Due Date: October 08, 2026

2:00 P.M. (Local Time)

Request for Proposals - Engineering Services

Crellin Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

RFP #26-1008C

purchasing@garrettcountymd.gov - Phone 301-334-5003 – Fax 301-334-5000

Garrett County Government Department of Financial Services

203 South Fourth Street, Room 206, Oakland, Maryland 21550 garrettcountymd.gov/financial-services/purchasing

Purchasing Division

Request for Proposal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS-ENGINEERING SERVICES

CRELLIN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS

The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland will accept sealed proposals from qualified firms for engineering services to Prepare a PER and ER suitable for funding agency review, County decision-making, and incorporation into the County capital planning process for the construction of the Crellin

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, located at 237 West Ashby- Ellis Road, Crellin, Garrett County, Maryland 21550.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 28, 2026 on location.

Proposal documents may be obtained in person from the Garrett County Purchasing Department, 203 South

Fourth Street, Room 207 Oakland, Maryland 21550. A copy of the proposal documents can also be downloaded from the Purchasing Department’s web site at www.garrettcountymd.gov/financial-services/purchasing/current-bids Inquiries may be made by calling (301) 334-5003.

Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Garrett County Purchasing Department, 203 South Fourth Street, Room 207, Oakland, Maryland 21550 on or before Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. (local time). Five

(5) copies of the proposal should be submitted enclosed in a sealed envelope and should be clearly marked, “Request for Proposals-Engineering Services-Crellin Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements” on the outside of the envelope. Any proposals received after the time due will not be considered and shall be retained as documentation for the proposal file.

The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to cancel this request and to waive technicalities in any part thereof deemed to be in the best interest of Garrett County.

By Order of the Board

By Order of the Board

Trevor Butler

Purchasing Agent

Garrett County Purchasing Division http://www.garrettcountymd.gov/financial-services/purchasing/current-bids http://www.garrettcountymd.gov/financial-services/purchasing/current-bids

Contents

1. Introduction:

2. Project Information:

Purpose

Project Funding ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.

Scope of Services: ............................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1

Project Kickoff, Data Collection, and Existing Information Review ............................................................. 6 3.2

Site Visit and Existing Conditions Assessment .............................................................................................. 7 3.3

Regulatory, Permit, and Planning Review...................................................................................................... 7 3.4

Alternatives Development and Evaluation ..................................................................................................... 7 3.5

Recommended Alternative and Implementation Strategy .............................................................................. 8 3.6

Opinion of Probable Cost and Funding Support............................................................................................. 8 3.8

Environmental Report..................................................................................................................................... 8 3.9

Meetings, Coordination, and Deliverables ..................................................................................................... 9 3.10

Funding Acquisition Support........................................................................................................................ 9 3.11

Required Deliverables ................................................................................................................................ 10 3.12

Assumptions and Exclusions ...................................................................................................................... 10 3.13

County Review and Acceptance ................................................................................................................. 10 4.

County’s Responsibilities: .................................................................................................................................. 10 5.

RFP Process:....................................................................................................................................................... 11 6.

Submittal Format:............................................................................................................................................... 12 7.

Evaluation Criteria: ............................................................................................................................................ 14 8.

Selection Procedure: ........................................................................................................................................... 15 9.

References:

10. Basis for Award:

11. Indemnification:

12. Insurance:

13. Worker’s Compensation:

14. Local Preference:

15. Compensation to the Engineering Firm:

16. Proposals Binding 90 Days:

17. No Contact Policy:

18. Further Information:

Types of Assets – GASB 34 Requirements

1. Introduction:

1.1 The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland will accept sealed proposals from qualified firms to prepare a Preliminary Engineering

Report (PER) and Environmental Report (ER) for the Crellin Wastewater

Treatment Plant Improvements project of the Crellin Wastewater Treatment

Plant Improvements, located at 237 West Ashby-Ellis Road, Oakland, Garrett

County, Maryland 21550

1.2 A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 28, 2026 on site location. While attendance at the Pre-Proposal conference is not mandatory, this will be the engineering firm’s opportunity to raise questions and/or concerns regarding the RFP package.

1.3 The response to this solicitation should therefore emphasize this specific type of experience, identify the composition of the engineering team, including all necessary sub-consultants, and including biographies of all key personnel who will be assigned to the project. The County is also interested in references for past projects. The selected engineering team will be under contract to complete this project from the preliminary design to the final inspection and acceptance by the Public Works Utilities Division.

1.4 All proposals must be sealed and clearly marked, “Request for Proposals -

Engineering Services - Crellin Wastewater Treatment Project” on the outside of the envelope and be submitted to the Garrett County Commissioner’s Office

203 South Fourth Street Room 207, Oakland, Maryland 21550 on or before

Thursday, October 08, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. (local time).

1.5 Time is of the essence and any proposal or addenda pertaining thereto received after the announced time and date for submission, whether by mail or otherwise, will not be considered and shall be retained as documentation for the proposal file. Each engineering firm is responsible for ensuring that their proposal is stamped by

Purchasing Department personnel before the deadline indicated.

1.6 Nothing herein is intended to exclude any responsible engineering firm or in any way restrain or restrict competition. On the contrary, all responsible engineering firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The Board of County Commissioners of

Garrett County, Maryland reserves the right to accept any or all proposals and to waive technicalities in any part thereof deemed to be in the best interest of Garrett

County.

Request for Proposals-Engineering Services

1.7 Any proposal submitted MUST be signed by an individual authorized to bind the engineering firm. All proposals submitted without such signature will be deemed non-responsive, and may not be considered.

1.8 Responses should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward and concise description of the engineering firm’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this request. Emphasis should be placed on completeness of services offered and clarity of content. Attention is drawn to the limitation of pages as noted in Section 5.

1.9 If you are a registered vendor and desire not to respond to this proposal, please forward your acknowledgment of NO PROPOSAL SUBMITTED to the above address. Failure to comply may be cause for the removal of your company’s name from the vendor list for this service.

2. Project Information:

The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County is seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and Environmental Report

(ER) for the Crellin Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.

2.1.1 The Crellin WWTP sand filtration system requires rehabilitation or replacement due to deterioration of the filter bed perimeter. Periodic failures have resulted in wastewater spills and have created operational, maintenance, and regulatory concerns for the County.

2.1.2 The County intends to use the PER and ER to evaluate feasible rehabilitation and replacement alternatives, develop planning-level costs, identify environmental and permitting considerations, and determine the most sustainable long-term approach for the Crellin

WWTP. The planning effort should be structured to support future funding applications and project implementation.

2.1.3 The Crellin WWTP is located at 237 West Ashby-Ellis Road, Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland 21550. The treatment plant was constructed in 1990 and consists of a sand filtration system with ultraviolet disinfection. The facility primarily treats gray water and serves approximately 133 customers. The collection system is gravity sewer, with residential septic tanks providing primary treatment prior to discharge to the wastewater collection system.

Project Objectives

2.2.1 Document existing conditions and identify the root causes and operational impacts associated with the sand filter bed perimeter deterioration and related failures.

2.2.2 Evaluate practical alternatives for rehabilitation, replacement, or process upgrades that address reliability, permit compliance, constructability, lifecycle cost, and long-term operation and maintenance.

2.2.3 Prepare a PER and ER suitable for funding agency review, County decision-making, and incorporation into the County capital planning process.

2.2.4 Develop planning-level opinions of probable construction costs, implementation schedules, and recommended next steps for design, permitting, bidding, and construction

The descriptions in this RFP identify essential tasks necessary to achieve the goal of improvements to the Crellin Wastewater Treatment Plant, and engineering firms are required to submit proposals that are comprehensive such that all tasks necessary to improvements to the water treatment plant will be provided by the engineer, including but not limited to, document existing conditions, evaluate alternatives for rehabilitations replacement, constructability, planning, and document preparation work.

The purpose of this RFP is to procure engineering services necessary for the following and as described elsewhere in the RFP:

A. Document existing conditions and identify the root causes and operational impacts associated with the treatment facility.

B. Evaluate practical alternatives for rehabilitation, replacement, or process upgrades that address reliability, permit compliance, constructability, lifecycle cost, and long-term operation and maintenance.

C. Prepare a PER and ER suitable for funding agency review, County decision-making, and incorporation into the County capital planning process.

D. Develop planning-level opinions of probable construction costs, implementation schedules, and recommended next steps for design, permitting, bidding, and construction.

Project Funding

2.3.1 Funding for the Crellin Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements is expected to be provided by USDA-RUS in the form of Loan/Grant combination.

3. Scope of Services:

The proposal should be based on the following Scope of Services. The selected Engineer shall provide all professional services, coordination, and deliverables necessary to complete a

Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and Environmental Report (ER) for the Crellin WWTP

Improvements project.

3.1 Project Kickoff, Data Collection, and Existing Information Review

3.1.1 Attend the in-person kickoff meeting with Garrett County staff to confirm project goals, schedule, communication protocols, available records, known operational issues, and funding requirements.

3.1.2 Review available as-built drawings, prior engineering reports, discharge permits, inspection records, compliance correspondence, operational data, flow/load information, maintenance records, spill reports, and any other relevant County-provided information.

3.1.3 Develop a data needs list and identify any information gaps that may affect the PER/ER evaluation.

3.2 Site Visit and Existing Conditions Assessment

3.2.1 Plan for site visits to evaluate the WWTP and collection system components; compile all required data to complete the PER and ER.

3.2.2 Coordinate with County operations and maintenance staff to document recurring failures, repair history, seasonal considerations, observed spill conditions, safety concerns, access limitations, and operational constraints.

3.2.3 Prepare an existing conditions narrative summarizing the physical condition, operational limitations, regulatory risks, and likely causes of failure.

3.3 Regulatory, Permit, and Planning Review

3.3.1 Review applicable MDE requirements, discharge permit conditions, wastewater design guidance, County standards, and other applicable state and federal requirements.

3.3.2 Identify anticipated permits, approvals, environmental coordination, and regulatory review steps needed for each alternative.

3.3.3 Review whether the recommended project should be incorporated into the County capital improvement program and/or Master Water and Sewer Plan planning process.

3.4 Alternatives Development and Evaluation

Develop and evaluate feasible alternatives for addressing the WWTP improvement.

Alternatives should include, at a minimum:

3.4.1 Rehabilitation of the existing sand filter system, including perimeter reconstruction with equipment access, security fencing, replacement of all piping, pumps, enclosures, disinfection systems, and related improvements

3.4.2 Evaluate and present preliminary costs of a translucent enclosure encompassing the entire perimeter of the sand beds including access door, vents, and oversized equipment doors.

3.4.3 Replacement of the existing sand filter system in kind or with a substantially similar treatment approach.

3.4.4 Replacement or upgrade with an alternative treatment process, if warranted by condition, cost, reliability, site constraints, or regulatory considerations. Membrane treatment will not be acceptable.

3.4.5 Evaluation of conveyance alternatives to route wastewater to another treatment facility for final treatment and discharge.

3.4.6 Evaluate each alternative for treatment performance, regulatory compliance, constructability, operational complexity, resilience, site constraints, environmental impacts, future expansion considerations, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

3.4.7 Determine each alternative’s fundability ranking with MDE, USDA Rural Development, and other agencies.

3.4.8 Identify any alternatives that should be screened out and explain the basis for eliminating them from further consideration.

3.5 Recommended Alternative and Implementation Strategy

3.5.1 Recommend the most sustainable, long-term approach based on technical feasibility, regulatory acceptance, lifetime operational and maintenance cost, operational reliability, and

County priorities.

3.5.2 Prepare a conceptual implementation plan identifying anticipated project milestones, including preliminary design, final design, permitting, funding application support, bidding, award, construction, startup, and closeout.

3.5.3 Identify operational considerations during construction, including bypassing, temporary treatment, maintaining permit compliance, site access, seasonal limitations, and public/environmental protection measures.

3.6 Opinion of Probable Cost and Funding Support

3.6.1 Prepare planning-level opinions of probable construction cost for each viable alternative including construction, contingency, engineering, permitting, inspection, and other soft costs.

3.6.2 Include estimated annual operation and maintenance impacts, lifecycle considerations, and anticipated replacement/rehabilitation timing for major components.

3.6.3 Prepare cost comparison tables that clearly support the recommended alternative and can be used for funding agency discussions and County budgeting.

3.7 Preliminary Engineering Report

3.7.1 Prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report in compliance with the requirements of Rural

Utilities Service Bulletin 1780-2. https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWP_Bulletin_1780-2.pdf

This bulletin, referred to as Attachment A, is included at the end of the RFP package.

3.7.2 Prepare a draft PER that documents the project need, existing conditions, alternatives considered, cost estimates, environmental and regulatory considerations, recommended alternative, implementation schedule, and funding-ready project justification.

3.7.3 The PER should be prepared in a format acceptable for public infrastructure funding review, including USDA Rural Development, MDE, or other applicable funding programs as directed by the County.

3.8 Environmental Report

3.8.1 Prepare an Environmental Report (ER) in accordance with 7 CFR 1b National

Environmental Policy Act regulations, effective April 3, 2026.

3.8.2 Prepare an ER evaluating the environmental conditions and potential impacts associated with the proposed project and alternatives.

3.8.3 Identify required environmental coordination, including wetlands/waterways, floodplain, threatened and endangered species, historic/cultural resources, soils, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and other applicable environmental considerations.

https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWP_Bulletin_1780-2.pdf

3.8.4 Coordinate with the County regarding agency outreach and prepare documentation needed to support environmental review for funding and permitting purposes.

3.9 Meetings, Coordination, and Deliverables

3.9.1 Participate in project progress meetings or workshops with County staff. For proposal purposes, assume monthly in-person progress meetings will be required in addition to the kickoff meeting and final review meeting.

3.9.2 Prepare for and participate in public meetings to discuss project details and answer questions if requested by the County.

3.9.3 Provide a brief email summary after each meeting identifying decisions, action items, information needs, and schedule impacts.

3.9.4 Present the PER/ER draft findings to the County, review comments with County staff, and incorporate agreed-upon revisions into the final deliverables.

3.10 Funding Acquisition Support

3.10.1 Following completion of the PER and ER, the Engineer shall provide funding acquisition support to assist Garrett County with positioning the recommended project for implementation. This task shall include preparing, completing, and submitting funding applications and supporting materials as directed by the County.

3.10.2 Prepare and submit funding applications for the selected/recommended project alternative, using the final PER, ER, cost estimate, implementation schedule, and supporting documentation developed under this scope.

3.10.3 Complete and submit applicable USDA Rural Development funding materials through

RD Apply, including project narrative, budget/cost information, environmental documentation support, and other required application attachments.

3.10.4 Complete and submit applicable Maryland Department of the Environment funding applications, including but not limited to Water Quality State Revolving Fund or other MDE infrastructure funding programs identified by the County.

3.10.5 Complete and submit applicable Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), Community Project Funding, or similar federal funding request materials, as directed by the

County.

3.10.6 Develop concise project justification language, funding narratives, benefit statements, cost summaries, and implementation schedule information suitable for grant, loan, and legislative funding applications.

3.10.7 Coordinate with County staff to obtain required financial, administrative, certification, and authorization information needed to complete application packages.

3.10.8 Respond to reasonable funding agency follow-up questions related to the PER, ER, recommended alternative, cost estimate, schedule, and project need during the application review process.

3.10.9 Provide representation for Garrett County and deliver one (1) project presentation at the

PACE convention, or similar funding/legislative outreach event, to support funding acquisition for the Crellin WWTP Improvements project.

3.10.10 Prepare presentation materials for the PACE event, including a concise project overview, need statement, recommended solution, cost summary, funding request, and anticipated community/environmental benefits.

3.10.11 For proposal purposes, assume this task includes one (1) PACE convention presentation and up to three (3) primary funding application packages: USDA Rural

Development/RD Apply, MDE funding application(s), and CDS/Community Project Funding application materials. Additional presentations, meetings, or application packages may be authorized separately by the County, if needed.

3.11 Required Deliverables

3.11.1 Kickoff meeting agenda and data request list.

3.11.2 Existing conditions summary memorandum, including photographs and identified deficiencies.

3.11.3 Alternatives evaluation matrix with planning-level cost comparisons.

3.11.4 Draft Preliminary Engineering Report.

3.11.5 Draft Environmental Report.

3.11.6 Final Preliminary Engineering Report.

3.11.7 Final Environmental Report.

3.11.8 Electronic files in PDF and editable format, including cost estimate spreadsheets and supporting exhibits. For proposal purposes, assume five (5) hard copies of the draft PER/ER and five (5) hard copies of the final PER/ER, unless otherwise directed by the County.

3.12 Assumptions and Exclusions

3.12.1 The County will provide available record drawings, permit information, operational records, spill documentation, prior reports, and other readily available information at no cost to the Engineer.

3.12.2 The PER and ER must be completed and submitted to USDA Rural Development for comment by March 1, 2027.

3.12.3 Sampling, laboratory testing, pilot testing, or process performance testing is excluded unless specifically included in the selected Engineer’s proposal or authorized as additional services.

3.12.4 Preparation of easement plats, metes and bounds descriptions, property acquisition services, and legal services are excluded.

3.12.5 Any item not specifically identified in this Scope of Services is excluded unless mutually agreed upon by Garrett County and the selected Engineer.

3.13 County Review and Acceptance

3.13.1 The Engineer shall submit draft documents to Garrett County for review and comment before finalization. The Engineer shall meet with County staff to discuss comments, confirm the preferred alternative, and identify revisions needed for final documents. Final deliverables shall reflect County-approved revisions and be suitable for use in procurement, funding, and regulatory coordination.

4. County’s Responsibilities:

4.1 Provide the engineering firm with all information in the possession of the

County which relates to the requirements for this project or which is relevant to this project.

4.2 Assist the engineering firm in obtaining permission to enter upon public and private property as required for the engineering firm to perform its services.

The County will acquire the necessary easements and/or property if necessary.

4.3 Examine all studies, test results, reports, sketches, drawings, specifications, proposals and other documents presented by the engineering firm.

4.4 Pay all advertising costs necessary to obtain bids from contractors.

4.5 Pay all permit fees.

4.6 Designate a person(s) to act as the County representative(s) with respect to the work to be performed for this project. Such person(s) shall have the authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define policies and decisions with respect to materials, equipment, elements, and systems pertinent to engineering firm’s services.

5. RFP Process:

5.1 Engineering firms are to submit written proposals presenting the firm’s qualifications and understanding of the work. A cost proposal is required at submission but shall be sealed in a separate envelope clearly labeled “Cost

Proposal.” The cost proposal shall provide a detailed fee by major task identified in Section 3, including labor categories, hours, hourly rates, reimbursable expenses, subconsultant costs, and assumptions. The proposal shall clearly identify the total fee for preparation of the PER and ER and the fee associated with funding acquisition support.

5.2 The engineering firm is required to address each evaluation criteria and to be specific in presenting its qualifications. The firm’s proposal should provide all the information that it considers pertinent to its qualifications for the project and which responds to the Scope of Services and Evaluation Criteria described herein. To assist in the evaluation process, engineering firms should limit their response to thirty (30) typed pages. Scoring by the Selection

Committee may be adversely affected if this limit is exceeded.

Tentative Time Frame for Selection of the Engineering Firm

RFP Issued September 9, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference (On-site) September 28, 2026; 11:00 a.m.

Deadline for Questions October 1, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Deadline for submission of RFP October 8, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Establish Short List October 13, 2026

Evaluations Due October 15, 2026

Award By November 2026

Work to Begin TBD

6. Submittal Format:

6.1 The information to be submitted shall be prepared in accordance with and in the order of the format guidelines below:

6.2 The maximum number of pages for your response is thirty (30) typed pages. One (1) original and four (4) copies of this requested information should be submitted to the address listed within this RFP. Supplemental information may be submitted but must be submitted separately from the specific response required below and elsewhere in the RFP.

6.2.1 A discussion of the various tasks in narrative format needed to complete the project as described in the Scope of Services

Section. This section should be used by the firm to demonstrate to the County that it has a complete understanding of the project and has the ability to successfully complete the project by performing the task indicated

6.2.2 Federal Standard Form 254 or 330 listing ONLY those

projects similar to that proposed herein completed in the last 5 years

6.2.3 Federal Standard Form 255 or 330 containing the resumes of ONLY the staff to be assigned to this project on a day-to-day basis. Their project responsibilities shall be clearly identified.

6.2.4 A detailed project schedule incorporating the tasks

requested in 6.2.1. The schedule should show the number of days needed to complete each phase of the project. The engineering firm should include a statement concerning the current total workload of the firm.

6.2.5 As a supplement to the above forms, expand on previous projects where expertise on projects of similar scope meeting the requirements of this solicitation have been demonstrated

Include:

A. Description and location of the projects, including a detailed description of your firm’s responsibilities

B. Starting and completion date

C. Original cost estimate and final cost of services provided

D. Name, phone number and email address of contact person for each project. The Selection Committee may check references regarding engineering firm’s ability to meet schedule and deadline commitments as outlined below.

E. Identification of the lead firms on the project

F. Other firms on the project and their responsibilities

G. Names of lead engineers assigned to the projects

H. Brief synopsis of these projects in 8 1/2” x 11” format, narrative form

6.2.6 An organization chart of the project team

6.2.7 Resources of the engineering firm and office(s) where work will be performed.

6.2.8 A separate cost proposal as outlined in Section 5.1.

6.2.9 Submit the following additional data:

A. A statement concerning whether lawsuits have been filed against the engineering firm, its principals or any joint venture partner for misfeasance or malfeasance or professional services and, if so, a detailed listing of the adverse action, cause, number, jurisdiction in which filed and current status. The statement shall address all present and prior business relationships of the principals or firms concerned.

B. Detailed disclosure of any financial or direct business relationship with any construction firms or material supply firms.

7. Evaluation Criteria:

These criteria are to be utilized by the Selection Committee in the evaluation of qualifications for development of the short list of those engineering firms to be considered for interviews and/or potential negotiations. Varying weighs to illustrate their importance have been assigned to the criteria listed below in the form of points. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

7.1 The depth and variety of staff disciplines assigned to the engineering team on a day-to-day basis, including sub-consultants and their qualification and experience with projects of a similar nature that meet the requirements of this solicitation. (15 points)

7.2 Demonstration of the engineering firms understanding of the complete project by providing a clear and concise narrative description of tasks needed to accomplish the project as described in the Scope of Services. (25 points)

7.3 The engineering firm’s current total workload and capacity to accomplish the proposed work within the schedule indicated in Section 3.5 for each phase of the project. (10 points)

7.4 Demonstration of the engineering firm’s ability and past experience in performing engineering services on projects of a similar nature that meet the requirements of the solicitation. This includes timely completion of past projects within budgetary constraints. Past experience working with USDA-

RUS (45 points)

7.5 The responsiveness of the firm to the submittal format instructions provided in

Section 6. This includes submission of the following: correct number of copies of proposal; Signature Sheet, acknowledgement of addendums as applicable;

and a separate cost proposal. (5 points)

8. Selection Procedure:

8.1 Each member of the Selection Committee will read, review and evaluate each proposal based on the evaluation criteria listed above. Each committee member will develop an overall ranking of each engineering firm based on the evaluation. Once each member of the Selection Committee has rated each proposal, a composite rating (i.e. short list) is developed which indicates the committee’s collective ranking of the highest rated proposals in a descending order. Based on this collective ranking, the Selection Committee will open and evaluate the cost proposals prior to individual discussions with the ranked engineering firms. The Selection Committee may interview the short listed engineering firms deemed fully qualified, responsible, and suitable as presented within the submitted proposal.

8.2 If interviews are to be held, engineering firms are encouraged to elaborate on its qualifications and past performance or staff expertise as it relates to the proposed project. Proprietary information from competing engineering firms shall not be disclosed to the public or to competitors.

8.3 Negotiations shall then be conducted, beginning with the engineering firm ranked first. If a contract satisfactory and advantageous to the County can be negotiated at a price considered fair and reasonable, recommendation for award shall be made for that firm. Otherwise, negotiations with the engineering firm ranked first shall be formally terminated and negotiations conducted with the next ranked firm, and so on until such a contract can be negotiated at a fair and reasonable price.

8.4 The Selection Committee will make a recommendation for contract award to the

Purchasing Agent. The Purchasing Agent will review the recommendation of the Selection Committee and present it to the Board of County Commissioners for their final approval.

9. References:

9.1 All engineering firms shall include a list of a minimum of five (5) references that could attest to the firm’s quality of work, timeliness, diligence, and ability to meet budget constraints. Include names, contact persons, phone numbers and email addresses of all references.

9.2 References may or may not be reviewed or contacted at the discretion of the

Selection Committee. Typically, only references of the top ranked short-listed engineering firms are contacted. The Selection Committee reserves the right to contact references other than, and/or in addition to, those furnished by an engineering firm.

10. Basis for Award:

10.1 Information and/or factors gathered during interviews, negotiations and any reference checks, in addition to the evaluation criteria stated in this RFP, shall be considered in the final award decision.

11. Indemnification:

11.1 The engineering firm shall indemnify and hold harmless the Board of County Commissioners of

Garrett County, Maryland, herein with the County, and its elected and appointed officials, agents and employees from and against any and all liabilities, judgments, settlements, losses, costs or charges, including attorney fees, as a result of any negligent acts, errors or omissions by the engineering firm, their sub-consultants or agents, in the performance of these professional services. The County may require that the firm produce evidence of settlement of any such action prior to issuance of final payment.

12. Insurance:

12.1 The successful engineering firm will be required to provide a copy of its applicable Certificates of Insurance in the amounts outlined in the

Insurance Table. The Insurance Table and insurance information are included in the Attachments Section. At the request of the County, the successful contractor shall mail these certificates to:

Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County MD

203 South Fourth Street Room 206

Oakland, MD 21550

13. Worker’s Compensation:

13.1 The engineering firm shall take out and maintain during the life of any contract adequate Workmen’s Compensation Insurance for all his/her employees employed at the site of the project, and in case any work is sublet, the engineering firm shall require the sub-bidder similarly to provide Workmen’s

Compensation Insurance by the latter’s employees, unless such employees are covered by the protection afforded by the engineering firm.

13.2 The engineering firm shall at all times indemnify and hold harmless the County of and from all claims for Workmen’s Compensation which may be made by any of the employees of the firm or by any of the employees of any sub-bidder to whom the firm may have let the performance of any part of the work embraced by any contract. The engineering firm will appear for and defend the

County against any and all such claims.

14. Local Preference:

14.1 Please be advised that the Local Preference Program established by

Resolution 2006-11 does not apply to any Request for Proposals.

15. Compensation to the Engineering Firm:

15.1 The engineering firm will in no way be compensated for the preparation of this submittal.

16. Proposals Binding 90 Days:

16.1 Unless otherwise specified all proposals submitted shall be binding for ninety (90) calendar days following the date due, unless the engineering firm, upon written request by the County, agrees to an extension.

17. No Contact Policy:

17.1 Prior to contract award, any contact initiated by an engineering firm with a

County representative(s), other than the Purchasing Department concerning this

RFP is prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may be cause for disqualification of the respondent engineering firm from this procurement opportunity.

18. Further Information:

18.1 Questions regarding this RFP should be posed at the Pre-Proposal Conference.

If you are unable to attend the Pre-Proposal Conference, you may email questions to Trevor Butler, Purchasing Agent of the Garrett County Purchasing

Department, at tbutler@garrettcountymd.gov and Andrew Tichinel, Assistant

Division Chief, Public Works Utilities Division . The Purchasing Department will formally respond to questions via Addendums to the RFP. Please be advised that questions will be entertained until 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 1, 2026. Questions asked after this time will not be answered.

mailto:tbutler@garrettcountymd.gov

Fed ID No.

Signature: Title:

Name(type/print):

Telephone: Fax Number:

Email Address:

Date:

To receive consideration for award, this signature sheet must be returned to the Garrett County

Purchasing Department as it shall be a part of your response. Engineering firm acknowledges receipt of Addendum(s), if any, by initialing the following:

Addendum #1 Addendum #3

Addendum #2 Addendum #4

Request for Proposals-Engineering Services

RFP #26-1008C

Signature Sheet

My signature certifies that the proposal as submitted complies with all Terms and Conditions set forth in this RFP.

My signature also certifies that the accompanying proposal is not the result of, or affected by, any unlawful act of collusion with another person or company engaged in the same line of business or commerce.

My signature also certifies that this engineering firm has no business or personal relationships with any other companies or persons that could be considered as a conflict of interest to the

County, and that there are no principals, officers, agents, employees, or representatives of this engineering firm that have any business or personal relationships with any other companies or persons that could be considered as a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest to the

County, pertaining to any and all work or services to be performed as a result of this request and any resulting contract with the County.

I hereby certify that I am authorized to sign as a Representative for the engineering firm:

Name of Firm or Individual:

Address:

Preliminary Engineering Report:

Dollars $

(Written) (Figures)

Number of man-hours included in the cost proposal:

Environmental Report:

Dollars $

(Written) (Figures)

Number of man-hours included in the cost proposal:

Cost per meeting for attending any necessary public meetings:

Notes:

Cost Proposal Form

Request for Proposals-Engineering Services

Insurance Requirements for

Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland

General Liability Insurance: Coverage shall be as broad as: Comprehensive General Liability endorsed to include Broad Form, Commercial General Liability form including

Products/Completed Operations and, if necessary, Commercial Umbrella Insurance .

Minimum Limits

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence

$1,000,000 Products & Completed Operations

$1,000,000 Personal Injury and Advertising Injury

$2,000,000 Annual Aggregate

$1,000,000 Fire Damage

$5,000 Medical Expense Each Person

$100,000 Medical Expense Each Occurrence

Automobile Liability Insurance: Coverage sufficient to cover owned, hired and non-owned coverage, including bodily injury, per person and occurrence and property damage per occurrence.*

Minimum Limits

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit

*Required for all contracts EXCEPT architectural design, review and/or engineering services and planning, research and/or policy projects.

Statutory Workers Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance: Workers Compensation Coverage shall meet statutory limits as required by the State of Maryland or other applicable laws and Employers’ Liability

Insurance as follows.*

Minimum Limits

$500,000 Each accident for bodily injury by accident

$500,000 Policy limit for bodily injury by disease and

$500,000 Each employee for bodily injury by disease

*Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability Insurance is required for all contracts who has employees or subcontractors.

Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage for errors, omissions, and negligent acts per claim and aggregate, with one year discovery period.*

Minimum Limits

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence

$5,000 Deductible

*Required for all Professional Service Contracts ONLY including but not limited to architectural design, review and/or engineering services.

Pollution Liability Insurance: Coverage for bodily injury, property damage, defense, and cleanup as a result of pollution conditions.*

Minimum Limits

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence

$1,000,000 Aggregate

*Required for contracts with remedial hazardous material operations.

Builders Risk Insurance: Coverage equal to the full value of project*

*Required for all property construction projects

Types of Assets – GASB 34 Requirements

1) Land 5) Furniture & Other Equipment Office Furniture & Equipment

2) Land Improvements Computer Equipment Parking Lots Telephone Equipment Yard Lighting Fencing 6) Rolling Stock Septic Systems Vehicles Parking Barriers Mobile Equipment Landscaping Retaining Walls 7) Easements and Right of Ways Flagpoles

8) Infrastructure

3) Buildings & Building Improvements Streets/Roads/Highways/Alleys HVAC Systems Sidewalks Roofing Curbs Carpet Culverts Electrical Traffic Lights/Signals Plumbing Street Signage Street Lighting

4) Machinery & Equipment Bridges Communications Equipment Guard Rails Medical/Police/Fire Special Equipment Sanitary Sewer/Storm Sewer/Water Custodial Equipment Distribution Piping Grounds Equipment Drainage Ditches/Systems Outdoor Equipment Irrigation Systems Fire Hydrants Gas/Electric Distribution Systems Fiber Optic Cabling Systems

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE

RUS BULLETIN 1780-26

Rural Development-GD-2024-001

SUBJECT: Guidance for the Use of Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) Bidding and Contract Documents on Water and Waste Disposal Projects with Rural Utilities Service Financial Assistance

TO: Rural Development State Directors, Water and Environmental Program Directors, Community Program Directors, and State Engineers

EFFECTIVE DATE: Date of approval

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Engineering Policy Branch, Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), under the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a part of Rural Development (RD), an Agency within the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA)

INSTRUCTIONS: This Bulletin replaces RUS Bulletin 1780-26, Document ID: Rural Development-GD-2023-001 dated May 24, 2023, and preapproves the use of the 2020 edition of EJCDC E-500 instead of the 2014 edition. The EJCDC C-522, E-520 and E525 documents have also been preapproved for use under certain limited circumstances.

This Bulletin revokes the following RUS Bulletins:

• RUS Bulletin 1780-14, RUS Supplemental General Conditions, Document ID:

RD-GD-1997-24, dated July 30, 1997.

• RUS Bulletin 1780-15, Construction Contract Documents, Document ID: RD-GD- 1997-25, dated July 30, 1997.

AVAILABILITY: This Bulletin, as well as any instructions, regulations, or forms referenced in this Bulletin are available at USDA State Offices. The State Office staff is familiar with the use of the documents in their states and can answer specific questions on Agency requirements.

This Bulletin is available on the website: rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/bulletins/water-and-environmental.

PURPOSE: This Bulletin is to be used by RD staff in providing information and guidance to funding applicants/recipients (Owners) and professional consultants in the development of Bidding and Contract Documents that are legally sufficient, ensure appropriate services are provided at a reasonable fee, and expedite the achievement of the applicant’s goals. This Bulletin supports compliance with 7 CFR part 1780, 2 CFR part 200 and the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements under Title IX of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Pub. L. 117-58, §§ 70901-70953.

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

MICHELE BROOKS Date Assistant Administrator Water and Environmental Programs

MICHELE BROOKS Digitally signed by MICHELE BROOKS Date: 2024.05.10 14:49:46 -04'00'

RUS Bulletin 1780-26 Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General

2. Availability

3. Purpose

4. How to use the Bulletin

5. Owner Responsibility

6. Construction Contract Documents (EJCDC C-Series)

7. Construction Contract Documents For Small Projects (EJCDC C-522)

8. Engineering Contract Documents (EJCDC E-Series)

ATTACHMENT A – GENERAL DOCUMENTS

ATTACHMENT A.1 – CERTIFICATE OF OWNER’S ATTORNEY AND AGENCY

CONCURRENCE

ATTACHMENT A.2 – DOMESTIC PREFERENCE DE MINIMIS LIST FORMAT

ATTACHMENT A.3 – SAMPLE LANGUAGE FOR CONTRACTOR’S CERTIFICATION OF

COMPLIANCE

ATTACHMENT A.4 – SAMPLE LANGUAGE FOR MANUFACTURER’S CERTIFICATION

OF COMPLIANCE

ATTACHMENT A.5 – ENGINEERS CERTIFICATIONS

ATTACHMENT B – CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT DOCUMENTS (EJCDC C SERIES)

ATTACHMENT B.1 – CONTRACT DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT B.2 – ENGINEER’S DEVELOPMENT OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ... 1

ATTACHMENT B.3 – ENGINEER’S DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS .. 1

ATTACHMENT B.4 – ENGINEER’S DEVELOPMENT OF BID FORM

ATTACHMENT B.5 – ENGINEER’S DEVELOPMENT OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN

OWNER AND CONTRACTOR

ATTACHMENT B.6 – ENGINEER’S DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPLEMENTARY

CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT C – CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SMALL PROJECT

(EJCDC C-522)

ATTACHMENT C.1 – C-522 CONTRACT DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT C.2 – REVISIONS TO EJCDC C-522 CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION

OF A SMALL PROJECT

ATTACHMENT D – ENGINEERING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS (EJCDC E-SERIES)

ATTACHMENT D.1 – REVISIONS TO STANDARD FORM FOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN

OWNER & ENGINEER FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (EJCDC E-500 (2020))

ATTACHMENT D.2 – REVISIONS TO SHORT FORM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN

OWNER & ENGINEER FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (EJCDC E-520 (2020))

ATTACHMENT D.3 – REVISIONS TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWNER AND ENGINEER

FOR STUDY AND REPORT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (EJCDC E-525 (2022))

Table of Contents

INDEX

EJCDC

Contract Documents Water and Environmental Programs

ABBREVIATIONS

AIS – American Iron and Steel BABAA – Build America, Buy America Act CFR – Code of Federal Regulations EJCDC – Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee EO – Executive Order GC – General Conditions of the Construction Contract IIJA – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ITB - Instructions to Bidders for Construction Contract NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act OGC – Office of General Counsel Pub. L. – Public Law PPG – Predevelopment Planning Grants RD – Rural Development RPR – Resident Project Representative RUS – Rural Utilities Service SC – Supplementary Conditions of the Construction Contract SEARCH - Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households U.S.C. – United States Code USDA – United States Department of Agriculture WEP – Water and Environmental Programs WWD – Water and Waste Disposal

DEFINITIONS

Defined terms from EJCDC documents are capitalized in this Bulletin.

General

1. General

(a) Approved documents. The EJCDC developed Contract Documents, some of which are approved by RUS for procurement of equipment and/or services by loan and grant recipients, subject to the modifications indicated in this Bulletin being incorporated in these documents. Approved documents are listed in the appropriate sections that follow.

(b) Alternative documents. Owners not wishing to use these EJCDC documents may submit the alternative contract document(s) and a written justification of the need for its (their) use. Such documents must be modified to meet all federal and state requirements and must be approved for each project by the RD State Engineer (State Engineer) and reviewed by the USDA Office of General Counsel (OGC). When modified as described in this Bulletin, the EJCDC documents listed above have been determined to meet such requirements and do not require OGC approval.

2. Availability

(a) The EJCDC documents are available online from any of the sponsoring organizations:

(1) National Society of Professional Engineers (www.nspe.org);

(2) American Council of Engineering Companies (www.acec.org); and

(3) American Society of Civil Engineers (www.asce.org); or

(4) Directly from EJCDC (www.ejcdc.org).

(b) EJCDC documents are proprietary and include a license agreement. State

Offices will not distribute EJCDC documents for use as Contract Documents.

(c) For training purposes, or to illustrate the appropriate use of the integrated set of documents on RUS financially assisted Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) projects, the State Office may provide water-marked pdf copies of the documents.

3. Purpose

(a) The EJCDC has developed Contract Documents that when assembled as described in this Bulletin are acceptable for use on WWD projects funded by

RUS.

(b) This Bulletin is not intended to make the use of EJCDC documents mandatory.

Rather, this Bulletin serves to assist Owners and professional consultants who

How to use the Bulletin choose to use EJCDC documents in tailoring certain EJCDC bidding and contract documents for use with WWD projects financed by RUS.

4. How to use the Bulletin

(a)…