Georgia § 50-5C-3 - Unsolicited proposals by private entities; requirements.

§ 50-5C-3. Unsolicited proposals by private entities; requirements.

Between May 1 and June 30 of each year, a private entity may submit an unsolicited proposal for a project to the responsible public entity for review and determination as a qualifying project in accordance with the guidelines established by Code Section 50-5C-2. Any such unsolicited proposal shall be accompanied by the following material and information: A project description, including the location of the project, the conceptual design of such facility or facilities, and a conceptual plan for the provision of services or technology infrastructure; A feasibility statement that includes: The method by which the private entity proposes to secure any necessary property interests required for the project; A list of all permits and approvals required for the project from local, state, or federal agencies; and A list of public utility facilities, if any, that will be crossed by the project and a statement of the plans of the private entity to accommodate such crossings; A schedule for the initiation and completion of the project to include the proposed major responsibilities and timeline for activities to be performed by both the public and private entity as well as a proposed schedule for obtaining the permits and approvals required in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of this subsection; A financial plan setting forth the private entity's general plans for financing the project, including the sources of the private entity's funds and identification of any dedicated revenue source or proposed debt or equity investment on behalf of the private entity; a description of user fees, lease payments, and other service payments over the term of the comprehensive agreement pursuant to Code Section 50-5C-5; and the methodology and circumstances for changes to such user fees, lease payments, and other service payments over time; A business case statement that shall include a basic description of any direct and indirect benefits that the private entity can provide in delivering the project, including relevant cost, quality, methodology, and process for identifying the project and time frame data; The names and addresses of the persons who may be contacted for further information concerning the unsolicited proposal; and Such additional material and information as the responsible public entity may reasonably request. For any unsolicited proposal for the development of a project received by a responsible public entity, the private entity shall reimburse the responsible public entity for the actual costs incurred to process, review, and evaluate the unsolicited proposal, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and fees for financial, technical, and other necessary advisers or consultants. Any private entity submitting an unsolicited proposal under subsection (a) of this Code section to a responsible public entity shall also notify each affected local jurisdiction by furnishing a copy of its unsolicited proposal to each affected local jurisdiction. Each affected local jurisdiction that is not a responsible public entity for the respective project may, within 45 days after receiving such notice, submit any comments regarding the unsolicited proposal it may have in writing to the responsible public entity and indicate whether the project is compatible with local plans and budgets. A project shall be consistent with zoning and land use regulations of the responsible public entity and each affected local jurisdiction. The responsible public entity may reject any proposal or unsolicited proposal at any time and shall not be required to provide a reason for its denial. If the responsible public entity rejects a proposal or unsolicited proposal submitted by a private entity, it shall have no obligation to return the proposal, unsolicited proposal, or any related materials following such rejection. A private entity assumes all risks in submission of a proposal or unsolicited proposal in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section, and a responsible public entity shall not incur any obligation to reimburse a private entity for any costs, damages, or loss of intellectual property incurred by a private entity in the creation, development, or submission of a proposal or unsolicited proposal for a qualifying project. (Code 1981, § 50-5C-3 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 406, § 3/SB 59.)