Recommend approval to award a contract for design of the new SPLOST-funded Arena to Perkins + Will in the amount of $8,820,000.00. The contract will be for the base building design, interior design, and construction administration for a new arena development in the Canal District of Savannah. The project is expected to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Savannah by attracting new events and entertainment, retain and better accommodate current events that are outgrowing existing venues, and serve as a catalyst for new development in the Canal District. 

The method of procurement used was the request for the proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to cost. The criteria evaluated for this RFP were relevant firm experience, team experience and qualifications, project understanding, approach to project management, DBE participation, local vendor participation, and fees. The City received nine proposals from nationally-known design firms. A panel of City staff evaluated and scored all nine proposals and short-listed three proposals for interviews and further scoring. Interviews were conducted with the short-listed proposers and those proposals were fully scored.

No numerical DBE goals were established for this project, but proposers were encouraged to achieve the highest possible DBE participation. Based on the proposed schedule of DBE participation submitted by the recommended proposer, the overall DBE participation for this project will be 22.02% using eight certified DBE sub-contractors.

Approval