UGA, BR-10-2602-CM Georgia Center Renovations for Hospitality and Food Industry Management

The contract for the Georgia Center Renovations at the University of Georgia involves a Construction Management at-Risk (CM/GC) approach to upgrade approximately 3,300 square feet for a teaching kitchen and 4,200 square feet for an event management lab, supporting the expanding Hospitality and Food Industry Management program. The project, with a preliminary budget of around $6.7 million, aims to enhance experiential learning spaces through renovations that include new kitchen stations, a large hospitality room, and infrastructure upgrades such as HVAC, sewer, and gas lines. Design services are scheduled to commence in January 2026, with construction expected to start in January 2027, and the project emphasizes sustainable design standards aligned with Georgia state requirements. The RFQ process, closing October 14, 2025, seeks qualified firms with proven experience in similar projects, with shortlisted candidates advancing to fee proposals and interviews, ultimately selecting the best value based on qualifications, project approach, and negotiated fees. The contractual framework incorporates specific legal and compliance requirements, notably mandatory affidavits affirming E-Verify registration and ongoing employment verification compliance under Georgia law, along with certifications regarding the firm’s legal standing, absence of conflicts of interest, and adherence to immigration laws. The process emphasizes strict communication restrictions during the selection phase and encourages participation from minority, woman-owned, and small business enterprises, although these are not mandatory set-asides. The project documentation includes detailed cost matrices and fee proposals, requiring firms to complete and submit comprehensive breakdowns of overhead, preconstruction, and construction costs, with most fields left blank for proposal input. Additionally, the contract emphasizes safety, security, and collaboration with Owner’s consultants, including potential involvement of a commissioning agent, but does not specify detailed inspection or acceptance procedures, leaving these responsibilities primarily with the CM/GC. Submittals must be consolidated into a single PDF not exceeding 50 pages, submitted via the designated electronic portal by the deadline, with clear instructions provided to ensure compliance. Overall, the contract prioritizes transparency, legal adherence, and a thorough evaluation process to select a qualified firm capable of delivering a high-quality, sustainable renovation aligned with institutional standards.