ESBD_492289_1771947300302_RFP No. 26-1382 Consulting Services Brazos G final.pdf

Request for Proposals for Professional Services February 24, 2026 RFP No. 26-1382

Dear Prospective Respondent:

Statements of Qualifications hereafter referred to Request for Proposals (RFP or Proposal(s)) will be received by the Purchasing Agent or other designee of the Brazos River Authority no later than 10:00 AM, March 24, 2026 for Consulting Services for the Preparation of the 2031 Brazos G Regional Water Plan. All qualified firms including Small, Minority, Women Owned Businesses and Historically Underutilized Businesses are encouraged to submit proposals in response to this request.

Proposals must be submitted and received no later than the due date and time specified. Any Proposal received later than the specified time, shall not be considered. The BRA is NOT responsible for ensuring the delivery of Proposals.

Refer to Section 15. Delivery of Proposal Submittals for instructions on submitting a response to this solicitation.

Proposal must be clearly identified as follows on the outside of the sealed physical submission. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening:

RFP TITLE: Consulting Services for the Preparation of the 2031 Brazos G Regional Water Plan

RFP NO: 26-1382

RFP DUE DATE: 10:00 AM, March 24, 2026

The BRA shall have the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, and to waive any technicalities in the interest of the BRA.

BRA will evaluate all relevant, health, safety and business factors on all solicitations to determine when to initiate a notice to proceed on all projects, delivery of goods and/or services or procurement of construction related services to best attempt to balance BRA needs and to protect the health and safety of BRA employees, the employees of respondents and the public at large.

Sincerely, Bryan Gray Purchasing Manager

4600 Cobbs Drive • Waco, Texas 76710 254-761-3123

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PURCHASING POLICY

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) will ensure that purchases of equipment, materials, supplies, and/or services conform with Texas Procurement law as applicable to the BRA, are cost effective, and contribute to the competitiveness of the BRA and its customers.

Procurement activities will be conducted in an open and fair manner with equal opportunity provided to all qualified parties. The BRA will provide equal contracting opportunities as provided by all applicable State and Federal laws to small business enterprises, Historically Underutilized Businesses and Disadvantaged Business enterprises.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

The Work consists of the furnishing of all labor, materials, services, equipment, and appliances required for the delivery and the supplying of products and/or services as described herein and in the contract documents.

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: Proposals must be received no later than the Proposal opening date and time specified above. All Proposals received after closing time will not be considered.

A. To be considered as eligible, a Respondent shall have complied with all legal requirements to permit them to operate in the State of Texas.

B. Proposals must be submitted electronically, mailed or hand delivered to be considered.

2. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS: No Proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after Proposal opening, except by: 1) mutual consent of the BRA and Respondent; or 2) a previously submitted Proposals may be withdrawn upon written request received from Respondent prior to time established for receipt of Proposals.

3. SIGNATURE ON PROPOSALS: To be valid, Proposals must be signed by an authorized person. By such signature, Respondent agrees to strictly abide by the terms, conditions, and Scope of Services embodied in this Request for Proposal.

4. EXAMINATION OF PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS: Before submitting a Proposal, all Respondents shall examine the complete Proposal documents, including Proposal Notice, Instruction to Respondent, and Scope of Services, all of which are part of the Proposal documents.

5. ADDENDA: Unless otherwise stated in the Proposal, answers to all questions, inquiries, and request for additional information will be issued in the form of Addenda. During the Proposal period, prospective Respondent may be advised by Addenda of additions, deletions from, or changes in the requirements of the Proposal documents. The BRA will not be responsible for the authenticity or correctness of oral interpretations of the Proposal documents or for information obtained in any other manner than through the media of Addenda. Receipt of each Addendum shall be acknowledged by the Respondent.

Any questions concerning this Proposal should be submitted on https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority no later than five (5) days prior to the opening of the Proposal. This is to allow the BRA sufficient time to respond to inquiries and provide information to all interested Respondents by Addendum. Unless otherwise stated in the Proposal, Addenda will be posted on https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority .

Respondent is responsible for checking https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority for updates and Addenda until the time at which the submission is due. Failure to respond to all requirements, including those Addenda, shall be grounds for rejection of your Proposal.

6. TAXATION: The BRA is exempt under the Texas Sales Tax and Use Tax Laws, and the Respondent shall not include such taxes in the Proposal.

7. QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS: The BRA reserves the right to reject any Proposal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such Respondent fails to satisfy the BRA that such Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete the Services contemplated herein.

Conditional Proposals will not be accepted.

8. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS: Unless stated otherwise in the Advertisement or Request for Proposal, the properly identified Proposals received on time will be opened publicly and only the names of the Respondent will be read aloud. Respondents are invited to be present.

9. COMPLIANCE WITH SCOPE OF SERVICES AND RIGHT OF

SELECTION: The Respondent shall abide by and comply with the true intent of the scope of services and not take advantage of any unintentional error or omission.

10. DEVIATION FROM SCOPE OF SERVICES: All deviations from the scope of services must be noted in detail by the Respondent, in writing, at the time of submittal of the formal Proposal. The absence of a written list of deviations at the time of submittal of the Proposal will be considered acceptance of the Scope of Services as written.

Any deviations from the Scope of Services as written not previously submitted, as required by the above, will be grounds for rejection of the material and/or item when delivered.

In case of ambiguity or lack of clarity, the BRA reserves the right to consider the most advantageous Proposal or reject the Proposal.

11. REPRESENTATIONS: By execution and submission of this Proposal, the Respondent hereby represents and warrants to the BRA that Respondent has read and understands the Proposal Documents and this Proposal is made in accordance with the Proposal Documents.

12. INDEMNIFICATION:

THE RESPONDENT SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS

OF ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS AND

SHALL EXONERATE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE

BRA FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR DAMAGES RESULTING

FROM FAILURE TO DO SO.

IN ADDITION, THE RESPONDENT AGREES TO INDEMNIFY,

KEEP, SAVE AND HOLD THE BRA HARMLESS FROM ANY AND

ALL ACTIONS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, JUDGMENTS, COSTS

AND EXPENSES INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES,

IN CASE AN ACTION IS FILED OR DOES IN ANY WAY ACCRUE

AGAINST THE BRA, ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, AND

EMPLOYEES IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE AWARDED CONTRACT

FOR ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF THE RESPONDENT

IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES UNDER THE AWARDED

CONTRACT, OR THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CARELESSNESS

OR LACK OF SKILL OF THE RESPONDENT OR THE

RESPONDENT’S OFFICERS, AGENT, CONTRACTORS, ASSIGNS

OR EMPLOYEES. IN THE EVENT A JUDGMENT IS RECOVERED

AGAINST THE BRA FOR ANY SUCH LIABILITY, COSTS OR

EXPENSES, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE

AGAINST THE RESPONDENT.

IT IS SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY THE

RESPONDENT THAT SUCH INDEMNITY IS INDEMNITY BY THE

RESPONDENT TO INDEMNIFY AND PROTECT THE BRA FROM

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority

LIABILITY, CLAIMS, SUITS, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR CAUSES OF

ACTION DUE TO THE RESPONDENT’S NEGLIGENCE, ERROR OR

OMISSION.

13. CRITERIA FOR AWARD: The BRA will select the most highly qualified Respondent on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications and then attempt to negotiate with that Respondent a contract at a fair and reasonable price. If a satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated with the most highly qualified Respondent, the BRA will select the next most highly qualified Respondent and attempt to negotiate a contract with that Respondent at a fair and reasonable price. For criteria, please refer to Section 11 of the RFP.

14. TERMINATION: The awarded contract may be terminated at any time by the BRA, in BRA’s sole discretion, for any cause or for convenience without penalty or liability. Upon receipt of such notice, the supplier shall immediately discontinue all services and actions.

The BRA shall pay the Respondent promptly the accrued and unpaid amounts due for services to the date of termination, to the extent the services are approved by the BRA.

15. CHANGE OF CONTRACT PRICE: The agreed upon contract price shall not be exceeded without the prior written consent of the BRA and may only be modified by a written amendment to the contract executed by both BRA and Respondent.

16. PAYMENT: Unless otherwise specified, payment for services and/or product will be processed within thirty (30) days from invoice date and acceptance of Services and/or product. Invoices presented for payment must be submitted in accordance with instructions contained on the purchase order including reference to purchase order number and submittal to the correct address for processing. Unit price on invoice shall be in two (2) decimal places only, i.e., $ .XX.

The BRA has set a goal to have as much paperwork submitted electronically. Respondents are asked to submit invoices electronically to the following Accounts Payable email address:

accounts.payable@brazos.org. Respondents who use the electronic service should not mail the original invoice.

17. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: The BRA is subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). Any information submitted to the BRA by a Respondent shall be considered non-confidential and available to the public, except as follows:

In the event a Respondent considers a specific portion of their Proposal to be confidential and subject to an exception to disclosure under the PIA, such portion must be clearly identified and marked "CONFIDENTIAL". Do not mark an entire Proposal confidential, as this is not in conformance with the PIA and is not acceptable. Only the specific portion or portions of the Proposal that the Respondent considers to be confidential pursuant to the PIA should be marked. IF

AN ENTIRE PROPOSAL IS MARKED CONFIDENTIAL, THE BRA

WILL NOT TREAT ANY PORTION OF THE PROPOSAL AS

CONFIDENTIAL AND THE PROPOSAL MAY BE REJECTED AS

NON-CONFORMING. The BRA will honor notations of confidentiality made in accordance with this paragraph and decline to release such information initially. However, final determination of whether a particular portion of a Proposal may in fact be withheld pursuant to the PIA will be made by the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction.

In the event a public information request is received for a portion of a Proposal that has been marked confidential, the BRA shall ask the affected Respondent if the information may be released. If the release is agreed to, the BRA shall release the information.

If the release is denied, the matter shall be referred to the Texas Attorney General's Office in accordance with the process set forth in the PIA. The Respondent shall be fully and solely responsible for submitting arguments and evidence within the statutory timeframes to the Texas Attorney General’s Office regarding its claim of confidentiality. The BRA will NOT submit arguments on behalf of the Respondent.

The Texas Attorney General's office shall rule on the matter. In the event that it is determined by opinion or order of the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction that such information may not be withheld, then such information will be made available to the requester. If it is determined that the information may be withheld, BRA will withhold the information from the requestor.

Pricing information contained in Proposals or contracts is not considered confidential under the PIA and will be disclosed without making a request to the Texas Attorney General.

18. NO PRICE: The selection of the Selected Respondent under this RFP shall be in accordance with Chapter 2254 of the Texas Local Government Code. Do not include any price information within the submittal. Any submittal containing any price information will be automatically disqualified.

RFP No. 26-1382 Consulting Services for the Preparation of the 2031 Brazos G Regional Water Plan

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Consulting Services for the Preparation of the 2031 Brazos G Regional Water Plan

RFP NO. 26-1382

SUBMITTAL SCHEDULE

Requests for Proposals are posted on the BidNet Direct website at and prospective Respondents should visit the site for potential updates to Proposal requirements.

Tuesday, February 24,2026

RFP is available to download at

4:00 PM, Thursday, March 12, 2026

Last date and time to ask questions or request additional information. Please submit your questions at

4:00 PM, Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Post response to questions received as of the deadline or as soon thereafter, as an Addendum on

10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Proposals are due.

11:00 AM Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Proposals will be opened virtually at the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/Yt16kHZGHQE?feature=share

Local Time Prevailing.

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.com%2Flive%2FYt16kHZGHQE%3Ffeature%3Dshare&data=05%7C02%7Cbryan.gray%40Brazos.org%7C42c578c93bca44239a4908de7316dfc2%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639074739228269122%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gKfWIKcmKvcyvUuDQ4DXQTjOALC%2FpL9pfkCxhCy7TgI%3D&reserved=0

Consulting Services for the Preparation of the 2031 Brazos G Regional Water Plan

RFP NO. 26-1382

1. General In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), created the current state water planning process, which is conducted, as a bottom-up approach. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) designated 16 regional planning areas and appointed the initial members of regional planning groups. The first plan developed by this bottom-up approach was published in January 2001.

For the 7th cycle of regional water planning, each region is to prepare a consensus-based regional water plan and submit that plan to the TWDB. The TWDB will then assemble those regional water management plans into a State Water Plan to be submitted to the Texas Legislature.

The Brazos G Region includes all or portions of Bell, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Callahan, Comanche, Coryell, Eastland, Erath, Falls, Fisher, Grimes, Hamilton, Haskell, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Jones, Kent, Knox, Lampasas, Lee, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Nolan, Palo Pinto, Robertson, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Throckmorton, Washington, Williamson, and Young Counties.

Under the direction of the Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group (Brazos G), the consultant shall prepare a regional water plan. The consultant shall also assist Brazos G in preparing an appropriate scope of work that adequately addresses all tasks in 31 TAC 357.7 and contains the elements for a scope of work as defined in 31 TAC 357.6 (3), i.e., the description of tasks, responsible parties, schedule, and description of deliverables.

In addition to the technical role, the consultant shall assist in the preparation of applications for financial assistance, design and implementation of public involvement activities, including conducting public meetings, reviewing and responding to public comments, and developing educational materials on regional water planning issues for presentation to both technical and non-technical audiences in the region.

Consultants submitting qualifications should be familiar with the rules for state and regional water planning and regional water planning grant assistance adopted by the TWDB (31 TAC Chapter 355, Subchapter C, Regional Water Planning Grant Rules; and 31 TAC Chapter 358, State Water Planning Guideline Rules). These rules contain procedures governing applications for financial assistance related to the development or revision of regional water management plans, and guidelines for the development of the state water plan. Particularly, the rules contain specific time frames and requirements for making application for state financial assistance for the development of the scope of work and budget for the development of the regional water plan, as well as deadlines for the submittal of the scope of work and regional water plan. The schedule for completion and delivery of work products for Brazos G shall reflect these publication deadlines.

The Brazos River Authority is currently requesting proposals from individuals or firms (together “Firms”) with strong qualifications in water resource planning. The Firm selected will act upon the Brazos G’s behalf to develop a regional water plan for the 7th cycle of regional water planning as outlined in this RFP. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the needs set out in the evaluation criteria of this RFP.

2. Scope of Services Tasks the contractor is expected to complete include, without limitations, the following, which will be defined in further detail in guidance provided by the TWDB for final deliverables for the 7th cycle of regional water planning:

A. Planning Area Description

B. Non-Municipal Water Demand Projections C. Population and Municipal Water Demand Projections D. Water Supply Analysis E. Identification of Water Needs (Water User Group analysis to be performed by the TWDB)

F. Identification of Infeasible Water Management Strategies in the previous regional plan G. Prepare and Submit Technical Memorandum and Regional Water Planning Group Analysis of

Water User Group and Major Water Provider Needs H. Identification of Potentially Feasible Water Management Strategies and Projects I. Evaluation and Recommendation of Water Management Strategies and Associated Water

Management Strategy Projects J. Water Conservation Recommendations K. Impacts of Regional Water Plan and Consistency with Protection of Resources

L. Drought Response Information, Activities, and Recommendations M. Recommendations Regarding Unique Stream Segments and/or Reservoir Sites and Legislative

& Regional Policy Issues N. Water Infrastructure Funding Recommendations

O. Implementation and Comparison to the Previous Regional Water Plan(s) P. Public Participation and Plan Adoption, including a chapter summarizing public participation activities and appendices with public and agency comments, and RWPG comments.

Q. Perform any additional efforts required to deliver a complete Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) and final

2031 RWP but not otherwise addressed in other SOW tasks that may be required to complete a Regional Water Plan in accordance with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and any other policies, procedures, and/or requirements.

3. Information Required in the RFP Submittal - Tab Format The BRA specifically requests succinct submittals tailored to the general and discipline-specific scopes of services summarized above. Each response should describe in sufficient detail the relevance of the individual team member’s expertise and experience to the specific requirements of the project. All submittals become the property of the BRA. Each submittal shall include the information requested below. Please limit each submittal to no more than 10 pages (not including resumes and required forms)

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ANY OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION MAY BE GROUNDS

FOR REJECTION OF PROPOSAL OR DELAY ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE

ORDER/CONTRACT.

Tab A: Include the following:

(1) Date your company was established and a brief history; number of employees; provide number and location of offices.

(2) Provide name, title and office location of person who will be the principal contact for the

BRA and the billing location if different.

(3) Describe the types of organizations that your company typically serves and general nature of the work.

(4) List all such litigation involving owners and/or general contractors. To be fully responsive, provide the level of detail in the attached example, as well as a name and phone number to contact an authorized representative of your company in the event that the BRA needs to clarify your response. Failure to be fully responsive will be sufficient grounds for the BRA to disqualify your company.

(5) Have you ever defaulted, failed to complete a contract or had a contract terminated by the other party? If so, where and why? Provide name and telephone number of the other party.

(6) Please provide the contact information including the email address of the person responsible for providing proof of insurance.

Tab B: Include the following:

1. Describe in detail your firm’s, or proposed project team’s, previous involvement in the TWDB Regional Water Plan development throughout the State.

2. A list of no more than five (5) projects similar to the scope of work discussed herein, with descriptions of the projects, members of the project teams, time schedule, and ability to delivery within the project budget. This should include the name, the location, a brief description of scope of services, and a contact name and telephone number of a reference for each client. All projects must have been completed within the past ten (10) years. It is preferred that project descriptions demonstrate the following types of recent work experience:

a. regional water planning for various size regions in Texas;

b. interactions with diverse interest groups and stakeholders participating in regional water planning;

c. facilitating consensus-building and conflict resolution among stakeholders with diverse and potentially conflicting interests;

d. Plan for outreach and engagement with stakeholders

e. working with the TWDB in reviewing population forecasts and developing and gaining acceptance of alternative forecasts as necessary;

f. familiarity with data and information available from the TWDB and other sources;

g. familiarity with TWDB’s planning grant administration and invoicing requirements;

h. knowledge of statutory and regulatory policies affecting water supply, water quality, water conservation, and drought management issues for both surface and groundwater; and

i. experience with environmental issues and analyses related to water supply development.

3. The identification of the project manager and the team members with their professional licenses and qualifications to perform the proposed professional services in the State of Texas.

4. A description of the Firm’s ability to meet current and long-term workloads and staff’s ability to develop and meet schedules, milestone dates, and deadlines on an as needed basis.

5. A description of the Firm’s ability to complete projects without significant cost escalations or overrun.

6. Any additional information you would like the Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group to be aware of or which you feel might have a direct bearing on your firm’s qualifications to perform on the project.

7. A two-page (maximum) resume for each team member proposed, including a brief overview of career backgrounds with years of experience, areas of practice, specialized training and/or knowledge relevant to services listed in Section 2. Scope of Services (include after all materials in Tab B).

Tab C: Include the following:

Complete and submit the attached W-9 form, or if foreign entity submit the appropriate tax document information.

(1) Complete and submit the attached “Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire [CIQ]” form.

(2) Complete and submit the “Acknowledgment of Request for Proposals and Receipt of

Addenda” form. Respondent is required to complete, sign and submit this form with Respondent’s Proposal. Failure to complete, sign and submit this form with Respondent’s Proposal will disqualify the entire Proposal as non-responsive.

(3) Complete and submit the Non-Collusion Affidavit form.

(4) Complete and submit the Hub Subcontracting Plan.

4. RFP Inquiries All communication related to this RFP shall only be directed to the Purchasing Manager via https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority The Purchasing Agent will direct any inquiries to the appropriate BRA staff, a response will be issued and if warranted, an Addendum will be posted on the BidNet Direct site. Failure to adhere to this restriction during the advertising, evaluation, and selection phases will result in the rejection of a Respondent’s Proposal.

5. Hub Subcontracting Plan This solicitation requires a HUB Subcontracting Plan to be completed and submitted. The HUB Subcontracting Plan is attached to this solicitation. If you have any questions regarding the HUB Subcontracting Plan please contact Bryan Gray Purchasing Manager / HUB Coordinator at bryan.gray@Brazos.org.

6. Hub Subcontracting Plan Instructions (If Self Performing HUB and no Subcontractors) If you will not be subcontracting any portion of the contract and will be fulfilling the entire contract with your own resources (i.e., employees, supplies, materials and/or equipment), follow the instructions on the HUB Subcontracting Plan Checklist, first page of the HUB Plan included in this solicitation.

Section 1 - Respondent and Requisition Information Section 2 a. - No, I will not be subcontracting any portion of the contract, and I will be fulfilling the entire contract with my own resources.

Section 3 - Self Performing Justification Section 4 – Affirmation (Remember to sign Section 4)

If you are subcontracting any work please follow the instructions on the HUB Subcontracting Plan Checklist, first page of the HUB Plan included in this solicitation.

As the BRA endeavors to make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracting for projects, this project does not have a HUB goal.

mailto:bryan.gray@Brazos.org

7. Respondent’s Past Performance BRA will consider Respondent’s past performance and may conduct reference checks with other entities regarding past performance. BRA may examine Respondent’s performance including, but not limited to:

the Comptroller of Public Accounts Statewide Procurement Division Vendor Performance Tracking System, notices of termination, cure notices, assessments of liquidated damages, litigation, audit reports, repeated negative performance, records of repeated non-responsiveness to performance issues, and non-renewals of contracts. Such sources of Respondent performance may include any governmental entity, whether an agency or political subdivision of the State of Texas, another state, or the Federal government. Further, BRA may initiate such examinations of Respondent performance based upon media reports. Any such investigations shall be at the sole discretion of BRA, and any negative findings, as determined by BRA, may result in non-award to Respondent.

8. Conflict of Interest Pursuant to Chapter 176 of the Local Government Code, any person or agent of a person who contracts or seeks to contract for the sale or purchase of property, goods, or services with a local government entity (i.e., Brazos River Authority) must disclose in the Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire Form ("CIQ") the person's affiliation or business relationship that might cause a conflict of interest with the local government entity. By law, the CIQ must be filed with the BRA Records Management Officer no later than seven (7) days after the date the person begins contract discussions or negotiations with the BRA, or submits an application or response to a Request for Proposals, correspondence, or another writing related to a potential agreement with the BRA. Updated Questionnaires must be filed in conformance with Chapter 176.

A copy of the CIQ is attached. If you have any questions about compliance, please consult your own legal counsel. Compliance is the individual responsibility of each person or agent of a person who is subject to the filing requirement. An offense under Chapter 176 carries a penalty up to a Class A misdemeanor.

9. Disclosure of Interested Parties Pursuant to Section 2252.908 of the Government Code, the selected Firm in contracts for the sale or purchase of property, goods, or services with a local government entity (i.e., BRA) anticipated to have a value of at least $250,000/$500,000 must submit a Disclosure of Interested Parties Form to the local government entity that discloses all persons at the Selected Firm who have a controlling interest in the selected Firm or who actively participated in facilitating the contract or negotiating the terms of the contract.

The requirements of Section 2252.908 of the Government Code are subject to change, and if you have any questions about compliance, please consult your own legal counsel.

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm

10. Term of Agreement The services of the PROVIDER shall commence on the Effective Date of this Contract and shall continue until the Work is completed.

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm

11. Selection Process The Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group (“Brazos G”) will review responses to this proposal.

The “Brazos G” is utilizing a subcommittee to perform the initial screening in the consultant selection process. This subcommittee is responsible for reviewing written proposals and recommending to the “Brazos G” a short list of finalists for presentations and/or interviews with the entire group at a date yet to be determined regular meeting. The final consultant selection will be made by the “Brazos G” after presentations are completed.

Proposals will be evaluated and scored based on the factors listed below.

1. Regional Water Planning Experience – List all relevant projects and regional water plans the respondent has previously worked on. Specified number of projects of similar size and scope - Detailed information regarding project size, and scope of project for each individual project and any additional information necessary to evaluate vendor experience;

2. Respondent Qualification - Specified professional license or certification - Copy of current license or certificate applicable to specified profession or trade;

3. Project Team Experience - Specified number of projects of similar size and scope - Detailed information regarding project size, and scope of project for each individual project and any additional information necessary to evaluate the proposed project team’s experience in regional water planning;

4. Respondent’s experience in surface water planning – Provide detailed examples of the project team’s experience in modeling, policy engagement, and overall experience in regional water planning for Surface Water.

5. Respondent’s experience in Groundwater planning – Provide detailed examples of the project team’s experience in modeling, policy engagement, and overall experience in regional planning for Groundwater.

6. Respondent’s plan for stakeholder engagement and outreach for the 7th cycle of regional water planning.

7. Inclusion of the Firm’s information as requested in Tabs A and B.

8. Ability to perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or in the time required, without delay or interference;

9. Submittal of the Request for Acknowledgement of Requests for Proposals Form.

12. Contract The executed contract between BRA and the selected Respondent shall be a BRA standard form contract for Professional Services. Contract terms are not subject to modification and Respondent will be expected to execute the contract in substantially the form provided. Respondent should not base a proposal on an expectation that BRA will modify its contract terms.

Compensation for services provided under the professional services contract to be entered into with the selected Firm will be based on time and materials up to a total mutually agreeable not-to-exceed amount. Individual tasks under the contract will also be billed on a time and material basis up to a not-to-exceed amount for such task.

The BRA reserves the right to award contract(s) without any negotiations and reserves the right to not make awards. The BRA reserves the right to conduct studies and other investigations as necessary to evaluate any submittal. Submission of a proposal confers no legal right upon any Respondent.

The decision of BRA, or its designee with regard to the above, shall be administratively final. BRA, in its sole discretion, may waive administrative deficiencies and/or minor technicalities in submittals received.

13. Insurance Requirements The Respondent shall, at Respondent’s sole expense, maintain insurance coverage as determined acceptable to the BRA. The Respondent must obtain the following minimum insurance requirements and provide proof to the BRA prior to entering into a contract:

General Liability Insurance:

Bodily Injury $ 1,000,000 per occurrence Property Damage $ 1,000,000 per occurrence Aggregate $ 2,000,000

Professional Liability:

$ 1,000,000 per claim

Workers’ Compensation:

Statutory

Automobile Liability: $ 1,000,000 per claim / aggregate

Employers’ Liability

$ 1,000,000 policy limit

Before beginning any work under this agreement, the Respondent is required to register with myCOItracking.com and upload documentation that meets the insurance requirements outlined in this agreement. Work WILL NOT commence until the certificate of insurance is approved as compliant. The Respondent must add registration@myCOItracking.com and certificaterequest@myCOIsolution.com to their safe sender list to ensure receipt of essential communications from myCOI. If any issues arise during registration, please contact the myCOItracking support team at (317) 759-9426.

14. Recycled and Recyclable Products The BRA encourages the use of recycled products and products that may be recycled or reused.

15. Delivery of Proposal Submittals Proposals may be submitted in one of the following manners:

Electronic Transmission. Electronic submittals will be received on the following platform. BidNet Direct requires you to register at no charge.

Drop Box Submission Prior to Proposal Submission Deadline: Hand delivery of one sealed, clearly identified original signed paper copy submission may be received up to the proposal submission deadline contained in the solicitation at the Brazos River Authority, 4600 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX. 76710, utilizing the secure drop box located near of the office building. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening.

Mail-In Delivery: Mailed by commercial carrier, overnight or express mail, one sealed clearly identified original signed paper copy submission may be accepted by the Purchasing Manager or other designee up to the proposal submission deadline contained in the solicitation at the Brazos River Authority 4600 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX. 76710. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening.

CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE 2031 BRAZOS G REGIONAL

WATER PLAN

RFP NO. 26-1382

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND

RECEIPT OF ADDENDA

RESPONDENT MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

AND ADDENDA BY SIGNING BELOW AND SUBMITTING THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

WITH YOUR PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO SIGN THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL

DISQUALIFY THE PROPOSAL AS NON-RESPONSIVE. SIGNATURE MAY BE DIGITAL,

ELECTRONIC OR HANDWRITTEN.

This acknowledgement shall become part of your response and the subsequent contract documents if applicable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Respondent hereby acknowledges that it has received and read the Request for Proposals and all Addenda, and that this Proposal is made in accordance with the provisions thereof.

Respondent acknowledges that this Proposal meets or exceeds all terms, requirements, conditions, and/or specifications set forth in the Request for Proposals and Addenda, and exceptions or deviations from such terms, requirements, conditions, and/or specifications, if any, have been clearly and conspicuously identified as such in the Proposal.

Does your company have ten (10) or more full time employees? Check one box only.

YES NO

Name of Firm (Respondent)

Signature – Authorized Representative

Printed Name

Date

E-mail Address

Telephone Number

EXAMPLE RESPONSE TO LITIGATION HISTORY QUESTION

Date Parties Nature/Description of Litigation Outcome 2010 XYZ, Inc. v. Owner Owner brought suit against XYZ, Inc.

claiming flawed design of a concrete pad.

XYZ, Inc.

Nonsuited

2011 XYZ, Inc. v. Owner XYZ, Inc. retained to design bike path, the path collapsed in construction and owner sued XYZ, Inc. and contractor

Settled

2012 XYZ, Inc. v. Contractor Contractor claimed XYZ, Inc. negligent on a project where Contractor was constructing a tower and the tower allegedly incorporated incorrect materials. XYZ, Inc. disputes the allegations.

Ongoing

Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024)

Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.

Give form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS.

Before you begin. For guidance related to the purpose of Form W-9, see Purpose of Form, below.

P ri n t o r ty p e

S e e S p ec if ic

In st ru ct io n s o n p a g e

1 Name of entity/individual. An entry is required. (For a sole proprietor or disregarded entity, enter the owner’s name on line 1, and enter the business/disregarded entity’s name on line 2.)

2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above.

3a Check the appropriate box for federal tax classification of the entity/individual whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the following seven boxes.

Individual/sole proprietor C corporation S corporation Partnership Trust/estate

LLC. Enter the tax classification (C = C corporation, S = S corporation, P = Partnership)

Note: Check the “LLC” box above and, in the entry space, enter the appropriate code (C, S, or P) for the tax classification of the LLC, unless it is a disregarded entity. A disregarded entity should instead check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner.

Other (see instructions)

3b If on line 3a you checked “Partnership” or “Trust/estate,” or checked “LLC” and entered “P” as its tax classification, and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate in which you have an ownership interest, check this box if you have any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries. See instructions

4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals;

see instructions on page 3):

Exempt payee code (if any)

Exemption from Foreign Account Tax

Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting code (if any)

(Applies to accounts maintained outside the United States.)

5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.). See instructions.

6 City, state, and ZIP code

Requester’s name and address (optional)

7 List account number(s) here (optional)

Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a

TIN, later.

Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. See also What Name and

Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Social security number or Employer identification number

Part II Certification

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and

2. I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and

3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and

4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.

Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and, generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.

Sign Here

Signature of

U.S. person Date

General Instructions Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9.

What’s New Line 3a has been modified to clarify how a disregarded entity completes this line. An LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Otherwise, it should check the “LLC” box and enter its appropriate tax classification.

New line 3b has been added to this form. A flow-through entity is required to complete this line to indicate that it has direct or indirect foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries when it provides the Form W-9 to another flow-through entity in which it has an ownership interest. This change is intended to provide a flow-through entity with information regarding the status of its indirect foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries, so that it can satisfy any applicable reporting requirements. For example, a partnership that has any indirect foreign partners may be required to complete Schedules K-2 and K-3. See the Partnership Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065).

Purpose of Form An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS is giving you this form because they

Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024)

Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) Page 2 must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid).

• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds).

• Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds).

• Form 1099-NEC (nonemployee compensation).

• Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers).

• Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions).

• Form 1099-K (merchant card and third-party network transactions).

• Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), and 1098-T (tuition).

• Form 1099-C (canceled debt).

• Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property).

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN.

Caution: If you don’t return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding, later.

By signing the filled-out form, you:

1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued);

2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding; or

3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee; and

4. Certify to your non-foreign status for purposes of withholding under chapter 3 or 4 of the Code (if applicable); and

5. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting is correct. See What Is FATCA Reporting, later, for further information.

Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:

• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien;

• A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States;

• An estate (other than a foreign estate); or

• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).

Establishing U.S. status for purposes of chapter 3 and chapter 4 withholding. Payments made to foreign persons, including certain distributions, allocations of income, or transfers of sales proceeds, may be subject to withholding under chapter 3 or chapter 4 of the Code (sections 1441–1474). Under those rules, if a Form W-9 or other certification of non-foreign status has not been received, a withholding agent, transferee, or partnership (payor) generally applies presumption rules that may require the payor to withhold applicable tax from the recipient, owner, transferor, or partner (payee). See Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities.

The following persons must provide Form W-9 to the payor for purposes of establishing its non-foreign status.

• In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the disregarded entity.

• In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the grantor trust.

• In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust and not the beneficiaries of the trust.

See Pub. 515 for more information on providing a Form W-9 or a certification of non-foreign status to avoid withholding.

Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person (under Regulations section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) or other applicable section for chapter 3 or 4 purposes), do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515). If you are a qualified foreign pension fund under Regulations section 1.897(l)-1(d), or a partnership that is wholly owned by qualified foreign pension funds, that is treated as a non-foreign person for purposes of section 1445 withholding, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use Form W-8EXP (or other certification of non-foreign status).

Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a saving clause. Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.

If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items.

1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.

2. The treaty article addressing the income.

3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.

4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.

5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.

Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if their stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years.