Request for Qualifications - CMT.pdf

REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

00 11 53-1 Revised: 06-12-2026

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Document 00 11 53

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Services for the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor

Center and Lake Offices

Sealed submittals for the RFQ for CMT Services for the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices Project shall be submitted electronically via the CivCast Website (www.civcastusa.com).

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ’s) shall be accepted until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Archer Western (AW) invites qualified professional firms to submit Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for CMT services for the project.

Continue below for the complete request for qualifications document

AW reserves the right to reject any or all submittals; to waive technical or legal deficiencies and to accept any submittal that it may deem to be in the best interest of the Owner (Upper Trinity Regional Water District).

http://www.civcastusa.com/

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PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

1.1 CONTACTS

All inquiries regarding this bid must be submitted in written form via the CivCast portal (www.civcastusa.com)

1.2 ATTACHMENTS

Sample Document Appendix A - Standard Subcontract

1.3 DUE DATE

Submittals shall be submitted electronically by July 14th, 2026, no later than 2:00 PM (local time).

1.4 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

A. Request for Qualifications Issued 23-June-2026

B. Non-Mandatory Site-Visit* 7-July-2026

C. Written Questions due by 5:00pm 7-July-2026

D. Statement of Qualifications due by 2:00pm 14-July-2026 E. Submittal Evaluations and Ranking Complete 17-July-2026

F. Final Selection & Letter of Award 24-July-2026

* A non-mandatory site visit will take place between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM at the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices, located at 848 County Road 3645, Ladonia, TX 75449.

Interested firms are encouraged to RSVP via email to dwieck@walshgroup.com no later than 2:00 PM (local time) on July 3rd, 2026.

PART II: PURPOSE

Archer Western (AW), seeks to contract with a qualified materials testing firm to provide construction materials testing services for the project. These services will serve as part of the Contractor’s quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program.

mailto:ringram@gcwatx.gov

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PART III: OBJECTIVE

3.1 Archer Western proposes to select a highly qualified materials testing firm to provide services described herein. These firms or teams who participate in this RFQ process shall be referred to as “Responders.” The successful Responders shall be referred to, in this RFQ, as AW’s “Materials Testing Firm.”

3.2 The evaluation committee will review the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ’s) and recommend the best qualified teams.

3.3 Responders shall be evaluated on the relevant information submitted to Archer Western.

3.4 Archer Western may make the final selection based solely upon this evaluation or may, at its discretion, establish a short list of qualified teams, and base its selection on interviews and/or other relevant information.

PART IV: PROJECT BACKGROUND

Upper Trinity Regional Water District (Owner) plans to build a Visitor Center and Lake Offices building. Archer Western is the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR). Halff Associates is the Engineer-of-Record.

PART V: PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

Project Familiarization

Firms will be responsible for familiarizing their teams with the project through the construction plans and updated design concepts. These documents are provided as attachments to the RFQ when it is published on CIVICAST. In addition, firms will have the opportunity to conduct a site visit, as outlined in Section 1.4 – Schedule of Events.

Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT)

The selected firm shall provide comprehensive Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and inspection services to support the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices project.

Services shall be performed in general accordance with project specifications, applicable codes and standards, and UTRWD requirements. The CMT firm will work directly for Archer Western and the future Awarded Contractor. Archer Western will be responsible for the coordination of all entities.

The proposed scope of services may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• General Coordination and Communication o Coordinate daily with Archer Western Project Manager and the Awarded

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Contractors.

o Coordination for testing requirements, interpretation of results, and resolution of non-conforming work.

o Attend pre-activity meetings, progress meetings, and coordination meetings as required.

o Provide timely communication of testing results, deficiencies, and critical observations.

• Field, Laboratory, and In-Situ Testing o Field, laboratory, and in-situ materials testing and observation of earthwork, concrete, steel, and misc. testing as required o Soil classification, compaction testing (nuclear gauge), moisture-density relationships (Proctor), and proof rolling observations.

o Verification of subgrade preparation and fill placement in accordance with project specifications.

o Evaluation, creation, and distribution of testing reports

• Pier Drilling Inspection o Observation, material sampling, and testing of cast-in-place concrete, including slump, air content, temperature, and compressive strength testing.

o Monitoring of concrete placement, finishing, and curing operations.

o Observation of pier, bearing strata, and penetration depths.

• Concrete and Pavement Testing o Observation, material sampling, and testing of cast-in-place and precast concrete, including slump, air content, temperature, and compressive strength testing.

o Monitoring of concrete placement, finishing, and curing operations.

o Observation, sampling, and testing of concrete and asphalt pavement, including density, thickness, and material properties.

• Structural and Specialty Inspections o Welding inspections and testing, including visual inspection and nondestructive testing (as required).

o Metal building framing inspection and verification of compliance with design documents.

• Specialized Testing (as applicable to project components) o Flowable fill, cement-stabilized materials, and other engineered materials testing.

o Any additional testing required by project specifications or requested by Archer Western.

• Document Control and Data Management o All field reports, laboratory test results, inspection reports, and related documentation shall be distributed as necessary by Archer Western.

00 11 53-5 o The CMT firm shall ensure timely uploading of reports to support real-time project visibility for AW, FNI, Halff, and UTRWD.

o Any delays in reporting that may impact construction progress shall be immediately communicated to AW.

• On-Site Laboratory Capability o Due to the remote nature of the project site, the CMT firm is strongly encouraged to provide on-site or near-site laboratory testing capabilities to support timely testing and reporting.

o If travel time to the site or to an off-site laboratory may impact turnaround times, the firm shall propose a plan to establish a temporary field laboratory or utilize mobile laboratory facilities.

o The objective is to minimize delays in testing, reporting, and construction decision-making.

o The CMT firm shall clearly describe in their proposal their approach to maintaining required turnaround times for test results, including staffing, equipment, and laboratory logistics.

o All on-site laboratory facilities shall meet applicable accreditation and quality standards for the tests being performed.

• Quality Assurance / Quality Control Support o Support AW and FNI in verifying Contractor compliance with project specifications.

o Do not provide direction to the Contractor; all communication regarding corrective actions shall flow through Archer Western.

• Scheduling and Responsiveness o Provide adequate staffing to support the Contractor’s schedule, including nights, weekends, and critical operations as required.

o Respond to testing requests within the timeframes established by Archer Western.

o Coordinate closely to ensure testing does not delay construction activities.

• Health, Safety, and Site Requirements o Comply with all UTRWD and AW site safety requirements.

o Ensure all personnel are properly trained and certified for assigned tasks.

o Maintain required certifications and accreditations for laboratory and field testing services.

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• Other Services o Provide additional testing and inspection services as requested by Archer Western’s Project Manager to support successful project delivery.

PART VI: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND STAFFING

AW seeks qualified firms with demonstrated experience in providing Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services for large-scale, heavy civil infrastructure projects. The selected firm must possess the technical expertise, staffing capacity, and organizational structure necessary to support a complex, multi-stakeholder construction environment.

Section 1: Safety Questionnaire

1. Safety Record

• Provide the firm’s safety record, including EMR (Experience Modification Rate), OSHA recordable incident rate, and any relevant safety statistics.

• Describe the firm’s safety program and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment

Section 2: Quality Project Team

1. Firm Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing CMT services on projects of similar size, scope, and complexity, including pump stations, hydraulic structures, water/wastewater facilities, sheet piling, or heavy civil infrastructure.

• Experience working in a multi-party environment involving an Owner, Construction Program Manager), Engineer of Record (EOR), and Contractor.

• Proven ability to coordinate effectively with project stakeholders.

• Firm shall be accredited by a recognized accrediting body (e.g., AASHTO, ASTM, CCRL) for applicable laboratory testing services.

• Familiarity with applicable standards including ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, AWS, and other relevant codes.

2. Key Personnel Qualifications

The firm shall identify key personnel proposed for this project, including but not limited to:

• Project Manager o Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in CMT services.

o Demonstrated experience managing similar infrastructure projects.

o Responsible for overall coordination, client communication, staffing, and quality of

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• Field Manager / Lead Inspector o Minimum of 7 years of field experience in construction inspection and materials testing.

o Experience overseeing field technicians and coordinating daily testing activities.

o Strong familiarity with project specifications and construction sequencing.

• Laboratory Manager o Responsible for oversight of laboratory operations, quality control, and compliance with accreditation requirements.

o Experience managing both fixed and mobile laboratory operations preferred.

• Field and Laboratory Technicians o Appropriate certifications as required for assigned tasks, such as:

▪ ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician (Grade I or higher)

▪ NICET (as applicable)

▪ AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), if performing welding inspections

▪ Nuclear gauge certification for density testing o Demonstrated experience performing required testing and inspections.

3. Staffing and Availability

• The firm shall demonstrate the ability to provide sufficient staffing levels to meet the project schedule, including support for extended hours, nights, weekends, and critical construction activities.

• Provide an organizational chart clearly identifying reporting relationships and lines of communication.

• Identify primary and backup personnel for key roles.

• Describe the firm’s approach to maintaining continuity of staff throughout the duration of the project.

4. Equipment and Resources

• Demonstrate availability of required field and laboratory equipment necessary to perform the scope of services.

• Describe capability to provide on-site or mobile laboratory facilities, particularly in consideration of the project’s remote location.

• Confirm that all equipment is properly calibrated and maintained in accordance with applicable standards.

5. Quality Management and Reporting

• Describe the firm’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.

• Demonstrate ability to provide accurate, timely, and complete reporting.

• Confirm capability and experience using digital project management/document control systems, specifically Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) / Autodesk Forma, for report

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6. Relevant Project Experience

• Provide three (3) to five (5) descriptions of projects completed within the last 5–10 years that demonstrate:

o Similar scope (earthwork, structural concrete, foundations, utility installations, sheet piling, and/or hydraulic structures).

o Comparable construction value (over $30,000,000) and complexity.

o Experience with remote or logistically challenging project sites.

• Include project descriptions, client references, scope of services performed, and outcomes.

• Highlight experience supporting projects with significant QA/QC oversight and documentation requirements.

PART VII: SELECTION CRITERIA AND AWARD OF CONTRACT

Selection Criteria: The Proposers shall be ranked on the following criteria:

Safety – (5%)

• Use the form in Appendix B – Safety Questionnaire for this response.

Qualifications – (30%)

• Overall firm qualifications and technical expertise in Construction Materials Testing

(CMT).

• Accreditations and certifications (AASHTO, ASTM, CCRL, etc.).

• Demonstrated understanding of project requirements, scope, and challenges, including remote site considerations.

• Knowledge of applicable standards (ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, AWS, etc.).

• Familiarity and experience working within structured document control systems

Experience – (35%)

• Relevant project experience on similar large-scale, heavy civil, water/wastewater, pump station, or hydraulic structure projects.

• Experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment

• Past performance on comparable projects, including quality of services, adherence to schedule, and responsiveness.

• Experience with projects in remote or logistically challenging locations.

• References from previous clients.

Staffing and Capacity of the Firm – (30%)

• Qualifications and experience of proposed key personnel, including Project Manager, Field Manager, and technical staff.

• Adequacy of staffing levels to support the project schedule, including nights, weekends, and critical construction activities.

• Ability to provide on-site or mobile laboratory services to meet turnaround requirements.

• Availability of equipment and resources necessary to perform the scope of services.

• Organizational structure and demonstrated ability to maintain continuity of staff

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Award of Contract Archer Western intends to select the most qualified firm based on the evaluation criteria outlined above. The selection process may include:

• Review and scoring of submitted Statements of Qualifications (SOQs).

• Verification of references.

Following evaluation, AW may enter into negotiations with the highest-ranked firm to finalize scope, schedule, and fee. If an agreement cannot be reached, AW reserves the right to negotiate with the next highest-ranked firm.

AW reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all submittals.

• Waive informalities or irregularities in the submittals.

• Request additional information from any proposer.

• Award a contract in the best interest of the Owner.

Final contract approval is contingent upon budgetary approval.

PART VIII: ADDITIONAL FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT SELECTION

In addition to the Selection Criteria outlined in Part VII, Archer Western may consider the following factors in evaluating and selecting the most qualified firm:

• Demonstrated professional qualifications necessary to perform all required Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services.

• Past performance and relevant experience with public agencies, water authorities, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

• Specialized experience, years in business, and technical competence of the firm and any proposed subconsultants.

• Demonstrated ability to meet project schedules and provide timely testing, reporting, and responsiveness.

• Availability of resources to support the project, including remote site logistics and on-site/mobile laboratory capabilities.

• History of effective coordination with Owners, Construction Managers/Advisors, Engineers of Record, and Contractors.

• Potential conflicts of interest with current UTRWD or AW projects or relationships that may impact objectivity or performance.

PART IX: SUBMITTALS

• Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) shall be submitted electronically via the CivCast website (www.civcastusa.com) no later than 2:00 PM on July 14th, 2026.

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• Late submittals will not be accepted under any circumstances.

• To facilitate an efficient and consistent evaluation process, responders must adhere strictly to the required SOQ format outlined in this RFQ. Non-compliant submittals may be deemed non-responsive and may not be evaluated.

• The SOQ shall be submitted as a single PDF document and shall conform to the following requirements:

• All text pages shall be no larger than 8½” x 11”. Figures or drawings may be up to 11” x 17”.

• Each section defined in Part X shall be clearly labeled and separated using bookmarks or tabs within the PDF.

PART X: SOQ ORGANIZATION AND SUBMITTAL FORMAT

To ensure a consistent and efficient review process, all responders shall organize their SOQ in the format outlined below. This structure aligns directly with the Selection Criteria.

Cover Page Include:

• RFQ Title: Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Services for the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices

• RFQ Number: RFQ # 221164-01

• Name of Responding Firm

• Submittal Date

Table of Contents

Provide a clear listing of all sections and corresponding page numbers.

Section 1: Safety Questionnaire (Aligns with: Safety 5%) Safety Questionnaire is attached in Appendix B.

Section 2: Quality/Project Team Section A – Transmittal Letter

One-page letter addressed to Archer Western project manager, Davis Wieck:

• Statement confirming the signer is authorized to submit the SOQ on behalf of the firm.

• Names of all firms included on the team.

• Original or electronic signature of a partner, principal, or authorized officer.

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Section B – Team Organization and Capacity (Aligns with: Staffing and Capacity of the Firm 30%)

Team Members (up to 4 pages)

• Identify all firms included in the team.

• Describe each firm’s role and responsibilities.

• Clearly identify the Lead Firm.

Organization Chart (1 page)

• Illustrate reporting structure and key personnel.

Section C – Project Understanding and Approach (Aligns with: Qualifications – 30%)

Narrative (up to 5 pages)

• Demonstrate understanding of the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices needs.

• Describe the firm’s approach to providing Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services, including:

o Coordination with UTRWD, AW, FNI, Halff, and the Contractor.

o Approach to QA/QC and independent testing.

o Strategy for timely reporting o Approach to addressing remote site conditions, including staffing and laboratory logistics.

• Highlight key strengths and differentiators.

Section D – Relevant Project Experience (Aligns with: Experience – 35%)

Narrative (up to 5 pages)

• Describe similar projects in terms of scope, complexity, and size.

• Emphasize experience with:

o Heavy civil and water infrastructure projects o Structural concrete and earthwork testing o Multi-stakeholder coordination environments

• Include project outcomes, particularly related to quality, schedule, and responsiveness.

Section E – Quality of Service and References

Testimonials (up to 2 one-page letters)

• From previous clients or contractors.

• Should address:

o Quality of testing and inspection services o Responsiveness and communication o Ability to meet schedules and project demands

Section F - Additional Remarks (optional, up to 3 pages)

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• Any additional relevant information supporting the firm’s qualifications.

PART XI: ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS, NOTIFICATIONS, AND INFORMATION

• Responders shall not offer any gratuities, favors, or items of monetary value to any official or employee for the purpose of influencing the selection process. Any such attempt will result in disqualification.

• Any false or misleading information provided in the SOQ may result in immediate disqualification.

• Inquiries: Responders shall not contact AW regarding the status of the selection process unless directed. Firms will be contacted as appropriate.

• Cost of SOQ: AW shall not be responsible for any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of an SOQ.

• Contract Negotiations: This RFQ does not constitute a contract. Final scope, fees, and terms will be negotiated with the selected firm. A “key personnel” clause may be included.

• Confidential Information: SOQs are subject to the Texas Open Records Act. Responders should avoid including confidential or proprietary information unless necessary.

• AW Policies: Responders shall be familiar with applicable AW policies and specifications, including:

o Project Technical Specifications o Appendix A – Standard Subcontract

AW reserves the right to:

• Evaluate all qualifications submitted

• Waive minor irregularities

• Request additional information

• Accept or reject any submittal, in whole or in part

• Reject all submittals if deemed in the Owner’s best interest

END OF DOCUMENT

Sample Document

Appendix A - Standard

Subcontract Agreement

Sample Document

Appendix B – Safety

Questionnaire

Section 1 - Safety

Appendix B: Safety Questionnaire

Lake Ralph Hall – Material Testing

PROJECT NAME: Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Offices

Instructions: This is a required questionnaire and is part of the proposal evaluation and scoring process.

Failure to provide the requested information as completely and accurately as possible will result in a lower score. Do not modify or delete any of the questions.

Proposer Information: Provide the following information as it would appear on the contract, if awarded.

Proposer Name:___________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________

City:___________________________ State:_______________ Zip Code:____________

Telephone No:___________________________ Fax No:__________________________

SSN# or Federal Employer Identification Number:________________________________

Contact Information: List the person to be contacted concerning your proposal, contract, or meetings.

Name:__________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________

City:___________________________ State:_______________ Zip Code:____________

Telephone No:___________________________ Fax No:__________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________________

Role of entity completing this Exhibit A: _____General Contractor, _____Team Member

Instruction for completion: Should additional lines or space be needed to address the subject areas below, the entity completing this Attachment A may add additional lines within each subject area as appropriate.

1. Proposed Safety Manager and resume:

2. Provide the average number of employees on your payroll the past three years:

3. Provide your firm’s National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Experience

Modifier(EMR) for the past three years for all projects in the United States.

EMR 2023 __________

EMR 2024__________

EMR 2025__________

EMR Average Past Three Years __________

4. Provide your rate of injury and illness cases (IR) for the past three years. (Rate of Total

Recordable Cases)

IR 2023__________

IR 2024 __________

IR 2025 __________

5. Does your firm hold site safety meetings? _____Yes _____No

How often?

Who is required to attend?

6. Does your firm have a site-specific orientation program for new hires? _____Yes _____No

If yes, what safety items are required?

7. Does your firm have a site-specific orientation program for Subcontractors? _____Yes

_____No

8. Does your firm conduct Project Safety Inspections? _____Yes _____No

If so, how often and who conducts them?

9. Does your firm require a project specific job hazard analysis or similar? _____Yes _____No

10. Does your firm conduct Project Safety Inspections? ______Yes______No

If so, how often and who conducts them?