Request for Proposals - MiddleGeorgiaRC · 2017-06-06 · Request for Proposals High-Tech Entrepreneurial Support Program for Warner Robins Metropolitan Area 4 May 11, 2017 Program

Middle Georgia Regional Commission

175 EMERY HIGHWAY, SUITE C | MACON, GA 31217

Request for Proposals HIGH-TECH ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR WARNER ROBINS METROPOLITAN AREA

Released May 11, 2017 Responses Due June 1, 2017

Request for Proposals High-Tech Entrepreneurial Support Program for Warner Robins Metropolitan Area 1

May 11, 2017

Section 1: Summary

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC), on behalf of the 11-member counties and 21 cities of

the region, is soliciting the services of qualified service providers for a High-Tech Entrepreneurial Support

Program to be located within the Warner Robins Metropolitan Area. Currently, the scope of the project

consists of support for a resource center with programs and resources to train and support community

members in entrepreneurial undertakings related to advanced manufacturing technology. These training

programs should have a special emphasis on assistance to displaced workers and veterans from the

aerospace and defense sector of the Warner Robins Metropolitan Area and the Middle Georgia region.

The Scope of Services is included in Section 4. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission reserves the right

to reject any and all proposals received.

Submission Content

Interested firms must respond to the Request for Proposals (RFP) in writing, as well as provide a CD or

thumb drive with the proposal in a Microsoft Word (or compatible file) or a PDF file. Firms should provide

5 copies of the written proposal. Submissions must include all of the following:

1. The signed cover sheet in Appendix A, Bidder Qualification Form in Appendix B, and a cover letter.

2. A response to the request for qualifications in Section 2, including a list of completed similar

projects, evidence of proper licensure, evidence of pertinent knowledge, proof of budget and

timeline compliance, organizational history, resumes of all key personnel, and a list of references.

3. A project narrative and scope of work, including a detailed description of the respondent’s

technical approach to completing each of the tasks enumerated in Section 4.

4. A detailed timeline for completion of project activities.

5. A complete Budget Analysis.

6. The Information Release Form in Appendix C.

Invitation to Submit Proposals

Sealed proposals shall be received by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission by hand delivery and/or

certified mail no later than 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017. All questions should be directed in writing

to Greg Boike at [email protected] before 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017. Answers to all questions

will be posted on the Middle Georgia Regional Commission website as received no later than 5:00 p.m.,

Friday, May 26, 2017.

Proposals should be submitted to: Greg Boike

Director of Public Administration

Middle Georgia Regional Commission

175 Emery Highway, Suite C

Macon, GA 31217

Proposals submitted after the specified due date and time shall not be considered.

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

mailto:[email protected]


May 11, 2017

Section 2: Qualifications

Firms should submit documentation of qualifications for performing the work identified in the Scope of

Services, and identify a project manager and members of the project team. In addition, firms submitting

proposals should be certain to provide the following information in their proposals:

1. List of completed similar projects (including project name, location, nature of work, date

completed, project costs, owner’s name and owner’s representative’s name, address, phone

number and other contact information).

2. Evidence of required licenses, permits, and professional qualifications, as applicable. Indicate any

liability coverage your firm has and the amount of coverage.

3. Demonstrated proof of the respondent’s ability to comply with project budgets and timelines.

4. Organizational history, including years in business and resumes of all partners, associates, or

consultants employed in your firm who will be working on this project.

5. Listing of trade or other references relevant to the project.

Award of a contract shall be made to the firm whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous

for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and its member governments, taking into account all of the

factors set forth in the Evaluation Criteria in Section 6. No other factors or criteria shall be used in the

evaluation. A selection committee may conduct interviews with potential consultants; however,

interviews are not required in order for a selection to be made. While cost is a factor in any bid award, it

is not the only factor and may not be the determining factor.

Section 3: Background

The Middle Georgia Region consists of 11 counties covering over 3,600 square miles with a population of

488,399 as of the 2010 Census. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission is the regional planning and

development agency serving the area. The region is situated along the fall line between Georgia’s coastal

plain and piedmont geographic regions. The largest employer and largest contributor to the economy in

the region by a substantial margin is Robins Air Force Base.

The Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment provides assistance to communities which are

highly dependent on defense contracts and have seen significant job losses as a result of federal spending

reductions. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission has received a grant from the Office of Economic

Adjustment (OEA) for the purpose of responding to these job reductions. The annual Robins Air Force

Base Economic Impact Statement provides information about the economic impact of Robins Air Force

Base on the State of Georgia. According to the Fiscal Year 2016 Economic Impact Statement released in

February 2017, Robins Air Force Base employs 21,462 people and has a $2.86 billion impact on the

economy of Georgia. Many veterans and community workers possess basic mechanical skills and the

ability to innovate, but not the advanced mathematical or reasoning skills necessary for high-paying

positions in career fields, such as engineering, once they re-enter the private sector job market.

Recognizing the continued need for economic adjustment assistance in Middle Georgia to serve the

growing population of dislocated workers in manufacturing or aerospace and defense sectors, the Middle


May 11, 2017

Georgia Regional Commission requested and received over $1,700,000 in grant funding for FY2017 and

FY2018 for the Middle Georgia Asset Advancement Program (MGAAP). MGAAP funding will be used for

eleven projects within the four key focus areas of economic analysis, strategic planning, workforce

development, and regional leadership capacity.

In response to the significant need for workforce development with an emphasis on skills development

within high-tech and STEM fields, a preliminary allocation of $137,500 has been made for the Scope of

Services listed below in Section 4. In general, this scope of work includes development of long-term

infrastructure to enhance the regional workforce and economy, and to train community members in

entrepreneurial undertakings related to advanced manufacturing technology. This also includes providing

access to new resources pertaining to metalworking and computing centered around aircraft

maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities which is a substantial portion of the work performed

around Middle Georgia, both on and off Robins Air Force Base. For this reason, the Middle Georgia

Regional Commission is seeking cost proposals from qualified firms for the High-Tech Entrepreneurial

Support Program to be operated through the grant period, ending June 30, 2018. Sustainability beyond

this period is highly encouraged and will be considered in evaluations of an organization’s response.

Section 4: Scope of Services

General Requirements:

1. The consultant shall communicate regularly and effectively with the Middle Georgia Regional

Commission through the project manager.

2. Tasks shall be completed and deliverables received in a timely and professional manner.

3. The final product shall demonstrate effective outreach to potential program participants

throughout the region, including particular efforts that focus on veterans or individuals who have

been displaced from previous employment in the aerospace or defense sector.

4. The final product shall exhibit a clear connection to the existing defense industry in the Middle

Georgia region and should consider the significant impact the advancement of mathematical and

reasoning skills for displaced defense workers will have on future development of a long-lasting,

high-tech infrastructure to strengthen the regional workforce.

Task 1: Development and implementation of entrepreneurship and high-tech, maker-skills resource

center in the Warner Robins metropolitan area.

The firm shall develop and implement resource centers which sponsor programs related to the

development of high-tech maker skills, which may include, but not be limited to:

• Construction, repair, and piloting of drones, balloons, or other unmanned aircraft

• Maker-skills programs in metalworking, woodworking, 3D printing and additive manufacturing

• Computer-assisted advanced design, coding, or robotics programs


May 11, 2017

Program focus should be placed specifically on the aerospace and defense industries, and each program

must develop a methodology for sustainment of activities following the depletion of grant funding. As

previously mentioned, the focus of the High-Tech Entrepreneurial Program is on the development of long-

lasting high-tech infrastructure to bolster the regional workforce.

Task 2: Establish program strategy for regional economic and employment growth.

In addition to the programs established in Task 1, the firm shall develop a regional strategy to effectively

connect MGAAP resources to the encouragement of entrepreneurship and high-tech maker skills,

particularly among displaced workers and veterans.

Task 3: Proposed equipment operation

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission has obtained equipment which the firm may operate to assist

in the implementation of their services. Proposed MGAAP equipment consists of one 3D resin-based

printer and one 4x8 CnC router table. Both tools will assist the firm in providing the region with the

necessary skill development to embrace the fast-growing field of additive manufacturing. The firm’s

response must include strategy for usage of this, or similar equipment, and the firm’s final report shall

include verification of equipment usage into program elements.

Task 4: Sustainable Entrepreneurial Support

While the core activity of this RFP is the immediate provision of services and programs to stimulate the

development of entrepreneurial “maker” skills, the scope of this program is ultimately limited to the

availability of federal funding. With this in mind, the firm shall develop a sustainability plan for their

activities beyond the scope of federal funding. In addition, the firm shall be responsible for connecting

entrepreneurs who use the firm’s services to additional resources in the community. This could include,

but not be limited to, institutions of higher learning, small business incubators or accelerators, and small

business development centers.

Section 5: Final Deliverables

The final deliverable shall include a report of accomplishments which addresses completion of Tasks 1-4

as enumerated in the Scope of Services of this Request for Proposals, including verification of equipment

usage and details of benefit from OEA funding.

The final report shall include, at a minimum, one printed copy and one electronic copy of the final report,

including all supplemental documents and appendices which the consultant deems necessary for the

fulfillment of the aforementioned tasks. The final deliverables shall be transmitted to the Middle Georgia

Regional Commission by July 31, 2018, unless otherwise agreed to between the parties.


May 11, 2017

Section 6: Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Qualifications, ability and previous experience with high-tech maker-skills training and

entrepreneurship.

2. Technical approach, with specific emphasis on effective engagement of program participants and

partnerships, as well as innovative approaches to project implementation.

3. Work plan and schedule for project completion.

4. Proposed project budget, including availability of matching or leveraged funds.

Section 7: Administrative Requirements

1. During the course of this project, a quarterly progress report is required to be submitted within

15 days after the end of each quarter until the completion of the project. Each report shall include:

a. A comprehensive listing of accomplishments for the previous reporting period.

b. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period.

c. The reasons for slippage if established objectives were not met.

d. Additional pertinent information when appropriate.

e. An accounting, by the budget line items approved for this project, of expenses incurred

during the reporting period.

f. The final performance report must contain a summary of activities for the entire grant

period. All required deliverables should be submitted with the final performance report.

2. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission shall retain 10 percent of the contract amount, withheld

from each invoice, as final payment until the completion of the project. Final payment shall be

made after acceptance of the final product and invoice. The manner and schedule of payment

shall be agreed upon by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and the contractor.

3. An examination of the consultant’s financial and operational records may be required.

4. The firm that is selected will be required to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all other

Equal Employment Opportunity requirements.

5. The firm selected is required to declare and document any real or potential conflicts of interest

during the contract period.

6. Any change in key personnel on behalf of the consultant during the project period is subject to

approval by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and will require a contract amendment.

7. The firm selected will take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority firms, women's

business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible.

Affirmative steps shall include:

a. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women business enterprises on

solicitation lists.

b. Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women business enterprises are

solicited whenever they are potential sources.


May 11, 2017

c. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities

to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and women business

enterprises.

d. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourages

participation by small and minority businesses, and women business enterprises.

e. Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration, and the Minority

Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce.

f. Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps

listed in subsections (a) through (e) above.

8. As the work to be completed will be funded in-part by federal funds, the firm selected must

comply with all applicable federal, state, interstate, and local laws and regulations set forth below

as required by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and the Office of Economic Adjustment

including, but not limited to:

a. Administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or

breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as may be

appropriate.

b. Termination for cause and for convenience by the grantee or sub-grantee, including the

manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement.

c. Compliance with Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, entitled “Equal

Employment Opportunity,” as amended by Executive Order 11375 of October 13, 1967,

and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (41 CFR chapter 60).

d. Awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to copyrights and rights in

data, and regulations pertaining to patent rights with respect to any discovery or

invention which arises or is developed in the course of or under such contract.

e. Access by the grantee, the sub-grantee, the federal grantor agency, the Comptroller

General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives to any books,

documents, papers, and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to that

specific contract for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and

transcriptions.

f. Retention of all required records for three years after grantees or sub-grantees make final

payments and all other pending matters are closed.

g. Compliance with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued under section

306 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857(h)), section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.

1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR

part 15).

h. Mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency, which are contained in

the State Energy Conservation Plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and

Conservation Act (Pub. L. 94-163, 89 Stat. 871).

i. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, interstate, and local laws and regulations.

This includes compliance with the following: Part 200 of Title 2, Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR), "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit


May 11, 2017

Requirements for Federal Awards," and Part 28 of title 32, CFR, "New Restrictions on

Lobbying."

j. Compliance with Parts 180, “OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide

Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement),” and 1125, “Department of Defense

Non-procurement Debarment and Suspension,” of title 2, CFR.

k. Compliance with Subpart B, “Requirements for Recipients Other Than Individuals,” of Part

26 of title 32, CFR, “Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial

Assistance).”

l. Compliance with the requirements of Part 25 of title 2, CFR, “Universal Identifier and

Central Contractor Registration.”

m. Compliance with the requirements of Part 175 of title 2, CFR, “Award Term for Trafficking

in Persons.”

n. No funds made available from this grant shall be used, directly or indirectly, for paying

attorneys’ or consultants’ fees in connection with securing grants or other services

provided by the grantor, for example, preparing the application for this assistance.

However, attorneys’ and consultants’ fees incurred for meeting the requirements of a

subsequent contract may be eligible project costs and may be paid out of funds made

available, provided such costs are otherwise eligible.

o. No funds provided from this project or personnel employed in the administration of this

project may be used for political activities, sectarian or religious activities, lobbying,

political patronage, or nepotism activities.

p. No funds provided from this project may be used for marketing or entertainment

expenses, nor shall any funds be used for capital assets, such as the purchase of vehicles,

improvements and renovation of space, and repair and maintenance of privately-owned

vehicles.

q. No funds provided under this project may be used to directly identify or assist a business,

including a business expansion, in the relocation of a plant, facility, or operation from one

Labor Market Area (LMA) to another if the relocation is likely to result in the loss of jobs

in the LMA from which the relocation occurs.

r. Compliance with the audit provisions of Subpart F of Part 200 of Title 2, Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR), "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards."

i. The firm selected shall ensure audits are properly performed, and furnish the

required data collection forms and audit reporting packages to the Federal Audit

Clearinghouse.

ii. The firm selected shall provide any audit with findings related to this award,

copies of the reporting package (including corrective action plans), management

letters issued by an auditor, and audit working papers to the Federal Audit

Clearinghouse, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, and the Department of

Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.


May 11, 2017

iii. The firm selected will seek to issue a management decision to the MGRC within

six months of receipt of an audit report with findings, and shall take timely and

corrective action to comply with the management decision.

iv. The Department of Defense reserves the right to conduct an independent follow-

up audit.

s. Compliance with the requirements of Part 170 of title 2, CFR, “Reporting Sub-award and

Executive Compensation Information.”

t. The firm selected shall not require employees, contractors, or sub-recipients seeking to

report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements

or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from

lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law

enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such

information. The firm must notify its employees, contractors, or sub-recipients that the

prohibitions and restrictions of any internal confidentiality agreements inconsistent with

the aforementioned provisions of this award are no longer in effect.

u. Changes in the specific activities described in the application and the terms and conditions

of this award are allowable only if approved by the grantor.

v. Final deliverables from the selected firm must comply with the following requirements:

i. A disclaimer statement will appear on the title page of any study prepared under

this grant. It will read: “This study was prepared under contract with the Middle

Georgia Regional Commission, with financial support from the Office of Economic

Adjustment, Department of Defense. The content reflects the views of the Middle

Georgia Regional Commission, but does not necessarily reflect the views of the

Office of Economic Adjustment.”

ii. The contractor identification will appear on the title page of the study funded by

this grant.

iii. Any final study shall be submitted electronically. The document will be dated the

month and year that it is submitted to the grantor.

w. The Office of Economic Adjustment reserves the right to reproduce, publish, use, and

authorize others to use copyrighted works or other data developed under this assistance

agreement for federal purposes.

x. The decision of the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment in interpreting

the Terms and Conditions of this Agreement shall be final.


May 11, 2017

Appendix A – Cover Sheet

Submitting Entity: _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________ _______________

Signature of Entity Principal Date

Request for Proposals Response High-Tech Entrepreneurial Support Program

For Warner Robins Metropolitan Area


May 11, 2017

Appendix B – Bidder Qualification Form

Legal Contractual Name of Organization: ___________________________________________________

Corporate Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, and Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________

Contact Person for Proposal: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _______________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________Fax: ____________________________________

Federal Tax Identification Number: ________________________________________________________

Description of Organization Structure: _____________________________________________________

Names and Titles of Board Members/Directors

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________


May 11, 2017

Appendix C – Information Release Form

I, __________________________, on behalf of ______________________________________ do hereby

authorize the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to obtain from past clients named herein of the firm:

any records or information pertaining to past programs that have been administered by the firm. This

information is for the sole purpose of evaluating the qualifications of the firm to perform the technical

assistance and training most closely related to the aerospace and defense sectors.

I understand that my authorization will remain effective from the date of my signature until June 30, 2018,

and that the information obtained will be handled confidentially and in compliance with all applicable

laws. I understand that I may revoke this authorization at any time by written and dated communication.

I have read and understand the nature of this release.

_____________________________________________ ________________

_____________________________________________ ________________

(Principal of Firm) (Name of Firm)

(List former clients)

Signature of Principal of Firm Date

Witness Date

Documents

Request for Proposals - MiddleGeorgiaRC · 2017-06-06 · Request for Proposals High-Tech Entrepreneurial Support Program for Warner Robins Metropolitan Area 4 May 11, 2017 Program