Henry County publishes RFP for Aquatic Center consultant

The headlining project in Henry County’s SPLOST V program has taken its first step towards completion with the release of a Request for Proposals. The RFP is seeking qualified firms or individuals “to provide Aquatic Consultant Services to lead the county administration through the process of designing and building a successful Aquatic Center facility.”

The SPLOST V program was approved by voters in November 2019. $22 million dollars in anticipated tax revenues, representing over ten percent of the overall collections, are budgeted for Henry County to build an aquatic center.

Proposals from qualified applicants will be received by the county until May 22 at 3:00 pm (updated date). County staff will evaluate the proposals before recommending to the board of commissioners who to award the contract.

In an addendum published by county staff, several questions have been raised by interested parties asking about previously completed architectural renderings and in reference to the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center. Staff provided a response “the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center project is a separate, private project and not associated with this Henry County Aquatic Center project.”

In February, it was suggested by one commissioner the $22 million dollars represents “seed money” and would not cover all costs for the project. While discussing the county’s capital project list, Commissioner Vivian Thomas commented “a center will not do in Henry County; we have to build a[n aquatic] destination.” She continued “[we have] to find other money to make that work, both public and private…We do have the seed money that’s set aside so far.”

Firms or individuals must have at least ten years of experience in programming, design, construction development and supervision, and operation of a large, public aquatic center to be considered eligible. They must also hold certifications in parks & recreation and operating an aquatic facility.

The consultant will be required to complete the following:

Preliminary Meetings and Site Visit

• Preliminary meetings with county officials and other stakeholders involved with the project to determine goals and scope of the project.
• Survey existing facilities and prospective park sites for the development.
• Study the county’s choice of site locations and make recommendations as to the suitability of the location for the aquatic facility construction.

Phase I – Concept Design

• Develop a draft rendering with the facility’s components and features.
• Develop a report on the county’s various options for the Aquatic Center.
• Develop an estimated construction budget based upon the concept rendering and current construction projects of similar facilities.
• Develop an estimated operational budget based upon the concept rendering.
• Develop a proposed program plan, recommend a fee structure and provide an estimated program revenue projection.
• Provide a concept rendering presentation board for public and official meetings.
• Assist the county’s Purchasing Department in preparing a Design-Build RFP including the scope of work, specifications, and evaluation criteria for a team including an architect, engineer, pool designer, pool builder and general contractor.
• Provide any necessary assistance to the RFP Evaluation Committee process in the selection of the best and most qualified Design-Build Team.

Phase II – Design Phase

• The Aquatic Consultant will work with the Design-Build Team’s architect and pool designers to develop the final concept rendering with footprint and features of the Aquatic Center for the county’s approval prior to the development of construction drawings.
• The Aquatic Consultant will provide direction to the designers on behalf of the county’s best interest for all pool equipment specifications and pool heating and air handling equipment specifications.

Phase III – Aquatic Facility Construction

• The Aquatic Consultant will continue to work with the Design-Build Team through the construction documents and permitting of the project to ensure consistency and direction of the project.
• The Aquatic Consultant will represent the county on a monthly basis for owner/ contractor meetings and construction inspections during the construction phase through completion of the project to ensure the quality and timely completion of the project.

The full bid documents are available on the county website.