Pre-Design_Services_for_Jail_Replacement_Project__26-00018.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

2026-RFQ-169

PRE-DESIGN SERVICES FOR JAIL REPLACEMENT PROJECT #26-

00018

Pierce County

1501 Market St, Suite 420

Tacoma, WA 98402

RELEASE DATE: June 26, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: July 23, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: July 31, 2026, 1:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

Request For Qualification #2026-RFQ-169 Title: Pre-Design Services for Jail Replacement Project #26-00018 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Pierce County

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

Pre-Design Services for Jail Replacement Project #26-00018

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Submittal Criteria

4. Evaluation and Award Process

5. Evaluation

6. RFQ General Terms and Condition

7. Vendor Questionnaire

Attachments:

A - Sample Professional Service Agreement

B - Jail Entry Packet with Guidelines

C - Backgrounds and Badging Security Procedures

D - Background Check Authorization

E - Pierce County Justice Center 20 Year Master Plan

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The Pierce County Facilities Management Department (County) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from experienced professional architecture firms for pre-design services for the Jail Replacement

Project. The project is located on the Pierce County Downtown Campus that currently consists of the following buildings:

Cloverleaf Jail and Tacoma Ave Bump-out: 910 Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402

2002 Jail: 701 Nollmeyer Lane, Tacoma, WA 98402

County-City Building: 930 Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 (A-wing, B-tower, C-wing)

Based on previous studies, it is anticipated that the 2002 Jail Addition, as well as the County-City

Building A-wing and B-tower will remain, while other buildings may be demolished and replaced.

Existing systems and shared components and services extend throughout all these buildings and impact and phasing will need to be included in the pre-design. There is a separate project outside of this contract to make modifications to the 2002 Jail so it can be used to help facilitate future construction on the campus, specifically the Jail Replacement. There may still be additional revisions and modifications for systems that cannot be done in advance as part of the 2002 Jail Renovation, but will rather need to be done as part of the Jail Replacement project.

The successful firm to this RFQ will complete pre-design, including alternative analysis and submit the deliverable to the Owner. The final deliverable should include a recommendation for project delivery methodology that will also be used as the basis of cost estimates and schedules provided. This document will guide subsequent phases of design and construction.

The successful firm for this project will possess strength in design of jail, correctional or detention facilities, including experience with housing, separation, and security levels, direct and indirect observation models, and technology systems used in operating jails. The firm should also possess strength in Jail related facilities and services including government office space, Courtrooms, medical/dental spaces, and property storage. Buildings and services on the campus identified to remain must stay operational during the construction. The firm should be experienced in developing phasing and temporary service plans.

The successful firm will possess experience in completing pre-designs on projects of comparable characteristics including demolition and reconstruction on an operational campus, organizational strength for projects of the same size and timeframe, firm/team strength and experience with overall project planning, programming, coordinating consultant team specialists, scope and budget development, and all other pre-design services required to provide the County with a final pre-design report. This description is not necessarily all-inclusive, and the consultant team should consider any tasks or services deemed necessary to complete the pre-design satisfactorily. Consultant teams are encouraged to bring any expertise gained from other projects, creative ideas tested elsewhere, and best practices applicable to this project.

1.2. Background

The County conducted a “Justice Center Study” in 2021 with KMB Architects which resulted in a 20-year master plan, see Attachment B – “Pierce County Justice Center 20 Year Master Plan”. KMB’s Justice

Center Study aided in establishing the background and priorities that the County will address with the

Jail Replacement. Recommendations in the 5-year development plan are underway already under separate projects.

The 2026-27 Pierce County Capital Facilities Plan includes $1.6 million in 2026 to initiate preliminary design efforts (pre-design) for the demolition and replacement of the Jail. This does not include the portion of the Yakima Ave Jail (built in 2002). Both the cloverleaf and Tacoma Ave. bump-out (1984 construction) and County-City Building C-wing (1959 construction) will be included in the pre-design study. The C-wing building also currently includes electrical and mechanical building services serving both the Jail and County-City Building, as well as the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, property storage, and Superior Court criminal courtrooms.

The 2021 Master Plan covers more than just the Jail Replacement recommendation, but also includes information pertaining to existing conditions, programming, and the 5-year and 20-year development priorities. The KMB study included several different schemes which have not been further developed. Pages 230-233 includes some further information regarding a new jail.

These following pages are highlighted for convenience and should not eliminate firms submitted SOQ’s from reviewing the full report. The pre-design will be critical to validating recommendations, current needs, and required programming.

CCB C-Wing Recommendations: Pg 61

Main Jail (Cloverleaf) Recommendations: Pg 62

1.3. Contact Information

Stephanie Browning

Procurement and Contract Specialist 2

1501 Market

Suite #420

Tacoma, WA 98402

Email: stephanie.browning@piercecountywa.gov

Phone: (253) 798-7796

Department:

Procurement and Contract Services

Department Head:

Bert Kalalau

County Purchasing Agent mailto:stephanie.browning@piercecountywa.gov tel:(253)798-7796

1.4. Timeline

Release Project Date June 26, 2026

Question Submission Deadline July 23, 2026, 4:30pm

Proposal Submission Deadline July 31, 2026, 1:00pm

Proposal Evaluation Approximately three weeks after proposal submission deadline, proposals will be evaluated and interviews may be held if multiple proposers are deemed capable of meeting the requirements.

Estimated Notice of Intention to Negotiate a Contract

Approximately six weeks after proposal submission deadline.

Estimated Date of Contract Execution Approximately eight weeks After proposal submission deadline.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Scope of Work

High-level scope of work includes, but is not limited to the following:

A. Working with owner and stakeholders to complete pre-design (5% design).

B. Produce final pre-design report including illustrations or graphics depicting recommended options, how requirements and/or needs are met. This deliverable is anticipated to be delivered by the end of Quarter 3, 2027.

C. Attend all virtual and in-person meetings.

D. Attend and present to Executive or Council Meetings, when requested and as needed, to provide updates and recommendations.

E. Facilitate lessons learned from other facilities of similar nature for recommendations for inclusion or exclusion in the project.

The following are a list of services that may be required on this project. Additional services may be added via amendment at a later date should it be required for completion of the pre-design, as it is impossible to anticipate all required services. The County may also elect at any time to self-perform in whole, or in part any of the duties identified in the scope of work.

Stakeholder Engagement:

A. Work with Facilities Management and Sheriff’s Office - Corrections Bureau on the identification and engagement of stakeholders to determine space requirements and preferred option for advancement.

1. Minimum stakeholders to include:

a. Facilities Management

b. Sheriff’s Office

c. Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Bureau

d. Superior Court

e. District Court

f. Tacoma Municipal Court (agency partner)

g. Department of Assigned Counsel

h. Prosecuting Attorney

i. Finance- Information Technology Division

j. Department of Emergency Management – Radio Communications Division

k. County Council

l. Executives Department

m. Jail Service Providers

2. Deliverables: engagement plan, meeting summaries, input logs, and a final report detailing stakeholder input.

Vision and Project Goals:

A. Conduct visioning workshops with stakeholders to establish shared understanding of long-term goals and guiding principles for the Jail Replacement Project. Explore desired outcomes related to safety, rehabilitation, operational efficiency, and community impact. Workshop will focus on defining the project’s vision, identify priorities such as alternatives to incarceration and humane design, and aligning the replacement with broader criminal justice strategies.

B. Deliverables include a document vision statement, consensus on guiding principles, and a summary of stakeholder input to inform future design decisions.

C. Facilitate structured workshops to develop and define:

1. Core values (e.g., safety, rehabilitation, equity)

2. Goals for the facility (e.g., reducing recidivism, improving behavioral health care)

3. Design priorities (e.g., trauma-informed design, sustainability, flexibility for future growth)

4. Pre-Workshop preparation including gathering background data, establishing ground rules, and establishing and clarifying roles.

5. Explore needs and opportunities by documenting current challenges, future needs, and possible alternatives.

6. Lead and facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions.

7. Organize and rank solutions to be incorporated into the design process and those that have been eliminated. MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have – or similar methodology).

8. Align Vision with budget and legal requirements.

Building Programming

A. Starting with the information in the 2021 Justice Center Study attached, validate, update, and expand upon building programming to determine space requirements at a pre-design level. The building programming scope should focus on defining the functional requirements and space needs for the Jail Replacement to ensure it supports operational goals and best practices in corrections. This includes reviewing current and projected adult in custody populations, classification requirements, and programmatic needs such as housing, medical care, behavioral health services, education, and rehabilitation spaces. The process will involve collaboration with facility staff and stakeholders to identify workflows, security levels, and support areas, while considering flexibility for future growth and evolving justice strategies.

B. Deliverables will include a detailed space program, adjacency diagrams, and operational narratives that will guide feasibility analysis and inform subsequent design phases.

Deliverable-Pre-Design Report Requirements

A. Report should include the following:

1. Executive Summary:

a. Summarize the problem, opportunity, or program requirements; alternatives considered; preferred alternative; and why that alternative was selected. Include basic project cost information.

2. Problem Statement

a. Identify the problem, opportunity or program requirement addressed by the project and how it will be accomplished.

b. Identify and explain the statutory or other requirements that drive the project’s operational programs and how these affect the need for space, location, or physical accommodations. Include anticipated projections (growth or decline) and assumptions, if applicable.

c. Explain the connection between the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives, statutory requirements; and the problem, opportunity, or program requirement.

d. Describe in general terms what is needed to solve the problem.

3. Analysis of alternatives (including preferred alternative)

a. Describe all alternatives that were considered, including the preferred alternative.

Alternatives may include renovation, new construction, a combination of renovation and new construction, phased construction or other options explored. Include the following:

i. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Include a high-level summary table with an analysis that compares the alternatives, including the anticipated cost and duration for each alternative.

b. Cost estimates for each alternative.

i. Provide enough information so decision makers have a general understanding of the project costs, requirements; and the problem, opportunity, or program requirement.

c. Schedule estimates for each alternative. Estimate the start, midpoint, and completion dates. Schedule should be based on recommended delivery method of the A/E team.

i. Provide a high-level schedule in months.

d. Detailed analysis of preferred alternative

i. Describe the preferred project alternative in detail, including the following:

I. Nature of space. How much of the proposed space will be used for what purpose (e.g., office, housing, conference, etc.) including exterior program space.

II. Occupancy numbers.

III. Basic configuration of the building, including square footage and the number of floors.

IV. Space needs assessment. Compare the proposed project space needs in comparison to space needs.

ii. Consistency with other laws and regulations. Provide documentation that indicates the preferred option is consistent with the following

I. Proposed building projects over 20,000 gross square feet must follow the state energy standards for clean buildings, per RCW 19.27A.210.

II. Americans with Disabilities Act

III. Zoning requirements and if variances are needed, pathways required to secure.

IV. Correctional standards.

iii. Identify technology infrastructure and other related IT investments that affect the building plans.

I. Identify radio communication networks and impacts of building materials.

II. Data fiber loops required.

iv. Delivery method alternatives considered.

I. Provide a comparative discussion of the pros and cons of the project delivery methods considered for this project and offer a recommendation of proposed procurement method for the preferred alternative. The delivery methods considered could include design-build, progressive design-build, general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) or conventional design/bid/build. The proposed method of project delivery must be justified.

II. For design-build, link the justification to RCW 39.10.300 for uses, RCW39.10.320 requirements and RCW 39.10.330 for process.

III. For GC/CM, link the justification to the requirements in RCW 39.10.340 for uses, RCW 39.10.350 for requirements and RCW 39.10.360 for process.

v. Site analysis.

I. Identify any site studies that are completed or underway and summarize results.

I. Review of historical or existing site documents and existing conditions including any recorded covenants.

II. Provide the following:

I. Location

II. Building footprint and its relationship to adjacent facilities and site features

III. Provide an aerial view, sketches of the building site and basic floor plans.

IV. Water rights and water availability.

V. Stormwater requirements.

VI. Transportation or Traffic Study.

VII. Geotechnical assessment.

VIII. Site Survey.

IX. Phase 1 environmental survey assessment.

X. Property setback requirements.

XI. Potential issues with the surrounding neighborhood, during construction and ongoing once operational.

XII. Utility extension or relocation issues.

XIII. Potential environmental impacts:

I. Green space and natural amenities that need to be preserved or accorded special treatment.

II. Required or potential site mitigation, including history of possible contamination.

III. Requirements for the State Environmental Policy Act, National

Environmental

IV. Policy Act, or an environmental impact statement.

XIV. Parking and access issues, including improvements required by local ordinances, local road impacts and parking demand.

XV. Impact on surroundings and existing development with construction lay-down areas and construction phasing.

III. Schedule

I. Provide a high-level milestone schedule for the project, including key dates for budget approval, design, bid, acquisition, construction, equipment installation, testing, occupancy and full operation.

II. Incorporate value-engineering analysis and constructability review into the project schedule.

III. Describe factors that may delay the project schedule, such as an environmentally sensitive location, possible presence of archaeological or historical assets, or possible contamination of the site or buildings undergoing renovation.

IV. Describe the permitting or local government ordinances or neighborhood issues (such as location or parking compatibility) that could affect the schedule.

V. Identify when the local jurisdiction will be contacted and whether community stakeholder meetings are part of the process.

IV. Project budget analysis for the preferred alternative

I. Construction Cost estimate. Provide the following:

I. Major assumptions used in preparing the cost estimate.

II. Summary table of Uniformat II Level 2 cost estimates.

III. Costs should contain sufficient information for a final project budget request.

II. Operating costs

I. Show three biennia of capital and operating costs from the time of occupancy, including an estimate of building repairs, replacement, and maintenance.

II. Include FTE assumptions.

III. Moving costs.

IV. Provide an estimate of furniture, fixtures, and equipment required as a separate line in the cost analysis.

III. Identify any problems that require further study. Evaluate identified problems as approved by Owner for further investigation.

2.2. Security Requirements

Consultants and their sub-consultants shall adhere to Pierce County security requirements when working onsite. including security clearances and tool control. Interior projects or those in secure courtyards require moderate background checks for staff onsite. Higher security areas require a Criminal

Justice Information System (CJIS) background checks such as in attorney office areas and information technology closets.

Each Consultants personnel will be an employee of the Consultant or an employee of a Subcontractor contracted by Consultant. The Consultant is responsible for the compliance of all the Consultants personnel performing work.

Prior to any Consultants personnel commencing on-site work, Consultant will have the appropriate and necessary criminal background checks/security clearances forms completed and submitted to the assigned Project Manager and their backup. CJIS background checks also require fingerprinting and training. After determining proper levels of background checks required with Pierce County project manager, all cleared personnel must obtain a photo ID badge from the security office currently located in the County-City Building. The County will not reimburse the Consultant for any costs incurred in obtaining background checks, including fingerprinting processing fees and personnel time.

Background check clearances and CJIS training are required to be renewed every two years.

See Attachments for forms and background check and badging process and procedure.

3. Submittal Criteria

2026-RFQ-169, Pre-Design Services for Jail Replacement Project #26-00018

3.1. Submittal Format

Please use the following as a guideline to format your qualifications:

Submittals should present information in a straightforward and concise manner, while ensuring complete and detailed descriptions of the proposing team (to include the key team members including prime and major subconsultants who will be providing the requested services) and the team’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFQ. Emphasis will be on technical competence and completeness of content. The written SOQ should be prepared in the sequential order as outlined below.

Each SOQ is limited to 15 numbered (single-sided) pages (8 ½ by 11 inch) excluding the cover page

(limited to one single-sided page), cover letter (limited to 2 single-sided pages) and appendices. Do not use a full color bleed on Cover pages. Resumes attached in the appendices shall not exceed 1 page each. All pages shall be in portrait orientation with 1-inch margins. Font size shall be 11 point or larger. If charts and/or graphs are utilized, text must be no smaller than 9-point font. For attached schedules requested, the pages may be in landscape orientation and included in the appendices. The Statement of

Qualifications shall be submitted as a (PDF) file. Submittals that do not follow this format may be rejected.

These requirements are in addition to any other requirements identified herein.

3.2. Submittal Checklist

For proposals to be considered the following must be included in your submittal:

• A letter of interest from the prime consultant/contractor, signed by the principal professional intended to lead the project effort. The letter needs to include contact information, number of years the consultant/contractor has been in business under current or previous names or additional assumed business names. Provide similar information concerning each subcontracted contractor.

• Provide a comprehensive organizational chart with key personnel for your firm and potential subconsultants, clearly identifying the estimated participation of Minority, Women, and Veteran owned (MWV) businesses and estimated percentage of total work anticipated to be performed by each sub-tier partner.

• Your approach to this type of work and explain how you have the experience, qualifications, size, and resources to provide the services listed in the scope of work.

• The name and brief resume of the key individual(s) who would be assigned to this project and an individual assigned to back up the key person in their absences, together with similar information for each individual to be provided under any subcontract.

• A proposal that outlines your firm approach to the work, capacity and availability, as well as any additional services or procedures of benefit to the County not specifically required by this

Request for Qualifications, which the Consultant offers to provide.

• The name and title of the person authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the firm.

• The caption, cause number, Court, Counsel, and general summary of any litigation pending, or judgment rendered within the past three (3) years involving the firm. (if applicable)

• A statement outlining any proposed exceptions to the County’s requirements or requested clarifications to the requirements, including any exceptions to the terms of the County’s standard Services Agreement, a sample of which is attached hereto as “Attachment A.” Firms should understand, however, that the County is typically unwilling to change the terms of its standard Services Agreement and a firm’s inability to agree to those standard terms may be a basis for the County to instead negotiate with one or more other firms.

• References listing customers with contracts for similar services.

• Acknowledgement (via the County's eProcurement Portal) of each addendum issued. (if applicable)

Before you submit, please ensure your company profile in OpenGov and MRSC if applicable are up-to-date with your current business designations. Use the provided links below for instructions on updating your profiles.

OpenGov: Updating User Profile, Company Profile, Email Address, Adding an Additional User

MRSC Log In: Public Agency Membership - MRSC Rosters

By submitting a proposal, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the Contractor pursuant to this proposal shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the Contractor. The

Contractor shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the

County because of this solicitation.

Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted. No hard copies, emails or fax submittals are acceptable.

3.3. Procurement Documents & RFQ's Holder List

BIDDERS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD BID DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the

FOLLOWER'S list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for bid updates, addendum and other bid information will be sent to all bidders who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.

https://opengov.wistia.com/medias/vvpsufzgl0 https://mrscrosters.org/public-agencies/public-agencies-membership/ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa

3.4. Procurement Questions

All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Questions and Answer Section not later than 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Bidders must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software in order to submit questions, receive addenda, notifications and ultimately submit a proposal.

Proposals must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services and the Finance

Department before 1:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026. The proposer is responsible for submission of proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.

3.5. Expected Term of Resulting Agreement

The contract period is anticipated to conclude by December 31, 2027. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm based on consultant and agency staff availability and finalized scope of work. Execution of final contract may require final adoption of changes to the

County's Capital Facilities Plan by the County Council.

4. Evaluation and Award Process

An evaluation team will review the SOQ and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The County may request clarifications or additional information, if needed.

A selection may be made based on the Firms and initial evaluation criteria alone or the firms determined to be most qualified through the initial evaluation phase may be interviewed and the final determination will also consider reference checks and interviews.

The County intends to select the Consultant who represents the most qualified team (or teams, as determined by the evaluation team) to Pierce County and begin the negotiation and award process based on the evaluated scores.

Selected Consultant will be invited to enter contract negotiations with the County. Should the

County and the selected consultant not reach a mutual agreement, the County will terminate negotiations and move to the next highest ranked consultant and proceed with negotiations. A

Consultant’s inability to agree to the terms of the County’s Professional Service Agreement

"Attachment A" may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Consultant.

Selected Consultant(s) may be asked to provide the following for negotiation

A. Per Employee Direct Labor Rates

B. Provide the most recent audit of the firm received from WSDOT or a State or Federal agency that can establish the overhead rate.

C. Subcontractors (if used) fully burdened, per-employee labor rates direct labor rates (if available). If subcontractors are on an ad hoc basis no rates are needed.

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submitted SOQs, and to waive as informalities any irregularities, and to contract as the best interest of the County may require.

The County also may reject SOQs that are non-responsive or that are submitted by non-responsible firms

5. Evaluation

Phase 1

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Organizational and Staff Capacity

Provide information regarding staff experience and qualifications that demonstrate the respondent’s capacity to perform the required services. Include the following:

• In a narrative, identify the team including specific individuals and sub-consultants for key positions (to include working titles, degrees, certificates, and licenses), describe the roles and responsibility of each team member, and how each team member will contribute to the successful completion of the scope of work, and how they satisfy the minimum requirements included in the RFQ.

• Describe how team members meet or exceed the preferred experience being requested in this RFQ.

• Provide an organizational chart demonstrating the relationships and hierarchy of the team described above. Identify individuals by name, position, discipline, and firm. Identify key back up personnel.

• Indicate in a narrative what software or tools the team will utilize and the advantages this brings the team and value to the County.

The body of the proposal should include enough information about your team members as described above, but a single-sided, letter-size page resume for each team member may be included as part of the appendix. Resumes exceeding the page limit will not be reviewed.

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

2. Project Approach Narrative and Schedule

• Provide a detailed description of the team’s general approach, problem solving and methodology for accomplishing the scope of work. The approach should be consistent with the objectives and requirements set forth in the RFQ.

The narrative should clearly address the team’s availability to execute the pre-design phase upon contract execution. Provide a narrative and bar graph type schedule indicating, in weeks, how the work will proceed under the contract. Include proposed processes for ensuring effective coordination, as well as procedures for reporting and disseminating information. Describe cost estimating, stakeholder input validation, and QA/QC approach.

• Describe experience working with key stakeholders

(elected officials, correction officers, end users, court personnel), including presentations and facilitation of discussion related to key project features and decision points. Describe the flow of information and project communications with team members, the County’s project construction manager, and stakeholder groups.

Points Based 45 (45% of Total)

3. Relevant Experience and Past Performance Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

4. Access to the firm / team staff/ documents o Describe how physically accessible the firm/team is to Pierce County, in terms of communications, meetings and field investigations.

o Include any alternative methods of communication, meetings, or innovative methods that your team may propose, including any real time shared data access methods with Pierce

County and/or consultants and contractors.

Points Based 7 (7% of Total)

5. Accuracy and Completeness of the Statement of Qualification

(SOQ)

• Coherent and logical flow of written responses

• Legibility of figures and chart information.

• Accurate project name and address and associated contacts

• Formatting and layout follows parameters

• Spelling and grammatical accuracy.

Points Based 3 (3% of Total)

Phase 2

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Interviews (if applicable)

Pierce County may interview the top ranked from the evaluation list. If interviews are conducted, rankings of the firms shall be determined by Pierce County using the combined results of interviews and proposal submittals

Points Based 100 (100% of Total)

6. RFQ General Terms and Condition

6.1. Pierce County expressly reserves the following rights

A. To waive any and/or all irregularities in the proposals submitted.

B. To reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.

C. To base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.

D. To make the award to any vendor or combination of vendors whose proposal(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.

Pierce County will not accept late proposals. Pierce County may return unopened any proposal or modification received after the hour and date specified.

6.2. Reimbursement

The County will not reimburse proposers for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this RFQ or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.

6.3. Title VI Compliance

Pierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to

2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of

Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

6.4. Cooperative Purchasing

The Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFQ, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases.

Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.

6.5. Public Records and Proprietary Material

Proposals submitted under this Solicitation will be considered public documents and, with limited exceptions, will become public information and may be reviewed by appointment by anyone requesting to do so following the conclusion of the evaluation, negotiation, and award process. This process is concluded when a signed contract is completed between Pierce County and the Proposer. If a firm considers any portion of its response to be protected under the law, the vendor shall clearly identify each such portion with words such as “CONFIDENTIAL,” “PROPRIETARY” or “TRADE SECRET” on each page for which the protection is sought. If a request is made for disclosure of such portion, Pierce

County will notify the vendor of the request.

6.6. Contract Compliance For Professional, Technical, Supply or Services

It is the policy of Pierce County to foster an environment that encourages economic growth and diversification, business development and retention, increases competition and reduces unemployment.

In support of that policy, Pierce County reaffirms its commitment to maximize opportunities in public contracting for all contractors including minority and women owned business enterprises.

Proposers are encouraged to utilize qualified, local businesses in Pierce County and Washington State where cost effectiveness is deemed competitive. In addition, Proposers are encouraged to subcontract with firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

(MWBE).

A. MWBE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE

1. A directory of MWBE firms is published quarterly by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Copies of the directory are available from the

State OMWBE (360-753-9693) or may be viewed at the Public Works Department, 2702 S

42nd St Suite 201, Tacoma 98409, and the Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Avenue

South, Tacoma, 98402. Contact the Contract Compliance Office for additional information at

(253) 798-7250.

7. Vendor Questionnaire

1. Proposal * Upload Proposal

*Response required