Attachment 10 - Experience and Capacity Response.pdf

Request for Proposal

Solicitation No. BPM006379

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

Attachment 10 – Experience and Capacity Response

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

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

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

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

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

1.2 Is the Offeror a national or local company;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.12 Full disclosure of any criminal or civil offense.

Offeror Response:

1.0 Company Profile: Mogollon Water Management LLC

Mogollon Water Management LLC is a specialized water system operations and management company based in Lakeside, Arizona. Founded with the mission of providing comprehensive support to rural and underserved water systems, our organization is deeply committed to ensuring that small communities across Arizona have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water services.

Solicitation Attachment – Experience and Capacity Response | Revision No. 1 | Revised 11-22

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

1.1 Date Established and ownership (public, partnership, subsidiary, etc.); Formally established in 2022 as a single owner LLC

1.2 Is the Offeror a national or local company; Local

1.3 Address of “Main Office” (e.g. Corporate Headquarters and any satellite offices responsible for performance of proposed tasks; 1900 Bourdon St., Show Low, Arizona, 85901

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

Mogollon Water Management LLC, based in Show Low, Arizona, is dedicated to transforming small and underserved water systems that lack capacity and are often out of compliance. Composed of a staff with over a decade of hands-on experience, we specialize in restoring these systems to full viability, ensuring they are sustainable, compliant, and efficiently managed.

Key Points from Scope of Work:

● Asset Management & Capacity Development: We have first-hand experience in developing and implementing asset management plans and capacity development activities. Our work involves turning around struggling systems by enhancing their technical, managerial, and financial capacities, often starting from a state of non-compliance and restoring them to full operational status. It is one of our favorite things to do as an organization and we take a tremendous amount of pride in our work.

● Capacity Development Training (Technical, Managerial, Financial): We offer ongoing, hands-on training to water system operators and volunteer board members, addressing knowledge gaps in areas like regulatory compliance, financial management, and operational best practices. These training initiatives are designed to empower local teams to effectively manage their systems and ensure long-term sustainability.

● Regulatory Compliance & Restoration: We, unfortunately, have a great deal of experience in bringing non-compliant systems up to regulatory standards. As part of our on-boarding process we have developed a methodology to create regulatory plans and provide scheduled compliance reminders. This ensures that these systems not only meet but maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

● Funding Assistance, Construction Management, and Rate Evaluations: We specialize in securing critical funding for infrastructure improvements, having successfully secured and managed over $4.5 million in funding across seven projects in the last 36 months. Our focus on the business side of managing a viable utility means we enjoy rate studies and reviews, helping systems establish sustainable rate structures that ensure long-term financial health.

● Construction Management: Our experience has shown us that getting funding for failing systems is only a first step. The real work is the management of the construction project. This is why we have a full time project manager on staff (Caleb Brock) who ensures that we keep projects on budget, on-time, and following regulations from cradle to grave.

● Water Loss Audits & Leak Detection: We continuously conduct water loss audits using acoustic leak detection equipment and pressure testing to locate subsurface leaks, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the water systems we manage.

● Risk & Resiliency Assessments & System Evaluations: Our team performs detailed risk and resiliency assessments and system evaluations to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies for long-term sustainability.

In summary, Mogollon Water Management is dedicated to reviving and sustaining small water systems, using our extensive experience to ensure they serve their communities effectively and sustainably. Day to day our organization includes five full-time staff members: four certified operators and a project manager. Blake Anderson oversees the entire organization, while Thomas Muzzy, our Operations Director, manages our five systems and supervises two field operators.

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

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

Mogollon Water Management Organizational Chart:

● Blake Anderson - President & Key Point of Contact for this offer

○ Role: Oversees the entire organization and is the primary point of contact for all questions related to the submitted offer and overall contract management.

○ Contact Information:

■ Phone: 928-251-0593

■ Email: blake@mogollonwater.com

● Caleb Brock - Project Manager & Task Order Point of Contact

○ Role: MWM’s key administrator. Assists in project management tasks and supports both the

President and Operations Director in executing projects. He is the key point of contact for Task Order Offer Requests.

■ Phone: 928-251-0419

■ Email: admin@mogollonwater.com

● Thomas Muzzy - Operations Director

○ Role: Manages day-to-day operations of our five water systems

● Certified Operators (2 Field Operators)

○ Roles: Conduct field operations, system mapping, maintenance, and support under the supervision of the Operations Director.

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

No conflicts of interest to disclose

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

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization.

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

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization

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

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

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

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization

1.11 Full disclosure of any public sector contracts terminated for cause or convenience in the past five

(5) years;

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization

1.12 Full disclosure of any criminal or civil offense.

None of the foregoing questions are applicable to our organization

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

2.0 Company Experience

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

Question 1:

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

Offeror Response:

Mogollon Water Management, internally and externally, has a culture of providing both in-person and virtual training focused on the leadership and management of water systems on a continual basis. Our O&M business has shown us first hand the TMF capacity gaps in small water utilities. We are particularly geared towards the needs of Domestic Water Improvement District (DWID) boards, utility managers, and operators of small and underserved water systems as those are the people who we interact with day to day and we understand their needs. We emphasize the practical aspects of leadership, management, financial planning, and the implementation of new technologies to ensure these systems are sustainable and resilient.

Subject Matter Offered:

We can offer specialized training on the following key areas:

Leadership and Management for Water Utilities:

● Effective governance and decision-making for DWID boards.

● Strategic planning and leadership development for water system managers.

● Best practices in communication and stakeholder engagement.

Utility Financial Management:

● Comprehensive training on budgeting, financial planning, and rate setting.

● Asset management inventory and capital improvement planning.

● Financial sustainability and revenue stability strategies.

● Rate increase communication strategies for public boards and community members.

Funding Acquisition and Management:

● Identifying and applying for grants and loans for water system improvements.

● Managing funded projects, from planning to implementation.

● Ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting.

Implementing New Technology:

● Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Training on the planning, deployment, and management of

AMI systems to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.

● Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Introduction to SCADA systems, focusing on their implementation and integration into existing water system operations.

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

● Digital Work Management: Utilizing digital platforms for asset management, maintenance scheduling, and data-driven decision-making.

Succession Planning and Workforce Development:

● Developing succession plans to ensure leadership continuity.

● Training on building a skilled workforce, including certification and professional development opportunities for operators.

● Strategies for retaining and mentoring future leaders within water systems.

Level of Expertise of Proposed Trainer(s):

Our trainers, Blake Anderson and Thomas Muzzy, bring extensive experience and expertise to the training programs:

Blake Anderson, President of Mogollon Water Management:

Certifications: Grade 4 Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator certified by ADEQ.

Experience: Over 10 years of experience in leadership roles within public and private water systems. Blake is actively involved in guiding DWID boards, securing funding, and implementing new technologies like AMI and SCADA. He also serves on the ADEQ Operator Certification Committee, WIFA Federal Programs Committee, and the WIFA Water Conservation Grant Fund Committee.

Specializations: Leadership development, funding strategies, and the implementation of digital work management tools.

Thomas Muzzy, Operations Director:

Certifications: Grade 3 Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator certified by ADEQ.

Experience: Thomas has played a key role in the operational and technical aspects of water systems, with a strong focus on integrating new technologies and developing comprehensive succession plans. His hands-on experience with Arduino Controllers, SCADA, digital work management, and AMI systems makes him a valuable resource for training programs. He has firsthand experience in taking defunct water systems and restoring them to functionality and can communicate to operators how to turn the page one step at a time.

Specializations: Utility management, technology implementation, and workforce development.

Training Delivery Methods:

In-Person Training: On-site leadership workshops and management seminars tailored to the specific challenges of small system operators, DWID boards and utility managers.

Virtual Training: Interactive webinars and online courses, providing accessible training options for water system leaders and operators throughout Arizona.

Conclusion: Mogollon Water Management is uniquely positioned to deliver high-impact training programs that focus on leadership, management, financial sustainability, and the integration of new technologies. With experienced trainers like Blake Anderson and Thomas Muzzy, we are committed to equipping water system

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 leaders and managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the long-term success and resilience of their systems.

2.2 Project Descriptions:

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

Submit up to three (3) examples of your previous work as well as years of experience providing this deliverable.

An example might cover more than one deliverable depending on the project. At the top of each page, include the deliverable “Item #(s)” and “Deliverable Description(s)” title from the table below. Limit each example to one (1) page. Use font size 10 pt or greater.

Each example shall include the following information:

a. Project Name;

b. Project Location (City and State);

c. Estimated Project Cost;

d. Project Begin and End Date;

e. Brief Description of the Project; and

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

Offeror Response:

a. Project Name; Operator Board Certification Training

b. Project Location (City and State); Vernon, Arizona

c. Estimated Project Cost; Unknown

d. Project Begin and End Date; 4/2022

e. Brief Description of the Project; Operator Certification Training provided by Blake Anderson.

Class was a case study on Pinedale Estates DWID. PEDWID is a utility with 96 connections in Navajo County. The system was privately owned until 2017 when it was condemned and handed over to PEDWID. After taking ownership they were made aware that not only was all of their critical infrastructure lacking redundancy and in disrepair but also their sole water source had a selenium exceedance of 8X the MCL. Class focused on initial assessment of the system, prioritization of improvements in near term, accessing funding and support to correct deficiencies long term.

Each example shall include the following information:

a. Project Name; Water Rate Evaluation and Recommendation Services

b. Project Location (City and State); Heber, Arizona

c. Estimated Project Cost; 7,500

d. Project Begin and End Date; 1/2024 - 2/2024

e. Brief Description of the Project; This project involved a comprehensive evaluation of HDWID's water rate structures as well as training for the board on utility financial management and best practices. The scope of work included a detailed financial review, asset valuation, customer consumption analysis, and the development of three rate structure options. The project aimed to create financially sustainable and equitable water rates for the district while ensuring transparency and community involvement. Additionally, Mogollon Water Management prepared public communication materials and presented the findings at a board meeting. Key personnel: Blake Anderson.

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

Each example shall include the following information:

a. Project Name; Internal Training

b. Project Location (City and State); Show Low, Arizona

c. Estimated Project Cost; N/A Internal

d. Project Begin and End Date; 2022 - Present

e. Brief Description of the Project; Mogollon Water Management Guiding Principles state: Our team members are the lifeblood of our organization. We foster an environment of respect and continuously encourage them to grow personally and professionally.

We take that statement very seriously, as such we provide continual internal training to educate our incoming operators on the importance, best practices, and methodologies of our work. We train on many aspects of what it means to be a key operator but some of our staff’s favorites are benefits and practical applications of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) platforms. Operators learn to use data analytics to make informed operational decisions that enhance system efficiency, focusing on real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization. Our program is focused on general operator certification training, ensuring that all MWM operators are not only proficient in modern technologies but also well-versed in the core principles of water system management, regulatory compliance, and best practices for performing their roles effectively over the course of their career. The training is typically led by Thomas Muzzy, who has been conducting these weekly sessions since 2022, providing operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their duties. Key personnel: Thomas Muzzy.

Each example shall include the following information:

a. Project Name; Internal Education for MWM System Board Members

b. Project Location (City and State); Show Low, Arizona

c. Estimated Project Cost; N/A Internal

d. Project Begin and End Date; Ongoing since 2019

e. Brief Description of the Project;

Understanding the unique challenges and knowledge gaps faced by volunteer board members who oversee our water systems, Mogollon Water Management has always integrated education and utility management best practices into our regular meetings and interactions with them. Due to limited time and educational resources, many of these board members lack formal training in essential areas such as regulatory compliance, financial management, and long-term strategic planning yet they are responsible for ensuring the viability of their utility. Recognizing this, we take every opportunity to provide guidance and educate them on best practices during our routine engagements. This ongoing support helps bridge the knowledge gap, empowering board members to make informed decisions that benefit their communities. Our hands-on experience in working closely with these boards has deepened our understanding of the need for formalized training programs. We look forward to developing comprehensive resources and training initiatives that can systematically address these gaps, ensuring that volunteer board members are fully equipped to manage their responsibilities effectively. Key personnel: Blake Anderson, Thomas Muzzy.

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

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

Table 1:

Item # Check Box Deliverable Description

1 X Asset Management Plans

2 X Capacity Development Activities

3 X Capacity Development Training (technical, managerial, financial)

4 X Construction Administration & Construction Management

5 ☐ Design of water system improvements

6 X Developing regulatory plans (e.g., O&M, EOP, ERP, cybersecurity)

7 ☐ Drinking water permit applications (e.g., ATC, AOC, APP, AZPDES)

8 X Funding assistance (e.g., PPL, PFA, RD-Apply)

9 ☐ Legal assistance (e.g., forming corporate status, corporate documents)

10 ☐ Median Household Income Surveys

11 ☐ Preparing Corrosion Control Assessments & Treatment Recommendations

12 ☐ Preparing Environmental Documents/Archeological Surveys

13 ☐ Preparing Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER)

14 X Rate studies, rate reviews, rate cases

15 X Risk & Resiliency Assessments

16 X System Evaluations

17 X Water Loss Audits & Leak Detection

18 ☐ Water Master Planning

19 ☐ Water Quality Compliance Options Reports

20 ☐ Well Evaluations including water level measurements, zonal sampling & video logging

Capacity Development/Technical Assistance to Small Public DrinkingWater Systems

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

1110W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

3.0 Financial/Accounting Information

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

4.0 Certificates/Licenses

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

5.0 Proposed Project Members and Organization

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

6.0 Subcontractors

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