City Seeks New Proposals For Tennis Center Operations

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The city of Sandy Springs will begin the process of issuing new requests for proposals to operate its Tennis Center. The decision followed a unanimous vote by the City Council at its Dec. 19 meeting to make no award for the current procurement for operations.

A new RFP will be issued at a future date. The city is going back to the drawing board after Council members and representatives of the company who put in a bid to be considered — Universal Tennis Management — raised questions about the method of evaluation and whether the references of Groslimond Tennis Services of Atlanta, the current contract provider, were ever verified. UTM officials also questioned why Groslimond was recommended for approval, despite the company receiving a lower score on the city's evaluation.

“It is important that we be transparent in our processes and our contract selections are free from reproach,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.

Questions were raised by UTM and other companies about the evaluation methods and requirements stated in the RFP. The City Council asked its legal and purchasing teams to review the processes used in the procurement, and to update procedures as needed prior to the issuance of a new RFP.

Following the Council's decision, Patti O'Reilly with UTM, who voiced concerns at the Dec. 5 City Council meeting, commended the city for taking a step back and reviewing its process. She also said she was thankful the city allowed her company to address concerns in a public forum.

At the Dec. 5 meeting, Council member Tibby DeJulio said it was imperative the city ensures its RFP program, the "backbone" of the community, remains "above reproach." It's vital for Sandy Springs to "make sure this process is clean, that this process is correct," he added.

To give city staff time to complete its review, the City Council approved an extension of the current Tennis Center contract with Groslimond through June 30, 2018.

According to the city's website, the tennis center has 24 lighted courts and serves as the "hub" for tennis activities in North Fulton, Cobb County, Buckhead, Dunwoody and Roswell. It's also home to more than 130 USTA and ALTA teams and hosts a large number of USTA-sanctioned tournaments and offers instructional programs suited for all levels and age groups.

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