ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO RFQ No. 3000026542

“Permit Processing Support”

The above referenced Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is amended to include “LDEQ ANSWERS TO OFFERORS QUESTIONS” as attached.

CHANGES TO THE RFQ:

RFQ Section 1.5 Schedule of Events from:

Event Date CT RFQ posted to LaPAC July 30, 2026

Deadline for receipt of written inquiries August 31, 2026 4:00 p.m.

Deadline for Statement of Qualifications Submission September 29, 2026 4:00 p.m.

Notice of Selection announcement (on or about) November 6, 2026

Contract execution on or about January 1, 2027

To:

Deadline for receipt of written inquiries August 31, 2026 4:00 p.m.

Deadline for Statement of Qualifications Submission October 6, 2026 4:00 p.m.

RFQ Section 3.4 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information, shall be amended to add:

If the request for confidentiality is granted and an Offeror wishes to secure a renewal of confidentiality nondisclosure of information contained in its SOQ, the Offeror must submit a request for continuance of confidentiality no later than 180 days prior to the expiration of the three-year period in accordance with LAC 33:I. Chapter 5, Section 509 and applicable laws.

And paragraph 6 of this same section, shall be amended from:

If an Offeror wishes to secure nondisclosure of information contained in its SOQ, the Offeror must also submit a written request to the Secretary of the Department in accordance with LAC 33:I. Chapter 5 and applicable laws. Upon review of the written request, the Secretary of the Department will determine if the information requires confidentiality.

If an Offeror wishes to secure nondisclosure of information contained in its SOQ, the Offeror must also submit a written request to the Secretary of the Department in accordance with LAC 33:I. Chapter 5, Section 503, and applicable laws. Upon review of the written request, the Secretary of the Department will determine if the information requires confidentiality.

CHANGES TO APPENDIX A, OFFEROR COVER SHEET / CERTIFICATION

STATEMENT:

Appendix A, Other Submittal Information Section is amended to remove “Licenses”:

Licenses:

Type of License License Number (s) Louisiana Professional Engineer (P.E.) License Louisiana Professional Geologist/Geoscientist License

CHANGES TO ATTACHMENT 1, STATEMNT OF WORK:

Section 2.0, Contractor Tasks, second paragraph is changed from:

The Contractor shall provide the methods and resources (including, but not limited to, personnel, supervision, materials, supplies, computers, equipment, and transportation) necessary to perform the tasks described in this Statement of Work (SOW). For any tasks that require certification by a Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist/Geoscientist, the Contractor shall provide a licensed Professional Engineer registered with the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board pursuant to La. R.S. 37:681 et seq. and a licensed Professional Geologist/Geoscientist registered in Louisiana pursuant to La. R.S. 37:711.1 et seq.

To:

The Contractor shall provide the methods and resources (including, but not limited to, personnel, supervision, materials, supplies, computers, equipment, and transportation) necessary to perform the tasks described in this Statement of Work (SOW). For any tasks that require certification by a Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist/Geoscientist, the Contractor shall provide a licensed Professional Engineer registered with the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board pursuant to La. R.S. 37:681 et seq. and a licensed Professional Geologist/Geoscientist registered in Louisiana pursuant to La. R.S. 37:711.1 et seq.

Section 4.0, Minimum Qualification of the Contractors Personnel, Item 4, last bullet is amended from:

Training: Completion of EPA- or Air & Waste Management Association-recognized training in AERMOD within the preceding five (5) years.

Training: Completion of EPA- or Air & Waste Management Association-recognized training in AERMOD within the preceding five (5) years. Individuals with five (5) or more years of experience using AERMOD and associated pre-processing software, the requirement to complete an EPA or AWMA-recognized training course will be waived.

Section 5.5, Deliverables, Item F. Deliverable Format, Media, and Quality Standards:

All engineering deliverables, including permit drafts, technical review memoranda, and corrective-action documents, shall be prepared under the responsible charge of a Louisiana P.E. licensed by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board pursuant to La. R.S. 37:681 et seq., and shall bear the seal and signature of the responsible P.E. where required by law or rule.

Electronic deliverables shall be submitted in searchable PDF (PDF/A where feasible) and in native editable format (Microsoft Word 2016 or later; Microsoft Excel 2016 or later;

AutoCAD 2018 or later for drawings; ESRI shapefiles or geodatabases for geospatial data).

Citations in deliverables shall use pinpoint citations to LAC, La. R.S., CFR, and U.S.

Code sections, and shall conform to LDEQ style and citation guidance.

The Contractor shall maintain version control using LDEQ-assigned document identifiers and shall not alter LDEQ-assigned EDMS indexing without written authorization.

All engineering deliverables, including permit drafts, technical review memoranda, and corrective-action documents, shall be prepared under the responsible charge of a Louisiana P.E. licensed by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board pursuant to La. R.S. 37:681 et seq., and shall bear the seal and signature of the responsible P.E. where required by law or rule.

Electronic deliverables shall be submitted in searchable PDF (PDF/A where feasible) and in native editable format (Microsoft Word 2016 or later; Microsoft Excel 2016 or later;

AutoCAD 2018 or later for drawings; ESRI shapefiles or geodatabases for geospatial data).

Citations in deliverables shall use pinpoint citations to LAC, La. R.S., CFR, and U.S.

Code sections, and shall conform to LDEQ style and citation guidance.

The Contractor shall maintain version control using LDEQ-assigned document identifiers and shall not alter LDEQ-assigned EDMS indexing without written authorization.

Issued 9/17/2026

ADDENDUM 1

LDEQ ANSWERS TO OFFERORS QUESTIONS

RFQ No. 3000026542

“Permit Processing Support”

LDEQ’s answers to the following questions are intended to provide information to potential Offerors’ questions submitted for the above referenced RFQ.

Question 1: Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics: Has LDEQ obtained any guidance or opinion regarding whether contractors, owners, or personnel performing services under this contract may be considered “public employees” for purposes of the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics?

LDEQ’s answer: Yes, LDEQ discussed this issue with the Louisiana Board of Ethics and the information found in the RFQ aligns with their current guidance. RFQ Section 2.2, Code of Ethics for State Employees, and RFQ Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 29, Code of Ethics for State Employees states, “Offerors are hereby advised that contractors may, in certain circumstances, be deemed "public employees" as interpreted by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Offerors are responsible for determining that there will be no conflict or violation of the Ethics Code if their company is awarded the contract.”

This language also applies to the selected contractor as stated in RFQ Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 29, Code of Ethics for State Employees.

Question 2: Existing Private Clients: May a selected contractor continue to represent private environmental clients before LDEQ, including clients with matters within the same Task Area for which the contractor has been selected, provided appropriate conflict screening is performed?

LDEQ’s answer: This depends on each situation and will have to be continually evaluated as tasks are assigned, clients are obtained, situations change, etc. Continual conflict screening will be necessary and critical.

Generally, the Selected Contractors may continue to represent private environmental clients, assuming there is no other conflict of interest.

Question 3: Advice Regarding Expedited Processing: May a selected contractor continue to independently advise its private clients regarding whether expedited permit processing is appropriate for a particular project?

LDEQ’s answer: In concept, yes. The Department can also provide similar information to entities regarding expedited processing for its projects.

If an expedited permit request is submitted to LDEQ, the Selected Contractor would not be able work on any Work Order for the same work/private client.

Question 4: Conflict Screening: When a potential conflict is identified, may the conflict be addressed through recusal or screening of specific personnel, where appropriate, or would a conflict involving an individual generally disqualify the entire firm from the applicable Work Order?

LDEQ’s answer: See LDEQ’s answer to Question 1.

Question 5: Client Disclosure: Appendix A requires disclosure of current and previous clients and work performed during the preceding two years. May this disclosure be limited to environmental permitting or regulated-facility clients reasonably relevant to the Task Areas proposed? Also, will the initial client list and subsequent Quarterly Client Reports be subject to disclosure under the Louisiana Public Records Law?

LDEQ’s answer: The Offeror may limit disclosure to environmental permitting or regulated-facility clients reasonably relevant, however the Offeror bears the risk of non-disclosure of potential conflicts that may result in a violation of the code of ethics.

Also see Addendum 1 to the RFQ, Section 3.4, Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information, for guidance to the Offeror on requesting nondisclosure of information contained in its SOQ.

Question 6: Declining Work Orders: May a selected contractor decline a proposed Work Order because of a conflict of interest, staffing availability, technical scope, schedule, payment concerns, or other reasonable business considerations without affecting the contractor’s eligibility for future Work Orders?

LDEQ’s answer: RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 2.0, Contractor Tasks, second paragraph states, “The Contractor shall provide the methods and resources (including, but not limited to, personnel, supervision, materials, supplies, computers, equipment, and transportation) necessary to perform the tasks described in this Statement of Work (SOW).” Section 5.2, Operation of the Contract (Work Orders), Item (3)(c) states, “the Contractor shall ensure that there are no conflicts with any Permittee/Applicants and their environmental consultants; if necessary, the Contractor shall provide a statement describing the Contractor’s relationship with any Permittee/Applicant.”

Therefore, Work Orders must be declined for conflict of interest. Work Orders declined for staffing availability, technical scope, schedule, or payment concerns may affect the contractor’s eligibility for future Work Orders.

Question 7: Work Order Allocation: When multiple contractors are qualified for the same Task Area or subcategory, what factors will LDEQ use to determine which contractor is offered a particular Work Order? Will the Permittee/Applicant have any role in selecting or requesting a contractor?

LDEQ’s answer: LDEQ has not made a final determination yet. Selected Contractors will be notified of the final decision on how LDEQ will handle issuing Work Orders before the final contracts are sent for signatures. Below are some options under consideration:

Rotating list: a Work Order would be issued to the first Contractor available (Contractor A) on the Task Area list. If Contractor A has no conflicts of interest and their Work Order response is accepted, then Contractor A goes to the bottom the rotation list for the next Work Order. If Contractor A must decline/recuse due to a conflict of interest, the next available Contractor (Contractor B) will be issued the Work Order, but Contractor A will remain at the top of the list for the next available Work Order.

Mini bids: LDEQ will provide each Work Order to all Contractors for a Task Area. Each Contractor would provide LDEQ their estimated level of effort based on the negotiated Schedule of Prices and ensure there are no conflicts of interest. The Contractor lowest estimated work order response would be awarded the Work Order.

Question 8: Payment Agreement and Security: Because payment is the responsibility of the Permittee/Applicant, may the contractor enter into a separate payment agreement with the applicant and require reasonable payment protections such as a retainer, deposit, advance payment, or other security before beginning work?

LDEQ’s answer: No. Any contract awarded from this RFQ is between LDEQ and the Selected Contractor. RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 2.0, Contractor Tasks, states, “The Contractor shall direct all correspondence for tasks assigned by Work Order to the Department only, unless directed by the Department Project Manager.” Section 8.0, Measurement and Payment, further states, “Payment for tasks may be requested by the Contractor upon successful completion of each Work Order and approval of the corresponding deliverable by the Department. Partial payments of a Work Order may be approved at the discretion of the Department’s Project Manager. The amount invoiced to the Permittee/Applicant shall not exceed the estimates submitted to and approved by the Department.”

Question 9: Progress Payments and Nonpayment: For longer Work Orders, will periodic or monthly partial payments generally be permitted? What remedies will be available to the contractor if a Permittee/Applicant fails to pay an approved, undisputed invoice?

LDEQ’s answer: RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 8.0, Measurement and Payment, states, “Payment for tasks may be requested by the Contractor upon successful completion of each Work Order and approval of the corresponding deliverable by the

Department. Partial payments of a Work Order may be approved at the discretion of the Department’s Project Manager. The amount invoiced to the Permittee/Applicant shall not exceed the estimates submitted to and approved by the Department.”

RFQ Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 5.b. Invoicing Procedure, states, “The procedure for payment shall be arranged between the Contractor and the Permittee/Applicant, with assistance by the Department only as required, and shall be consistent with Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 8.0 Measurement and Payment.”

The Contractor should notify the Department if a Permittee/Applicant fails to pay an approved, undisputed invoice.

Question 10: Payment Independent of Permit Outcome: Please confirm that payment to the contractor for authorized and accepted services is not contingent upon LDEQ ultimately issuing the requested permit, modification, certification, or other authorization.

LDEQ’s answer: Work Orders issued by LDEQ will be per Task Area and may contain a few or all activities listed for the Task Area. Payment is not contingent upon LDEQ issuing the requested permit, as long as the Contractor has provided successful completion of each Work Order and received approval of the corresponding deliverable(s) by the Department.

Question 11: Compensable Administrative Activities: Are activities required to perform or administer an individual Work Order, including preparation of Work Order estimates, conflict screening, progress reporting, EDMS/TEMPO preparation, meetings, and Work Order closeout— billable to the applicable Work Order?

LDEQ’s answer: RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, 5.2, Operation of the Contract (Work Orders), Item (3)(b) states “an estimate of the level of effort necessary (i.e., the number of work hours for each labor category and the total estimated cost for completion of the Work Order)”. The Contractor’s written response to a Work Order should include all activities required to perform or administer an individual Work Order, including preparation of Work Order estimates, conflict screening, progress reporting, EDMS preparation, meetings, and Work Order closeout.

Item (5) states, “Upon receipt of written acceptance of the Contractor’s response, the Contractor shall proceed with the tasks as assigned in the Work Order and provide all deliverables to the Department within the established time limits.” Item (7) states, “Upon receipt of the Department’s written acceptance of the work, the Contractor may submit an invoice (with supporting documentation) according to the procedures defined in the contract.”

If a Contractor’s Work Order response is not accepted by the Department, an invoice shall not be submitted.

Question 12: Revisions and Deficient Work: How will LDEQ distinguish between uncompensated correction of deficient work and compensable additional effort resulting from new information submitted by the applicant, changes in LDEQ direction, additional agency comments, regulatory changes, or expansion of the original scope?

LDEQ’s answer: Appendix C, Article 9, Correction of Deficient Work, states, “Deficient work is defined as work that is (a) unsatisfactory, faulty, or defective, or (b) does not conform to the requirements of the contract documents.” The Department will notify the Contractor if the work provided, as assigned by work order, is deficient.

All other examples provided in the question would be addressed through a revised work order. RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, 5.2, Operation of the Contract (Work Orders), last paragraph states, “If during the course of the work, the Contractor discovers that the original cost estimate may be exceeded before the work is completed, the Contractor shall notify the Department before incurring additional costs.”

Question 13: Work Order Changes and Schedule Extensions: If additional effort or schedule impacts result from circumstances outside the contractor’s control, what process will be used to authorize additional hours and/or extend the Work Order schedule before the contractor exceeds the approved estimate or due date?

LDEQ’s answer: RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 5.2, Operation of the Contract (Work Orders), last paragraph states, “If during the course of the work, the Contractor discovers that the original cost estimate may be exceeded before the work is completed, the Contractor shall notify the Department before incurring additional costs.

The Department shall determine the acceptability of additional costs. The Contractor shall provide a revised cost estimate including an explanation of additional units in writing as soon as possible. The Department shall provide written approval.”

Question 14: Rate Adjustments: If the contract is extended beyond the initial contract year, will the standard hourly rate sheet be eligible for annual adjustment or renegotiation to account for changes in labor and operating costs?

LDEQ’s answer: The Department has not made a determination for annual adjustment or renegotiation after the first year of the contract at this time.

RFQ, Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 2, Contract Term, states “The Department has the right to extend this Contract up to a total of three years with the concurrence of the Contractor and all appropriate approvals.” The Contractor is not required to extend the contract if the terms are no longer acceptable.

Question 15: Subcontractor Experience: If an Offeror proposes a qualified subcontractor to support a particular Task Area, may the subcontractor’s corporate project experience be used to satisfy the requirement for at least three comparable projects in that Task Area, or must those projects have been performed directly by the prime Offeror?

LDEQ’s answer: Yes, an Offeror may propose a qualified subcontractor to support a particular Task Area and provide the subcontractor’s corporate project experience to satisfy the requirement for at least three comparable projects in that Task Area. The Offeror should clearly indicate the project(s) undertaken by the proposed subcontractor on RFQ Appendix B, Offeror Experience Table.

Question 16: Task Areas and Subcategories: Please confirm that a selected contractor will only be assigned Work Orders within the specific Task Areas and subcategories for which the Offeror submitted qualifications and was evaluated and selected by LDEQ.

LDEQ’s answer: It is LDEQ’s intention to only assign Work Orders to selected Contractors for the specific Task Areas and subcategories for which the Offeror submitted qualifications and was evaluated and selected by LDEQ.

RFQ Section 3.2.1, SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement, requires the

Offeror to “indicate the Task Area(s) that the Offeror is submitting qualifications for and requests to be evaluated under this RFQ.”

RFQ Section 3.2.2, Scope of Services, o Item (1)(a), Project Organization requests the Offeror to provide an organizational chart that “should be accompanied by a narrative identifying the functions and responsibilities of each position identified, including Task Area(s) as applicable…” o Item (2), Performance of Project Tasks, requests the Offer describe, “For each Task Area indicated by the Offeror in Appendix A, SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement, the Offeror shall provide a narrative detailing…”

RFQ Section 3.2.4, Company Qualifications and Experience states, “The Offeror should describe at least three (3) projects of comparable scope and complexity to each proposed Task Area…”

Appendix A, SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement, Task Areas, states, “Indicate the Task Area(s) that the Offeror is submitting qualifications for and requests to be evaluated under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by marking the boxes provided. LDEQ will only evaluate the Task Area(s) and sub-category(s) that have been marked below.”

Question 17: Professional Responsibility and Final Authority: For technical memoranda, draft permits, and other engineering-related deliverables, which documents does LDEQ anticipate will require a Louisiana P.E. or P.G./Geoscientist seal? Additionally, please confirm that LDEQ will retain final regulatory authority and responsibility for permit conditions, regulatory determinations, and final permit issuance decisions.

LDEQ’s answer: LDEQ does not have any documents that will require a Louisiana P.E.

or P.G. seal. See Addendum 1 to the RFQ. The requirement for a Louisiana licensed Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist/Geoscientist has been removed.

Yes, LDEQ will retain final regulatory authority and responsibility for permit conditions, regulatory determinations, and final permit issuance decisions.

Question 18: DBE/Small Business Consideration: Does this RFQ provide any evaluation consideration, preference, reporting credit, or other recognition for a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small and Emerging Business, Hudson Initiative participant, Veteran Initiative participant, or other certified Louisiana small business? If the prime Offeror itself is a certified DBE, are there any additional reporting or participation requirements?

LDEQ’s answer: This RFQ is not federally funded, therefore DBE is not required. This RFQ also does not meet the criteria to require Louisiana Veteran/Hudson participation.

There are no additional evaluation considerations, reporting, or participation requirements for this RFQ.

Question 19: We have several licensed professional engineers on staff who are licensed in many other states. I am confident that one or more of us could obtain comity with Louisiana. Is having a LA PE a requirement prior to contract award? Is a temporary license while waiting for final Board approval acceptable?

LDEQ’s answer: See Addendum 1 to the RFQ. The requirement for a Louisiana licensed Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist/Geoscientist has been removed.

The Offeror is not required to obtain a Louisiana licensed Professional Engineer prior to contract award.

Question 20: How will the Work Orders be assigned to a contractor once the contract has been awarded?

LDEQ’s answer: See RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 5.2, Operation of the Contract (Work Orders) for a description of the Work Order process.

Also see LDEQ’s answers to Questions 6 and 7.

Question 21: Regarding the quarterly list of clients (Section 5.4 of Attachment 1), can you please provide an example format? How detailed should the description of work be? We have hundreds of clients, which could be a significant effort. Will this client list be confidential, as some of our clients may request confidentiality.

LDEQ’s answer: The example format is provided on Page 2 of RFQ Appendix A, Offeror Coversheet / Certification Statement.

Also see LDEQ’s answer to Question 5.

Question 22: Regarding the standard rate sheet (Section 4.6 of the RFQ), when rate sheets are provided after contract award, will additional labor classifications be allowed?

LDEQ’s answer: At this time, no additional labor categories will be allowed.

Question 23: Where should exceptions to the contract be listed in the SOQ response?

LDEQ’s answer: RFQ, Section 4.7, Contract Award and Execution, states “A selected Offeror(s) shall be expected to enter into a contract that is substantially the same as Appendix C, Sample Contract. An Offeror shall not submit its own standard contract terms and conditions as a response to this RFQ. The Offeror should submit in its SOQ any exceptions or contract deviations that its firm wishes to negotiate.”

The RFQ does not require exceptions to the contract to be listed in particular section of an Offeror’s SOQ. However, any exceptions should be clearly marked.

Question 24: Can we add other subcontractors or staff to our team post-award?

LDEQ’s answer: The Contractor must submit any post-award requests to add other subcontractors or staff to LDEQ for approval as described in RFQ Appendix C, Sample Contract, Section 33, Subcontractors, and Section 34, Substitution of Personnel.

Question 25: Can we apply for reciprocity for PEs between now (or contract award) and the contract start date?

LDEQ’s answer: See LDEQ’s answer to Question 19.

Question 26: The RFQ lists four scientist/engineer/specialist roles (Section 4 of Attachment 1). Is the intent to only show one person in each of these roles, or should we include multiple staff in these roles?

LDEQ’s answer: The personnel descriptions listed in RFQ Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 4.0, Minimum Qualifications of the Contractor’s Personnel are provided to indicate the labor categories anticipated for this project. These descriptions are not intended to set a minimum or maximum on the number of qualified personnel provided in the Offeror’s SOQ.

The Offeror may provide the same individual as a key staff person in more than one Task Area or more than one individual per role in a Task Area.

RFQ Section 3.2.2, Personnel Qualifications and experience states, “The Offeror should provide evidence that its proposed staff meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements…”. The Offeror should clearly indicate which the Task Area(s) that the personnel would be assigned and provide documentation of the qualifications and experience required for each assigned role.

Question 27: As currently structured in Section 4 of Attachment 1, the same scientist/engineer will be listed as a key staff person under both Task Area 3 and Task Area 4. Is it acceptable to show a different scientist/engineer for each Task Area (i.e., add a fifth specialist)?

LDEQ’s answer: Item 6, Waste – Environmental Scientist / Engineer / Geotechnical/Geoscientist (Task Areas 3 and 4) is provided as one role due to identical requirements for education, experience, and regulatory knowledge, but this role could be used for Task Area 3 or Task Area 4. The Offeror may provide a different scientist/engineer for each Task Area.

Question 28: In Section 4 of Attachment 1, there is a training requirement for the Air Quality Modeler role to have completed an EPA- or AWMA-recognized training in AERMOD within the preceding five (5) years. Can we substitute hands-on, real-world AERMOD experience for this training requirement?

LDEQ’s answer: Yes, for individuals with five (5) or more years of experience using AERMOD and associated pre-processing software, the requirement to complete an EPA or AWMA-recognized training course will be waived. See Addendum 1 to the RFQ with the revised requirement.

Question 29: Section 3.2.2 (2) of the RFQ asks for information by “each Task Area” and provides a list of bullets to address in a narrative. Within those bullets are descriptions of 1) key personnel and 2) company qualifications (the third and fourth bullets). However, Sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 appear to require separate sections for personnel and company qualifications. Our intent is to provide a full description of our staff and experience within the discussion of each Task Area.

Which approach is preferable?

LDEQ’s answer: LDEQ does not have a preference to the Offeror’s approach on providing the requested information. The Offeror should include as much detail as practicable to provide a straightforward, clear, and concise description of the Offeror’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFQ. RFQ Section 3.3, SOQ Format, states, “SOQs should be prepared simply, legibly, and economically.”

i

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

(RFQ)

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

RFQ No: 3000026542

Response Due Date/Time:

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm CT Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm CT

Issue Date: July 30, 2026 Addendum 1 Issue Date: September 17, 2026 ii

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Term of Contract

1.3 Compensation

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Schedule of Events

1.6 SOQ Clarifications Prior to Submittal

1.6.1 Pre-SOQ Conference

1.6.2 Offerors’ Written Inquiries

1.7 SOQ Submittal

1.8 RFQ Coordinator

1.9 Errors and Omissions in SOQ

1.10 Changes or Addenda

1.11 Withdrawal of SOQ

1.12 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

1.13 SOQ Rejection/RFQ Cancellation

1.14 Ownership of SOQ

1.15 Cost of Offer Preparation

1.16 Taxes

1.17 Security

PART II. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Corporation Requirements

2.2 Code of Ethics for State Employees

2.3 Insurance Requirements

2.4 Performance Standards

2.4.1 Performance Requirements

2.4.2 Performance Measurement/Evaluation/Monitoring Plan

PART III. SOQ PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 SOQ Content

3.2 Elements for SOQ

3.2.1 SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement

iii

3.2.2 Scope of Services

3.2.3 Personnel Qualifications and Experience

3.2.4 Company Qualifications and Experience

3.2.5 Use of Subcontractors

3.2.6 Former Public Employees

3.3 SOQ Format

3.4 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information

PART IV. SOQ EVALUATION AND SELECTION

4.1 Mandatory SOQ Content

4.2 Evaluation and Selection Process

4.3 Evaluation Criteria

4.4 Additional Information or Clarifications

4.5 Notice of Selection

4.6 Negotiation of Standard Rate Sheet

4.7 Contract Award and Execution

Appendices to this RFQ:

Appendix A ...................................................... SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet / Certification Statement Appendix B ............................................................................................. Offeror Experience Table Appendix C ............................................................................................................. Sample Contract

Attachments to this RFQ:

Attachment 1 ....................................................................................................... Statement of Work

Form A ..................................................................................................... Monitoring Report Form B ............................................................................................ LDEQ Work Order Form

Attachment 2 ........................................................................................... Sample Schedule of Prices

Addendum No. 1

PART I. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit written Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), from qualified contractors who are interested in providing consulting services for technical support services for permitting activities. The goals are to increase efficiency of the Expedited Permit Processing Program. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ or Department) invites all qualified parties (companies and individuals) to submit SOQs for providing these services.

LDEQ is seeking one or more contractors to perform the respective Task Areas listed in Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 2.0, Contractor Tasks, of the RFQ. Any Offeror(s) who meets the requirements of the selection process of this RFQ for the corresponding respective Task Areas may be selected as a qualified contractor to perform consulting services to support LDEQ.

Being selected as a qualified contractor in no way guarantees that such Offeror(s) will be selected to perform a specified amount of work under this RFQ and any resulting contract.

1.2 Term of Contract

The term of any contract resulting from this RFQ is anticipated to begin on or about January 1, 2027, and is anticipated to end on December 31, 2027. The Department shall have the right to contract for up to a total of three years with the concurrence of the Contractor and all appropriate approvals.

1.3 Compensation

The purpose of any contract awarded from this RFQ is to establish terms, conditions, and rates to be paid by the Permittee/Applicant. The contract and any amendments require the approval of the Department. At no time shall the Department be billed for any activities associated with the contract.

The compensation for services requested under this RFQ will be based on hourly rates negotiated collectively with the selected Offeror(s) (see RFQ Section 4.6). A rate sheet should not be submitted as part of the SOQ.

The final negotiated rate sheet shall be incorporated into the awarded contract as Attachment 2, Schedule of Prices.

1.4 Definitions

Contractor – Any person or firm having a contract with a governmental body; a selected Offeror

CT – Central Time

Department or LDEQ – Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

Discussions – For the purposes of this RFQ, structured means of conducting written communications with responsible Offerors who submit SOQs in response to this

RFQ

EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

LaPAC – The State’s online electronic bid posting and notification system website https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubMain.cfm

OES – Office of Environmental Services within LDEQ

Offeror or Vendor – A firm or individual who responds to this RFQ

Permittee/Applicant – A firm or individual who submits a permit application to LDEQ

RFQ – Request for Qualifications

Shall, Will, Must – Denotes a mandatory requirement

Should, Can, May – Denotes a preference, not a mandatory requirement

SOS – Scope of Services, part of the Offeror’s SOQ

SOQ – Statement of Qualifications, the Offeror’s response to this RFQ

SOW – Statement of Work, Attachment 1 to this RFQ

State – The term “State” shall mean the State of Louisiana and its departments, agencies (including the LDEQ), boards, and commissions as well as their officers, agents, servants, employees, and volunteers.

Task Area – See Attachment 1, Statement of Work; permit category including Environmental Air

Permitting, Environmental Water Permitting, Solid Waste Permitting and Other Authorizations, or Hazardous Waste Permitting.

Work Order – Method of assignment of work by the Department to the Contractor including a written description of required tasks, deliverables, and due dates.

1.5 Schedule of Events

Deadline for receipt of written inquiries August 31, 2026 4:00 p.m.

Deadline for Statement of Qualifications Submission September 29, 2026

October 6, 2026 4:00 p.m.

The Department reserves the right to revise this schedule. Revisions, if any, before the SOQ Submission Deadline will be formalized by the issuance of an addendum to the RFQ.

LaPAC is the State’s online electronic bid posting and notification system website. In that LaPAC provides an immediate e-mail notification to subscribing Vendors/Offerors that a solicitation and any subsequent addenda have been let and posted, notice and receipt thereof is considered formally given as of their respective dates of posting. To receive the e-mail notification, Vendors/Offerors must register in the LaGov portal. Registration is intuitive at the following link:

https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg.

Help scripts are available on the following website under Vendor Resources, Vendor Portal Help scripts at: https://www.doa.la.gov/doa/osp/vendor-resources/.

1.6 SOQ Clarifications Prior to Submittal

All communications relating to this RFQ must be directed to the RFQ Coordinator named in RFQ Section 1.8. Any communications between Offerors and LDEQ staff members concerning this RFQ will be strictly prohibited.

1.6.1 Pre-SOQ Conference

NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS RFQ

1.6.2 Offerors’ Written Inquiries

Offerors may submit written inquiries to the RFQ Coordinator via email according to the Schedule of Events provided herein.

LDEQ shall provide responses to all written inquiries in the form of an RFQ addendum, posted to the LaPAC.

Questions submitted in any other manner or to any other address, email, or telephone number will not be answered.

1.7 SOQ Submittal

Firms or individuals who are interested in providing services requested under this RFQ must submit a SOQ containing the mandatory information specified below. The SOQ must be received on or before the date and time specified in the RFQ Section 1.5, Schedule of Events, according to the following instructions.

Submissions are accepted via email only with a maximum file size of 30mb per email. If the file size of the submission exceeds email server requirements, the SOQ may be broken into smaller files with “Part X of Y” included at the end of each original file name (e.g. SOQ# _______ [Proposer Name] – Part 1 of 3).

All submittals must be received by the due date and time indicated on the Schedule of Events.

Responses received after the due date and time may not be considered. It is the sole responsibility of each Offeror to assure that its response is delivered by email prior to the deadline.

The SOQ shall contain original signatures, electronic signatures, or scans of original signatures of those company officials or agents who are duly authorized to sign SOQs or contracts on behalf of the organization. An electronic signature as provided by LAC 4:I.701 et seq. is considered an original signature. A certified copy of a board resolution granting such authority should be submitted if the Offeror is a corporation. The SOQ will be retained for incorporation into any contract resulting from this RFQ.

1.8 RFQ Coordinator

Written questions and SOQ submittals for this RFQ must be submitted to Robyn Geddes via e-mail at _DEQ-Sect-Procurement@la.gov.

Subject Line of all e-mails pertaining to this RFQ should be:

Inquiries for Permit Processing Support RFQ or Submittal to Permit Processing Support RFQ

1.9 Errors and Omissions in SOQ

The Department reserves the right to seek clarification of any SOQ for the purpose of identifying and eliminating minor irregularities or informalities.

1.10 Changes or Addenda

The Department shall reserve the right to change the schedule of events or revise any part of the RFQ by issuing an addendum to the RFQ at any time. Addenda, if any, will be posted on LaPAC.

It shall be the responsibility of the Offeror to check the website for addenda to the RFQ, if any.

1.11 Withdrawal of SOQ

An Offeror may withdraw a SOQ that has been submitted at any time up to the date and time the SOQ is due. A written request with electronic signature or scan of an original signature by the authorized representative of the Offeror must be submitted to the RFQ Coordinator.

1.12 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

The Department shall reserve the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor administrative informalities contained in any SOQ.

1.13 SOQ Rejection/RFQ Cancellation

Issuance of this RFQ in no way shall constitute a commitment by the Department to award a contract. The Department shall reserve the right to accept or reject, in whole or part, all SOQs submitted and/or cancel this RFQ if it is determined to be in the Department’s best interest.

1.14 Ownership of SOQ

All materials submitted in response to this RFQ shall become the property of the Department.

Selection or rejection of a SOQ shall not affect this right. SOQs received in response to this RFQ are subject to the Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, become the property of the Department, and will not be returned. Any copyrighted materials in the proposal are not transferred to the State.

1.15 Cost of Offer Preparation

The Department shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Offerors prior to issuance of or entering into a contract. Costs associated with developing the SOQ and any other expenses incurred by the Offeror in responding to this RFQ shall be entirely the responsibility of the Offeror and shall not be reimbursed in any manner by the Department.

1.16 Taxes

Contractor shall be responsible for payment of all applicable taxes from the funds to be received under contract awarded from this RFQ.

1.17 Security

Contractor’s personnel shall comply with all security regulations in effect at the State’s premises and externally for materials and property belonging to the State or to the project. Where special security precautions are warranted (e.g., correctional facilities), the State shall provide such procedures to the Contractor, accordingly.

The Contractor shall comply with the Office of Technology Services’ Information Security Policy at http://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/ots/InformationSecurity.aspx.

PART II. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Corporation Requirements

In accordance with Louisiana law, all corporations (see La. R.S. 12:262.1) and limited liability companies (see La. R.S. 12:1308.2) must be registered and in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State in order to hold a purchase order and/or a contract with the State.

If the Offeror is a corporation not incorporated under the laws of the State of Louisiana, the Contractor shall obtain a Certificate of Authority pursuant to La. R.S. 12:301-302 from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70809, (225) 925-4704. The Certificate of Authority must be provided prior to contracting with the Department.

If the Offeror is a for-profit corporation whose stock is not publicly traded, the Offeror shall file a Disclosure of Ownership form with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office before contracting with state government. The Disclosure of Ownership Affidavit must be provided prior to contracting with the Department.

2.2 Code of Ethics for State Employees

Offerors are hereby advised that contractors may, in certain circumstances, be deemed "public employees" as interpreted by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Offerors are responsible for determining that there will be no conflict or violation of the Ethics Code if their company is awarded the contract. The Louisiana Board of Ethics shall be the only entity which can officially rule on ethics issues.

If an Offeror who has provided consulting work in Louisiana environmental permitting creates a subsidiary company in an effort to reduce or eliminate conflicts of interest for this project, there may be potential implications related to the Louisiana Code of Ethics. In this situation, the onus will be on the company and its subsidiary to obtain the proper ethics determination from the board before proceeding (See Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 29).

2.3 Insurance Requirements

Offerors are encouraged to carefully examine the insurance coverages that will be required by the contract. (See Appendix C, Sample Contract, Article 30). Certificates of insurance, signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf, must be provided by the successful contractor and approved by the Department before work begins. Furthermore, the successful contractor must include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or shall be responsible for verifying and maintaining the Certificates provided by each subcontractor before work begins.

Insurance shall be placed with insurers with an A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A-: VI. This rating requirement shall be waived for Workers Compensation coverage only.

2.4 Performance Standards

Offerors are encouraged to carefully examine the performance standards that will be required by the contract when preparing its response.

2.4.1 Performance Requirements

The performance requirements are identified in Attachment 1, Statement of Work (SOW), Section 2.0, Contractor Tasks; Section 3.0, Project Schedule; and Section 5.5, Deliverables.

2.4.2 Performance Measurement/Evaluation/Monitoring Plan

The performance measurement/evaluation/monitoring plans are identified in Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section 7.0, Monitoring and Methods to Measure Performance.

PART III. SOQ PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 SOQ Content

SOQs submitted in response to this RFQ should include as much detail as practicable to provide a straightforward, clear, and concise description of the Offeror’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFQ. The Offeror should demonstrate their understanding of the Department’s requirements.

Each Offeror is solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their SOQ.

3.2 Elements for SOQ

Each Offeror should address the elements described by this section in their SOQ in the order listed.

3.2.1 SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement

Each Offeror must complete and submit a signed (electronically signed or scanned signature) Appendix A, SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement, indicate the Task Area(s) that the Offeror is submitting qualifications for and requests to be evaluated under this RFQ, and provide a list of current or previous clients to identify any potential conflicts of interest. SOQs lacking a cover sheet/certification statement shall be rejected.

3.2.2 Scope of Services

Each Offeror should submit a Scope of Services (SOS) that clearly and concisely describes their technical and management approach to completing the requirements described in Attachment 1, Statement of Work (SOW). The Offeror’s SOS should be presented in as much detail as judged necessary by the Offeror. An unsupported statement that the Offeror will comply with all the requirements of this solicitation is not acceptable.

Each Offeror's SOS should include a brief introduction followed by a discussion of the following technical elements, in the order listed.

(1) Project Management

The Offeror should describe the proposed approach to project management, including the following information:

(a) Project organization

Provide a project-specific organizational chart identifying the Offeror’s key project personnel, other project personnel, and any key subcontractor personnel proposed to work on this project as identified in Attachment 1, SOW, Section 4.0, Minimum Qualifications of Contractor’s Personnel. Show the lines of authority and lines of communication among all participants, points of contact for the Department, and any subcontractor relationships.

The organizational chart should be accompanied by a narrative identifying the functions and responsibilities of each position identified, including Task Area(s) as applicable, and the names of specific personnel proposed for assignment to these positions (include dual assignments, multiple individuals assigned to one (1) position, and subcontractors).

(b) Management approach

The Offeror should describe the proposed approach to project management. Project management shall include, but is not limited to, supervision of the Contractor's personnel, communication between the Contractor and the Department, meetings, contract administration, including Work Orders, and preparation and submission of submittals and deliverables in general.

(2) Performance of Project Tasks

The Offeror should describe the proposed approach to the performance of the technical tasks described in Attachment 1, SOW.

For each Task Area indicated by the Offeror in Appendix A, SOQ Offeror Cover Sheet/Certification Statement, the Offeror shall provide a narrative detailing the following:

A clear understanding of the scope of the Task Area and related objectives;

The ability to staff and perform the work in an expeditious manner;

Documentation of Offeror’s key personnel and subcontractors for the Task Area (see

RFQ Section 3.2.3);

Documentation of company qualifications and experience in similar work or related industry or programs to perform the Task Area (see RFQ Section 3.2.4).

Familiarity with LDEQ permitting processes, regulations, permit requirements, and data systems;

The ability to provide the appropriate technology and techniques, and other resources available to perform the Task; and

Project management experience utilizing available staff and resources to perform the Task.

3.2.3 Personnel Qualifications and Experience

The Offeror should provide evidence that its proposed staff meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements described in Attachment 1, SOW, Section 4.0 Minimum Qualifications of the Contractor’s Personnel. The Department will consider only experience that is relevant to the tasks listed in Attachment 1, SOW.

For all key project personnel designated in the project-specific organization chart (provided under RFQ Section 3.2.2, Item 1a.), the Offeror should describe their qualifications and experience.