2930 Final Spec.pdf

DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS

REQUEST FOR SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS

MATERIALS TESTING & GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES – BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION

RFSQ #26-2930

Materials Testing & Geotechnical Services – Building Construction

MATERIALS TESTING & GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES – BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PROJECT DATES

II. GENERAL

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA

V. QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS

I. PROJECT DATES

A. Contract Term The services procured through this solicitation will be provided on an as-needed basis for a term not to exceed five (5) years from the date the contract is approved and executed by Commissioners’ Court.

B. Question Deadline

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026, at 2:00 P.M.

All questions must be submitted via Bonfire. No additional questions may be submitted once the question deadline has passed. Denton County will address all questions as promptly as possible. Questions may be addressed out of order from receipt, depending on the complexity of the responses required.

C. Sealed Qualification Statements will be received PRIOR to and publicly opened at:

2:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026

Denton County Purchasing 1 Courthouse Drive, Suite 2300 Denton, TX 76205

II. GENERAL

Denton County is requesting Qualification Statements from firms who can adequately demonstrate they have the resources, experience and qualifications to provide the County with quality Materials Testing and Geotechnical Services. The County reserves the right to solicit services outside this RFSQ for any project.

Respondent may submit qualification statements electronically by uploading documents required in Section V. Qualification Statements, at Denton County partner’s website, Bonfire. If submitting electronically, do not submit paper documents. Refer to Exhibit A for Bonfire submittal instructions. Refer to Exhibit B for Paper submittal instructions. If you choose to submit in hard copy, submit one original paper copy of your submittal to the office of the Director of Purchasing PRIOR to the stated deadline in Section I:

Scott Arledge, CPPO, CPPB, Director of Purchasing Denton County Purchasing 1 Courthouse Drive, Suite #2300 Denton, Texas 76208

Each firm is responsible for ensuring responses to this RFSQ have been delivered by date, time, and to the location specified. Late statements will not be accepted. All questions shall be submitted to https://dentoncounty.bonfirehub.com. Respondents are responsible for ensuring all answers to questions are reviewed prior to submittal.

Except for the submission of written questions or in response to requests or inquiries from Denton County, firms shall refrain from contacting members of the Selection Committee, Commissioners Court, consultants, or other staff with respect to this RFSQ or the selection process.

By submitting a response to this RFSQ, each firm unequivocally acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this RFSQ and have asked questions and received satisfactory answers from Denton County regarding any provisions of this RFSQ with regard to which clarification was desired.

All responses submitted become the property of Denton County and are subject to the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). All documentation shall be open for public inspection, except for trade secrets and confidential information so identified by firm as such. Any material that is to be considered as CONFIDENTIAL/ PROPRIETARY in nature must be https://dentoncounty.bonfirehub.com/ clearly marked on each applicable page as such by the respondent. Marking your entire qualification statement CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY is not in conformance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Sec. 552.001, et seq.). Denton County will follow all requirements and procedures in the Public Information Act when responding to requests for disclosure of documents.

DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS: Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires that any vendor or person considering doing business with a local government entity disclose in the Questionnaire Form CIQ, the vendor or person's affiliation or business relationship that might cause a conflict of interest with a local government entity. By law, this questionnaire must be filed with the records administrator of Denton County no later than the 7th business day after the date the person becomes aware of facts that require the statement to be filed as defined in Section 176.006, Texas Local Government Code. A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 176.006, Texas Local Government Code. An offense under this section is a Class “C” misdemeanor. A copy of the law is available at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.176.htm. The forms for reporting are available online.

By submitting a response to this request, the respondents represents that it is in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code. If required, send completed forms to the Denton County Clerk's Office located at 1450 E. McKinney, Suite 1103, Denton, TX 76209-4524. Do not include forms with your response to this RFSQ.

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTED PARTIES: In compliance with Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code, Denton County Commissioners Court may not enter into a contract with a business entity as a result of acceptance or award of this solicitation unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties form as required by this statute. Notification will be given to the business entity recommended for award upon which the business entity will be required to submit the completed form prior to award. A copy of this law is available at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm. The on-line form is available at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. The Definitions are included in Chapter 46, Ethics Commission Rules are available online.

PROHIBITION OF CONTRACT WITH CERTAIN COMPANIES: Vendors/Contractors/Providers must be in compliance with the provisions of §2252.152 and §2252.153 of the Texas Government Code, which states in part, contracts with companies engaged in business with Iran, Sudan or Foreign Terrorist Organizations are prohibited. A governmental entity may not enter into a contract with any company listed on the Comptroller of the State of Texas website identified under Section 806.051, 807.051 or Section 2252.153, which do business with Iran, Sudan or any Foreign Terrorist Organization. By submitting a signed response to this solicitation, contractor verified to Denton County that it is not on any such list. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 2274, Contractor verifies the following: (1) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.176.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association and (2) will not discriminate during the term of the contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.

CHAPTER 2271 VERIFICATION: Denton County is legally prohibited from contracting for goods and services unless the contract contains written verification from the contractor that it does not and will not during the term of the contract boycott Israel as described in Texas Government Code §808.001(1). By submitting a response to this request, the respondent is affirming compliance with Chapter 2271 of the Texas Government Code.

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) CONTRACTING: The goal of Denton County is to ensure all HUBs, as described in the Texas Government Code, Title 10 Subtitle D, Chapter 2161, have maximum opportunities to participate in the County’s procurement in awarding of contracts and subcontracts. Denton County hereby notifies all offerors that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit qualification statements in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Denton County will make a good faith effort to increase contract awards for the purchase of goods or services from the HUBs. HUB vendors are encouraged to participate in the county’s purchasing and procurement process. While the County is oriented to adhere to good faith efforts, nothing in this effort shall be construed to establish set-asides or mandatory quotas. The County and all prime contractors (if subcontracts are to be let) will take the affirmative steps listed below:

1. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists.

2. Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources.

3. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business, and women’s business.

4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, which encourage participation by small and minority business, and women’s business enterprises.

5. Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce and the Texas Comptroller’s (TPASS) Centralized Master Bidders List HUB Directory.

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The intent of this solicitation is to obtain Materials Testing and Geotechnical Services for Denton County building construction projects. Services may include, but are not limited to, materials testing, special inspections, field observations, laboratory testing, geotechnical investigations, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), quality control and quality assurance testing, analysis, reporting and related testing and inspection services as required for individual projects. Services procured through this solicitation will be provided on an as-needed, project-specific basis for a term not to exceed five (5) years from the date the contract is approved and executed by Commissioners’ Court, in accordance with the requirements established by Denton County, project plans and specifications, applicable codes and standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Denton County reserves the right to award services in a manner determined to be in the best interest of the County.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SELECTED FIRM: It shall be the responsibility of the selected firm to provide professional materials testing and geotechnical services in accordance with the requirements of the Contract, project specifications, applicable codes, standards, accepted industry practice and the direction of Denton County for each specified project. The selected firm(s) shall:

1. Coordinate all testing and inspection activities with Denton County, the County’s designated representatives, the Architect/Engineer, Contractor, and other project-related entities, as applicable, to ensure timely and effective performance of the required services;

2. Provide qualified personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources necessary to properly perform the required testing and inspection services;

a. Ensure that all testing and inspection personnel assigned to the project possess the appropriate qualifications, certifications, licenses, and experience necessary to perform the services required under the Contract. Denton County reserves the right to request that the firm remove personnel from the specified project as deemed necessary.

3. Thoroughly review and become familiar with all construction documents, including plans, specifications, addenda, applicable codes, testing requirements, and other documents relevant to the scope of services;

4. Visit the project site, as necessary, to become familiar with existing and anticipated site conditions, construction activities, sequencing, access requirements, and other conditions that may affect the performance or cost of the firm’s services;

5. Maintain complete and accurate records of all testing and inspections and provide timely reports to Denton County in accordance with the requirements and schedule as established by the County and/or Architect or Engineer.

6. Promptly and accurately notify Denton County in writing of any observed or identified conflicts, errors, omissions, discrepancies, deficiencies, or conditions in the construction documents, materials, workmanship, or testing results that may affect the quality, schedule, compliance, performance, or cost of the project;

7. Become familiar with local utilities, cable providers, and other entities that may have underground or above-ground infrastructure within the work area, and coordinate with such entities as necessary to identify and locate existing infrastructure. The firm shall also identify, coordinate, and obtain Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services, as necessary, for private utilities and other subsurface infrastructure located on County property or within the project area outside of public rights-of-way and utility easements. The Consultant shall coordinate with property owners, utility owners, and applicable utility providers to identify and accurately locate such private utilities prior to construction activities.

8. The County will furnish and provide the firm with access to Autodesk for electronic submission, review, distribution, and maintenance of project-related materials testing documentation, including, but not limited to, testing reports, inspection reports, laboratory reports, field reports, photographs, and other required documentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DENTON COUNTY:

1. Designate a Project Manager to facilitate project coordination;

2. Provide available records, maps, and other pertinent information necessary for the work;

3. Assist the selected firm in obtaining pertinent information from other public or private sources; and

4. Provide timely responses to submittal requests.

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: It is expressly understood that Denton County may add or delete services or locations under this contract on an as-needed basis. Any future sites or additional services will require the awarded respondent to provide a quote.

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Request for Qualifications will be evaluated using a point system (100) on the following categories.

A. Tab 1 – Firm Qualifications (40) B. Tab 2 – Technical Qualifications (60)

It is understood that Denton County reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all responses to this RFSQ as it shall be deemed to be in the best interest of Denton County.

Receipt of any Qualification Statements shall be received and acknowledged only so as to avoid disclosure of the contents to competing respondents and kept secret during the negotiation/evaluation process. However, all documentation shall be open for public inspection after a contract is awarded, except for trade secrets and confidential information so identified by respondents as such. All confidential information should be clearly marked in red. Once Qualification Statements are reviewed, a recommended ranking will be compiled by an Evaluation Committee appointed by Commissioners Court. Oral presentations may be conducted with the most qualified firms. Additional information may be required at that time.

Competitive Range: At the sole discretion of Denton County, some or all of the firms considered for service selection may be required to appear for oral presentations. The oral presentations, if required, shall be conducted so as to solicit information to enable the committee to evaluate the capability of the applicable firms to provide the specific services. Denton County will notify the firms of the schedule, order and procedure for the presentation, including the content, time limits, use of handouts or visual aids, etc. at the conclusion of Initial Evaluations.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Denton County emphasizes that it may elect to forego oral presentations for all or some projects. Consequently, all responses shall be comprehensive and clear on their face, and no firm should rely upon the opportunity to present additional or clarifying information after submittal.

Competitive Range scoring will total 200 points. The respondents’ final evaluated score will be the combined total of:

Oral and Question Presentation (100) Points from the Initial Evaluation (100)

Upon conclusion of the selection process, Denton County will attempt to negotiate a contract for the provision of services with the most qualified firm. If a satisfactory contract cannot be reached, negotiations will end with the initial firm and negotiations will begin with the second most qualified firm, and so on according to the provisions of Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code. The Denton County Commissioners’ Court will make the final selection and approve the proposed contract.

The selected firm must be prepared to enter negotiations with each service individually represented by costs and necessity to the overall project. Denton County may elect to contract for any or all of the proposed services after negotiations.

The Scope of Services will include coordination with the appropriate related entities of Denton County government including, but not limited to, Public Facilities, Construction Management, Commissioners Court, the office of the District Attorney and support services related thereto.

Any cost or expense incurred by the Respondent that is associated with the preparation of the submittal, or during any phase of the selection process, shall be borne by the Respondent.

V. QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS

Respondents may submit qualification statements electronically by uploading documents, via Denton County’s Bonfire Portal, powered by Euna Procurement, at https://dentoncounty.bonfirehub.com, for RFSQ Evaluations. If submitting electronically, there is no need to submit paper documents. Refer to Exhibit A for Bonfire submittal instructions. If you choose to submit in hard copy, submit one original paper copy of your submittal to the office of the Director of Purchasing.

Submittals of paper documents shall take the form of a bound 8 ½ inch by 11-inch report in portrait orientation with a Table of Contents and all pages numbered in sequence. Binding must allow reports to lay flat when opened and may be either wire or GBC (no 3 ring binders).

Response to this RFSQ should be limited to the following page limitations (single sided) and format in order to simplify evaluation. Section dividers do not count in the page limitations.

Minimum font type or font size on graphics and charts shall be 10 point. Type size for text shall be 12 point. Each section (A & B) shall be clearly identified and tabbed. Respondents shall not submit pricing in this package.

A. Tab 1 – Firm Qualifications – Response must reflect firm’s understanding of industry standards and best practices. Responses must be formatted to correspond with items listed below for ease of review by evaluators. (Tab 1 documentation requested, not to exceed 15 pages.)

1. Provide an executive summary statement indicating the Respondent’s credentials and interest in delivering the services sought under this RFSQ, to include name, address, and telephone number of the firm submitting the qualification statement and the name and email of one or more individuals authorized to represent the firm in its dealings on a contractual basis.

2. Verifiable experience in your firm’s three (3) most recent projects and summary of accomplishments per identified client. Provide the name and location of each project, client, contact person, phone number, and email. The County reserves the https://dentoncounty.bonfirehub.com/ right to contact references given as well as any other source available.

3. Provide your proposed staffing structure and communication chain for this project, identifying key personnel and their respective roles. Any changes of key team members after submission of proposal, during evaluation, or after award of contract are subject to written approval by the County. Illustrate the proposed roles and experience of each member to include the following:

a. Name and Title

b. Resume

c. Copies of applicable licensure or certifications for each member

4. Firm’s qualification information that demonstrates ability to fully represent the

County for the specified services. Submit a summary of the process for selection of sub-consultants if applicable.

5. Identify if your firm has had any contracts terminated due to non-performance over the last five (5) years.

6. Identify adverse actions sanctioned by any regulatory authorities over the last five

(5) years.

B. Tab 2 – Technical Qualifications – Describe the Technical Approach and Workplan to meet the needs of Denton County for the stated project requirements. Responses must be formatted to correspond with items listed below for ease of review by evaluators.

(Tab 2 documentation requested, not to exceed 15 pages.)

1. Provide a summary statement demonstrating the firm’s understanding of the materials testing and geotechnical services required to support Denton County’s construction projects. Describe the firm’s proposed approach to coordinating services and exchanging information among the County, contractors, architects, engineers, project managers, and other applicable parties.

2. Describe the firm’s quality assurance and quality control procedures for field and laboratory materials testing and geotechnical services.

3. Provide a narrative describing the firm’s overall approach and proposed methodology for providing materials testing, geotechnical services, and related quality control services in support of Denton County’s building construction projects.

Include specifics regarding applicable testing standards and procedures, reporting systems, electronic documentation, data management, communication platforms, and the firm’s ability to provide timely and accessible project records to Denton County.

4. Describe the firm’s ability to provide materials testing and geotechnical services in accordance with Denton County’s project schedules, including dedicated, expedited, and accelerated schedules when directed by Denton County. Include a statement describing the firm’s commitment to providing reliable, timely, and responsive services throughout the contract term.