00345 RFQ - GenEng PreQual Main Doc.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

For

Prequalification for Engineering, Architectural, and Survey Services

# 00345

Issue Date: August 13, 2026

Responses must be received BEFORE:

September 15, 2026, 11:00 A.M. C.S.T

Pre-Submittal Conference: There will be a non-mandatory pre-submittal conference held on August 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM CST, via Go To Meeting.

Staff Contact Person: Emily Hanson

Senior Buyer

Procurement Department

Email: ehanson@sariverauthority.org mailto:ehanson@sariverauthority.org

San Antonio River Authority RFQ for Prequalification for Engineering, Architectural, and Survey Services

RFQ# 00345 Page 2 of 43

Contents

PART I -REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES

1. INTRODUCTION

2. GUIDING PRINCIPALS

3. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

5. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6. PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

7. PREQUALIFIED LIST TERM

8. PRICING

9. INSURANCE

10. ADDENDA AND MODIFICATIONS

11. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

12. SUBMISSION FORMAT

13. PREPARATION OF RESPONSE

14. WITHDRAWAL

16. INTERPRETATIONS

17. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

18. RIGHT TO REJECT/ AWARD

19. RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATION

20. INVITATION FOR RESPONSES PREPARATION COSTS

21. ANTI-LOBBYING PROVISION

22. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION & SECURITY

23. DEBRIEFS

24. BUSINESS OVERVIEW – ATTACHMENT A

25. DEVIATION FROM SPECIFICATION/ REQUIREMENTS -ATTACHMENT

B 23

26. REFERENCES – ATTACHMENT C

27. CONFLICT OF INTEREST – ATTACHMENT D

28. SMALL, WOMEN MINORITY VETERAN BUSINESSES ENTERPRISE–

(SWMVBE) ATTACHMENT E

29. SUBCONTRACTOR UTILIZATION PLAN-ATTACHMENT F

30. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - ATTACHMENT G

31. CONTRACT

Part II –STATEMENT OF WORK

RFQ# 00345 Page 3 of 43

1. BACKGROUND

2. WORK RELEASE (CONTRACTS)

3. REMOVAL FROM PREQUALIFIED LIST

4. RIVER AUTHORITY RESPONSIBILITIES

5. CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES

6. STATEMENT OF WORK

7. DELIVERABLES REQUIRED

8. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

PART III - ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A-BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE

ATTACHMENT B-SUBMISSION EXCEPTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS

ATTACHMENT C - REFERENCES

ATTACHMENT D- CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

ATTACHMENT E- SMALL, WOMEN MINORITY VETERAN DISADVANTAGED

BUSINESSES

ATTACHMENT F –SUBCONTRACTOR UTILIZATION PLAN

ATTACHMENT G -ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Exhibit 1 – Not applicable for this solicitation

Exhibit 2 – Sample Contract

Exhibit 3 – Pre-Qualification Response Spreadsheet

RFQ# 00345 Page 4 of 43

PART I -REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES

1. INTRODUCTION

In accordance with the provisions of San Antonio River Authority (River Authority)

Enabling Statute (Chapter 276, Page 556, Acts of the 45th Legislature, 1937, and subsequent amendments), policies and procedures, the River Authority is requesting proposals from qualified individual(s) or business(es) with considerable experience to provide the professional services as outlined in this solicitation. The responses shall be submitted to the River Authority in a sealed submission.

The awarded individual(s) or business(es) shall possess a proven track record of using innovative approaches to providing professional services to their clients. The awarded individual(s) or business(es) shall have the ability to accomplish all aspects of the requested services. The awarded individual(s) or business(es) should be able to provide innovative methods to deal with challenges and provide effective solutions and communicate effectively and in a timely manner with River Authority.

A firm may submit a solicitation response for one or more of the categories of services requested in this solicitation. The River Authority reserves the right to award the contract(s) to the firm(s) that are the most qualified.

2. GUIDING PRINCIPALS

By working collaboratively, the River Authority is able to sustain and enrich the watershed’s ecosystem and the lives of the people in and the economies of the communities we serve.

The River Authority’s Vision: Inspiring Actions for Health Creeks and Rivers

The River Authority’s Mission: Committed to Safe, Clean, Enjoyable Creeks and Rivers

3. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

The River Authority is seeking to award a contract(s) for the following professional services or PREQUALIFICATION FOR ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, AND SURVEY SERVICES .

The San Antonio River Authority is seeking to establish a list of pre-qualified consulting firms to provide on-call professional services in landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, surveying, and subsurface utility engineering for a variety of future projects.

Consultants will support project development for initiatives such as parks and trails, architectural improvements, surveying, and utility investigations while collaborating with multiple River Authority departments to deliver high-quality, responsive services. Specific projects have not yet been identified, and placement on the pre-qualified list does not guarantee the assignment of work.

RFQ# 00345 Page 5 of 43

The goods and/or services shall be accomplished per the solicitation documents, all applicable Laws and all exhibits and Attachments identified in the table of contents.

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following minimum requirements must be demonstrated in order for the submission to be considered responsive to the River Authority. Any submission received, which is determined to not meet these mandatory requirements, may be immediately disqualified and rejected as non-responsive.

• The responding entity must demonstrate that the company, as an entity, has a minimum of five (5) years of documented experience in providing services in the discipline category. Experience must pertain to the company itself and not to the qualifications of individual employees or subcontractors. This should be demonstrated in the discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3.

• The responding entity must provide documentation demonstrating the company has directly completed at least five (5) projects in the discipline category, encompassing all services outlined in the Scope of Work. Project titles shall be listed in each discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3. Project details should be provided on the project summary page.

• Three (3) references from entities for which the Respondent provided the products or services, of equal complexity and magnitude, requested. The River Authority cannot be used as a reference. This should be demonstrated in Attachment C.

• Licensed professional in the State of Texas in the specific Discipline in which firm are submitting a response as follows:

o Discipline 1 – Parks and Trails Design, must be one of the following:

▪ Landscape Architect certified in the State of Texas in good standing with no debarments or discipline actions, assigned to a project team. Attach a copy of certification or documents from the Texas Board of Architectural

Examiners;

▪ Landscape Architecture Firm must have Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Architectural

Examiners with an active status.

▪ AND

▪ Licensed Professional Engineer certified in the State of

Texas in good standing with no debarments or discipline actions, assigned to project team. Attach copy of certification or documents from the Texas Board of

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

RFQ# 00345 Page 6 of 43

▪ Engineering Firm must have Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers with an active status.

▪ Project team must demonstrate experience with City of San

Antonio tree mitigation, storm water, and archeology/historic preservation requirements.

o Discipline 2 - Architecture:

▪ Architect certified in the State of Texas in good standing with no debarments or discipline actions, assigned to a project team. Attach a copy of certification or documents from the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

▪ Architecture Firm must have Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with an active status.

o Discipline 3 – Survey:

▪ Licensed Registered Professional Land Surveyor certified in the State of Texas in good standing with no debarments or discipline actions, assigned to project team. Attach copy of certification or documents from the Texas Board of

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

▪ Survey Firm must have Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers with an active status.

▪ Ability to be onsite to any location in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties within 48 hours.

o Discipline 4: Subsurface Utility Engineering

▪ Licensed Professional Engineer certified in the State of

Texas in good standing with no debarments or discipline actions, assigned to project team. Attach copy of certification or documents from the Texas Board of

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

▪ Engineering Firm must have Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers with an active status.

▪ Ability to be onsite to any location in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties within 48 hours.

• The responding individual or business is not on the debarred vendor list with the

River Authority, the State of Texas, or Federal Debarment List (sam.gov)

• Submittal documents including a cover sheet, Executive Summary, Attachments A

-G, Schedule, Resumes and Supplemental Documents per the method described in

Error! Reference source not found..

RFQ# 00345 Page 7 of 43

5. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Following is a list of projected dates with respect to this solicitation:

Issue Solicitation: 8/13/2026

Pre-submittal conference 8/26/2026 at 11:00 AM CST

Deadline for Submission of Questions: 9/1/2026 at 11:00 AM CST

Deadline for Submission of Responses: 9/15/2026 before 11:00 AM CST

The River Authority reserves the right to change the dates indicated above.

6. PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

A Pre-Submittal conference will be held at 11:00 AM Central Standard Time, on, August

26, 2026.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/307555093

You can also dial in using your phone.

(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (872) 240-3311

Meeting ID: 307-555-093

Respondents are encouraged to prepare and submit their questions in writing in advance, in order to expedite the proceedings. The River Authority’s responses to questions received in advance, may be distributed at the Pre-Submittal Conference and posted with this solicitation. Attendance at the Pre-Submittal Conference is optional, but highly recommended.

Any oral responses provided by the River Authority staff at the Pre-Submittal Conference are not confirmed until they are in writing and posted with this solicitation. Only written responses shall be official and all other forms of communication with any officer, employee or agent of the River Authority shall not be binding on the River Authority. Respondents are encouraged to resubmit their questions in writing, to the River Authority staff person identified in the Restrictions on Communication section, after the conclusion of the Pre-

Submittal Conference.

7. PREQUALIFIED LIST TERM

The prequalified list shall stay active for up to five (5) years after award. Firms may not be added to the prequalified list until a new solicitation is issued. Placement on the list doesn’t guarantee that the River Authority will issue work or contract for services.

https://meet.goto.com/307555093

RFQ# 00345 Page 8 of 43

8. PRICING

This contract is for professional services. The River Authority will select a firm on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications to perform the services described in this solicitation. The River Authority will negotiate the scope and fair and reasonable fee with the next ranked prequalified firm should as need arise. If the River Authority is unable to negotiate a contract, the River Authority may terminate negotiations and move to the next ranked firm in accordance with the Texas Government Code 2254. The professional fees may not exceed any maximum provided by law.

9. INSURANCE

The successful respondent will be required to maintain, at all times during performance of the contract, the insurance detailed below:

Required Type Coverage Required

X Commercial General

Liability

Coverage is required on an occurrence-basis for general liability including coverage for the following where exposure exists and for amounts not less than:

1. Premises/Operations

2. Independent Contractors

3. Products/Completed Operations

4. Personal Injury

5. Contractual Liability

6. Explosion/Collapse/Underground Property Damage

(where applicable)

7. Pollution Liability (where applicable)

8. Endorsement for Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) (where applicable to Services)

9. Endorsement for watercraft (where applicable to

Services)

$2,000,000 General Aggregate

$2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate

$1,000,000 Personal Injury per occurrence

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence X Umbrella/Excess Policy $1,000,000 on an occurrence-basis

X Employer Liability Coverage is required on an occurrence-basis for employer’s liability with limits of liability not less than:

$500,000 each accident, $500,000 policy limit for Disease

$500,000 each employee for Disease

RFQ# 00345 Page 9 of 43

X Worker’s

Compensation

Coverage is required for worker’s compensation providing

Statutory Benefits in accordance with the Worker’s

Compensation Act of the State of Texas and /or any other state or Federal law as may be applicable to the services performed under this Agreement.

X Commercial

Automotive Liability

Coverage is required on an occurrence-basis for automobile liability, covering all owned/leased, hired and non-owned motor vehicles including fuel transports used in connection with the work being performed under the Agreement with limits of liability not less than:

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit

Non-owned vehicles include the use of an employee’s personal vehicle in the Contractor’s business.

X Professional Liability Coverage is required on a claims-made basis for any and all negligent acts, errors, or omissions in rendering or failing to render professional services in connection with the work being performed under the Agreement with limits of liability not less than:

$1,000,000 Per Claim

$2,000,000 Annual Aggregate

a) Coverage shall be continuous (by renewal or extended reporting period) for no less than 60 months following completion of the Agreement and acceptance of the work by River Authority.

b) Coverage, including renewals, shall have the same retroactive date as the original policy applicable to this

Agreement.

X Drone Liability (if

Services involve use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Coverage is required on an occurrence-basis for drone liability for property damage and personal injury including but not limited to coverage for negligence and privacy infringement claims.

This coverage may be required depending upon the scope of work.

X Watercraft Liability (if applicable to the

Services)

Coverage is required on an occurrence basis for watercraft liability for property damage and bodily injury.

This coverage may be required depending upon the scope of work.

Respondent is liable for all direct, general damages and special damages River Authority may incur arising out of or resulting from the negligent acts or omissions of respondent, RFQ# 00345 Page 10 of 43 including any agent, officer, director, representative, employee, contractor or subcontractor of respondent. Acceptance of work of the respondent by the River Authority shall not constitute a release of the responsibility, obligations or liability of the respondent for any defect in the design, working drawings, specifications, documents or work performed by the respondent.

The River Authority shall be named as an additional insured and provide a Waiver of

Subrogation in favor of the River Authority, its officials, agents, employees and volunteers for umbrella, general liability, and auto policy policies. Respondent shall provide a waiver of subrogation for workers’ compensation policy.

All policies listed River Authority as an additional insured require endorsement that “other insurance” clause does not apply.

All policies require a 30 days-notice of cancellation or non-renewal if the respondent’s insurance is cancelled or non-renewed.

Insurance shall be carried with financially responsible insurance companies, licensed in the

State of Texas, with an A.M. Best Rating of A (-) VI or better.

10. ADDENDA AND MODIFICATIONS

Any changes, additions, or clarifications to the solicitation are made by amendments

(addenda) and will be posted at purchasing.sara-tx.org. Any respondent in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the solicitation or other documents may request an interpretation from the Procurement Department. At the request of the respondent, or in the event the Procurement Department deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Procurement Department.

Such addendum will be attached to the original solicitation at purchasing.sara-tx.org and will become part of the solicitation package having the same binding effect as provisions of the original solicitation. It shall be the respondent(s)’s responsibility to ensure that they have received all Addenda in respect to this solicitation. Furthermore, respondents are advised that they must recognize and comply with each Addendum. Respondent(s)’s signature on Addenda shall be interpreted as the respondent’s recognition and compliance to official changes as outlined by the River Authority and as such are made part of the original solicitation documents. Failure of any respondent to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve such respondent from its terms and requirements.

Addendums are available online at purchasing.sara-tx.org. No verbal explanations or interpretations will be binding. The River Authority does not assume responsibility for the receipt of any addendum sent to respondents.

The respondent shall properly acknowledge all addenda in the spaces provided in the

Acknowledgment (Attachment G).

https://www.sariverauthority.org/about/contracting/

RFQ# 00345 Page 11 of 43

11. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

All responses must be in the River Authority’s possession on or before the scheduled date and time (no late response will be considered). Respondents may submit a response in hard copy or electronically. The River Authority prefers electronic submissions. Electronic submissions shall be submitted through the River Authority’s third-party portal, Bonfire, at: https://sara-tx.bonfirehub.com. Bonfire will not allow submissions after the due date and time.

If a respondent prefers to submit in a hard copy, the respondent shall submit one (1) original signed document and (1) one copy. The original shall be clearly marked. In addition, the submittal shall be provided electronically on a USB drive. Statements of Qualifications must be received, in a sealed envelope, at the San Antonio River Authority Main Office no later than published date and time on the cover sheet at the address below.

Hard Copy responses shall be submitted to:

Attn: Procurement Solicitation # 00345

100 E. Guenther

San Antonio, Texas 78204

Submittals sent by facsimile or email will not be accepted. Any submittal or modification received after this time shall not be considered, and will be returned, unopened to the respondent. Respondents should strive for early submission to avoid the possibility of rejection for late arrival.

Each respondent is responsible for taking the necessary steps to ensure their submission is received by the date and time noted herein. The River Authority is not responsible for missing, lost or late mail or any mail delays, internal or external, that may result in the submission arriving after the set time. The River Authority’s Procurement Department is not open for weekend or holiday deliveries.

All submissions shall be opened in a manner that avoids disclosure of the contents to competing respondents and keeps the responses secret during negotiations. A public opening will not be conducted with this process.

12. SUBMISSION FORMAT

Each submittal shall be typewritten, single spaced and submitted on 8 ½” x 11” white paper.

11” x 17” paper may only be used if identified below and will count as one page. Font size shall be no less than 12-point type for all items (including graphics) and may be in full color. All pages shall be numbered and should be printed on two sides. Margins shall be no less than 1” around the perimeter of each page. Submittals shall be no longer than the stated page count for each submission section, front to back, and shall include the documents listed below (excluding Solicitation Packet Attachments, and Special https://sara-tx.bonfirehub.com/

RFQ# 00345 Page 12 of 43

Documents). Websites or URLs shall not be submitted in lieu of the printed submittal or electronic submission.

Each submittal must include the sections and attachments in the sequence listed below, and each section and attachment must be indexed and divided by tabs and indexed in a Table of Contents page. If respondent is proposing as a team, provide the same information for each member of the team. The electronic submittal should be submitted in Adobe PDF.

Submission shall be in the following order:

A. COVER SHEET (Maximum one page):

Include solicitation number, solicitation name, firm name, address, contact phone, fax, website, email address and which of the disciplines are being applied for.

B. SOLICITATION PACKET ATTACHMENTS (Excluded from page count):

Attachment A – Business Questionnaire

Attachment B – Exception Form

Attachment C – References (One for each discipline applied for)

Attachment D – Conflict of Interest Form

Attachment E – Small, Women, Minority Veteran Business Enterprises Form

Attachment F – Subcontractor Utilization Plan (One for each discipline applied for)

Attachment G – Acknowledgment

C. EXHIBIT 3 - PREQUALIFICATION RESPONSE SPREADSHEET

Submit a completed Exhibit 3 - Prequalification Response Spreadsheet. The

General Information Sheet and Financial Information tabs must be completed for every submittal. In addition, complete the applicable discipline tab(s) for each discipline in which the firm is seeking prequalification by the River Authority.

Firms may submit responses for multiple disciplines, provided they meet the qualifications for each discipline.

D. PROJECT SUMMARY BRIEFS (one page maximum per project, 5 pages maximum per discipline applied for)

As a minimum qualification, the responding entity must provide documentation demonstrating that the company has directly completed at least five (5) projects within the discipline category for which it is seeking prequalification. The submitted projects must collectively demonstrate experience encompassing all services identified in the applicable Scope of Work. Experience must be attributable to the responding entity.

For each project submitted, provide the following information:

RFQ# 00345 Page 13 of 43

1. Project name, owner/client, location, and completion date. The project name provided in the project summary brief must match the project name listed in the discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3.

2. A summary of the project scope, complexity, and scale.

3. A list of the services demonstrated in this project that relate to the applicable

Scope of Work and the names of any Key Personnel who worked on the project.

E. SPECIAL DOCUMENTS (included in page count):

1. Required for all disciplines (2 pages total for this section):

a. Quality Management Plan (1 page maximum)

b. Sample Quality Control Checklist (1 page maximum)

2. Discipline Specific Documents

a. Discipline 1 – Parks and Trails Design (12 pages total for this section to include the 11x17 counting as 1 page)

i. Organization chart for all involved (1 page maximum)

ii. Sample plan and profile sheet (11x17) for a trail project (1

11x17 page maximum).

iii. Resumes of personnel highlighted in submitted org chart and listed in discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3. These resumes shall include the required experience with City of San

Antonio tree mitigation, storm water, and archeology/historic preservation requirements. (10 pages maximum)

iv. Engineering Firm Registration number issued by the Texas

Board of Professional Engineers with an active status

(graphic of licensure) (excluded from page count).

v. Evidence of professional licensure per minimum qualifications. Must show name and active status of all licensed staff proposed for the team. Respondent’s may use any form necessary to provide the information (i.e. scan of registration, screen shot of certifying agency)(excluded from page count).

b. Discipline 2 – Architecture (12 pages total for this section to include the 11x17 counting as 1 page)

i. Organization chart for all involved (1 page maximum).

ii. Resumes of personnel highlighted in submitted org chart and listed in discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3 (10 pages maximum).

iii. Sample plan sheet (11x17) from a building remodel (1 page maximum).

iv. Architecture Firm Registration number issued by the Texas

Board of Architectural Examiners with an active status

(graphic of licensure) (excluded from page count).

v. Evidence of professional licensure per minimum qualifications. Must show name and active status of all licensed staff proposed for the team. Respondent’s may use

RFQ# 00345 Page 14 of 43 any form necessary to provide the information (i.e. scan of registration, screen shot of certifying agency) (excluded from page count).

c. Discipline 3 – Survey (13 pages total for this section)

i. Organization chart for all involved (1 page maximum)..

ii. Resumes of personnel highlighted in submitted org chart and listed in discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3 (10 pages maximum).

iii. Sample metes and bounds description and exhibit (2 pages maximum).

iv. Survey Firm Registration number issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers with an active status (graphic of licensure) (excluded from page count).

v. Evidence of professional licensure per minimum qualifications. Must show name and active status of all licensed staff proposed for the team. Respondents may use any form necessary to provide the information (i.e. scan of registration, screen shot of certifying agency) (excluded from page count).

d. Discipline 4 – Subsurface Utility Engineering (12 pages total for this section to include the 11x17 counting as 1 page)

i. Organization chart for all involved (1 page maximum).

ii. Resumes of personnel highlighted in submitted org chart and listed in discipline specific tab in Exhibit 3 (10 pages maximum).

iii. Sample utility conflict plan sheet (11x17) (1 page maximum).

iv. Engineering Firm Registration number issued by the Texas

Board of Professional Engineers with an active status

(graphic of licensure) (excluded from page count).

v. Evidence of professional licensure per minimum qualifications. Must show the name and active status of all licensed staff proposed for the team. Respondents may use any form necessary to provide the information (i.e. scan of registration, screen shot of certifying agency) (excluded from page count).

13. PREPARATION OF RESPONSE

Responses MUST give full firm name and address of respondent, and be manually signed in the Acknowledgment, Attachment G. Failure to do so will disqualify your submittal.

The person signing the response must show title or AUTHORITY TO BIND FIRM IN

A CONTRACT. Firm name and authorized signature must appear on each page that calls for this information. The legal status of the respondent whether corporation, partnership, or individual, shall also be stated in the submittal. A corporation shall execute the submittal by its duly authorized officers in accordance with its corporate by-laws and shall also list the state in which it is incorporated. A partnership respondent shall give full names and

RFQ# 00345 Page 15 of 43 business addresses of all partners proposed to be utilized on this project. Partnership and individual respondent shall state in the submittal the names and addresses of all persons with a vested interest therein. The place of residence of each respondent, or the office address in the case of a firm or company, with county and state and telephone number, shall be given after the signature. Any costs associated with assembling this submittal will be at the sole expense of the respondent.

14. WITHDRAWAL

Responses may be withdrawn prior to the due date for submission. Written notice of withdrawal shall be provided to the Procurement Department. No response may be withdrawn after opening time without reasonable exception in writing and only after approval by the River Authority.

15. ALTERATIONS/AMENDMENTS TO RESPONSES

Responses CANNOT be altered or amended after the opening deadline. Alterations made before opening time must be initialed by respondent guaranteeing authenticity.

16. INTERPRETATIONS

Any questions concerning the requirements or scope of work with regards to this solicitation shall be directed to the designated individuals as outlined herein. Such interpretations, which may affect the eventual outcome of this solicitation for Responses, shall be furnished in writing to all prospective respondents via Addendum. No interpretation shall be considered binding unless provided in writing by the River Authority in accordance with paragraph entitled “Addenda and Modifications”.

17. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

The River Authority’s selection committee will conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of all submittals received. Each submittal will be analyzed to determine overall responsiveness and qualifications. The River Authority Procurement

Department reserves the right to contact any respondent, at any time, to clarify, verify or request information with regard to any response. The evaluation process consists of three steps:

Step 1: The River Authority will evaluate the submittal in accordance with the selection criteria and will rank the firms on the basis of the submittals. The River Authority may elect to conduct oral discussions, request clarifications, and presentations concerning the project approach and ability to furnish the requirements during the evaluation process, and rescore submittals based upon the interviews/presentations.

The River Authority reserves the right to consider information obtained in addition to the data submitted in the response. The selection criterion is listed below:

RFQ# 00345 Page 16 of 43

A. Firm Qualifications (FACTOR: 30%).

The responding firm must demonstrate proven experience in delivering professional services of similar scope, complexity, and magnitude. Project experience may include work performed locally, regionally, or nationally.

Evaluation will consider the firm’s overall track record with government-funded projects, and ability to provide the necessary professional and technical expertise, resources, and supervision. Demonstrate the firm's experience and expertise in scope areas for the applicable discipline(s) as outlined in the statement of work.

The experience demonstrated should be shown as work completed with demonstratable results of success or improvement.

Information in the “General Qualifications Questions,” “Financial

Information,” and “Criteria A Specific Questions” in Exhibit 3 as well as referenced Project Summary Sheets will be used to evaluate this criterion.

Poor: Does not satisfy the River Authority's requirements. Provides little or no relevant experience with projects of similar scope, complexity, or magnitude. Demonstrates limited technical expertise, insufficient resources, or an inadequate understanding of the required discipline(s).

Information is incomplete, lacks supporting detail or measurable results, or fails to demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully perform the work.

The proposal contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that outweigh any strengths. (0-7 points)

Fair: Partially satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Provides limited or moderately relevant experience with projects of similar scope, complexity, or magnitude, but lacks sufficient detail, demonstrated results, or depth of experience in one or more key areas. Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the discipline; however, experience or available resources may raise some concerns regarding the firm's ability to successfully perform all aspects of the work. The proposal contains strengths, but they are offset by one or more weaknesses or omissions. (8-

16 points)

Good: Fully satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Provides adequate detail demonstrating successful experience with projects of similar scope, complexity, and magnitude that meets or slightly exceeds the minimum requirements. Demonstrates sufficient expertise, resources, and technical capability to successfully perform the work. The proposal contains several strengths or numerous minor strengths that are not offset by significant weaknesses. (17-24 points)

Excellent: Fully satisfies and exceeds all of the River Authority's requirements. Provides extensive, detailed examples of successfully

RFQ# 00345 Page 17 of 43 completed projects of equal or greater scope, complexity, and magnitude.

Demonstrates exceptional expertise, resources, technical capability, and a thorough understanding of the required discipline(s). Experience significantly exceeds the minimum requirements and clearly demonstrates measurable success and beneficial outcomes. The proposal contains numerous significant strengths and no material weaknesses. (25-30 points)

B. Project Team Qualifications (FACTOR 30%)

The qualifications and technical capabilities of the staff assigned to this project will be heavily evaluated. Additionally, evaluation will consider the experience, service capability, and resources of key personnel, including their educational and professional credentials, prior experience on similar projects, and demonstrated ability to perform the required services. The experience and qualifications of the key personnel should highlight completed planning, design and constructed work (Parks and Trails Design and Architecture) or completed field work and documentation (survey and subsurface utility) that involves the River Authority’s core areas.

Information in the “Criteria B Specific Questions” in Exhibit 3 as well as Org

Chart(s) and referenced Resumes and Project Summary Sheets will be used to evaluate this criterion.

Poor: Does not satisfy the River Authority's requirements. The proposed project team demonstrates limited or insufficient qualifications, technical expertise, or relevant experience to perform the required services. Key personnel lack appropriate credentials, experience with similar projects, or demonstrated success in the River Authority's core service areas. The proposal provides inadequate information regarding the team's capabilities or resources and contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that outweigh any strengths. (0-7 points)

Fair: Partially satisfies the River Authority's requirements. The proposed project team demonstrates some relevant qualifications and experience;

however, one or more key personnel have limited experience, credentials, or demonstrated success on projects of similar scope, complexity, or magnitude. The proposal provides limited detail regarding the team's capabilities or available resources, resulting in some concern regarding the team's ability to perform all aspects of the required services. The proposal contains strengths, but they are offset by one or more weaknesses or omissions. (8-16 points)

Good: Fully satisfies the River Authority's requirements. The proposed project team demonstrates appropriate qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant experience on projects of similar scope, complexity, and magnitude. Key personnel possess suitable educational and professional credentials and demonstrate successful experience performing the required services. The team appears capable of successfully completing the project

RFQ# 00345 Page 18 of 43 and provides sufficient resources to meet the project objectives. The proposal contains several strengths or numerous minor strengths that are not offset by significant weaknesses. (17-24 points) requirements. The proposed project team demonstrates exceptional qualifications, technical expertise, and extensive experience on projects of similar scope, complexity, and magnitude. Key personnel possess highly relevant educational and professional credentials and have successfully completed planning, design, construction, field work, and/or documentation projects involving the River Authority's core service areas.

Team composition, experience, and available resources clearly demonstrate an outstanding ability to successfully perform the required services. The proposal contains numerous significant strengths and no material weaknesses. (25-30 points)

C. Project Approach to Quality Management (FACTOR: 30%)

The respondent’s methods, tools, organizational methods and systems to manage projects, estimating, maintain budgets, schedule, and ensure communication with the River Authority’s project manager and key stakeholders. Include quality management techniques to ensure the highest professional standards in project deliverables. Include the firm’s technical approach and resources to aid the River Authority in a successful project.

Information in the “Evaluation Criteria C” section in Exhibit 3 as well as the

Quality Management Plan and sample deliverable as specified in the Special

Documents section for the discipline category will be used to evaluate this criterion. Note the Special Documents are not included in the page limit.

Poor: Does not satisfy the River Authority's requirements. Presents an incomplete, unclear, or inadequate project management approach that fails to demonstrate an understanding of the project requirements. The proposal provides little or no detail regarding project management methods, scheduling, budgeting, estimating, communication, quality management, or technical approach. The proposed methodology presents significant risk to successful project delivery and contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that outweigh any strengths. (0-7 points)

Fair: Partially satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Presents a project management approach that addresses some, but not all, of the required elements. Methods for managing schedule, budget, communication, quality management, or technical execution lack sufficient detail or demonstrate only a limited understanding of the project's requirements. The proposed approach may present moderate risk to successful project execution due to omissions, limited resources, or

RFQ# 00345 Page 19 of 43 weaknesses in project controls. The proposal contains strengths, but they are offset by one or more weaknesses or omissions. (8-16 points)

Good: Fully satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Presents a clear and well-defined project management approach that adequately addresses project management, scheduling, budgeting, estimating, communication, quality management, and coordination with the River Authority. The technical approach demonstrates a sound understanding of the project requirements and provides sufficient methods and resources to successfully complete the project. The proposal contains several strengths or numerous minor strengths that are not offset by significant weaknesses.

(17-24 points) requirements. Presents a comprehensive, well-organized, and highly effective project management approach that clearly demonstrates a thorough understanding of the project objectives and anticipated challenges. Provides detailed methods for project management, scheduling, budgeting, estimating, communication, quality management, and coordination with the River Authority and key stakeholders. The technical approach is innovative, practical, and demonstrates the firm's ability to consistently deliver high-quality work products while effectively managing risk and maintaining project objectives. The proposal contains numerous significant strengths and no material weaknesses. (25-30 points)

The score for project management will be scored once and remain the same across all Discipline and Category evaluation(s) for each firm.

D. Local Understanding (FACTOR 10 %)

Preference will be given to firms that demonstrate familiarity with the local engineering, architecture, and survey industry and maintain a strong presence within the River Authority’s jurisdictional boundaries, including

Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. Additionally, firms should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the River Authority’s requirements, procedures, and operational standards. Demonstrate your firm’s understanding of and presence in the local market.

Information in the “Criteria D Specific Questions” in Exhibit 3 will be used to evaluate this criterion.

Poor: Does not satisfy the River Authority's requirements. Demonstrates little or no understanding of the local engineering, architecture, or survey industry, the River Authority's jurisdiction, or its requirements and operational standards. Does not demonstrate a meaningful local presence or relevant experience within the River Authority's service area. The

RFQ# 00345 Page 20 of 43 proposal contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that outweigh any strengths. (0-2 points)

Fair: Partially satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the local market, River Authority requirements, or operational standards. Local presence or experience within the River

Authority's jurisdiction is minimal or only partially demonstrated. The proposal provides limited examples of relevant local experience or familiarity. The proposal contains strengths, but they are offset by one or more weaknesses or omissions. (3-5 points)

Good: Fully satisfies the River Authority's requirements. Demonstrates a good understanding of the local market, the River Authority's jurisdiction, and applicable requirements and procedures. Maintains a local presence or demonstrates substantial experience performing similar work within the

River Authority's service area or surrounding region. The proposal contains several strengths or numerous minor strengths that are not offset by significant weaknesses. (6-8 points)

Excellent: Fully satisfies and exceeds the River Authority's requirements.

Demonstrates an extensive understanding of the local engineering, architecture, and survey industry, as well as the River Authority's jurisdiction, requirements, procedures, and operational standards.

Maintains a strong and well-established local presence within the River

Authority's service area and provides numerous examples of successfully completed projects within Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and/or Goliad counties or similar local jurisdictions. The proposal contains numerous significant strengths and no material weaknesses. (9-10 points)

Step 2: Firms must obtain a score that falls within the “good” range or higher for each evaluation criteria in each Discipline to be placed on the pre-qualification list. Any evaluation criteria score that falls below the stated “good” range (points fall into the “fair” or “poor” range as stated for each evaluation criteria) will disqualify the firm from the Discipline as they will not meet the minimum score required. Firms will be scored with the above evaluation criteria and point ranges.

Upon final evaluation, firms will be ranked and placed on the appropriate prequalified professional service Discipline listed in the order of their scores. For tie scores, a casting of lots will break the tie and determine the order.

Step 3: A written recommendation will be presented to the appropriate approving authority for the River Authority (the General Manager).

RFQ# 00345 Page 21 of 43

18. RIGHT TO REJECT/ AWARD

The River Authority reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all responses, waive any or all formalities or technicalities, accept the response or portions of the response and to make such awards of contract(s) as may be deemed to be in the best interest and most advantageous to the River Authority, considering the relative importance and other evaluation factors specified herein.

19. RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATION

Respondent(s) are prohibited from communicating with: 1) The River Authority Board of

Directors and the River Authority staff regarding the solicitation or submittals from the time the solicitation has been released until the contract is posted as a Board agenda item;

and 2) the River Authority employees from the time the solicitation has been released until the contract is awarded. These restrictions extend to “thank you” letters, phone calls, emails and any contact that results in the direct or indirect discussion of the solicitation and/or submittal by respondent. Violation of this provision by respondent and/or its agent may lead to disqualification of respondent’s submittal from consideration.

Exceptions to the restrictions on communication with the River Authority employees include:

A. Respondents may ask verbal questions concerning this solicitation at the Pre-

Submittal Conference (if applicable) or submit clarification requests via email to the contact below.

B. Respondents may provide responses to questions asked of them by the Procurement

Department after submittals are received and opened. The Procurement Department may request clarification to assist in evaluating respondent’s Response. The information provided is not intended to change the Response in any fashion. Such additional information must be provided within two (2) business days from the

River Authority’s request. Respondents may also respond to requests by the

Procurement Department for best and final offers, which do allow respondents to change their response. Requests for best and final offers will be clearly designated as such.

Respondents shall direct all inquiries and communications concerning this solicitation to the Point of Contact(s) listed below:

Emily Hanson

Senior Buyer

(210) 302-3605 ehanson@sariverauthority.org

RFQ# 00345 Page 22 of 43

20. INVITATION FOR RESPONSES PREPARATION COSTS

Issuance of this solicitation does not commit the River Authority, in any way, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a response. All costs related to the preparation and submission of this solicitation shall be borne by the respondent.

21. ANTI-LOBBYING PROVISION

During the period between the solicitation submission date and the contract award, respondents, including their agents and representatives, shall not directly discuss or promote their response with any member of the Board of Directors or River Authority staff except in the course of River Authority-sponsored inquiries, briefings, interviews, or presentations. Violation of this provision may result in the rejection of the respondent's response and disqualification from future consideration of a similar solicitation.

22. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION & SECURITY

Any information deemed to be confidential by the respondent should be clearly annotated on the pages where confidential information is contained. The River Authority cannot guarantee that it will not be required to disclose all or part of any public record under Texas

Public Information Act, since information deemed to be confidential by the responder may not be confidential under Texas Law, or pursuant to a Court order.

Should the successful respondent be awarded a contract and become the holder of, and have access to, confidential information, (in the process of fulfilling its responsibilities in connection with the contract), the successful respondent agrees that it shall keep such information confidential and will comply fully with the laws and regulations of the State of Texas, ordinances and regulations of the River Authority, and any applicable federal laws and regulations relating to confidentiality.

23. DEBRIEFS

After the contract has been awarded all submissions will be open for public inspection, and the unsuccessful respondent(s) may request a debriefing regarding their submittal. Please contact the Procurement Department to request a debriefing within 60 days of notice of award. An in-person meeting with the Procurement Department and the using Division will be scheduled within a reasonable time.

24. BUSINESS OVERVIEW – ATTACHMENT A

Respondent shall complete the Business Overview Questionnaire as applicable per

Attachment A. Subconsultants do not need to complete this form, unless they are a co-responder as defined on Attachment A.

RFQ# 00345 Page 23 of 43

25. DEVIATION FROM SPECIFICATION/ REQUIREMENTS -

ATTACHMENT B

Please read the requirements thoroughly and be sure that your response complies with all requirements/specifications noted. Any variation from the solicitation requirements/ specifications must be clearly indicated in Attachment B, on a point-by-point basis, attached to and made a part of your response. If no exceptions are noted, and you are the successful respondent, the River Authority will require that the good/service(s) be provided as specified.

Respondents shall itemize all exceptions on Attachment B. Additional pages may be added as necessary. Do not mark or change the text of the solicitation document, exceptions shall be noted only on Attachment B.

26. REFERENCES – ATTACHMENT C

Provide three (3) references that the respondent has provided services to within the past three (3) years. The contact person named should be familiar with the day-to-day management of the contract and be willing to respond to questions regarding the type, level, and quality of service provided. Attachment C shall be provided for each discipline applied for. References should be relevant to the discipline(s). For example – if a

Respondent is responding to all four (4) disciplines, their response should include four (4) different Attachment C with different references and projects to be considered.

The River Authority reserves the right to use other references and any additional information provided to evaluate the firm’s ability to meet the River Authority’s needs.

27. CONFLICT OF INTEREST – ATTACHMENT D

Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires that any vendor or person considering doing business with a local government entity must disclose in the

Questionnaire Form CIQ, the vendor or person’s…