Union County, North Carolina RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

September 22, 2026

2:00 PM EST

Electronic Submittal

Request for Qualifications No. 2027-009

Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

Due Date:

Time:

Receipt Location:

Procurement Contact:

Kyle Hodge Senior Procurement Specialist 704-283-3631 kyle.hodge@unioncountync.gov mailto:kyle.hodge@unioncountync.gov

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

CONTENTS

1 Notice of Advertisement

2 SUBMITTAL DETAILS

2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS

2.4 ADDENDA

2.5 COMMUNICATION

3 Introduction

3.1 COUNTY

3.2 PURPOSE

3.3 WATER & WASTEWATER SYSTEM BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.4 NOTICE OF FEDERAL FUNDING

4 Detailed Submittal Requirements and Instructions

4.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION

4.2 SOQ FORMAT

4.2.1 Section A – Cover Letter

4.2.2 Section B – Project Team

4.2.3 Section C – Project Experience

4.2.4 Section D – Project Management, Approach and Quality Control

4.2.5 Section E – Reputation of Respondent

4.2.6 Section F – Required Forms

5 Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

5.1 SELECTION PARTICIPANTS

5.2 EVALUATION SELECTION PROCESS

5.3 AWARD PROCEDURE

5.4 CONFLICT CERTIFICATION

6 General Conditions and Requirements

6.1 TERMS OF CONTRACT

6.2 EXCLUDED PARTIES (DEBARRED AND SUSPENSION)

6.3 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

6.4 TEMPLATE MASTER AGREEMENT

6.5 SMALL BUSINESS

6.6 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

6.7 EXPENSE OF RESPONDENT

6.8 E-VERIFY

6.9 NONDISCRIMINATION

6.10 INSURANCE

6.11 INDEMNIFICATION

7 Appendix A – SOQ Submission Form 8 Appendix B – Addendum and Anti-Collusion 9 Appendix C – Multiple Project Agreeement TemplAtE

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

1 NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT

Request for Qualifications No. 2027-009

Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

Electronic Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) will be received by the Union County’s Procurement Department until 2:00 PM on September 22, 2026. Late submittals will not be accepted.

Union County, North Carolina, through Union County Water, is seeking SOQs from qualified respondents for engineering services for water & wastewater system improvements on an ‘as needed’ basis as outlined in this solicitation. As a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), respondents are not required to submit price information nor work product with submittal packages. Compliance with N.C.G.S. 143-64.31 is required.

Union County may utilize federal and/or state funding sources to pay for services contracted through the solicitation. This solicitation follows the Uniform Administrative Requirements (UG), Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200). Contracts resulting from this solicitation may be funded with federal grant funds which have been procured in a manner that is in compliance with all applicable Federal laws, policies, and standards as well as state law and local policies.

This solicitation may be examined at the Union County Procurement Department located at 610 Patton Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Copies of the solicitation may be obtained from the locations listed below:

1. Download the Solicitation Documents from the Union County Website https://www.unioncountync.gov/departments/bids-procurement/current-bids

2. Download the Solicitation Documents from the State of North Carolina eVP website:

https://evp.nc.gov (search County of Union).

Union County (UC) reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, to waive technicalities and to make such selection deemed in its best interest. With limited response, Union County reserves the right to extend the solicitation opening date as appropriate in order to assure a competitive procurement process.

Union County reserves the right to award multiple respondents.

A North Carolina Engineering License is required for this solicitation

Respondents are required to comply with the non-collusion requirements set forth in the Solicitation Documents.

Union County encourages good faith effort outreach to Small Businesses.

https://www.unioncountync.gov/departments/bids-procurement/current-bids https://evp.nc.gov/ http://www.ips.state.nc.us/

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

2 SUBMITTAL DETAILS

2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All submittals, for the services specified, are to be received by the Union County Procurement Department no later than 2:00 PM EST on September 22, 2026 per the instructions below. Any submittals received after this date and time shall be rejected without exception.

2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The SOQ must be submitted electronically by using the following link:

https://lfportal.unioncountync.gov/Forms/procurementsubmit. Select the Solicitation drop down arrow and choose this RFQ from the list. Complete the form, upload the SOQ as one complete document and select submit. The maximum size accepted is 30 MB. An email response will be sent to the address entered on the form as your confirmation of receipt. Please add the confirmation email address to your contact list; otherwise, you may not receive the confirmation email.

The SOQ must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing Respondent. Instructions for preparing the SOQ are provided herein.

There is no expressed or implied obligation for Union County to reimburse Respondents for any expenses incurred in preparing a response to this request.

Union County reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, cancel this solicitation, to waive technicalities and to make such selection deemed in its best interest, Union County reserves the right to award to multiple Respondents.

2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS

Submittal questions will be due on or before 2:00 PM EST on September 9 2026. The primary purpose is to provide participating Respondents with the opportunity to ask questions, in writing, related to the RFQ. Addenda will be issued prior to due date to answer applicable questions.

Submit questions by e-mail to Kyle Hodge, Senior Procurement Specialist at kyle.hodge@unioncountync.gov by the deadline shown above. The email subject line should identify RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater Improvements. All questions and answers may be posted as addenda on www.unioncountync.gov and/or https://evp.nc.gov.

2.4 ADDENDA

Union County may modify the RFQ prior to the date fixed for submission of SOQs by the issuance of an addendum.

Should a Respondent find discrepancies or omissions in this RFQ or any other documents provided by Union County, the Respondent should immediately notify the County of such potential discrepancy in writing via email as noted above.

https://lfportal.unioncountync.gov/Forms/procurementsubmit mailto:kyle.hodge@unioncountync.gov http://www.unioncountync.gov/

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

Any addenda to these documents shall be issued in writing. No oral statements, explanations, or commitments by anyone shall be of effect unless incorporated in the written addenda. Receipt of Addenda shall be acknowledged by the Respondent on Appendix B, Addendum and Anti-Collusion form.

2.5 COMMUNICATION

All communications, any modifications, clarifications, amendments, questions, responses or any other matters related to this Request for Qualifications must be made only through the Procurement Contact noted on the cover of this RFQ. A violation of this provision is cause for the County to reject a Respondent’s SOQ. No contact regarding this document with the Board of County Commissioners or other County employees is permitted and may be grounds for disqualification.

3 INTRODUCTION

3.1 COUNTY

The County (estimated population 267,674) is located in the central, southern piedmont.

The County provides its citizens with a full array of services that include public safety, water/wastewater utilities, sanitation, human services, cultural and recreational activities, and general government administration.

3.2 PURPOSE

Union County is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from qualified respondents interested in providing full engineering services including analysis, planning, design, permitting, bid administration, and construction administration on an individual project basis for water and wastewater system improvement projects including, but not limited to, those projects identified in the Water and Wastewater Master Plan (“Master Plan”), including subsequent published versions/amendments/updates, the adopted Capital Improvement Plan (“CIP”), including subsequent published versions/amendments/updates, and any other miscellaneous documents related to water/wastewater system improvements.

Union County reserves the right to negotiate with one or more parties and is not obligated to enter into any contract with any respondent on any terms or conditions. Union County reserves the right to seek professional services through a separate RFQ for any project, whether identified or unidentified within the Master Plan, CIP, or other miscellaneous water/wastewater system improvement documents, at its discretion. It is the intent of Union County to select the best qualified respondent(s) on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications in the areas of experience identified herein and to engage the services of such respondent(s) on an individual project basis for a period of three (3) years. The selected respondent(s) shall provide work on an as-needed basis upon assignment, by way of task order, from Union County. The selection is not a guarantee that any minimum amount of water and wastewater system engineering services will be

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements assigned to any specific respondent, and Union County reserves the right to re-institute the selection process at any time.

Note: This is a Request for Qualification (RFQ). Respondents are not required to submit project specific scope information or price. Do not submit price information nor work product with your submittal package. Each submittal package will be reviewed based on qualification criteria listed in this RFQ. In accordance with NC G.S. 143-64.31, the County will negotiate a contract with the best qualified respondent(s) based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this RFQ.

3.3 WATER & WASTEWATER SYSTEM BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The water and wastewater systems presently serves an aggregate of approximately 59,000 water and 45,000 wastewater customers. The County is located along the North Carolina/South Carolina state line southeast of the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Water and wastewater service needs are increasing in the County, in large part due to its proximity to the City of Charlotte. Continued growth drives the need to analyze, plan, design and construct improvements to the water distribution, booster pumping, and storage facilities as well as the wastewater collection, pumping, and conveyance systems.

The Master Plan and CIP identify projects within the water distribution and wastewater collection systems that must be implemented to meet present and future demands.

The County’s water distribution system provides service to a significant portion of the County, including all major urbanized areas with the exception of the City of Monroe. Water service is provided to the communities of Indian Trail, Stallings, Waxhaw, Wingate, Weddington, Wesley Chapel, Fairview, Hemby Bridge and large areas of low-density land use in unincorporated Union County. The water distribution system includes approximately 5,840 hydrants, 20.5 million gallons (MG) of storage, 6 booster pump stations, and 1,230 miles of piping.

Water is supplied to the distribution system by the Catawba River Water Treatment Plant and the Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant. The Catawba River Water Treatment Plant is jointly owned by Union County and Lancaster County Water & Sewer District and has a current treatment capacity of 40 million gallons per day (MGD). The Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant has a current treatment capacity of 12 MGD.

Union County’s wastewater system currently serves over 45,000 customers. The collection system piping is comprised of both gravity sewer and force mains with pipe diameters ranging from 4 inches to 48 inches. Union County’s wastewater collection and treatment system currently includes approximately 19,600 manholes, 720 miles of gravity sewer pipe, 75 miles of sewer force main, 60 wastewater lift stations, and 5 wastewater treatment facilities. The wastewater treatment facilities range in size from .05 MGD to 7.5 MGD. The County also has 2.65 MGD and 3.0 MGD of contracted capacity in the City of Monroe’s wastewater treatment plant and Charlotte Water’s McAlpine Creek Wastewater Management Facility, respectively. The County is currently expanding its largest wastewater treatment facility, the Twelve Mile Water Reclamation Facility, from 7.5 MGD

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements to 9 MGD with construction scheduled to be complete in 2027. Additionally, the County is currently planning rehab and renewal projects at the 1.9 MGD Crooked Creek Water Reclamation Facility, and the Grassy Branch Water Reclamation Facility was recently expanded to 0.120 MGD.

3.4 NOTICE OF FEDERAL FUNDING

Union County may utilize federal and/or state funding, in whole or in part, for the cost of any services resulting from this solicitation. In using these funds, the County must comply with all regulations and requirements issued by the federal and/or state entity governing the expenditure of these funds.

The County must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 C.F.R. Part 200 for services being paid for by federal funds.

Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.327, for services being paid for by federal funds, the County must include within the contract applicable provisions described in Appendix II to 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 and all other applicable laws. Therefore, the County cannot enter into a contract or make any distributions to Respondent using monies from federal funding sources absent agreement and adherence to each term and condition contained therein.

Respondent acknowledges that other terms and conditions may be incorporated into individual Task Orders executed under this contract to comply with requirements of specific federal and/or state funding sources.

4 DETAILED SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION

All material received from a person or company (“Respondent”) in response to this solicitation shall become the property of Union County and will not be returned to the Respondent. Any and all costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing, submitting, or presenting submissions are the Respondent’s sole responsibility and Union County shall not reimburse the Respondent. All responses to this solicitation will be considered a public record and subject to disclosure under applicable public records law.

Any material in a response which the Respondent considers a trade secret and exempt from disclosure as a public record under applicable law, including N.C.G.S. §§ 132-1.2 and 66-152, must be properly designated as a trade secret. In order to properly designate such material, the Respondent must: (i) submit any trade secret materials in a separate envelope, or file, from all other submitted material, being clearly marked as “Trade Secret

– Confidential and Proprietary Information,” and (ii) stamp the same trade secret/confidentiality designation on each page of the materials therein which contain trade secrets.

To the extent consistent with public records law, Union County will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidential nature of trade secrets, as determined by Union County

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Respondent understands and agrees by submitting a response to this solicitation, that if a request is made to review or produce a copy of any information in the Respondent’s materials which was properly labeled by the Respondent as a trade secret, Union County will notify the Respondent of the request and the date that such materials will be released to the requestor unless the Respondent obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure prior to that date, Respondent understands and agrees that Union County will release the requested information to the requestor on that date.

Furthermore, the Respondent also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Union County and each of its officers, employees, and agents from all costs, damages, and expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material that has been designated as a trade secret by Respondent.

4.2 SOQ FORMAT

The County desires all responses to be identical in format. While the County’s format may represent a departure from the Respondent’s preference, the County requests adherence to the format. All responses are to be in the format described below.

Respondents should prepare their SOQ in accordance with the instructions outlined in this section. The submittal should be one (1) complete document. Each Respondent is required to submit the SOQ electronically – Refer to item 2.2. The SOQ should be prepared as simply as possible and provide a straightforward, concise description of the Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFQ.

Utmost attention should be given to accuracy, completeness, and clarity of content. All parts, pages, figures, or tables should be numbered and clearly labeled. Response information should be limited to pertinent information only. Marketing and sales type information is not to be included.

The total length of the submittal, including cover letter, should be no more than 25 single-sided pages. Submittals should be on 8 ½” x 11" paper with an 11-point minimum text size; special graphics may be included on 11” x 17” paper with an 11-point minimum text size, if necessary. These special graphics pages will count toward the 25-page limit. The 11-point minimum text size does not apply to graphics, captions, tables, or figures, and there is no specific font style required.

Key personnel resumes may also be provided as an appendix to the document and will not count against the page limit. Covers, section acknowledgements, and the required forms, do not count against the page limit.

The submittal should be organized into the following sections:

• Section A – Cover Letter

• Section B – Project Team

• Section C – Project Experience

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

• Section D – Project Management, Approach and Quality Control

• Section E – Reputation of Respondent

• Section F – Required Forms o Appendix A – SOQ Submission Form o Appendix B – Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion

Omissions and incomplete answers may be deemed unresponsive. Please initial any corrections.

4.2.1 SECTION A – COVER LETTER

In your cover letter, include the following information about your company:

• Legal Company Name and DBA (if applicable)

• Corporate Headquarters:

Address Telephone Number Website Address

• Location Providing Service (if different from headquarters):

Address Telephone Number

• Company’s NC Engineering License

• Name of Single Point of Contact (required)

Title Address Direct Telephone Number and/or extension Email Address

• Name of Person with Binding Authority

Title Address Direct Telephone Number and/or extension Email Address

• Describe your interest in this project and the unique advantage your respondent and team bring.

• Make the following representations and warranty in the cover letter, the falsity of which might result in rejection of its Statement of Qualifications:

“The information contained in this SOQ or any part thereof, including any exhibits, schedules, and other documents and instruments delivered or to be delivered to the County, is true, accurate, and complete. This SOQ includes all information necessary to ensure that the statements therein do not in whole or in part mislead the County as to any material facts.”

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

4.2.2 SECTION B – PROJECT TEAM

Provide a detailed organization chart that presents the team to be dedicated to these services. This should only include employees of the Respondent.

Information to be included in this section shall include:

• Professional, relevant qualifications of each team member, including which projects listed under the Project Experience section of the response, the project team individual(s) had a significant role;

• Include North Carolina professional license information for each team member, as applicable;

• Office location and number of years employee has worked for the Respondent;

• Available time (in percent) that each team member may commit to these services;

4.2.3 SECTION C – PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Provide a minimum of five (5) representative projects summarizing Respondent’s professional services experience related to water & wastewater system engineering services.

• Water distribution system piping 12-inches and smaller;

• Water transmission main piping 16-inches and larger;

• Water booster pumping stations;

• Water storage facilities;

• Wastewater collection system piping 12-inches and smaller;

• Wastewater conveyance system piping 15-inches and larger; and

• Wastewater pumping stations and force mains.

Include the following information for each project:

• Owner’s name;

• Owner’s contact person name, address, telephone number, and email address;

• Title and description of the project;

• Description of the services provided;

• Engineer’s opinion of probable cost vs. actual construction cost;

• Engineer’s estimated project schedule vs. actual project schedule;

• Change order history, including reasons for additional cost and/or duration.

4.2.4 SECTION D – PROJECT MANAGEMENT, APPROACH AND

QUALITY CONTROL

Provide a brief description of the systems and methods employed by the respondent to effectively manage projects, including a summary on the

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements management of: goal setting, managing client expectations, communications, scope, approach, quality control, managing project schedule, cost, quality control/assurance, risk and stakeholders within prescribed budgets and change management.

4.2.5 SECTION E – REPUTATION OF RESPONDENT

Provide a record of successfully completed projects without major legal or technical problems for the last five (5) years.

State whether the respondent has been sued or has had a claim filed against it in the last five (5) years. If the answer is “yes” please, provide details of each suit or claim and the resolution of the matter.

4.2.6 SECTION F – REQUIRED FORMS

Submittals must include the following documents:

• Appendix A – Statement of Qualifications Submission (signed)

• Appendix B – Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion (signed)

5 EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCESS

5.1 SELECTION PARTICIPANTS

1. Maintaining the integrity of the RFQ process is of paramount importance for the

County. To this end, do not contact any member of the Union County Board of Commissioners or any member of the Union County staff regarding the subject matter of this RFQ until a selection is made, other than the County’s designated contact person identified in the introduction to this RFQ. Failure to abide by this requirement shall be grounds for disqualification from this selection process.

2. The Owner will establish an RFQ Evaluation Team to review and evaluate the submittals independently in accordance with the published evaluation criteria.

3. Union County reserves the right to conduct interviews with a shortlist of selected respondents.

4. At its sole discretion, the Owner may ask written questions of Respondents, seek written clarification, and conduct discussions with Respondents on the submittals.

5. The Owner will provide written notification to all Respondents of the selection at the conclusion of the Procurement process.

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

6. At the owner’s discretion, it will initiate negotiations with the preferred respondent(s).

The “preferred respondent(s)” is (are) the respondent(s) that the owner determines achieves the apparent best overall ranking. If the owner is unable to execute a contract with the preferred respondent(s), negotiations with the preferred respondent(s) may be terminated, and provided that such negotiations are terminated in writing, the owner may proceed to negotiate with the next preferred respondent(s).

The owner will continue in accordance with this procedure until a contract agreement is reached or the selection process is terminated. Negotiations are at the owner’s sole discretion.

5.2 EVALUATION SELECTION PROCESS

A weighted analysis of the evaluation criteria will be utilized to determine the Respondent(s) that represents the best value solution for the County.

In the evaluation and scoring/ranking of Respondents, the Owner will consider the information submitted in the RFQ as well as the meetings (if applicable) with respect to the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFQ.

The initial evaluation criteria/factors and relative weights listed below will be used to recommend selection of the Preferred Respondent(s) or for the purpose of selecting Short- Listed Respondents. The County may choose to award without engaging in interview discussions.

SOQ Evaluation Criteria Weights

Project Team -Qualified staff;

-Current workload and availability;

-Familiarity with the area.

35%

Project Experience -Specialized or appropriate project experience;

-Past performance on similar projects;

-Understanding of specific needs of UCW.

35%

Project Management, Approach, and Quality Control -Project management with respect to project goals, communication, and cost & schedule control;

-Proposed approach;

-Ability to address project challenges in a timely and definitive manner.

20%

Reputation of Respondent -History of successful completion of projects without loss or damage due to respondent’s negligence;

-Record of successfully completed projects without major legal or technical difficulties.

10%

After identification of Short-Listed Respondents, the Owner may or may not decide to invite Short-Listed respondents for interviews/demonstrations. If interviews are scheduled with the Short-Listed Respondents, previous evaluation and rankings are not carried

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements forward. For the purpose of selecting the Preferred Respondent(s), the evaluation criteria will be given the following relative weights:

Interview Evaluation Criteria Weights Project Team Project Experience Project Management, Approach, and Quality Control Reputation of Respondent

65%

Quality and Relevance of Interview as it Relates to the Scope of the RFQ 35%

5.3 AWARD PROCEDURE

The County reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the submittals received. It is understood that any SOQ submitted will become part of the public record.

A submittal may be rejected if it is incomplete. Union County may reject any or all submittals and may waive any immaterial deviation in a submittal.

The County may accept the SOQ(s) that best serves its needs, as determined by County officials in their sole discretion.

More than one submittal from an individual, respondent, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names will not be considered.

County may select and enter into negotiations with the next most advantageous Respondent(s) if negotiations with the initially chosen Respondent(s) are not successful.

The award document will be a Contract incorporating, by reference, all the requirements, terms and conditions of the solicitation and the Respondent’s SOQ as negotiated.

The County may award to multiple respondents.

5.4 CONFLICT CERTIFICATION

The Proposer must certify that it does not have any actual or potential conflicts of interest with, or adversarial litigation against the County or any of its officers or employees. During the course of the contractual relationship formed pursuant to this solicitation, any such conflict of interest, whether newly arising or newly discovered, must be disclosed to the County in writing.

6 GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

6.1 TERMS OF CONTRACT

The contract award will have a term of three (3) years, pending annual budget approval.

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

Union County has the right to reject any or all proposals, to engage in further negotiations with any Company submitting a proposal, and/or to request additional information or clarification.

All SOQ submitted in response to this request shall become the property of Union County and as such, may be subject to public review.

Recipients of federal funds must comply with applicable provisions of Federal procurement standards 2 CFR Part 200 in addition to applicable contract clauses required by North Carolina law.

6.2 EXCLUDED PARTIES (DEBARRED AND SUSPENSION)

Title 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 24 requires that Union County not enter into contract with any agency, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity that has been debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded by the Federal Government from Participating in transactions involving Federal funds. All respondents are required to certify that neither you nor your principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in programs funded by a federal agency. Further, all respondents must certify that you will not use, directly or indirectly, any of these funds to employ, award contracts to, engage the services of, or fund any contractor that is debarred, suspended, or ineligible under 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 24.

6.3 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The contents of this submittal and the commitments set forth in the selected SOQ shall be considered contractual obligations, if a contract ensues. Failure to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. All legally required terms and conditions shall be incorporated into final contract agreements with the selected Service Provider(s).

All payroll taxes, liability and worker’s compensation are the sole responsibility of the Proposer. The Proposer understands that an employer/employee relationship does not exist under this contract.

6.4 TEMPLATE MASTER AGREEMENT

Appendix C contains Union County’s Multiple Project Agreement TEMPLATE (Engineering Services) that will serve as a basis for the contract with the selected respondent.

6.5 SMALL BUSINESS

It is the policy of Union County that small businesses shall have the opportunity to compete fairly in contracts financed as a whole or in part with public funds.

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

6.6 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All Respondents will be required to follow Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies. Union County will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement, equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, and marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

6.7 EXPENSE OF RESPONDENT

The County accepts no liability for the cost and expenses incurred by respondents in responding to this Procurement. Each Respondent that enters into the Procurement process shall prepare the required materials and the SOQ at its own expense and with the express understanding that the Respondent cannot make any claims whatsoever for reimbursement from the County for the costs and expenses associated with the process, even in the event the County cancels this Project or rejects all submittals.

6.8 E-VERIFY

E-Verify is the federal program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, or any successor or equivalent program, used to verify the work authorization of newly hired employees pursuant to federal law.

Respondent/Respondent shall ensure that Respondent and any Subcontractor performing work under this contract: (i) uses E-Verify if required to do so; and (ii) otherwise complies with applicable law.

6.9 NONDISCRIMINATION

Pursuant to Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, no person in the United States shall on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds available under this title.

6.10 INSURANCE

One or more of the following insurance limits may be required if it is applicable to the project. The County reserves the right to require additional insurance depending on the nature of the agreement.

At Respondent’s sole expense, Respondent shall procure and maintain the following minimum insurances with insurers authorized to do business in North Carolina and rated A-VII or better by A.M. Best, or as otherwise authorized by the Union County Risk Manager.

A. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Statutory (coverage for three or more employees) limits covering all employees, including Employer’s Liability with limits of:

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

$500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Disease - Each Employee $500,000 Disease - Policy Limit

B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY

(for any agreement unless otherwise waived by the Risk Manager)

Covering Ongoing and Completed Operations involved in this Agreement.

$2,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit

C. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

(for any agreement involving the use of a Respondent vehicle while conducting services associated with the agreement)

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit - Any Auto

D. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

(only for any agreement providing professional service such as engineering, architecture, surveying, consulting services, etc.)

$1,000,000 Claims Made

Respondent shall provide evidence of continuation or renewal of Professional Liability Insurance for a period of two (2) years following termination of the Agreement.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. The Respondent’s General Liability policy shall be endorsed, specifically or generally, to include the following as Additional Insured:

UNION COUNTY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES ARE

INCLUDED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECTS TO THE GENERAL

LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY.

Additional Insured status for Completed Operations shall extend for a period of not less than three (3) years from the date of final payment.

B. Before commencement of any work or event, Respondent shall provide a Certificate of Insurance in satisfactory form as evidence of the insurances required above.

C. Respondent shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against Union County (including its officers, agents and employees).

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

D. It is the intention of the parties that the insurance policies afforded by Respondent shall protect both parties and be primary and non-contributory coverage for any and all losses covered by the above-described insurance.

E. Union County shall have no liability with respect to Respondent’s personal property whether insured or not insured. Any deductible or self-insured retention is the sole responsibility of Respondent.

F. Notwithstanding the notification requirements of the Insurer, Respondent hereby agrees to notify County’s Risk Manager at 500 N. Main Street # 130, Monroe, NC 28112, within two (2) days of the cancellation or substantive change of any insurance policy set out herein. Union County, in its sole discretion, may deem failure to provide such notice as a breach of this Agreement.

G. The Certificate of Insurance should note in the Description of Operations the following:

Department: _____________________ Contract #: _____________________

H. Insurance procured by Respondent shall not reduce nor limit Respondent’s contractual obligation to indemnify, save harmless and defend Union County for claims made or suits brought which result from or are in connection with the performance of this Agreement.

I. Certificate Holder shall be listed as follows:

Union County Risk Management 500 N. Main Street Monroe, NC 28112

J. If Respondent is authorized to assign or subcontract any of its rights or duties hereunder and in fact does so, Respondent shall ensure that the assignee or subcontractor satisfies all requirements of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, maintenance of the required insurances coverage and provision of certificate(s) of insurance and additional insured endorsement(s), in proper form prior to commencement of services.

6.11 INDEMNIFICATION

Respondent agrees to protect, indemnify, and hold Union County, its officers, employees and agents free and harmless from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages, settlements, costs, charges, professional fees or other expenses or liabilities of every kind and character arising out of or relating to any and all claims, liens, demands, RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements obligations, actions, proceedings, or causes of action of every kind in connection with or arising out of this agreement and/or the performance hereof that are proximately caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of Respondent, its officers, employees, subcontractors or agents, except to the extent the same are caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Union County.

Left Blank on Purpose

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

7 APPENDIX A – SOQ SUBMISSION FORM

RFQ 2027-009, Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System

Improvements

Submit with SOQ

This SOQ is submitted by:

Company Legal Name:

Representative Name:

Representative Signature:

Representative Title:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Website Address:

It is understood that Union County reserves the right to reject any and all submittals, to make awards according to the best interest of the County, to waive formalities, technicalities, to recover and re-advertise this project. This Statement of Qualifications is valid for 120 calendar days from the due date and is submitted by an executive of the company that has authority to contract with Union County, NC.

Name:

Title:

Signature:

Date:

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

8 APPENDIX B – ADDENDUM AND ANTI-COLLUSION

RFQ 2027-009, Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System

Improvements

Submit with SOQ

Please acknowledge receipt of all addenda by including this form with your submittal. Any questions or changes received will be posted as an addendum on www.co.union.nc.us and/or https://evp.nc.gov . It is your responsibility to check for this information.

Addendum No. Date Downloaded

I certify that this SOQ is made in good faith and without collusion with any other Respondent or officer or employee of Union County.

Legal Company Name:

Name:

Title:

Email Address:

Signature:

Date:

http://www.co.union.nc.us/

RFQ 2027-009 Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater System Improvements

9 APPENDIX C – MULTIPLE PROJECT AGREEEMENT TEMPLATE

(Engineering Services)

RFQ 2027-009, Engineering Services for Water & Wastewater Improvements

Do Not Submit with SOQ

---Informational Purposes Only---

MULTIPLE PROJECT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

UNION COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

AND

[ENGINEERING FIRM]

FOR

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

DATE: _________________

Last Updated: 02.06.24 1

AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

UNION COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

AND

[ENGINEERING FIRM]

FOR

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

THIS IS AN AGREEMENT made as of ____________________________________, between Union County, North Carolina, with principal offices at 500 N. Main St., Monroe, North Carolina, 28112, hereinafter referred to as “OWNER” and [Engineering Firm], with offices at [Address], hereinafter referred to as “ENGINEER.”

OWNER desires to retain ENGINEER, a professional engineering firm, to provide engineering services on one or more projects in which the OWNER is involved; and

ENGINEER desires to provide such services on such projects as may be agreed, from time to time, by the parties.

OWNER and ENGINEER, in consideration of their mutual covenants, herein agree in respect of the performance of professional services by ENGINEER and the payment for those services by OWNER as set forth below.

SECTION 1 - PROJECT TASK ORDER

1.1 This Agreement shall apply to as many projects as OWNER and ENGINEER agree will be performed under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each project ENGINEER performs for OWNER hereunder shall be designated by a “Task Order.” A sample Task Order is attached to this Agreement and marked as Exhibit “A”. No Task Order shall be binding or enforceable unless and until it has been properly executed by both OWNER and ENGINEER.

Each properly executed Task Order shall become a separate supplemental agreement to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement does not require OWNER to purchase any minimum amount of professional services, and a decision by OWNER to not make any purchase hereunder will violate neither this Agreement nor any implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. OWNER has no financial obligation under this Agreement absent OWNER’s execution of a valid and binding Task Order.

1.2 In resolving potential conflicts between this Agreement and the Task Order pertaining to a specific project, the terms of the Task Order shall control.

1.3 ENGINEER represents and agrees that it is qualified and fully capable to perform and provide the professional engineering services and other services required or necessary under this Agreement in a fully competent and professional manner, and that any consultants ENGINEER

Last Updated: 08.18.26 2 engages (“Consultants”) are also fully capable and qualified to perform and provide the services that they will provide hereunder.

1.4 In performing services pursuant to this Agreement and any Task Order, ENGINEER shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and orders of any and all governmental bodies, agencies, authorities, and courts having jurisdiction.

ENGINEER shall also exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing its services under this Agreement in accordance with generally accepted standards for engineering practice in the region which is the situs of the project or task subject to the Task Order (“Standard of Care”).

1.5 ENGINEER shall be responsible for all errors or omissions in the drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by ENGINEER. It shall be the responsibility of ENGINEER throughout the period of performance under this Agreement, including any Task Order, to use reasonable professional care and judgment to guard OWNER against defects and deficiencies in any work.

1.6 ENGINEER shall correct at no additional cost to OWNER any and all errors, omissions, discrepancies, ambiguities, mistakes, or conflicts in the drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by ENGINEER.

1.7 Time is of the essence in this Agreement. ENGINEER shall perform all services in a timely manner in accordance with any schedules set forth herein, including any Task Order.

ENGINEER shall ensure all necessary or appropriate applications for approvals are submitted to federal, state, and local governments or agencies in a timely manner so as not to delay design or any other activities of a PROJECT.

1.8 Any of ENGINEER’s key personnel, along with its Consultants and their key personnel, may be listed in a Task Order. No changes to ENGINEER’s key personnel or its Consultants and their key personnel shall be permitted without the written consent of OWNER, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

SECTION 2 - BASIC SERVICES

ENGINEER shall provide OWNER with all engineering and related services required to satisfactorily complete all phases and requirements of a Task Order within the time limitation set forth therein in accordance with the Standard of Care. ENGINEER’s basic services and responsibilities (“Basic Services”) for each Task Order are defined in the Appendix, Exhibit A, “Scope of Services”, which is part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. A detailed Scope of Services for each Task Order, or for Additional Services, will be developed at the direction of OWNER and will formally become a part of this Agreement through a Task Order executed by both parties, which Task Order shall include payment provisions and provisions for time of completion by ENGINEER.

Last Updated: 08.18.26 3

2.1 General.

2.1.1 ENGINEER's Basic Services and responsibilities to OWNER are as defined in the Task Order applicable to each project. These services may include providing professional engineering consultation and advice and furnishing (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process, chemical, solid waste and recovery) engineering design services and/or construction administration services and related architectural/engineering services incidental thereto.

SECTION 3 - ADDITIONAL SERVICES

3.1 General

Additional Services (“Additional Services”) are not included in the Basic Services; and shall be provided if authorized by Task Order; and shall be paid for by OWNER as provided in this Agreement, in addition to compensation for Basic Services.

SECTION 4 - OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

OWNER shall perform the following:

4.1 Designate in writing a person to act as OWNER's representative with respect to services to be rendered under this Agreement. Such person shall have complete authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret OWNER's policies and make decisions with respect to ENGINEER's services for the PROJECT, except those decisions which require approval by the County Manager or Board of Commissioners.

4.2 Provide to ENGINEER any data, plans, reports, and other information in possession of, and reasonably accessible by, OWNER which are relevant to the execution of ENGINEER's duties on the PROJECT; provide all criteria and full information as to OWNER's requirements for the PROJECT, including design criteria, objectives and constraints, space, capacity and performance requirements, flexibility and expendability, and any budgetary limitations.

4.3 After receiving notice from ENGINEER, furnish, if necessary, services of soils/geotechnical engineers, archeological professionals or other consultants. These services may include, without limitation, borings, probings and subsurface explorations, hydrographic surveys, laboratory tests and inspections of samples, materials and equipment, with reports and appropriate professional recommendations.

4.4 Provide land surveys to include property, boundary, easement, right-of-way, utility surveys, property descriptions, zoning, deed or other land use restrictions.

4.5 Arrange for access to, and make all provisions for ENGINEER and its Consultants to enter upon public and private property as required by ENGINEER and its Consultants, to perform services under this Agreement.

Last Updated: 08.18.26 4

4.6 Review all studies, reports, sketches, Drawings, Specifications, proposals and other documents presented by ENGINEER.

4.7 Provide, if necessary, environmental assessments, or environmental impact statements related to the PROJECT; furnish approvals and permits from all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the PROJECT and approvals and consents from others as may be necessary for completion of the PROJECT, except those approvals, permits and consents to be provided by ENGINEER pursuant to this Agreement.

4.8 Provide accounting and insurance counseling services as necessary for OWNER regarding the PROJECT, and auditing services as OWNER may require to ascertain how or for what purpose any contractor has used the monies paid under the construction contract.

4.9 Advertise for proposals from bidders, open the proposals at an appointed time and place, and pay for all costs incidental thereto.

4.10 Give prompt notice to ENGINEER whenever OWNER observes or otherwise becomes aware of any condition that affects the scope or timing of ENGINEER's services, or any defect or nonconformity in the Work of any contractor.

4.11 Render approvals and decisions as is necessary for the orderly progress of ENGINEER's services. ENGINEER shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness of all information and services provided by OWNER or at OWNER's direction, unless ENGINEER knows or in the exercise of reasonable professional skill and care should or would have reason to know that information and services provided by OWNER were inaccurate or not completely accurate.

SECTION 5 - PERIODS OF SERVICE

5.1 The provisions of this Section 5 and the various rates of compensation for ENGINEER's services provided for elsewhere in this Agreement have been agreed to in anticipation of the orderly and continuous progress of the PROJECT through completion of the Services contained herein. ENGINEER's obligation to render services hereunder will extend for a period which may reasonably be required for the performance of ENGINEER's services and required extensions thereto.