RFP 387 - PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE BRIDGES

Request for Proposal - Number 387
for
Pedestrian and Bike Bridges
on the
Wildlife and Conservation Corridor
Jekyll Island, Georgia
__________
Date Issued:
June 16, 2026
__________
Deadline to Submit Proposals:
Friday, July 27, 2026
3:00 P.M. Eastern
RFP No. 387 Page 1 of 22

Section 1
General Background and Project Information
1.1 Overview.
This Request for Proposal ("RFP") is an invitation by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, a
public corporation and instrumentality of the State of Georgia, (the "JIA") to qualified and experienced
contractors to submit proposals for the construction of Four (4) pedestrian and bike bridges (the, "Project")
located within Jekyll Island's new wildlife conservation corridor (the "Property").
Information on the requested Project concept and the Property is provided in the Exhibits attached to
this RFP, and which are incorporated herein for all purposes.
The goal of this RFP is to select a partner who will further the development of Jekyll Island's
newest conservation project. This Project offers the successful respondent a unique opportunity to leave a
lasting impression on a true Jekyll Island treasure.
JIA will review and evaluate all responsive proposals submitted in a timely manner in accordance
with this RFP, and, following evaluation, JIA personnel will make a preliminary recommendation to the
JIA Board of Directors (the "Board") for consideration and approval. Subject to and following Board
approval, JIA personnel and the successful respondent will enter into a contract for the Project (the
"Contract") on JIA's standard terms. The successful respondent will be required to coordinate construction
and operational plans with JIA, including, JIA's conservation department and other personnel to ensure the
Project minimizes impact to the natural environment and is built to specification.
1.2 Background on Jekyll Island and the JIA.
(a) Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is a unique, state-owned barrier island that balances conserving
and preserving natural, historic, and cultural resources with providing accessible,
affordable recreation, vacation, and educational opportunities for the people of Georgia
and beyond. Surrounded by picturesque marshes and breathtaking oceanfront, Jekyll Island
is a peaceful coastal habitat. The barrier island contains one of the few remaining intact
maritime forests on the Eastern seaboard. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, Jekyll
Island was explored by the French and Spanish and first settled by the English. From early
settlers to America's social elite to today's explorers, this special barrier island has
captured imaginations for generations. Now a top ranked tourist destination, Jekyll Island
hosts more than 3.5 million visitors annually.
(b) Jekyll Island Authority. Recognizing that the natural beauty and vibrant history of Jekyll
Island set it apart from any other coastal destination, the Governor and the Georgia General
Assembly established Jekyll Island as a state park in 1947, entrusting its care and
preservation to the Jekyll Island State Park Authority (often referred to simply as the
"Jekyll Island Authority") in 1950 through an act of the Georgia General Assembly. Since
its inception, JIA has conserved Jekyll Island's natural and historic resources, while
ensuring it remains an inviting destination for residents and guests. Today, JIA is a self-
supporting state entity responsible for the management and stewardship of Jekyll Island.
(c) Wildlife Conservation Corridor. In 2022, the JIA approved a Golf Improvement Master
Plan. Part of that plan included decommissioning 9 holes of the former Oleander course
and creating a wildlife conservation corridor. Creation of the corridor has given JIA the
unique opportunity to restore approximately 50 acres of land within the interior mid-island
area of Jekyll Island. Once complete the wildlife conservation corridor will include a
RFP No. 387 Page 2 of 22

network of trails and points of interest for visitors to explore. Part of that network will
include the four bridge crossings which are the subject of this RFP.
1.3 Property Information. The Property and site for the Project are more particularly shown on
Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes.
1.4 Jekyll Island Contract Structure. Upon award of the Project by the Board, JIA will enter into a
contract for the services contemplated herein this RFP with the successful respondent on terms
mutually agreeable to both parties and in accordance with this RFP and the successful proposal.
All respondents should take note that JIA, as a public corporation and instrumentality of the State
of Georgia, is bound by certain provisions of Georgia law regarding contracting with a state entity,
including but not limited to, provisions regarding indemnity, liability, and insurance requirements.
As part of the contracting process, JIA may require the following:
(a) Guaranty. JIA may require one or more principals of the successful Respondent, or third
parties of sufficient means and creditworthiness, to guarantee the full, faithful, and prompt
performance of all obligations under the Contract. Respondent should consider this
contingency in its proposal.
(b) Background Checks and References. JIA may conduct a background and reference check,
including a credit check, on the successful Respondent and any principals or key employees
with significant managerial or operational roles, prior to executing the Contract.
Respondents should be prepared to provide authorization for background checks, character
references, and financial references (e.g., from institutional lenders) upon request.
(c) Business Authorizations. The successful Respondent must meet all legal requirements to
do business in and contract with the State of Georgia prior to JIA executing the Contract,
including, without limitation, participation in verification of lawful presence verification
(i.e., E-Verify), workers' compensation insurance programs, Drug-Free Workplace
requirements, and other requirements for contracting with state entities. The successful
Respondent must be able to obtain all required permits or licenses, if any, to satisfactorily
discharge its obligations under the Contract.
1.5 Studies and Reference Materials. The following documents may aid the Respondent in preparing
a responsive proposal:
(a) 2021 Jekyll Island Master Plan: https://www.jekyllisland.com/
authority/documents/master-plan/
(b) 2022 Golf Improvement Plan: https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/documents/golf-
improvement-plan/
(c) 2018 Jekyll Island Carrying Capacity & Infrastructure Assessment:
https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/documents/jekyll-island-carrying-capacity-
infrastructure-assessment/
(d) 2020 Jekyll Island Conservation Plan:
https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/documents/jekyll-island-conservation-plan/
(e) 2025 Oleander Golf Course Restoration Plan:
https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/documents/oleander-golf-course-restoration-plan/
(f) Other Helpful Documents: https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/documents/
RFP No. 387 Page 3 of 22

Section 2
Process
2.1 Tentative Schedule of Events. This schedule of events represents JIA's best estimate of the
schedule that will be followed. Delays may occur that may necessitate adjustments to the proposed
schedule, and if a component of this schedule is delayed, JIA may adjust the remainder of the
schedule appropriately. JIA will give notice via email to prospective respondents (each a
"Respondent") who have requested notice via email of any such adjustment and post the same to
the JIA website at https://www.jekyllisland.com/authority/rfps/ (the "JIA Website").
Description Date and Time
RFP Issued June 16, 2026
Written Questions and Requests for July 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Clarification Due
Responses to Written Questions and July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Requests for Clarifications Posted
Proposals Due ("Close Date") July 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Proposal Evaluation Completed One to Three Weeks after Close Date
(on or about)
Respondent Interviews One to Three Weeks after Close Date
Notice of Intent to Award One to Three Weeks after Close Date
(emailed) (on or about)
Consideration and Approval of the August 18, 2026
Recommended Proposal by JIA Board of
Directors
Deadline to file Protest of Award 5 calendar days after JIA Board Approval or within
10 calendar days after the Protester knows or
should have known of the occurrence of the action
under Protest, whichever is earlier
2.2 Respondent Questions and Inquiries. Following the posting of this RFP, Respondents may
submit written questions and requests for clarification on a rolling basis via email to Yank Moore
at ymoore@jekyllisland.com. JIA will respond in writing to written questions and post the
responses on the JIA Website. If answers to submitted questions materially change the conditions
and specifications of this RFP, JIA will send notice via email to Respondents who have requested
notice via email and post an amendment or update to the RFP on the JIA Website. JIA personnel
will not respond to questions except in writing, and no oral statement regarding this RFP will be
binding on JIA. Respondents must include their company names and contact information when
submitting questions and requests for clarification. Respondents may not contact JIA personnel
(including members of the JIA Board of Directors) regarding this RFP other than as expressly
provided in this RFP. Failure to abide by these restrictions and procedures may result in the
disqualification of the offending Respondent.
2.3 Pre-Proposal Inspections. Respondents may have the opportunity to conduct inspections of the
Property (each, an "Inspection") prior to submitting a proposal for the Project by contacting Yank
Moore at ymoore@jekyllisland.com to schedule an appointment. Recent photography of the
Property is available in an attached Exhibit.
RFP No. 387 Page 4 of 22

2.4 Negotiations. JIA may negotiate, verbally or in writing, with the Respondent(s) whose proposal(s)
is/are determined to be most advantageous to JIA. Such Respondent(s) may be asked to submit a
revised written proposal. However, JIA reserves the right to accept a proposal as submitted;
accordingly, it is imperative that all Respondents present their best proposals in their initial
submittals.
2.5 JIA's Right to Request Additional Information. Prior to award, JIA must be assured that the
selected Respondent is reasonably likely to successfully perform the obligations outlined in its
proposal and those contained in the Contract. This assurance may include, but is not limited to,
evidence of sufficient personnel with required skills, expertise, and experience to perform;
sufficient capital, financial resources, and creditworthiness to perform; and prior experience and
success in similar endeavors. In addition to any information submitted by a Respondent as part of
a proposal, JIA may require the Respondent to submit additional information that JIA deems
reasonably necessary to provide the above assurance of the Respondent's reasonable likelihood of
performance. Respondents will respond promptly to any such request for additional information
within the time stated by JIA for such response.
2.6 Notice of Intent to Award. After determining the proposal, if any, most advantageous to JIA (the
"Recommended Proposal"), JIA personnel will give Notice of Intent to Award to the successful
Respondent. The Notice of Intent to Award does not constitute a binding agreement; instead, it
serves as notice to the successful Respondent that JIA intends to submit the Recommended
Proposal to the Board for consideration and approval of the award.
2.7 Approval by JIA Board of Directors. Following the Notice of Intent to Award, JIA personnel
will present the Recommended Proposal and its evaluation to the Board for consideration and
approval at a Board meeting. The Board's approval, if any, will be given to that Respondent whose
proposal will be most advantageous to JIA as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. The
Board's approval of the Recommended Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement. In the
event the Board does not approve the Recommended Proposal, JIA may request the successful
Respondent revise or amend its proposal to address any deficiencies or other elements noted by the
Board.
RFP No. 387 Page 5 of 22

Section 3
Proposal Evaluation and Award Factors
3.1 JIA will evaluate only timely submitted proposals responsive to the terms of this RFP. JIA will
determine the proposal that offers the best value to JIA, based on the general factors outlined in
this RFP. In evaluating proposals, JIA may utilize a review team that may include one or more JIA
employees and outside individuals, including contractors, design professionals, historic
preservationists, and other people.
3.2 On the Close Date, JIA will open timely submitted proposals and determine whether proposals are
responsive to the RFP; proposals determined to be non-responsive will be eliminated from further
consideration.
3.3 JIA will evaluate the Respondent's qualifications, expertise, and experience. Respondent, and any
principal or key employee of Respondent, and any principal or key employee of any contractor,
subcontractor or similar person necessary for Respondent's performance of the proposal, consents
to and will authorize JIA to contact any person or organization, including conducting a criminal
and financial background check, in order to make inquiries into the fitness, character, expertise,
financial stability or other qualifications of such person regarding his, her or its ability to perform.
3.4 JIA may interview select Respondents and may request additional information to further evaluate
proposals.
3.5 JIA will evaluate responsive proposals for substantive content. The following are general factors
JIA may consider:
(a) Quality and completeness of the proposal package;
(b) Qualifications, experience, and track record of Respondent and Respondent's project team,
including any past work with JIA and other governmental entities;
(c) Demonstrated financial resources, creditworthiness, and capacity to perform;
(d) Cost of the Project, to include any anticipated costs to JIA;
(e) Anticipated compatibility with JIA and third-party business operations on Jekyll Island;
(f) Demonstrated understanding of Jekyll Island, the importance of the Project to the overall
success of Jekyll Island, and the suitability of the Project as it relates to the larger goals
and mission of the JIA;
(g) Quality and responsiveness of the Respondent's interview presentation and responses to
interviewers' questions;
(h) Viability of Respondent's proposed timeline for Project deliverables, including
implementation and operation, and Respondent's commitment and capability to work
expeditiously and collaboratively with the JIA to implement the project.
(i) Overall best fit for Jekyll Island based on all factors.
3.6 Where JIA determines that no proposal, if accepted, would be in the best interest of JIA, JIA may
cancel the RFP.
RFP No. 387 Page 6 of 22

Section 4
Instructions to Respondents for Submitting Proposals
4.1 Proposal Contents. Each proposal must contain at least the following information:
(a) Cover Letter. The cover letter should summarize the Respondent's company and key
elements of the Respondent's proposal.
(b) General Background and Relevant Experience.
(1) Respondent's Background. Describe the background, history, and core
competencies of Respondent's company, principals, and key employees of Respondent's
business and development team(s) and any contractor, subcontractor, or similar person(s)
necessary for Respondent's performance of the proposal. Include resumes or CVs where
appropriate.
(2) Relevant Experience and Projects. Describe in detail prior projects or work history
relevant to this RFP, including any work performed for JIA or concerning Jekyll Island
within the last ten years.
(c) Statement of Project Understanding. Briefly describe the concept and scope of the Project
proposal and the benefits to Jekyll Island.
(d) Detailed Proposal. Include the cost and other sufficient details to allow JIA to evaluate the
merits and feasibility of the proposal, the viability of the proposal, and its suitability for
implementation as contemplated herein.
(e) Project Schedule. Include a detailed estimated timeline for the Project from award of the
RFP through Project completion. While not required, a Gantt Chart outlining key tasks and
estimated durations is suggested. Also include a statement of any anticipated requirements
or contingencies likely to affect the estimated Project timeline.
(f) Any other information Respondent deems pertinent for consideration.
4.2 Preparing the Proposal. Respondent should carefully review all provisions and attachments of
this RFP prior to submitting its proposal. All proposals must be:
(a) Typewritten on standard letter-sized paper (e.g., 8-1/2" x 11"), except for schematics,
elevations, exhibits, photographs, and other graphical submittals, which may be submitted
in standard dimensions based on the document type.
(b) Signed by Respondent's authorized representative as to any documents requiring signature.
(c) Initialed and dated by Respondent's authorized signatory as to any corrections, erasures,
or addenda.
(d) Complete and containing all required information described in this RFP.
4.3 Submitting the Proposal.
(a) Proposals may be submitted via mail or hand delivery to
Jekyll Island Authority
ATTN: Yank Moore, Director of Conservation
100 James Road
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
RFP No. 387 Page 7 of 22

(b) Proposals must be submitted in sealed opaque envelopes, plainly marked with the
following:
RFP # 387
[Name of Respondent]
[Respondent's Point of Contact Preferred Email Address and Phone Number]
(c) Proposal envelopes must contain five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (in PDF
format on removable media) of the complete proposal with all supporting exhibits and
documents.
(d) Proposals must be received by JIA on or before the Close Date. Proposals not received by
the Close Date will not be opened or considered.
RFP No. 387 Page 8 of 22

Section 5
Protest
5.1 Right of Protest; Burden of Proof. Any Respondent who submitted a proposal and is aggrieved
or adversely affected by a decision of JIA regarding the award of this RFP (the "Protester") may
file a protest of that award (the "Protest") in accordance with this Section 5 challenging a violation
of applicable law or a material deviation in the proposal award procedures (but excluding the
evaluation and scoring of a proposal). No Protest shall lie with regard to an award unless the
Protester shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that:
(a) The proposal award process violated applicable law; OR,
(b) There was a material deviation from the process required by the RFP; AND,
(c) The material deviation provided the putative successful Respondent with a competitive
advantage not possessed by Protester; AND,
(d) But for the deviation, Protester's proposal would have been the Recommended Proposal.
5.2 Time for Filing Protest. Protests must be filed within the time period stated in Section 2.1,
Tentative Schedule of Events. A Protest is considered filed when received by the Executive
Director at the offices of JIA. Incomplete or untimely filed Protests will not be valid or considered.
5.3 Form of Protest.
(a) Protests must be in writing and filed in duplicate.
(b) Protests must be signed by the authorized representative of the Protester and must include
at minimum the following:
(1) The name and address of the Protester;
(2) A statement with particular facts and grounds identifying the basis for the Protest,
including citation to any applicable laws;
(3) Supporting exhibits, evidence or documents to substantiate the Protest unless not
available within the filing time; in which case the expected availability date shall be
indicated. If a future expected availability date is given, the Protester must supplement the
Protest when the additional materials become available and must indicate on the materials
submitted that they are "supplemental" and indicate whether the submission of the
materials constitutes the final submission of materials for the Protest (unless requested to
submit additional materials by the Executive Director). Provided, however, that the
Executive Director shall not be prohibited from making a decision on a Protest prior to
receipt of final Protest materials from the Protester; and
(4) The form of relief requested.
5.4 Delivery of Protest. Protests must be mailed or hand delivered to the following address and marked
as follows:
PROTEST - RFP # 387
Attn: Executive Director
Jekyll Island Authority
100 James Road
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
RFP No. 387 Page 9 of 22

5.5 Stay of Award During Protest. When a valid Protest has been timely filed, JIA will cease further
action on the RFP until a final decision on the Protest has been issued by the Executive Director.
Provided, however, where JIA determines in writing that an award without delay is necessary under
the circumstances to protect the its interests, JIA may proceed with the award during the pendency
of and subject to the Protest.
5.6 Information on Protests. JIA will, upon receipt of written request, make available to any interested
party information submitted that bears on the substance of the Protest except where such
information is permitted or required to be withheld by applicable law. JIA may, at its discretion
and without obligation, provide the putative successful Respondent an opportunity to review and
respond to the Protest.
5.7 Decision on Protest.
(a) The Executive Director or his designee will review all timely filed Protests meeting the
submittal requirements of this Section 5. Where the Executive Director determines the
Protester has met its burden of proof, the Executive Director will issue a written decision
on the Protest within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Protest. The Executive Director
will determine the appropriate remedy or remedies for a successful Protest, subject to
Section 5.8. Remedies may be cumulative and include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Modification of the solicitation document and extension of the solicitation period;
(2) Cancellation of the solicitation;
(3) Cancellation of the selection or the award of contract; or
(4) Any other action allowed by applicable law.
5.8 Appeal to the Board.
(a) The Protester may within ten (10) days after receipt of the decision by the Executive
Director, submit an appeal to the Board; provided, however, no appeal will lie for a Protest
not timely filed.
(b) The appeal must contain a short and plain statement of the basis for the appeal and the
relief requested, together with a copy of the original Protest and a copy of the decision of
the Executive Director.
(c) The appeal must be mailed or hand delivered to the following address and marked as
follows:
PROTEST APPEAL - RFP # 387
Chairman, Board of Directors
Jekyll Island Authority
100 James Road
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
(d) Protester may request a hearing before the Board, but it shall be within the discretion of
the Board to grant a hearing. If granted, the Board may establish a reasonable procedure
for the conduct of such hearing not in conflict with applicable law, including, by
conducting the hearing by telephonic or video means and setting reasonable time limits for
presentation and argument.
RFP No. 387 Page 10 of 22