitted under the specified
conditions and provided the combined total of these criteria do not exceed a nominal value of
ten percent of the total evaluation criteria to maintain the integrity of a qualifications-based
selection:
(i) A local presence may be used as a nominal evaluation factor where appropriate. This
criterion shall not be based on political or jurisdictional boundaries and may be applied
on a project-by-project basis for contracts where a need has been established for a
consultant to provide a local presence, a local presence will add value to the quality and
efficiency of the project, and application of this criteria leaves an appropriate number of
qualified consultants, given the nature and size of the project. If a consultant outside of
the locality area indicates as part of a proposal that it will satisfy the criteria in some
manner, such as establishing a local project office, that commitment shall be considered
to have satisfied the local presence criteria.
(ii) The participation of qualified and certified disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) sub-
consultants may be used as a nominal evaluation criterion where appropriate in
accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 and the Columbus Consolidated Government's FHWA-
approved DBE program.
(4) Evaluation, ranking, and selection.
(A) Consultant proposals shall be evaluated by the Columbus Consolidated Government based on
the criteria established and published within the public solicitation.
(B) While the contract will be with the prime consultant, proposal evaluations shall consider the
qualifications of the prime consultant and any sub-consultants identified within the proposal
with respect to the scope of work and established criteria.
(C) Following submission and evaluation of proposals, the Columbus Consolidated Government
shall conduct interviews or other types of discussions determined three of the most highly
qualified consultants to clarify the technical approach, qualifications, and capabilities
provided in response to the RFP. Discussion requirements shall be specified within the RFP
and should be based on the size and complexity of the project as defined in Columbus
Consolidated Government written policies and procedures (as specified in 172.5(c)).
Discussions may be written, by telephone, video conference, or by oral presentation/interview.
Discussions following proposal submission are not required provided proposals contain
sufficient information for evaluation of technical approach and qualifications to perform the
specific project, task, or service with respect to established criteria.
(D) From the proposal evaluation and any subsequent discussions which have been conducted, the
Columbus Consolidated Government shall rank, in order of preference, at least three
consultants determined most highly qualified to perform the solicited services based on the
established and published criteria.
(E) Notification must be provided to responding consultants of the final ranking of the three most
highly qualified consultants.
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The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

(F) The Columbus Consolidated Government shall retain acceptable documentation of the
solicitation, proposal, evaluation, and selection of the consultant accordance with the
provisions of 49 CFR 18.42.
(5) Negotiation.
(A) Independent estimate. Prior to receipt or review of the most highly qualified consultant's cost
proposal, the Columbus Consolidated Government shall prepare a detailed independent
estimate with an appropriate breakdown of the work or labor hours, types or classifications of
labor required, other direct costs, and consultant's fixed fee for the defined scope of work. The
independent estimate shall serve as the basis for negotiation and ensuring the consultant
services are obtained at a fair and reasonable cost.
(B) Elements of contract costs (e. g., indirect cost rates, direct salary or wage rates, fixed fee, and
other direct costs) shall be established separately in accordance with 172.11.
(C) If concealed cost proposals were submitted in conjunction with technical/qualifications
proposals, only the cost proposal of the consultant with which negotiations are initiated may
be considered. Concealed cost proposals of consultants with which negotiations are not
initiated should be returned to the respective consultant due to the confidential nature of this
data (as specified in 23 U.S.C. 11 2 (b)(2) (E)).
(D) The Columbus Consolidated Government shall retain documentation of negotiation activities
and resources used in the analysis of costs to establish elements of the contract in accordance
with the provisions of 49 CFR 18.42. This documentation shall include the consultant cost
certification and documentation supporting the acceptance of the indirect cost rate to be
applied to the contract (as specified in 172.11 (c)).
RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 6 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

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 FAX OR EMAIL QUESTION.
ANY REQUEST, AFTER A SOLICITATION HAS CLOSED AND PENDING
AWARD MUST ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE PURCHASING
DIVISION.
RFP No. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 7 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

QUESTION/CLARIFICATION FORM
Date:
To: Heather Biddle, Buyer
Email BidOpportunities@ColumbusGA.org
Re: Consultant Services for the Master Study for Sidewalks/Trails throughout the City of
Columbus - P.I. #0020290 - RFP No. 26-0005
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. 26-0005 Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout Page 8 of 52
The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout the
City of Columbus - PI #0020290
RFP No. 26-0005
Columbus Consolidated Government (the "City") and the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-
PCMPO) are requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a study that will assess the current
state of trails and sidewalks throughout the city to identify areas for improvement, ways to enhance
connectivity and add additional trails/sidewalks, and evaluate the safety of existing facilities.
All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), Plan
Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals, and current software version approved by
the Project Manager.
A. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL DATE:
PROPOSALS ARE DUE: MAY 22, 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 qualification package 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/QUALIFICATIONS:
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/RFQ,
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/RFQ 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/RFQ 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:
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The City of Columbus - PI #0020290

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:
The proposer shall include acknowledgment of receipt of addenda (if any) in their proposal. It is the
proposer's responsibility to contact the City for copies of addenda if they receive the RFP/RFQ 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:
To the full extent permitted by Georgia law, the successful respondent agrees, by entering into this contract,
to indemnify and hold CCG harmless from any and all causes of actions or claims of damages arising out
or under this contract.
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
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The City of Columbus - PI #0020290