GIT_J-458-DP Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering

Board of Regents of the University
System of Georgia
Request for Qualifications
(Step I)
and
Request for Fee Proposal & Interviews
(Step II)
___________________
To Provide
Design Professional Services
for
Project No. J-458
Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
Solicitation Issue Date: June 16, 2026
Qualifications Packages Due: July 07, 2026
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP

TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEP I - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
1. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
2. DESIGN PROFESSIONAL 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. SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
9. 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 - 179D Energy Tax Deduction
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 1

STEP I
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT: Read the document carefully, the selection requirements have changed!
Design Professional Services
Project No. J-458
"Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering"
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia ("BOR") as ("Owner") on behalf of the
Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT"), (User") is soliciting statements of qualifications from firms
interested in providing professional design services for the construction of a project known as Project
No. J-458, "Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering" at Georgia Institute of
Technology, Atlanta, 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 and
offer proposals 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. BOR 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
The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering has resided among the top 5 aerospace
engineering schools in the country (currently #2 for both undergraduate and graduate programs) for
more than a decade - attracting the best minds to study at the Institute and furthering the strength of
the aerospace industry in the State of Georgia. In addition to the school's academic and research
excellence, the school is also one of the fastest growing degree programs on campus with enrollment
increasing by almost 50% since 2020. The school has a critical need for space and new advanced
research and fabrication capabilities to maintain its position as a leader in the industry, and to continue
to attract the very best to the school. The design and construction of a the Daniel Guggenheim School
of Aerospace Engineering, henceforth known as the "project" or "building", will enable and enhance the
objectives stated in GIT's Strategic Plan, including:
* Be a national leader in transformative teaching and learning which prepares students to be
globally engaged leaders who define and solve problems to improve the human condition.
* Expand and enhance research infrastructure for research and creative activity.
* Enhance the experience of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers relative to other
leading research universities.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 2

The core of the existing School of Aerospace Engineering is a group of buildings at the intersection of
Ferst Drive and Cherry Street, including the Daniel F. Guggenheim, Montgomery Knight, Engineering
Science & Mechanics (ESM), and Paul Weber Buildings (I & III). For more than sixty years, the physical
infrastructure within this core has remained essentially unchanged, apart from individual lab upgrades
and cosmetic renovations of the Guggenheim and Weber Buildings. During this time Aerospace
Engineering instruction and research have evolved dramatically leading to an increasing misalignment
between the School and its core facilities. The competitive national environment for top talent demands
access to modern facilities and equipment which this project will provide. The new building will allow
the School to vacate many of the current core facilities enabling their demolition or strategic renovation
and repurposing.
Project Description
The project will serve as a new home for the School of Aerospace Engineering, anchoring the
program's currently dispersed research activities and creating a new gateway to the south side of
campus. The project site is located at the intersection of North Avenue and Tech Parkway, on an
existing park site adjacent to 333 North Avenue. Development of the new building must respond to the
goals outlined in the Georgia Institute of Technology Master Plan and the Campus Landscape Master
Plan. The Institute will evaluate landscape and pedestrian connectivity, and opportunities to integrate
the project into the broader campus framework. These evaluations will ensure that the facility supports
long-term academic and research objectives while strengthening the physical and environmental
character of the central campus district.
The new, student-centered aerospace engineering facility will be a 200,000-square-foot hub designed
to advance the next generation of mobility and autonomy while transforming how the School of
Aerospace Engineering delivers education, conducts research, and engages with industry. More than
a replacement for aging infrastructure, this project represents a complete reimagining of the School's
relationship with its facilities, creating an integrated ecosystem that supports the full lifecycle of
innovation-from concept and design to testing, validation, and real-world application.
The facility will capture the full spectrum of program uses and space types required by the School,
while enabling a shift toward more efficient and standardized office functions and a significant
expansion of spaces dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and exchange. This approach will cultivate
a culture of collaboration not only within the School, but also across the Institute, with industry partners,
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 3

government agencies, startups, and the broader community-positioning Georgia Tech as a central
hub for emerging technologies in aerospace, mobility, and space systems.
At its core, the building is designed to deliver transformative student experiences alongside research,
supporting Georgia Tech's leadership in translating aerospace innovation into real-world impact and
contributing to the continued growth of Georgia's aerospace and space economy.
Guiding Principles
Three key tenets will guide the development of the facility:
* Attract and retain top talent by providing laboratories, offices, and instructional spaces that
support world-class faculty, students, engineers, and scholars
* Promote multidisciplinary collaboration by integrating flexible, connected environments that
support research, design, and coursework across disciplines
* Enable hands-on innovation by creating high-quality, technology-enabled spaces that support
design-build-fly activities, flight testing, experimentation, computation, and simulation
Academic, Research, and Industry Impact
The building will include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and collaborative environments
designed to prepare students for the next generation of aerospace technology and research. It will
provide the infrastructure necessary for the School to lead the development and integration of
advanced aerospace hardware, software, and intelligent systems-enhancing efficiency, safety,
reliability, and environmental performance. The project will strengthen Georgia Tech's position in key
research areas including aerodynamics, aero-elasticity, propulsion and combustion, controls, flight
mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials, optimization, structural dynamics, structural mechanics, and
systems design.
At the same time, it will expand specialty research capabilities through the integration of advanced
facilities such as:
* A multistory drop tower for microgravity experimentation
* High-bay spaces supporting modern wind tunnels and indoor flight laboratories
* State-of-the-art flight simulation environments
* Clean room and mission control facilities for satellite construction and operations
Together, these elements will reinforce the School's leadership in targeted reputational areas while
fostering transformational, multidisciplinary research and supporting technology commercialization.
Student-Centered Design and Experiential Learning
A defining feature of the facility is its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Signature student-
focused environments will include:
* A next-generation makerspace supporting rapid prototyping and design
* Dedicated student competition assembly space for multidisciplinary teams addressing complex,
real-world challenges
* Advanced testing environments, including a wind tunnel and drop tower, integrated into the
academic and research ecosystem
These spaces will directly connect to coursework, research, and extracurricular activities, creating a
seamless experience that empowers students to design, build, test, and refine innovations in real time.
Collaboration and Flexibility
Recognizing that aerospace systems are inherently complex and multidisciplinary, the facility will
significantly expand collaboration space compared to existing conditions. A wide range of team rooms,
conference spaces, and informal learning environments will be integrated throughout the building.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 4

Collaboration will be embedded in all space types-including classrooms, laboratories, and fabrication
areas-through strategies such as transparency, co-location, and rapidly reconfigurable room formats.
These features will encourage interaction across disciplines and projects, increasing opportunities for
innovation and entrepreneurship while cultivating the next generation of aerospace leaders.
Fabrication and Innovation Infrastructure
Fabrication capabilities will be expanded as a core component of the School's academic and research
mission. The building will include:
* High-bay shop space for advanced CNC fabrication and milling
* Dedicated assembly areas for student-led research and competition teams
* An expanded makerspace serving as both a production environment and a central hub for student
engagement
These facilities will support the full continuum of innovation-from conceptual design through
fabrication and testing-within a single, integrated environment.
Instructional Space and Institutional Alignment
The project also responds directly to Institute-wide needs identified in the 2023 Instructional Space
Analysis and Master Plan (ISAMP), including the provision of:
* Large lecture spaces to support continued enrollment growth
* Active learning classrooms designed for flexibility and evolving teaching methodologies
These additions will enhance space utilization while supporting modern pedagogical approaches
across the Institute.
This project will tie into campus loop extension for power and fiber to 333 North Ave property from
existing locations. This design will include coordination with the Institute engineers and the Campus
Utility Master Plan. Below is the anticipated power routing to tie into the south substation. Fiber is
expected to tie into main campus interconnect on Cherry Street.
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. Further, Georgia Peach certification is
required with commissioning.
The building shall meet, at minimum, the requirements of the GIT Office of Planning, Design, &
Construction "Architecture and Engineering Design Standards for Building Technology" ("GT Yellow Book"
and the Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Act (SB 130) and all applicable building codes.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 5

Project Delivery Method
The delivery method for this Project will be Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk), and, as a minimum,
will employ the services of a Commissioning Agent in addition to the services of the Design Professional.
Project Budget
The preliminary Stated Cost Limitation (SCL) or Construction Cost of the project is estimated at
approximately $163,700,000. The eventual SCL may be revised by the Owner due to actual program
requirements, funding, and other circumstances
Design Professional Fee
The Design Professional Base fee will be approximately $9,000,000 and shall include: Basic Design and
Construction Administration services. Anticipated Design Professional service requirements include the
services as listed in Item 3 below "Scope of Services". The shortlisted Design Professional firms are
required to submit a fee proposal that also includes anticipated fees for any specialty consultants needed
and all reimbursable expenses such as printing and travel prior to scheduled Finalist Interviews.
.
Project Schedule
The Design Professional's services are anticipated to commence in September, 2026 and Material
Completion of the building anticipated for March 2030. The start of construction is contingent on the
availability of funding. (All of the dates above are estimates which are subject to change. The fee structure
for design professional services relative to the schedule, and fee amounts will be agreed upon by the
Owner and the Design Professional prior to the start of design professional services.)
2. DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIREMENTS
The Owner is seeking the services of an architectural/engineering firm (the "Design Professional") to
provide all design services, including the development of plans and specifications. The Design Professional
will provide the complete programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents,
bidding/negotiation assistance, and construction administration services. The successful Design
Professional will contract with the Owner in a timely manner. The applying firm shall be an individual firm
fulfilling all contractual obligations and performing a minimum of 50% of the architectural design services
(exclusive of engineering and specialty consultants) in-house. An associated firm (if desired) may provide
up to 50% of the architectural design services, allowing two or more architectural firms to share in the
design effort on an equal base. The Owner may also employ a Commissioning Agent to perform design
analysis of the various building systems. The Design Professional is expected to work closely with the
Commissioning Agent as well.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Programming and Conceptual Design
The scope of services for this phase of work should at a minimum include, but are not necessarily limited
to, the items outlined below:
* Review site information which could include conditions assessment, as provided by GIT. Refer to
section on "Resources and Guidelines";
* Program services. Develop and define the needs of the Project based upon the Owner's preliminary
project program, and any other information obtained through interviews, charettes, surveys, data
gathering, and operational parameters.
* Review, develop, and document detailed requirements for the project, covering items such as project
goals and objectives, design objectives, limitations, and criteria; gross area and space requirements;
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 6

spatial relationships; needs and options for expandability; identifying the need for special equipment
and systems; site and landscaping requirements; project schedule and budget requirements.
* Space requirements and flow diagrams (as applicable); functional relationships, access, circulation,
and flow patterns within the building and the site.
* Review and design Campus loop extension for power and fiber to 333 North Ave property from existing
locations. This design will include coordination with the Institute engineers and the Campus Utility
Master Plan.
The Programming and Conceptual Design Document shall contain, but is not limited to the following items:
* Executive Summary with Project Statement
* Project Summary and Design Goals
* Space Program
* Room data sheets for each space/ each room with a complete listing of requirements (i.e. lighting/
electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, structural, fixed casework, communications, finishes,
acoustical, audio visual, equipment, etc.);
* Conceptual Floor Plans
* Conceptual Site and Landscape Plans
* Planning and Design Criteria including, but not limited to, codes, sustainability, life safety, zoning,
clustering and layout criteria, physical accessibility and ADA.
* Building Performance Criteria including but not limited to building envelope performance, structure,
interior construction, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, electrical systems,
information technology, audio visual, and security systems
* Site Requirements include site use analysis, parking, pedestrian and other traffic flow, grading and
landscaping, wayfinding, hardscaping, building signage, site signage. NOTE: Analysis/studies shall
extend beyond the project boundaries.
* Project Schedule
* Cost Estimate within the Stated Cost Limitation
Completion of Design to Construction Documents and Construction Administration
The selected firm will serve as the Owner's Architect of Record to design all components of the Project as
well as to obtain required regulatory approvals. The scope of work shall include specialty sub-consultant
services required to prepare a complete and fully coordinated set of construction documents for the Project,
unless specifically excluded in the "Services Performed by Others" section. The design services for this
phase shall at a minimum include, but are not necessarily limited to, the items outlined below:
* Schematic Design services
* Design Development services
* Construction Document services
* Construction Administration services
* Structural Design services
* Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, Fire Protection and Communication Systems Design services
* Lab Planning services
* Electrical Fault Current Studies
* Mechanical Load Studies
* Landscape and Irrigation Design services
* Arborist services Civil Engineering Design services (including site utilities to connect to public water,
gas and sewer systems if applicable), hydrology studies, and site drainage solutions.
* Interior Design
* Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment Selection and Specification
* Power and Communication Coordination Plans showing dimensional location of all outlets and wall
devices (switches, strobes, etc.) in relation to furniture, millwork, etc.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 7

* Audio Visual Design and Performance Equipment Design services (Architect will coordinate with GIT's
Office of Information Technology ("OIT") staff and selected vendors for incorporation of voice/data
cabling, security, and audio visual equipment into the design.
* Acoustical Consultant services
* Interior Wayfinding & Graphic Design Consultant services
* Building and Site Signage
* Donor Recognition (Exterior)
* Storm Water Management Permitting
* Environmental/ Site Permitting (City of Atlanta)
* Building Permitting (Georgia Tech Fire Marshal)
* LEED Documentation and Administration services (including preparation of documentation on behalf
of Owner and overseeing documentation for all team members, including the Owner's consultants.
(Certification fees will be funded through external funds outside the funds available for the project.)
* Code Review
* Budgeting/Detailed Cost Estimates/Cost Management services
* Regular coordination with GIT Project Manager and Construction Manager during design and
construction phases
* Comprehensive Project Scheduling (not Construction Scheduling)
* Computer Modeled Energy Analyses (other than required by Georgia Energy Code)
* Value Analyses/ Life Cycle Cost Analyses
* Commissioning Support
* Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/ QC)
* Coordination with consultants hired by Owner (See "Services Performed by Others")
* Wind Study/Modeling as required
* Waterproofing study and analysis of design details
* Other requirements as per the Design Professional's contract
The Architect will be responsive to the Owner in complying with architectural guidelines, developing
detailed plans, conducting design reviews and design critiques; assisting in the selection of special
inspection firms; periodic technical reports both oral and written; budget, cost and schedule updates and
reviews. The selected firm will be expected to designate a highly qualified principal architect to act as the
Design Executive/Lead Designer for the duration of the Project.
Services Performed by Others
The BOR will oversee this project as the Owner and will administer other contracts. The selected firm is
expected to work cooperatively with other firms under contract with the Owner. Services by others include
but are not limited to:
* Construction Manager/ General Contractor (CM/ GC). Reference the BOR Facilities website for
additional information (http://www.usg.edu/ref/contracts/contracts/cm_contract_cmgc.pdf)
* Commissioning Services
* Environmental Consultants
* Independent Cost Estimator
* Document review services for completeness and coordination (Note: This does not relieve the selected
firm from their contractual obligations regarding design completeness.)
Design Parameters
Guidelines for the project include building designs that are:
* Well-designed and accommodate the Institute's programmatic requirements, comply with current code
requirements, with universal accessibility requirements, and meet the design guidelines established in
the "Resources and Design Guidelines" section below.
* Energy efficient and sustainable
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 8

* Efficient and economical to construct, maintain, and operate
* Durable, comfortable, secure, and achieves a high degree of value for the Institution
* "Smart" building with the flexibility to respond to rapidly evolving technology in the academic
environment.
Other services may include:
* Full Architectural Programming
* Civil Engineering
* Parking/Traffic Design
* Landscape and Irrigation Design
* Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Selection
* Laboratory Design
* Acoustical Design
* Audio/Visual/IT Design
* Wayfinding/Graphics
* Storm Water Management Permitting
* Budgeting/Cost Management
* Regular coordination with the Construction Professional during preconstruction, design and
construction phases
* Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
* Coordination with consultants hired by Owner
* Other requirements as per the Design Professional's contract
* *Surveying - topo, location of structures/site utilities/trees, construction limits
* *Testing Agency - geotechnical evaluation, material testing, special inspections
* *Environmental - Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, GEPA
*The Design Professional will be responsible for procuring and contracting for the services of this firm
(costs will be reimbursed by the Owner without cost mark-up).
Resources and Guidelines
The following information will be available for use by the selected firm:
* Full and unlimited access to the site, unless a pre-scheduled event is in progress.
* Early programming and space planning documents as completed by GIT/ Planning, Design, &
Construction (PD&C)
The selected firm shall meet or exceed the requirements established within the following guidelines:
* State of Georgia Construction Manual (SCM) for processes related to project delivery on state-
funded projects (https://gsfic.georgia.gov/state-construction-manual)
* Board of Regents (BOR) Building Project Procedures Manual (BPPM) for BOR planning, design and
construction processes/requirements (https://www.usg.edu/policies/)
* Board of Regents (BOR) 2000 Preplanning Guidelines for BOR planning and design guidelines
(Preplan Guide_2000)
* Georgia Tech Comprehensive Campus Plan, 2023 update: includes detailed recommendations for
the future development of the Georgia Tech campus; includes information on Georgia Tech's
mission, goals and strategic plan (https://campusplan.gatech.edu/).
* Georgia Tech Landscape Master Plan, June 2010: includes recommendations and guidelines related
to sustainable, ecological landscape performance within sectors and design corridors of campus
https://facilities.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/lmp_final_draft.pdf
* Georgia Tech Architectural and Engineering Design Standards for Building Technology (also known
as the Georgia Tech "Yellow Book"): includes campus technical design standards for both renovation
Georgia Institute of Technology, Project No. J-458 Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, DP RFQ/RFP 9