Botanical Garden Conservatory

Georgia Southern University is soliciting a qualified Construction Management/General Contractor (CM/GC) for the new construction of a conservatory at its Botanical Garden in Statesboro, Georgia, under solicitation number PE-53900-RFP-2026-000000098, with proposals due by August 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. The project is structured as a CM-At-Risk contract with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) not to exceed $8 million, where the selected firm will be paid actual costs plus a fixed fee, subject to GMP negotiation after technical evaluation. The selection process uses a trade-off methodology, prioritizing technical merit over price, with evaluation factors weighted at 25% for methodology and interview performance, 25% for overall impression of the firm and key personnel, 20% for relevant experience and team qualifications, 15% for previous performance, and 15% for the quality of the proposed management plan, including cost, schedule, safety, and subcontractor oversight. Compliance with Georgia state laws is mandatory, requiring submission of three exhibits: a Certification Form affirming no debarment or contract defaults, a Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. §13-10-91(b)(1) certifying E-Verify compliance and providing employee identification documentation, and a Disclosure Statement revealing any conflicts of interest or business transactions with state entities in the past one to two years, with failure to submit or inaccuracies leading to immediate disqualification. Applicants must also provide IRS Form W-9, proof of a valid Georgia contractor’s license, a Certificate of Existence from the Georgia Secretary of State, bonding capacity of at least $42 million from a surety rated A- or better by A.M. Best, commercial general liability insurance totaling $8 million with a $5 million umbrella policy, a minimum current ratio of 1.0, and an Experience Modification Rate of 1.2 or less. All proposals must be submitted as a single .pdf file not exceeding 40 pages, emailed exclusively to Michelle Stewart at Georgia Southern University, with no printed copies accepted. The project team must include clearly identified key personnel with resumes, and proposers are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, proximity to the site, familiarity with similar projects, and an ability to align with the university’s institutional and community goals. The contract does not include FAR clauses,