GSOU J-460-DP School of Optometry

This solicitation seeks design professional services for the new School of Optometry building, Project No. J-460-DP, at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. The contract is issued by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, under NAICS code 541310 for architectural services, and the procurement follows state-level procedures rather than federal acquisition regulations. The design scope covers full architectural and engineering services including program validation, schematic design, detailed construction documents, interior design, and commissioning support, with additional disciplines such as civil engineering, landscape architecture, and laboratory planning as required. Emphasis is placed on sustainable, adaptable design conforming to state construction standards, accessibility codes, and energy efficiency criteria, aiming to meet eligibility for incentives such as the 179D Energy Tax Deduction. The place of performance and inspection is the project site at Georgia Southern University, with final acceptance authority resting with the Owner. The estimated contract value ranges between approximately $22.4 million and $29.8 million, encompassing the stated construction cost limitation plus fees and contingencies. Proposals will be evaluated through a two-step trade-off process prioritizing technical qualifications, relevant experience, and overall value rather than lowest price alone. Step I involves evaluating Statements of Qualifications on criteria such as firm experience (45%), suitability to project needs (30%), and firm stability (25%). Step II consists of finalist interviews, assessing project team qualifications (50%), design methodology (25%), and communication/project solutions (25%). Submission requirements include detailed certifications and affidavits ensuring compliance with Georgia Security and Immigration laws (E-Verify), disclosure of minority/woman-owned status, team composition, insurance information, and conflict of interest statements. The entire qualifications package must not exceed 50 pages and be submitted electronically as a single PDF file by June 2, 2026, with fee proposals due later. The contract imposes special provisions such as mandatory key personnel participation, rigorous documentation of team roles, and adherence to E-Verify requirements throughout subcontractor tiers. The Board of Regents reserves flexibility in award negotiations and may engage in sequential discussions with ranked firms to select the final service provider. The designated project point of contact is Mr. Matthew Shingler, Associate Vice President of Facilities at Georgia Southern University.