City of Nac_ETRWPG_RFQ_2026 ver2 (2).pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 26-10-133

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING/PLANNING SERVICES FOR

REGION I EAST TEXAS REGIONAL WATER PLANNING GROUP

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), passed by the 75th Texas Legislature, mandated the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to implement a statewide water planning program to ensure that the 50-year water needs of all Texans are met. In response to this legislation, TWDB adopted state and regional water planning rules, delineated the state into sixteen regional areas, and selected the initial members for the Regional Water Planning Group serving in each area.

The East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (REGION I ETRWPG) has been designated Region I and consists of all or parts of the following twenty (20) east Texas counties: Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Trinity and Tyler.

The REGION I ETRWPG is responsible for preparing and adopting a regional water plan for its area.

The Group hires a consultant to assist with developing the engineering, hydrological, environmental, legal, and institutional components of the plan. The planning process begins by collecting and analyzing information related to regional water supplies and the demands placed on them by area users. The Group determines how future water needs will be met and includes information in its water plan regarding water supplies and demand, water quality issues, and the region's social and economic characteristics.

The plan also identifies water supply threats to agriculture and natural resources. During development, the Group reviews current drought preparations and the status of other water plans in the region. Additionally, the plan prioritizes water management strategies based on cost, urgency, the amount of water provided, and other relevant factors.

Before the plan is finalized, REGION I ETRWPG must provide opportunities for public input, hold public meetings, and furnish a draft report for review and comment. The water plan must address the needs of all water users and suppliers in the region (except certain political subdivisions that choose not to participate). Once this process is complete, the final plan is forwarded to the TWDB for approval and incorporation into the comprehensive state water plan.

a. DEFINITIONS

In order to simplify the language throughout this request for qualifications, the following definitions shall apply:

● Region I East Texas Regional Water Planning Group – The group responsible for preparing and adopting a regional water plan for 20 counties in East Texas

● Contract – An agreement between the Region I ETRWPG and the successful Consultant to furnish the professional services described herein

● Firm – the successful Consultant responding to this request

● Consultant – Respondents to this Request for Qualifications

● RFQ– Request for Qualifications; this solicitation

● SOQ – Statement of Qualifications; a firm’s response to this solicitation

2. SOLICITATION

The Region I ETRWPG is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from engineering/planning firms qualified to provide professional consulting services related to Regional Water Planning Activities. The City of Nacogdoches is the administrative entity for the Region I ETRWPG, and as such will be the contracting party on behalf of the Group. The SOQ should be submitted in accordance with the instructions listed in ITEM 5 below.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The Region I ETRWPG has not approved a Scope of Work (SOW) for the preparation of its Seventh Cycle Regional Water Plan. However, general guidance documents related to the planning effort will posted to the TWDB website at the following link:

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/waterplanning/rwp/index.asp

The applicant should include in their SOQ, their reasons and assurances that they could perform the professional services required under TWDB regulations and guidance related to regional water planning as found at the above link.

Funding of Regional Water Planning activities by the TWDB is contingent upon continued legislative appropriations. Because regional water planning activities cover multiple funding biennium, changes in funding legislative appropriations may result in changes to the approved SOW. Respondents may contact the following individual regarding clarification of the Request for Qualification:

John Martin, Chairman Region I

REGION I ETRWPG

P.O. Box 75 Evadale, Texas 77615 Ph: 409-276-9004 Email jmartin@setgcd.org

4. CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS

This RFQ is the first step in a two-step process for selecting firms (consultant teams) for the project referenced in ITEM 3. Members of the Region I ETRWPG selection committee will analyze and evaluate each SOQ. Region I ETRWPG has established specific, weighted criteria for selection. This section presents the evaluation criteria, description, and relative weight assigned to each (100 points maximum). The Region I ETRWPG will evaluate each Consultant’s responses to the requirements contained in this RFQ.

Based on the evaluation criteria established for the project, the selection committee may respond (depending on the number of submittals received) by selecting a consultant team and asking the selected consultant team to begin contract negotiations.

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/waterplanning/rwp/index.asp mailto:Emailjmartin@setgcd.org

Alternatively, the selection committee may rank the responding consultant teams and develop a shortlist of no more than three (3) firms. The RFQ provides information necessary to prepare and submit qualifications for consideration and ranking by the selection committee. The selection committee will then interview the shortlisted respondents and further rank the firms in order of preference. One consultant team will be selected and asked to begin contract negotiations.

Regardless of the selection approach taken by the selection committee, final contract negotiations will result in the selected consultant team receiving a contract to perform the professional services necessary for the development and adoption of the Region I Regional Water Plan.

Acceptance of evaluation methodology: By submitting its SOQ in response to this RFQ, the respondent accepts the evaluation process as outlined in ITEM 4 and acknowledges and accepts that the determination of the “most qualified” firm may require subjective judgments made by the selection committee.

Public information: All information, documentation and other materials submitted in response to this solicitation are considered non-confidential and/or non-proprietary and are subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act after the solicitation has been completed and the contract executed with the selected firm.

Firms associating with other firms in order to bring specific expertise and experience to the project is allowed and encouraged.

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR SOQ

Respondents shall carefully read the information in the following evaluation criteria and submit a complete SOQ that addresses all questions and is in the format provided below:

5.1. Ability to provide services (10 points):

5.1.1. Provide the following information:

● Legal name of firm, Form 1295 and current W-9.

● Location, size, and description of the firm and services offered.

● Contact person(s).

● Date of firm formation.

● Legal business description (i.e., Individual, Partnership, Corporation, Joint

Venture, etc.).

● Evidence of being licensed to provide professional and consulting services in the state of Texas.

5.2. Qualifications and Availability (10 points): The respondent must provide a:

5.2.1. Statement of interest for the project including a narrative describing the firm’s specific expertise and unique qualifications as they pertain to TWDB regional water planning and to this project.

5.2.2. Statement regarding the availability and commitment of the firm, its principal(s) and assigned professionals to undertake the project.

5.2.3. Statement that the firm is familiar with state of Texas rules regarding regional water planning and regional water planning grant assistance as adopted by TWDB on February 19, 1998 [Ref. Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 31, Part 10, Chapter 355, Subchapter C, Regional Water Planning Grant Rules; Chapter 357, Regional Water Planning Guideline Rules; and Chapter 358, Subchapters A & B, State Water Planning Guidelines Rules.]

5.3. Staffing Capabilities (15 points): The respondent must provide:

5.3.1. An organizational chart listing all personnel (including consultants) who will be assigned to work on this project.

5.3.2. Names and roles of key project team members that will perform the assigned tasks.

5.3.3. Résumés for all key project team members. Identify any members who have had previous experience on similar projects.

5.3.4. Staffing size by areas of expertise.

5.3.5. Current workload of prime firm.

5.3.6. Staff availability to perform services.

5.3.7. Description of any sub-consultants that may be employed as part of the project team.

5.4. Project Experience (20 points): The respondent must provide:

5.4.1. An overview and history of the firm and consultants.

5.4.2. Verifiable examples of at least five (5) similar regional water planning projects, including:

● Project name and location

● Services provided

● Date of completion or project status

● Final consultant costs

● Client name and point-of-contact person

● Statement indicating whether project was completed within the allotted time schedule.

5.5. Project Methodology (15 points): The respondent must provide:

5.5.1. A description of the approach to complete the project's Scope of Work.

A proposed project schedule based on any available TWDB guidance relating to schedule and the project team’s understanding of the planning process.

5.5.2. A description of the internal project review process and quality assurance program that will be utilized by the project team.

5.6. History of Successful Performance (20 points): The respondent must submit:

5.6.1. Documentation showing a history of meeting TWDB regional water planning project schedule.

5.6.2. Documentation showing a history of accomplishing TWDB regional water planning services within established budget - include projected cost vs. actual cost.

5.6.3. A list of TWDB regional water planning references, to include: organization’s name, point-of-contact person(s), and phone number(s).

5.7. Responsiveness to RFQ (10 points)

Qualifications shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the respondent’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFQ. Emphasis shall be placed on quality, completeness, clarity of content, responsiveness to the requirements, and understanding of Region I ETRWPG needs.

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED INSTATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION

6.1. The Region I ETRWPG requires professional liability insurance for firms with which it contracts. Please state what insurance coverage your firm carries and in what amounts.

7. SCHEDULE of IMPORTANT DATES

The Region I ETRWPG will generally comply with the following schedule for the selection process, subject to changes necessary to ensure fairness and to accommodate unanticipated events:

Release RFQ June 3, 2026 Deadline for Questions and Inquiries 5:00 PM June 11, 2026 Submissions Closing Date and Time 2:00 PM June 18, 2026 Region I ETRWPG’s Review of Submissions June 2026 Earliest Award by Region I ETRWPG July 2026

8. DUE DATE AND CONTACT

Submissions are due at 2:00 PM on Thursday June 18, 2026 after which time all qualified Submissions will be acknowledged at 202 East Pilar Street, Room 320, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

Submissions received after the specified deadline will be returned unopened.

Submissions must be provided in PDF digital format on a flash drive or other suitable media.

Submissions shall be clearly marked with the RFQ number and title and addressed to Region I.

Submissions shall be delivered using one of the following:

Hand-deliver to: Mail to: Ship to (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.):

Region I ETRWPG Region I ETRWPG Region I ETRWPG Attn: Krista Hintz Attn: Krista Hintz Attn: Krista Hintz 202 East Pilar St., Room 320 PO Box 635030 202 East Pilar St., Room 320 Nacogdoches, TX 75961 Nacogdoches, TX 75963 Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Vendors may receive notice of solicitations from the Region I ETRWPG from a variety of channels.

Approved methods of dissemination include: Region I ETRWPG website, the City of Nacogdoches website at https://www.nactx.us/bids.aspx or www.civcastusa.com. The receipt of solicitations through any other means may result in the receipt of incomplete specifications or addenda which could ultimately render your Submission non-compliant. Region I ETRWPG accepts no responsibility for the receipt or notification of solicitations through any other source.

9. QUESTIONS and INQUIRIES

The deadline for written questions is Thursday, June 11 at 5:00 PM. This deadline has been established in order to provide adequate time for Region I staff to prepare responses to questions from Consultants to the best of their ability before the solicitations are due.

Consultants shall not attempt to contact Region I ETRWPG members or Management directly during the Pre-Submission or Post-Submission period. Region I ETRWPG intends to respond to all appropriate questions or concerns; however, Region I ETRWPG reserves the right to decline to respond to any question or concern. All material modifications, clarifications or interpretations will be incorporated into an addendum which will be publicly posted. All addenda issued prior to the due date and time for responses are incorporated into the RFQ and must be acknowledged in the Submission response. Only written information provided shall be binding. Oral or other interpretations shall not be binding and are held without legal effect.

10. RECEIPT OF RFQs

RFQs must be received by the Region I ETRWPG prior to the time and date specified. The mere fact that the Submission was dispatched will not be considered; the Firm must ensure that the Submission is actually delivered. The time Submissions are received shall be determined by a time clock stamp.

11. REIMBURSEMENTS

There is no express or implied obligation for the Region I ETRWPG to reimburse responding Consultants for any expenses incurred in preparing Submissions in response to this request and the Region I ETRWPG will not reimburse firms for these expenses, nor will the Region I ETRWPG pay any subsequent costs associated with the provision of any additional information or presentation, or to procure a contract for these services.

12. REPRESENTATIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

By submitting qualifications in response to this RFQ, Consultant represents that it has carefully read and understands all elements of this RFQ; has familiarized itself with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations that in any manner may affect the cost, progress, or performance of the work; and has full knowledge of the scope, nature, quality and quantity of services to be performed.

By submitting qualifications in response to this RFQ, the Consultant represents that it has not relied exclusively upon any technical details in place or under consideration for implementation by the Region I ETRWPG, but has supplemented this information through due diligence research and that the Consultant sufficiently understands the issues relative to the indicated requirements.

https://www.nactx.us/bids.aspx http://www.civcastusa.com/

The failure or omission of Consultant to receive or examine any form, instrument, addendum, or other documents or to acquaint itself with conditions existing at the site or other details shall in no way relieve any Consultant from any obligations with respect to its Submission or to the contract.

13. VENUE

Any contract awarded as a result of this RFQ shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, and is fully performable in Nacogdoches, Texas, and venue for any action related to this contract will be Nacogdoches County, Texas.

14. WITHDRAWAL of SUBMISSIONS

A Submission may be modified or withdrawn by the Consultant any time prior to the time and date set for the receipt of Submissions in accordance with the following guidelines.

● Consultant shall notify the Region I ETRWPG in writing of its intention to withdraw a Submission previously sent.

● If a change in the Submission is requested, the modification must be worded by the Consultant as to not reveal the contents of the Submission.

● Submissions withdrawn and modified must be resubmitted to the Region I ETRWPG no later than the time and date set for the receipt of Submissions.

● No Submission can be withdrawn after the time set for the receipt of Submissions and for a minimum of ninety (90) days thereafter.

15. SUBMISSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By submission of qualifications, Consultant acknowledges acceptance of the evaluation process, the evaluation criteria, scope of work, approach and methodology, and all other terms and conditions set forth in this RFQ. Further, Firms acknowledge that subjective judgments must be made by the Region I ETRWPG during this process.

The Region I ETRWPG makes no guarantees or representations that any award will be made and reserves the right to cancel this solicitation for any reason, including:

● Reject any and all Submissions received as a result of this RFQ.

● Waive or decline to waive any informality and any irregularities in any Submission or responses received.

● Negotiate changes in the Scope of Work or services to be provided.

● Withhold the award of contract(s).

● Select Consultant(s) it deems to be most qualified to fulfill the needs of the Region I ETRWPG.

● Terminate the RFQ process.

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED INSTATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION