KSU - Project No. 555-27-058 ¿Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update¿

Kennesaw State University
Request for Qualifications
(Step I)
and
Request for Fee Proposal & Interviews
(Step II)
___________________
To Provide
Professional Consultant Services
for
Project No. 555-27-058
"Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update"
Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia
Solicitation Issue Date: September 22, 2026
Qualifications Packages Due: October 15, 2026
Kennesaw State University, 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update RFQ

TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEP I - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
2. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
4. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS
5. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP I)
6. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS
7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
8. STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
9. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
10. FINALIST NOTIFICATION
STEP II - REQUEST FOR FEE PROPOSALS (from Qualified Finalists) & INTERVIEWS
1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (STEP II)
2. PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT
3. SELECTION PROCESS
4. SUBMITTAL OF FEE PROPOSALS
5. PRESENTATION / INTERVIEW INFORMATION
6. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
EXHIBITS
a. Exhibit A - Certification Form
b. Exhibit B - Certificate of Insurance and Minority Status
c. Exhibit C - Project Team Composition
d. Exhibit D - Design Professional Fee Proposal Form
e. Exhibit E - Contractor Affidavit
f. Exhibit F - Proposer's Disclosure Statement
g. Exhibit G - KSU USG Building and Room Summary
h. Exhibit H - Current KSU Design and Construction Standards
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 1

STEP I
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Consultant Services
Project No. 555-25-341
"Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update"
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia
Kennesaw State University ("KSU") as ("Owner"), is soliciting statements of Qualifications from firms interested
in providing Professional Consultant ("PC") services for master planning for a project known as Project No. 555-
25-341, "Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update" at Kennesaw State University,
Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify potential providers of
the above-mentioned services. Some firms that respond to this RFQ, who are determined by the Owner to be
especially qualified, may be deemed eligible and may be invited to interview for these services. All respondents
to this RFQ are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned to completely review
the entire RFQ and follow instructions carefully. KSU reserves the right to reject any or all statements of
qualifications or proposals, and to waive technicalities and informalities at their discretion.
1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Background
Kennesaw State University (KSU) maintains Design and Construction Standards and Technical Specifications
that establish requirements for the planning, design, construction, renovation, and turnover of campus
facilities and infrastructure. The current standards program was developed in 2019 and received limited
updates in 2025. The program consists of approximately 400 pages of design standards, CSI MasterFormat
specifications, appendices, and supporting documentation maintained in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.
As the University's facilities, technologies, operational requirements, and sustainability initiatives have
evolved, KSU has identified the need to comprehensively evaluate and modernize its standards program.
Several sections of the existing standards require significant review and updating, including information
technology infrastructure, audiovisual systems, electronic access control, life safety systems, and special
conditions requirements. Additionally, portions of the University's CSI MasterFormat specifications are
outdated, incomplete, and inconsistently maintained.
The University intends to utilize a balanced standards approach that incorporates both prescriptive and
performance-based requirements. While consistency across campus is a primary objective, many projects
involve renovations, additions, and modifications to existing facilities where flexibility is necessary to
accommodate existing building conditions, infrastructure constraints, and operational needs.
KSU recognizes that many aspects of the existing standards program continue to provide value and support
University operations. Accordingly, the intent of this project is not simply to replace existing standards but
to thoughtfully evaluate and modernize them. The University seeks a standards program that builds upon
successful existing practices while incorporating current industry best practices and maintaining flexibility
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 2

to accommodate future advancements in technology, sustainability, facility operations, and project
delivery.
The updated standards program shall align with and support the University's Campus Master Plan and
Sustainability Master Plan. The consultant should also consider anticipated utility, stormwater, and
landscape master planning initiatives that are expected to be completed in Summer 2027 and incorporate
recommendations that support future integration of those planning efforts into the standards program.
The University seeks to transition from a document-based standards library to a living, web-based standards
platform utilizing Microsoft SharePoint. The updated program shall include a sustainable governance
framework, version control procedures, annual review processes, and administrative tools that support the
ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement of the standards program.
Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) will serve as the owner and administrator of the standards program,
with guidance and input provided through a permanent Standards Review Committee representing key
campus stakeholders.
Project Goals and Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to create a comprehensive, consistent, and maintainable Design and
Construction Standards program that establishes clear expectations at the beginning of each project and
supports informed decision-making throughout planning, design, construction, and operations.
The updated standards program should:
Establish clear and consistent requirements for design consultants, contractors, and University
stakeholders.
Reduce project risk, late-stage design changes, and construction change orders resulting from
evolving requirements, improving campus-wide user experience across facilities and infrastructure.
Support consistency in building systems, materials, equipment, finishes, and operational
practices where appropriate.
Reduce total cost of ownership by balancing initial construction costs with long-term
maintenance, repair, replacement, and operational considerations.
Improve facility maintainability and support the long-term stewardship of University assets.
Modernize and standardize CSI MasterFormat technical specifications.
Support current operational needs while remaining adaptable to future technologies,
sustainability initiatives, and industry best practices.
Establish a structured process for evaluating design exceptions and future standards revisions.
Sustainable Approach
The project will incorporate the requirements of the Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Construction Act of
2008 (O.C.G.A. 50-8-18) and it is the desire of the Owner to incorporate sustainable design and construction
concepts in the project where feasible to do so. KSU Sustainability Master Plan is provided for reference for
finalists.
Professional Consultant Fee
The Professional Consultant Base Fee is expected to fall between $250,000 and $325,000. Anticipated
Professional Consultant service requirements include the services listed in Item 3 below, "Scope of
Services". Shortlisted firms must submit a fee proposal that includes anticipated fees for any specialty
consultants needed and all reimbursable expenses, such as printing and travel, prior to scheduled Finalist
Interviews.
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 3

Project Schedule
The Consultant shall complete all services and final deliverables within six (6) months of Notice to Proceed.
The Professional's services are anticipated to commence prior to December 7, 2026, with final standards
documents, technical specifications, governance framework, and associated deliverables anticipated for
completion by June 7, 2027. (All of the dates above are estimates which are subject to change. The fee
structure for Professional Consultant services relative to the schedule and fee amounts will be agreed upon
by the Owner and the Professional Consultant prior to the start of professional services.)
2. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES REQUIREMENTS
The Owner is seeking the services of a multidisciplinary consulting team (the "Consultant") to provide all
services, including the initial analysis, standards development, process documentation, and final
documents. The successful Professional Consultant will contract with the Owner in a timely manner. The
consultant team is expected to be in person for major milestone engagements and presentations.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Base Scope
Kennesaw State University ("KSU" or "the University") seeks qualified consulting services to conduct a
comprehensive evaluation, update, modernization, and implementation planning effort for the
University's Design and Construction Standards and Technical Specifications program.
Given the scale and diversity of the University's facilities portfolio, consisting of approximately 137
buildings across two campuses encompassing almost 8.5 million gross square feet, KSU has determined
that it is appropriate to engage a professional services firm with demonstrated experience in higher
education standards development, stakeholder engagement, facilities planning, technical specification
development, and standards governance.
This effort aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable standards program that supports consistent
project delivery and long-term asset stewardship. The resulting standards shall support the planning,
design, construction, renovation, commissioning, turnover, operation, maintenance, and future renewal
of university facilities and infrastructure.
A primary objective of this effort is to establish and document stakeholder requirements early in the
project delivery process to reduce uncertainty, minimize redesign, and decrease change orders resulting
from evolving requirements during design and construction. The selected consultant shall perform a
comprehensive, ground-up assessment of the University's existing Design and Construction Standards,
Technical Specifications, procedures, supporting documentation, and related processes through a
structured discovery and stakeholder engagement process. The effort shall include document review,
stakeholder interviews, facilitated workshops, benchmarking, gap analysis, and development of
recommendations to identify current requirements, operational priorities, conflicts, redundancies, and
opportunities for improvement.
The consultant shall engage representatives from Planning, Design and Construction, IT, AV,
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Door Access and Security Systems, Facilities and Plant Operations,
Grounds and Landscaping, Fire and Life Safety, Interior Design, Environmental Graphics, the Office of
Sustainability, Parking and Transportation, Space Strategy, the Office of Research, Public Safety, and other
campus units identified during the discovery process. The standards should establish requirements that
are:
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 4

1. Compatible with the architectural character and planning objectives of the University.
2. Consistent with the design guidelines established in the Campus Master Plan.
3. Energy-efficient, resilient, and supportive of the University's sustainability goals.
4. Efficient and economical to construct, operate, maintain, repair, and replace.
5. Durable, comfortable, safe, secure, and capable of delivering long-term value.
6. Adaptable to emerging technologies and evolving academic, operational, and facility
requirements.
7. Consistent with the University's goals for maintenance, operations, lifecycle performance,
and user experience.
The scope shall include the review, development, organization, and modernization of standards for both
new construction and renovation projects, including but not limited to:
Architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection
systems.
Utility and site infrastructure systems.
Sustainability, resiliency, and energy performance requirements.
Commissioning, building turnover, warranty management, and project closeout
requirements.
Space standards for offices, classrooms, and building support spaces such as storage,
custodial, cleaning equipment storage, MDF, IDF, and other spaces for operations and
maintenance.
Restroom design standards and accessibility requirements.
Information technology, telecommunications, audiovisual, security, and low-voltage
infrastructure.
Door hardware, electronic access control, and life safety systems.
Room numbering, wayfinding, and interior and exterior signage standards.
Landscaping, irrigation, site furnishings, sidewalks, pavers, hardscape elements, and site
development standards.
Materials and systems selection criteria emphasizing durability, maintainability, lifecycle
value, and campus consistency.
Deliverable requirements, BIM/CAD standards, record documents, and digital project
documentation.
Owner-furnished and contractor-furnished equipment coordination requirements.
CSI MasterFormat Technical Specifications, including the development, modernization,
organization, and completion of University requirements and preferred products where
appropriate.
The consultant shall develop complete CSI MasterFormat-based technical specifications and associated
design standards for incorporation into future University construction projects. Recommendations shall
identify preferred products, manufacturers, systems, and design approaches where appropriate to
improve consistency and overall campus operations. The resulting standards shall establish a consistent
framework for project delivery while allowing appropriate flexibility to address existing building
conditions, phased renovations, infrastructure limitations, and project-specific circumstances.
In addition to technical standards and specifications, the consultant shall provide recommendations,
tools, and implementation strategies to support the long-term governance and administration of the
standards program, including:
Development of a framework for a living standards platform utilizing Microsoft
SharePoint or a similar application that allows the University to maintain and edit the standards
moving forward
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 5

Version control, document management, and standards update procedures.
Standards governance structure, ownership responsibilities, and administrative processes.
Annual review, maintenance, and continuous improvement procedures.
Design exception request forms, variance request forms, standards revision request
forms, approval workflows, and supporting documentation templates.
Change management and implementation planning.
User training and adoption strategies for University staff.
Draft Review
The Consultant shall submit deliverables at established milestones and conduct stakeholder review
workshops to present findings, obtain feedback, and refine proposed standards and specifications.
The Consultant shall document comments received during each review cycle and provide a comment
disposition matrix identifying how comments were incorporated, modified, or rejected in subsequent
submissions.
4. QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW PROCESS
Selection of the PC will be a multi-step process generally following the steps outlined in the State
Construction Manual.
Qualifications Review is initiated with this RFQ for the purpose of acquiring Statements of Qualifications
from prospective PC firms. A selection of finalist firms will be made by a Selection Committee consisting of
representatives of the Owner. The Selection Committee will receive and review Statements of
Qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ and then evaluate the submittals based on the criteria for
evaluation listed below:
Criteria for Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications
25% Factor: Stability of the firm, including the firm's corporate history, growth, resources, form of
ownership, litigation history, financial information, and other evidence of stability.
45% Factor: Firm's relevant project experience and qualifications, including the quality of services,
client satisfaction, ability to meet established schedules and budgets, effectiveness of stakeholder
engagement, development of design and construction standards, technical specifications, governance
frameworks, and implementation of comparable institutional standards programs.
30% Factor: Firm's apparent suitability to provide services for project the firm's apparent fit to the
project type and/or needs of the Owner, contract administration plan, proposed timeline, any unique
qualifications for the project, current and projected workloads, and the proximity of office to project
location. Experience supporting higher education institutions and other complex organizations through the
development of standards programs, technical specifications, facilities guidelines, governance frameworks,
and stakeholder engagement initiatives
A. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - (STEP I)
The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner's best estimate of the schedule that will be
followed. All times indicated are prevailing times in Atlanta, Georgia. The Owner reserves the right to adjust
the schedule as the Owner deems necessary.
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 6

RFQ Estimated Timeline
a. Owner issues public advertisement of RFQ 09/22/26 -----
b. Deadline for written questions/requests for clarification (see Section 6). 10/1/26 10:00am
c. Response to questions 10/08/26
d. Deadline for submission of Statements of Qualifications 10/15/26 10:00am
e. Owner completes evaluation, post results, and issues notification to finalist
10/22/26 -----
firms
6. SUBMITTAL OF QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS
Each respondent must examine the entire RFQ, seek clarification in writing, and review its submittal for
accuracy before submitting the document. Once the submittal deadline has passed, all submissions will be
final. The Owner will not request clarification from individual proposers regarding their submission but
reserves the right to ask for additional information from all parties who have submitted qualifications.
Questions about any aspect of the RFQ, or the project, shall be submitted by email to: Whitney Kemp,
Senior Capital Planner, email: wkemp7@kennesaw.edu
The deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFQ is the time and date shown in the Schedule
of Events (Section 5). All relevant questions and requests for clarification received by the Institution in
writing, prior to the deadline will be compiled, and answers will be posted on the Georgia Procurement
Registry as an addendum to the original solicitation for services at http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/.
7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Interested firms shall submit/upload one (1) electronic copy in .pdf format of the complete Qualifications
package to a "Filedrop" file transfer website (see #8 below). Submittals must be prepared in a manner that
fits a standard 8 12" x 11" paper format when printed. Responses are limited to using a minimum of an 11-
point font. The entire response shall not exceed 40 pages, including exhibits, affidavits or other enclosure
information that may be included in an appendix. All pages count regardless of content. Submittals that
include qualifications of more than one firm shall not exceed page limits. Submittals that exceed the page
limit will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered by the Selection Committee.
8. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
(DELIVERABLES "A", "B", "C", and "D" )
Emphasis should be on completeness, relevance, and clarity of content. The content of all Statement of
Qualifications must be categorized and numbered as outlined below, and responsive to all requested
information.
A. Description and Resources of Firm
A1. Provide basic company information: Company's legal name, address, name of primary contact,
telephone number, fax number, email address, and company website (if available). If the firm has multiple
offices, the qualification statement shall include information about the parent company and branch office
separately. Identify the office from which the project will be managed and this office's proximity to the
project site. If applicable, indicate the year the local office was established and the number of persons
staffing that office and their disciplines. Provide form of ownership, including state of residency or
incorporation, and number of years in business. Is the offeror a sole proprietorship, partnership,
corporation, Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), or other structure?
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 7

A2. Briefly describe the history and growth of your firm(s). Provide general information about the firm's
personnel resources, including disciplines and numbers of employees and locations and staffing of offices.
A3. Has the firm been involved in any litigation in the past five (5) years? Describe your experience with
litigation with Owners and/or Contractors. List any active or pending litigation and explain. List any claims
against your firm or against Owners where your firm is named.
A4. Provide the name of the insurance carrier, types of coverage and deductible amounts per claim.
A5. List the firm's annual revenue for the past 5 years. List the parent office and the local office revenues
separately, if applicable.
A6. Supply financial references and main banking references.
A7. Has the firm ever been removed from a design services contract or failed to complete a contract as
assigned? If yes, provide an explanation.
A8. Complete and submit the Certification Form (Exhibit "A" provided with RFQ) and provide a scanned
notarized copy with response with the firm's Statement of Qualifications.
A9. Complete and submit a Certificate of Insurance and Minority Status Form (Exhibit "B" provided with
RFQ) and provide a scanned notarized copy with the response and the firm's Statement of Qualifications.
A10. Complete and submit the Project Team Composition Form, including subconsultants (Exhibit "C"
provided with RFQ). This identifies the composition of the project team.
A11. Complete the Contractor Affidavit Form (Exhibit "E" provided with RFQ) and provide a scanned
notarized copy with response with the firm's Statement of Qualifications in compliance with the Georgia
Security and Immigration Compliance Act.
GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT(S)
"Contractor" in the following Affidavits shall mean "General Contractor"/ "Contractor" for the purpose of
compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, (b).
For the purpose of completing the attached Affidavits, please insert the following:
"Name of Public Employer" shall mean "Kennesaw State University, Owner".
"Name of Project" shall mean "Project No. 555-27-058" and "Design, Construction Standards, and
Technical Specifications Update"
A12. Complete the Proposer's Disclosure Statement (Exhibit "F" provided with RFQ) and include with firm's
Statement of Qualifications.
B. Experience and Qualifications
B1. Describe your proposed project team (including project partners) and include an organizational chart
of the team indicating the percentages of time the individual will be committed to the project. Identify the
primary point of contact. Designate the specific individuals who will fill key roles on the team. Provide a
resume for each of the proposed team members highlighting relevant project experience.
B2. Provide information on three (3) to five (5) projects demonstrating the firm's experience developing,
updating, implementing, or governing design standards, construction standards, technical specifications, or
similar institutional guidelines. Projects should be listed from most relevant to least relevant. If performed
by personnel at a previous firm, indicate the individual's role and former employer. For each project,
provide:
Project Information: Project name, client, location, and completion date.
Project Description: Brief overview of the engagement, including the size and complexity of the
institution or organization served.
Services Provided: Describe services performed, including standards assessment, stakeholder
engagement, benchmarking, standards development, CSI specification development, governance
frameworks, web-based standards platforms, and implementation support, as applicable.
Stakeholder Engagement: Summarize stakeholder groups involved and the firm's approach to
gathering input and building consensus.
Outcomes: Describe measurable results, such as improved consistency, reduced change orders,
standardized systems, improved maintainability, or reduced lifecycle costs.
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 8

Client Reference: Provide the client's representative name, title, organization, phone number, and
email address.
C. Project Approach
C1. Project Approach and Stakeholder Engagement: Provide a statement describing your firm's overall
approach to evaluating, updating, and implementing the University's Design and Construction Standards
and Technical Specifications program. Describe your proposed methodology for conducting stakeholder
engagement, facilitating workshops, gathering and reconciling requirements, benchmarking peer
institutions, and building consensus among diverse campus stakeholders. Describe your approach for
identifying, prioritizing, and resolving conflicting requirements while maintaining project objectives,
schedule commitments, and alignment with University operational needs. Include your proposed
communication plan, meeting structure, and procedures for documenting and tracking stakeholder input,
decisions, and action items.
C2. Work Plan and Schedule: Provide a detailed work plan and project schedule identifying the major tasks,
milestones, deliverables, review periods, and stakeholder workshops associated with the project. The
schedule should clearly identify activities related to discovery, document review, benchmarking, standards
development, technical specification development, governance framework development, draft reviews,
implementation planning, and training. Describe the systems, tools, and procedures your firm uses to
manage project schedules, track deliverables, and incorporate stakeholder feedback throughout the
standards development process.
C3. Standards Development, Governance, and Future Readiness: Describe your approach to developing a
standards program that balances current University requirements with evolving industry best practices,
emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, operational needs, and future trends in higher education
facilities. Explain how your firm evaluates existing standards to determine which requirements should be
retained, revised, consolidated, or replaced. Describe your experience developing governance frameworks,
standards maintenance procedures, version control processes, exception management workflows, and
web-based standards programs designed to support long-term administration and continuous
improvement.
C4. Sustainability and Lifecycle Value: Describe your approach for incorporating sustainability, resiliency,
maintainability, lifecycle cost considerations, and long-term asset stewardship into the standards
development process. Explain how your recommendations will support the University's goals of reducing
total cost of ownership, improving operational efficiency, and promoting consistency across campus.
D. Statement of Suitability
D1. Unique Qualifications: Describe the characteristics, resources, and experience that distinguish your
firm and make it particularly qualified to provide the services required for this project. Include any
experience with higher education institutions, standards development programs, technical specification
modernization, stakeholder-driven standards initiatives, standards governance, and implementation of
web-based standards platforms. Identify any subconsultants and describe how the combined team is
uniquely positioned to meet the University's objectives.
D2. Relevant Specialized Experience: Describe your firm's experience with projects involving the
development, administration, or modernization of:
Design and Construction Standards
CSI MasterFormat Technical Specifications
Facilities Design Guidelines
Standards Governance Programs
Standards Review Committees
Exception and Variance Management Processes
Asset Management, Maintainability, and Lifecycle Cost Planning
Sustainability and Resiliency Requirements
Kennesaw State University, Project No. 555-27-058-PC, Design, Construction Standards, and Technical Specifications Update PC RFQ 9