1-Attachment 10 - Solicitation No. BPM006379 - Experience and Capacity Response.docx

Attachment 10 – Experience and Capacity Response

THE STATE MAY DETERMINE YOUR PROPOSAL NON-RESPONSIVE IF YOU DO NOT FULLY RESPOND.

The Offeror shall provide a narrative response to each section that demonstrates their understanding of the Scope of Work requirements and describes the company’s overall experience and capacity in providing the Services stated in this Solicitation. If there is a section that is not applicable to the Services required by the Scope of Work, you may mark it “N/A”.

Offeror shall provide a response either after each section or in a separate document entitled: “Attachment 10 - Experience and Capacity Response.” If a separate document is used, please clearly designate each section and double-check to ensure that each question has been answered. If any information provided is considered CONFIDENTIAL by Offeror, the information must be specifically included in the Confidential Information Designation Attachment and related documentation to be assessed for confidential treatment under A.A.C. R2-7-103.

1.0 Company Profile. The Offeror must include a narrative description of its organization. The narrative must include the following:

1.1 Date Established and ownership (public, partnership, subsidiary, etc.);

1.2 Is the Offeror a national or local company;

1.3 Address of “Main Office” (e.g. Corporate Headquarters and any satellite offices responsible for performance of proposed tasks;

1.4 Brief overview of business operations, with an emphasis on experience in regards to the Scope of Work (limit the response to this question to one page, font size 10 pt or greater);

1.5 Offeror's organizational chart relevant to the Contract, specifically identifying the key point of contact for all questions related to the submitted Offer. In addition, identify key point of contact for Task Order Offer Requests.

1.6 Full disclosure of any potential conflict of interest between the Offeror and any State employee who functions or has responsibilities in the review or approval of the undertaking or carrying out of the Contract;

1.7 A Statement of whether, in the last five (5) years, the Offeror has filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors, and if so, an explanation providing relevant details and current status;

1.8 A Statement of whether there are any pending Securities Exchange Commission investigations involving the Offeror, and if such are pending or in progress, an explanation providing relevant details and an attached opinion of counsel as to whether the pending investigation(s) may impair the Offeror’s performance in a Contract under this Solicitation;

1.9 A Statement documenting all open or pending litigation initiated by Offeror or where Offeror is a defendant or party in any litigation that may have a material impact on Offeror’s ability to deliver the contracted Services;

1.10 A Statement documenting all open or pending litigation initiated by Offeror or where Offeror is a defendant or party in any litigation with a public sector client;

1.11 Full disclosure of any public sector contracts terminated for cause or convenience in the past five (5) years;

1.12 Full disclosure of any criminal or civil offense.

Offeror Response:

1.0 and 1.1 AARC Consultants, LLC (AARC) was established in 2012 as a subsidiary of AARC Environmental Inc., a renowned Environmental, Health, and Safety consulting firm. AARC operates as a limited liability company, leveraging the extensive 31-year history and expertise of its parent company to offer regulatory compliance services to clients across both public and private sectors.

1.2 AARC is a national company with a broad presence across the United States, supported by regional offices strategically located to serve clients nationwide.

1.3 Address of Corporate Headquarters:

2000 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 850 Houston, Texas 77042 Address of Regional Office Responsible for Performance of Proposed Tasks:

2 North Central Ave., Suite 1800 Phoenix, AZ 85004 1.4 Tailored Comprehensive Services for Diverse Client Needs In alignment with the Scope of Work outlined by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), AARC is well-equipped to enhance the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of small public water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Over the last 5 years, AARC has served 164 small municipal systems nationwide. Our experience includes developing asset management plans, conducting specialized engineering studies, providing construction administration and engineering services, and implementing sustainability and resiliency strategies. Specializing in resiliency, emergency management, and sustainability, AARC serves businesses and governmental entities by conducting third-party risk and resilience assessments, identifying physical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, developing plans of action to manage all-hazards risks, designing sustainable infrastructures, providing expert advice on Homeland Security matters, and offering turn-key environmental, health, safety, and security compliance services. AARC’s extensive background in environmental compliance and infrastructure design uniquely positions us to support ADEQ’s objectives, ensuring small water systems achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and ADEQ requirements. Figure 1 illustrate the full range of services and extensive experience offered by the AARC Team:

Request for Proposal

Solicitation No. BPM006379 Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public Drinking Water Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) 1110 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

Figure 1. Major services and extensive experience offered by AARC Group.

Solicitation Attachment – Experience and Capacity Response | Revision No. 1 | Revised 11-22 1.5 Organizational Chart Figure 3 illustrates the proposed Organizational Chart for this project.

Figure 3. AARC Organizational Chart.

Primary Point of Contact for Task Order Offer Requests and Other Inquiries Name: Rick Chainani Title: President Address: 2 North Central Ave., Suite 1800, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Tel: (48 0 ) 6 3 1-7 7 7 0 E-mail: rchainani@aarcgroup.com

1.6 Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest AARC confirms that there are no potential conflicts of interest between our organization and any State employee who is involved in the review, approval, or execution of the Contract.

1.7 Statement on Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings AARC confirms that in the last five (5) years, the company has not filed for bankruptcy or insolvency, nor has it had any such proceedings filed against it. Additionally, there has been no appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors.

1.8 Statement on Pending Securities Exchange Commission Investigations AARC confirms that there are no pending Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations involving the company.

1.9 Statement on Open or Pending Litigation AARC hereby affirms that there is no open or pending litigation, either initiated by AARC or where AARC is a defendant or party, that may have a material impact on our ability to deliver the contracted services.

1.10 Statement on Litigation with Public Sector Clients AARC hereby affirms that there is no open or pending litigation initiated by AARC or where AARC is a defendant or party involving a public sector client.

1.11 Disclosure of Terminated Public Sector Contracts AARC hereby discloses that there have been no public sector contracts terminated for cause or convenience in the past five (5) years.

1.12 Disclosure of Criminal or Civil Offenses AARC hereby affirms that there have been no criminal or civil offenses involving the company or its principals.

2.0 Company Experience

2.1 If Offeror is proposing to provide services for Item #3 - Capacity Development Training (technical, managerial, financial), from Table 1, on page 3, Offeror shall respond to the following question #1:

Question 1:

ADEQ offers technical, managerial and financial training through its Capacity Development program. Does your company have experience providing training, in person and/or virtual, on topics of water system operations and management? What subject matter are you offering to train on and what is the level of expertise of the proposed trainer(s)?

Offeror Response:

2.1 AARC has extensive experience providing both in-person and virtual training on a wide range of topics related to water system operations and management. Our expertise spans technical, managerial, and financial aspects, ensuring that water systems are sustainable and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Training Topics and Expertise:

1. Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning

· Emergency Response: We offer training on developing and implementing emergency response plans, including conducting tabletop and functional exercises.

· Hazard Mitigation Planning: Our approach includes identifying potential hazards and implementing strategies to mitigate their impact on water systems.

· Sustainability Planning: We provide guidance on creating long-term sustainability plans, including greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and environmental compliance.

2. Technical, Managerial, and Financial Improvements for Small Water Systems

· Experience: Managed 55 water systems serving populations ranging from 25 to 14,000, with project costs ranging from $25,000 to $3 million.

· Results: Successfully implemented multiple treatment technologies, well projects, storage, transmission, distribution improvements, and fire flow enhancements. Achieved improved regulatory compliance and service levels through economies of scale and shared services.

· Trainer: Project Manager David Siburg has extensive experience managing complex water systems both in the U.S. (Washington State) and internationally (Saudi Arabia), serves as the lead trainer. His background includes decades of experience with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and advisory roles with the EPA and various state agencies.

3. Environmental Compliance and Corrosion Control

· Environmental Compliance: We offer training on various environmental compliance issues, including GHG accounting and adherence to EPA standards.

· Corrosion Control: Our training covers corrosion control methods, including material selection, environmental assessments, and the implementation of protective measures to maintain infrastructure integrity.

Level of Expertise of Trainers

· David Siburg, Project Manager: With over 30 years of experience in water system operations, David has served in leadership roles within the AWWA, advised the EPA, and contributed to significant improvements in small water systems. His experience includes developing sustainable solutions for water systems in Washington State, as well as providing consultation on water and sanitation issues globally, including in Saudi Arabia and the Pacific Islands.

· Marie Shadden, Lead Master Trainer: With over 40 years of experience in hazard mitigation and emergency management, Marie has developed and facilitated training programs for federal, state, and local agencies, including the FBI’s Hazardous Materials Response operations. She is recognized for her expertise in disaster preparedness, recovery, and continuity of operations planning. Her work includes designing physical security programs for the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, later adopted throughout the water industry. Marie holds certifications from the EPA, FBI, and FEMA, and is highly regarded for her contributions to the training of emergency operations and business continuity.

· Anthony Hurley, Lead Risk & Resilience Advisor and Master Trainer: With 37 years of experience in utility operations, Anthony has managed all aspects of operations, including emergency management and physical security, for a Fortune 200 Corporation. He has responded to numerous natural disasters across the U.S. and internationally. Anthony is a certified instructor with FEMA and ASIS International, holding certifications such as Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP®). He has also taught at the FEMA Emergency Management Institute and NYU School of Professional Studies, contributing to training programs in emergency management and security.

Our training programs are designed to equip water system operators and managers with the knowledge and tools needed to address the unique challenges faced by small water systems, ensuring they can operate efficiently, sustainably, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

2.2 Project Descriptions:

For each deliverable from Table 1, on page 3, that the Offeror is proposing to provide:

Submit up to three (3) examples of your previous work as well as years of experience providing this deliverable. An example might cover more than one deliverable depending on the project. At the top of each page, include the deliverable “Item #(s)” and “Deliverable Description(s)” title from the table below. Limit each example to one (1) page. Use font size 10 pt or greater.

Each example shall include the following information:

a. Project Name;

b. Project Location (City and State);

c. Estimated Project Cost;

d. Project Begin and End Date;

e. Brief Description of the Project; and

f. Names of the project manager and key personnel that worked on the project if they are currently employed with your firm.

Offeror Response:

2.2 Item # 1 - Deliverable Description: Asset Management Plans Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 30 Years

Item # 2 - Deliverable Description: Capacity Development Activities Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 35 Years

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Item # 3 - Deliverable Description: Capacity Development Training (technical, managerial, financial) Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 30+ Years

Item # 4 - Deliverable Description: Construction Administration & Construction Management Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 40+ Years

Item # 5 - Deliverable Description: Design of water system improvements

Item # 6 - Deliverable Description: Developing regulatory plans (e.g., O&M, EOP, ERP, cybersecurity) Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 25 Years

Bruce Collie, P.E. (PM)

Item # 7 - Deliverable Description: Drinking water permit applications (e.g., ATC, AOC, APP, AZPDES)

Item # 11 - Deliverable Description: Preparing Corrosion Control Assessments & Treatment Recommendations

The Eloise revitalization project included a complete revitalization for new infrastructure. Improvements for the community included more than 5-miles of new water and sewer main lines and road reconstruction and associated drainage improvements. Due to the age of the water mains which were cast iron leaded joint, upgrades to DIP were selected to avoid corrosion. Assignments included field survey data collection, aerial photography, traffic studies, right of way mapping, wetland & environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, roadway, drainage and potable water/fire system design. Site design for a community center, permitting & regulatory agency/utility coordination and construction cost estimates for the projects along with construction services.

Bruce Colle, P.E.

Item # 12 - Deliverable Description: Preparing Environmental Documents/Archeological Surveys Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 30 Years

Regional Environmental (NEPA) Planning & Conservation Program Manager (2007-2022)

Regional Environmental (NEPA) Planning & Conservation Program Manager (2007-2022)

Regional Environmental (NEPA) Planning & Conservation Program Manager (2007-2022)

Item # 13 - Deliverable Description: Preparing Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER)

Item # 14 - Deliverable Description: Rate studies, rate reviews, rate cases Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 25+ Years

Item # 15 - Deliverable Description: Risk & Resiliency Assessments

Dr. Scott Thomas, Bruce Colle, P.E., Marie Shadden, and Jason Richards

Dr. Scott Thomas, Bruce Colle, P.E., Marie Shadden, and Jason Richards

Dr. Scott Thomas, Marie Shadden, and Jason Richards

Item # 16 - Deliverable Description: System Evaluations Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 30 Years

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Managerial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Management Systems and Operational Processes, Inadequate Skilled Personnel, Inadequate Organizational Structures, Inability to Gain Customer Support and Understanding Financial Issues Resolved: Inadequate Rate Bases, Inability to Finance Improvements.

David Siburg (PM)

Item # 18 - Deliverable Description: Water Master Planning Years of Experience Providing This Deliverable: 25+ Years

Request for Proposal

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

Select each of the item(s) that your firm is proposing to provide from the Table 1 below:

3.0 Financial/Accounting Information

After the proposal due date, Offeror must provide evidence of financial stability and capability to fund all costs associated with providing the relevant Services throughout the term of the Contract. See details as provided in RFP Solicitation Special Instructions to Offerors, Section 7.0 Financial Stability. DO NOT submit financial information with Offer at this time.

3.0 The evidence of financial stability will be provided after the proposal due date as requested in the RFP.

4.0 Certificates/Licenses

Submit copies of all applicable certificates and licenses that support Offeror’s ability to provide the proposed services, including any Arizona required business license(s) to provide these services. At a minimum, this shall include all certifications and licenses referenced in the Solicitation Attachment 8 - Organization Profile.

4.0 The following presents copies of all applicable certificates and licenses.

Request for Proposal

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

5.0 Proposed Project Members and Organization

Offeror to complete an Attachment 6 – Key Personnel form to identify each Key Personnel.

5.0 The following presents the Organizational Chart for this project.

6.0 Subcontractors

Offeror to complete Attachment 9 – Proposed Subcontractors to identify Proposed Subcontractors to be utilized to perform services within a resultant contract.

6.0 AARC does not intend to involve any subcontractors for this project.

Solicitation Attachment – Method of Approach | Revision No. 1 | Revised 11-22 image1.png image3.png image4.png image5.png image6.png image2.jpg