RFQ-2026-0010 - PES Prequalification Solicitation.pdf

PART 1 - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

SOLICITATION TITLE: Pre-Qualification for Professional Engineering Services

SOLICITATION NO.: RFQ-2026-0010

Date Issued: October 30, 2026

Pre-Submission Conference November 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM (CT) Microsoft Teams Meeting Join on your computer or mobile app via:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 230 031 911 422 646 7 Passcode: YU3dH3Uc Or call in (audio only) Conference Number: +1 936-755-1521 Conference ID: 876 349 870# (Please mute your phone for the duration of the call)

Pre-Submission Questions Deadline:

November 12, 2026@ 4:00 PM (CT)

Solicitation Due Date:

November 19, 2026@ 4:00 PM(CT)

Solicitation Contact Person:

Jedediah Greenfield Jedediah.Greenfield@houstontx.gov

Project Summary: Pre-Qualified Pool of professional engineering firms in 22 qualification categories for Houston Public Works projects; qualifications-based selection per Tex. Gov’t Code Ch. 2254.

NIGP Code: 925-00

W/SBE Goal: Individual W/SBE goals will be established at the project award level that occurs during the “mini RFQ” or Rotation step.

Important Notice About the City’s Early Payment Discount Program: The City’s standard payment term is to pay 30 days after the receipt of invoice or receipt of goods or services, whichever is later, according to the requirements of the Texas Prompt Payment Act (Tx. Gov’t Code, Ch. 2251).

However, the City may pay in less than 30 days, at its option, in return for an early payment discount from the vendor.

Jedediah Greenfield, Chief Procurement Officer 10/30/26 Date https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

PART 2 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 General Information

The City of Houston (“City”) is currently seeking submissions from qualified firms (hereinafter, “Respondent,” “Contractor,” or “Firm”) to enter into contracts for project-specific professional engineering services, awarded through the Step 2 project-specific selection process described in Part 3 of this RFQ, with the qualified Respondent(s) to assist the City with the aforementioned initiative.

2.0 City of Houston Background

The City is the fourth-largest city in the United States and is composed of more than 20 departments with multiple physical locations throughout the City's geographical boundaries. The City has approximately 23,000 employees, with approximately 500 employees involved in the procurement and/or contracting process. Contracts where the City must pay in excess of $100,000 are routed to City Council for approval. The annual volume of contracts and purchase orders issued by the City in the last five years has ranged from 20,000 to 25,000.

3.0 Texas Public Information Act

All information submitted to the City is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), located in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. Respondents may mark any information submitted, including their financial information, as confidential, trade secret, proprietary, or any other designation of choice. The City will notify any respondent should their information be requested under the TPIA, and respondents will have an opportunity to assert their own arguments to the Texas Attorney General as to why their information should be excepted from public disclosure.

4.0 Solicitation Schedule

Listed below are the important dates for this RFQ.

EVENT DATE

RFQ Issuance October 30, 2026 Pre-Submission Conference November 5, 2026 Deadline for Questions November 12, 2026 Solicitation Due Date November 19, 2026

PART 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

1.0 PURPOSE

The City seeks submissions from qualified firms (“Respondents”) to establish a standing, SPD-maintained Pre-Qualified Pool of professional engineering firms for the planning, design, and delivery of Houston Public Works infrastructure projects. The Pool will be organized by the engineering qualification categories identified in Section 3.2 below, and firms may seek pre-qualification in a maximum of six (6) categories.

This RFQ is Step 1 of a two-step procurement process. The City’s objective is to significantly reduce procurement cycle time while maintaining full compliance with state law and ensuring fair, competitive access for qualified firms. The process separates the evaluation of firm qualifications (Step 1) from project-specific selection (Step 2), so that qualifications are evaluated once, and individual projects are awarded based on the qualifications most relevant to each assignment. The City intends to maximize competition while eliminating repetitive procurement activities that do not add value to project selection, reducing the total cycle time.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Under the City’s traditional procurement approach, the City advertises a separate Request for Qualifications and conducts a full qualification review for each engineering project. Repeating the advertisement and qualification review on every project has been the primary source of cycle-time delay. The two-step pre-qualification model addresses this by conducting the comprehensive qualification evaluation once per cycle and limiting project-level competition to firms already found to be qualified.

This program is adopted pursuant to and governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 2254 (Professional Services Procurement Act), which requires selection based on demonstrated competence and qualifications, and the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, and applicable City Administrative Policies. Price competition is prohibited at all stages of this process; the selection of professional engineering services shall be qualifications-based in accordance with §2254.004.

The program draws on best practices observed in comparable Texas programs, including the Tarrant County Pre-Qualified Vendor List (discipline-specific engineering rosters with task order issuance), the City of Dallas Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Pre-Approval Program (pre-qualification with HUB documentation and outreach built into pool formation), and the TxDOT rotation program.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this RFQ is to establish a pool of engineering firms that have demonstrated the professional competence and qualifications necessary to perform services within designated engineering categories. Prequalification establishes eligibility for future consideration but does not constitute selection as the most highly qualified provider for any particular assignment.

For each subsequent professional engineering services contract or assignment, the City will determine the most highly qualified provider based on demonstrated competence and qualifications relevant to the specific scope of services, consistent with Texas Government Code §2254.004. The City will negotiate compensation only after selecting the most highly qualified provider, in accordance with applicable law.

3.1 Two-Step Program Overview

Step 1 – Pre-Qualification Pool Formation (this RFQ). The City will evaluate Statements of Qualifications by category and establish a standing roster of pre-qualified firms. Placement in the Pre- Qualified Pool constitutes a determination that the firm has demonstrated the expertise and qualifications necessary to compete for future project-specific selections. Inclusion in the Pool is not a ranking of firms, does not establish relative qualifications between firms, does not guarantee any contract award, and does not create any entitlement to receive work.

Step 2 – Project-Specific Selection and Award. Upon project identification, the City will select a firm exclusively from the pre-qualified roster for the relevant category, using either a Mini-RFQ Competition (Section 3.6) or a Rotation Assignment (Section 3.7). Step 2 eliminates the redundant qualification review stage and is intended to compress project-level procurement. In all cases, the City will document how the selected firm was the most highly qualified pursuant to state law.

Projects funded in whole or in part with federal funds, or highly specialized projects, may utilize other procurement procedures (including a separate traditional RFQ process) when required by federal law, grant requirements, funding agency regulations, or management decisions.

Consistent with Texas Government Code §2254.004, no pricing or fee information shall be requested or evaluated in Step 1 or in any Step 2 Mini-RFQ evaluation. Respondents shall not include pricing or fee information in their SOQs.

3.2 Engineering Qualification Categories

Respondents may seek pre-qualification in a maximum of six (6) of the following categories. If a submission submits SOQs in more than six categories, the City shall only consider six.

Category Technical Focus Area Core Expertise

1. Water Treatment Plant WTP, process mechanical/electrical Process engineering and treatment plant design

2. Water Pump Station & Storage

Groundwater plants, pump stations, and storage tanks, process mechanical/electrical

Pump station and storage tank design

3. Water Transmission Transmission mains, large-diameter piping

Hydraulic modeling, large-diameter pipeline and valve design, soil interaction, and utility conflicts

4. Water Distribution Small-diameter pipes and valves Civil engineering and utility conflict

5. Wastewater Treatment Plant Plants, odor control, process equipment Process engineering and treatment plant upgrades

6. Wastewater Lift Station Lift stations, wet wells, process mechanical/electrical Wet well hydraulics and pump station design

7. Wastewater Collections Catchment systems and I&I reduction Asset management and infrastructure rehabilitation, civil engineering (sanitary sewer system design), and utility conflict

8. Wastewater Interceptors & Force Mains

Large-diameter interceptors, tunnels, force mains, crossings

Hydraulic modeling, soil interaction, large-diameter pipeline design, odor controls, and utility conflicts

9. Stormwater: Design & Infrastructure

Catchment systems, inlets, storm sewers, site grading

Civil engineering and utility conflict resolution

10. Stormwater: H&H Analysis & Modeling

Watershed modeling, flood mitigation, detention design

Advanced H&H modeling (HEC-RAS, SWMM) and FEMA compliance

11. Structural Bridges, retaining walls, utility structures Load-bearing analysis and heavy structural design

12. Geotechnical Subsurface investigations and soil analysis

Foundation recommendations and soil mechanics

Category Technical Focus Area Core Expertise

13. Transportation Design Roadway rehabilitation, geometric design, corridor improvements, paving, and related heavy civil infrastructure

Constructability, alignment optimization, Civil Engineering (street and drainage design), grading, safety, and mobility design

14. Traffic Engineering Traffic impact studies, signal systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), lighting, and traffic operations

Traffic flow optimization, intersection design, safety analysis, and operational efficiency

15. Architecture & Facilities Public buildings, operations facilities Architectural design and building system integration

16. Owner Delivery Support & Compliance

Portfolio-level coordination, administrative governance, and third-party audit of technical deliverables

Project control systems, compliance auditing (WSBE & QA/QC), risk management, and Owner’s Representative oversight

17. Utility Engineering Utility conflict analysis and relocation design

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and risk mitigation

18. Construction Mgmt. & Inspection: Horizontal

Construction oversight and inspection for streets, drainage, and pipelines

Field monitoring and regulatory compliance

19. Construction Mgmt. & Inspection: Facilities

Construction oversight and inspection for plants, pump stations, and lift stations, including commissioning and startup

Field monitoring, mechanical/electrical commissioning, and regulatory compliance

20. Surveying & Mapping Boundary/topographic surveys and ROW mapping

Spatial data acquisition and utility locating

21. Environmental Permitting, NEPA, and TCEQ compliance Environmental assessments and regulatory adherence

22. Infrastructure Planning Master planning, CIP planning, and feasibility studies

Long-range planning and CIP prioritization

3.3 Statement of Qualifications Requirements

SOQs shall be structured to provide standardized, actionable data for committee review and shall include the following, organized as described in Part 5, Section 2.0:

• Engineering Category Selection Form: One (1) form, using the uniform one-page format (Attachment A), including the respondent firm’s name, selected categories, and Certified Business Enterprise information (if applicable).

• Standardized Project Sheets: Three (3) project sheets for each category in which prequalification is sought, using the uniform two-page format (Attachment B) including project name, location, year completed, project cost, project size, and verified client reference contact information. Each project sheet must highlight actual versus estimated project costs and original versus actual project schedules. A single project sheet may be used to demonstrate expertise in more than one category.

• Professional Staff List: One (1) staff list for each category in which prequalification is sought, using the uniform three-page format (Attachment C), including the key personnel from the firm who will perform the work, each person’s role, professional licenses or registrations (type, state, and number), and relevant projects.

• Professional Insurance Coverage: A copy of current professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability insurance, including carrier rating and limits of coverage.

• Firm Registration and Corporate Standing: For each category in which prequalification is sought, Respondents shall provide the following, as applicable:

o Engineering categories: The firm’s current Certificate of Registration with the Texas

Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) as an Engineering Firm.

o Surveying & Mapping (Category 20): The firm’s current TBPELS Surveying Firm

Registration.

o Architecture & Facilities (Category 15): The firm’s current Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) Firm Registration.

o Categories not governed by a state licensing board:

Corporate Standing: Proof of active registration with the Texas Secretary of State to conduct business in Texas, with a minimum of five (5) years of operational history.

Key Personnel Competency: Resumes for lead staff demonstrating direct, specialized experience performing the scope described for that category in Section 3.2.

• Legal Actions: A list of any pending litigation, including a brief description of the reason for each legal action.

• Conflict of Interest: A statement disclosing any real or potential conflict of interest. Failure to disclose any potential conflict of interest at the outset may be cause for rejection of the submission.

• Financial Stability Documents: The financial documentation described in Part 4, Section 5.4.

3.4 Roster Approval, Term, and Maintenance

A review committee composed of Houston Public Works subject matter experts, coordinated by SPD procurement staff, will review SOQs within each category. Firms meeting the expertise and qualification threshold described in Part 4, Section 5.3 will be approved for the roster in that category. There is no cap on the number of approved firms.

This program is ongoing and open to new applicants: SPD will accept and evaluate new submissions through a new prequalification RFQ every two (2) years. The roster of selected firms and their respective qualification categories will be valid for two (2) years. SPD will publicly post the active roster of firms and accepted categories on its website. Roster status does not confer any entitlement to contract award.

The City reserves the right to suspend or remove firms and categories from the Pre-Qualified Pool for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Expiration of required licenses;

• Failure to maintain insurance;

• Unsatisfactory performance;

• Debarment;

• Material misrepresentation;

• Failure to respond to repeated project solicitations; or

• Violation of City policies.

3.5 Step 2 Procurement Path Determination

Upon project identification, the City will classify each project into one of the following paths based on the nature and complexity of the required services:

• Mini-RFQ: Required for multi-discipline, complex, high-visibility, or non-routine projects. This path allows a comparative evaluation of each firm’s technical approach, project-specific team, and capacity.

• Rotation Assignment: Reserved for support services, routine, standard, or normally single-discipline projects. This path enables rapid distribution of work to pre-qualified firms without the administrative burden of additional evaluation.

• Traditional RFQ: Please note, the City may issue traditional, standalone RFQs for work with different federal requirements or that is highly specialized.

Once a project has been assigned to a procurement path, that designation remains fixed throughout the solicitation process. For continuity, separate phases of a project may remain with the initially selected firm.

Method Best Use Rotation Routine, small-scale, support services, single-discipline, repetitive, low-risk engineering assignments Mini-RFQ Medium to large-sized, multi-discipline or technically nuanced projects where project-specific qualifications matter Traditional RFQ Federally funded procurements or highly specialized projects

3.6 Step 2 – Mini-RFQ Competition

Upon capital project identification (budget authorization, grant award, bond issuance, etc.), Houston Public Works will develop a detailed, project-specific scope of work. A simplified project-specific solicitation (Mini-RFQ) will be distributed through the City’s eProcurement system (Beacon Bid) to the eligible pre-qualified firms in the relevant category. Responses will be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages, exclusive of resumes, forms, certifications, and required attachments.

A project-specific evaluation committee, composed of subject matter experts and procurement personnel and determined by the Chief Procurement Officer, will evaluate responses using the following criteria:

Evaluation Criterion Weight

(Points) Description

Demonstrated Project Experience

30 Relevance of prior work, specifically regarding project risks and complexity.

Technical Approach 30 Innovation and methodology proposed to deliver defined project deliverables.

Staffing & Capacity 20 Availability, expertise, and committed capacity of key personnel.

Schedule Management 20 Feasibility and realism of the proposed project schedule and key milestones.

Total 100

Evaluation will be based solely on the firm’s response to the Mini-RFQ and its relevance to the project’s technical and schedule requirements. Firms will be ranked by total points, and the highest-ranked firm will be identified as the “most highly qualified” for the project. The committee will document the justification for the top-ranked selection, including how the firm’s qualifications align with the project’s critical success factors.

Consistent with Texas Government Code §2254.004, the City will commence negotiations exclusively with the most highly qualified firm. If the City cannot reach a fair and reasonable agreement, it will document that determination in writing, terminate negotiations with that firm, and proceed to the next-ranked firm, continuing in order of the final ranking until it successfully negotiates a contract.

3.7 Step 2 – Rotation Assignments

Eligible Projects. The City will determine eligibility based on project complexity and risk. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, routine engineering studies, support services such as utility relocations, surveying, geotechnical and environmental investigations, construction management and inspection, and roadway and drainage rehabilitation improvements. Ineligible projects include large-scale or complex treatment plant projects, innovative design-builds, federally funded projects, and any project requiring highly specialized expertise.

Rotation Order. After establishing the roster, the City will assign each qualified firm an initial rotation position within each category and publish the results.

Rotation Groups. The rotation roster is divided into a General Group, open to all pre-qualified firms, and a Certified Business Enterprise Group, open to firms holding a valid City of Houston business enterprise certification. Firms may be included in both groups if eligible. To be considered for the Certified Business Enterprise Group, a firm must provide valid City of Houston certification and request inclusion when submitting its SOQ (Attachment A). Upon contract execution from either group, the firm will be moved to the bottom of the rotation order for both groups.

Assignment Process. Rotation assignments will follow this protocol:

1. Identification: Project identified and engineering category confirmed.

2. Review: Confirm eligibility of the firm at the top of the rotation based on project-specific requirements.

3. Qualification Review: Assess current qualifications relevant to the specific project scope to determine if the firm is the most qualified.

4. Negotiation: Proceed with fair and reasonable scope negotiation.

5. Re-Ranking: Upon contract execution, move the firm to the bottom of the rotation.

Bypass Criteria. The City reserves the right to bypass a firm in the rotation sequence if the firm lacks the specific expertise required for the project; has insufficient staff capacity or an excessive current workload; lacks necessary specialized certifications; has documented poor past performance; or fails to respond to the initial assignment. Every bypass will be documented.

Scope of Work and Reasonableness of Fee. After selecting the top-ranked eligible firm, the City will request a detailed scope of services and corresponding proposal and review it for alignment with the project requirements. If the initial fee proposal exceeds the City’s independent cost estimate, the City and the firm will negotiate to reach a fair and reasonable price. If agreement cannot be reached, the City reserves the right to terminate negotiations and initiate negotiations with the next qualified firm in the rotation sequence.

3.8 High-Capacity Firm Participation

Firms with the organizational capacity to deliver multiple concurrent complex projects are encouraged to compete through the Mini-RFQ process. Mini-RFQ awards operate independently of the Rotation. A Mini-RFQ award will not reset, advance, or otherwise affect a firm’s position in the Rotation. Rotation-reset rules apply only to assignments made through the Rotation itself, so firms that compete for complex work are not penalized in their access to routine project opportunities.

3.9 Teaming and Joint Ventures

• Prime/Subconsultant Teams: The prime firm must be pre-qualified in the relevant category and must perform a minimum of 51% of the total project work. Subconsultants do not need to be in the Pre-Qualified Pool.

• Joint Ventures: Every firm participating in a joint venture must be individually pre-qualified in the relevant category.

3.10 Certified Business Enterprise Participation

Certified Business Enterprise goals will be established for each project, working with the Office of Business Opportunity, in accordance with the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, and recent court actions, based on the specific scope of work. Firms will submit required participation documentation during the Step 2 project-specific selection process.

4.0 MEETING

A Pre-Submission Conference will be held as indicated on the first page of this RFQ.

5.0 ATTACHMENTS

The following documents are provided for use in responding to this solicitation:

• Attachment A – Engineering Category Selection Form

• Attachment B – Standardized Project Sheet

• Attachment C – Professional Staff List

PART 4 – EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

1.0 EVALUATION

Respondents’ submissions shall be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in Part 4, Section 5.3 below.

2.0 INTERVIEWS/ORAL PRESENTATIONS/DEMONSTRATIONS

The City reserves the right to request that Respondent(s) provide a final presentation handout of its Submission at their scheduled meeting. No Respondent may attend presentations of any other Respondent. If necessary, Respondents may be scheduled for more than one presentation, demonstration, or interview.

3.0 SELECTION PROCESS

The City intends to select a submission(s) that best meet the needs of the City, and that provide the best overall value. The City reserves the right to check references on any projects performed by Respondents, whether provided by respondents or known by the City. Upon review of all information provided by respondents, the evaluation committee will make a recommendation for selection to City officials. Upon approval of the selected respondent(s), the City will enter into negotiations with the selected Respondent(s). Pending successful contract negotiations with the selected Respondent(s), a contract(s) shall be executed by the appropriate City officials.

4.0 RESERVED

5.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

5.1 RESPONSIVE (PASS/FAIL)

A Respondent that responds to all material requirements of any solicitation will be deemed responsive.

The submission shall be responsive to all material requirements that will enable the evaluation committee to evaluate it in accordance with the evaluation criteria and make a recommendation to City officials.

5.2 RESPONSIBLE (PASS/FAIL)

A business entity or individual who has the integrity and reliability as well as the financial and technical capacity to perform the requirements of the solicitation will be deemed responsible. This assessment will include a review of all references on any projects performed by a business entity or individual, whether provided by the business entity or individual or known by the City.

5.3 QUALIFICATIONS DETERMINATION (PASS/FAIL)

The City of Houston will evaluate each Respondent's professional qualifications and demonstrated ability to perform the engineering services identified in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This evaluation will be conducted on a pass/fail basis to determine whether the Respondent meets the minimum requirements for inclusion in the City's prequalified engineering services pool.

In accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, the City will consider the demonstrated competence and qualifications of each Respondent to perform the professional services for which prequalification is sought.

5.3.1. Professional Registration and Corporate Standing (Pass/Fail)

To receive a passing determination, the Respondent must provide the following for each category in which prequalification is sought, as applicable:

• Engineering categories: The firm’s current Certificate of Registration with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) as an Engineering Firm.

• Surveying & Mapping (Category 20): The firm’s current TBPELS Surveying Firm Registration.

• Architecture & Facilities (Category 15): The firm’s current Texas Board of Architectural

Examiners (TBAE) Firm Registration.

• Categories not governed by a state licensing board:

o Corporate Standing: Proof of active registration with the Texas Secretary of State to conduct business in Texas, with a minimum of five (5) years of operational history.

o Key Personnel Competency: Resumes for lead staff demonstrating direct, specialized experience performing the scope described for that category in Section 3.2.

Failure to satisfy these requirements will result in a determination of Fail.

5.3.2. Demonstrated Competence and Qualifications (Pass/Fail)

Respondents must submit three completed Project Sheets (Attachment B) for each engineering service category for which they seek prequalification, including verified project references.

Additionally, respondents must submit a Professional Staff List (Attachment C) of key personnel from their firm who will perform work in a category. Identify each person’s role and professional licenses or registrations (type, state, and number).

The City will review the submitted attachments to determine whether the Respondent has demonstrated the competence, relevant experience, and professional qualifications necessary to perform the requested services.

A Respondent will receive a determination of Pass for a particular service category when the City determines, based on the submitted documentation, that the Respondent is highly qualified to perform the engineering services within that category, considering:

• The relevance, complexity, and scope of previously completed or substantially completed engineering projects.

• Demonstrated experience performing engineering services of a similar nature to those identified in the applicable service category.

• The qualifications and relevant experience of the professional personnel proposed to perform or oversee the services.

• Demonstrated technical capabilities and organizational resources necessary to successfully perform the services.

• The Respondent's documented performance and successful execution of comparable engineering assignments, including verified project references.

A Respondent will receive a determination of Fail for a service category when the submitted information does not sufficiently demonstrate the requisite competence and qualifications to perform the services within that category.

5.3.3. Category-Specific Prequalification

Prequalification determinations will be made separately for each engineering service category identified in the RFQ.

A Respondent may receive a passing determination for one or more service categories while receiving a failing determination for others. A failing determination in one category will not automatically disqualify the Respondent from consideration in other categories for which it has demonstrated the required qualifications.

5.3.4. Prequalification Determination

The City will evaluate the information submitted and assign a Pass or Fail determination for each requested service category.

Respondents receiving a Pass will be considered prequalified for the applicable engineering service category and may be eligible for consideration for future assignments in accordance with the City's established selection procedures and applicable law.

Prequalification does not guarantee the award of a contract, assignment, or work authorization.

For each subsequent professional engineering services contract or assignment, the City will determine the most highly qualified provider based on demonstrated competence and qualifications relevant to the specific scope of services, consistent with Texas Government Code §2254.004. The City will negotiate compensation only after selecting the most highly qualified provider, in accordance with applicable law.

5.4 FINANCIAL STABILITY (PASS/FAIL)

If Respondent is an entity that is required to prepare audited financial statements, Respondent shall submit an annual report that includes:

5.4.1 Last two years of audited accrual-basis financial statements, including an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet.

5.4.2 If applicable, last two years of consolidated statements for any holding companies or affiliates;

5.4.3 An audited or unaudited accrual-basis financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation;

and

5.4.4 A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform work.

If Respondent is a privately-owned entity or sole proprietorship for which audited financial statements are not required, Respondent shall submit an annual report that includes:

5.4.5 Last two years of unaudited accrual-basis financial statements, including an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet;

5.4.6 An audited or unaudited accrual-basis financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation;

and

5.4.7 A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform any work;

OR

5.4.8 Other financial information sufficient for the City, in its sole judgment, to determine if Respondent is financially solvent or adequately capitalized.

6.0 EVALUATION MATRIX

Evaluation Criteria Max Points

5.1 Responsive Pass/Fail

5.2 Responsible Pass/Fail

5.3 Qualifications Determination

5.4 Financial Stability

Pass/Fail Pass/Fail

7.0 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

Under the same terms and conditions, the resulting qualifications-based selections may be expanded to other government entities through inter-local agreements between the City and the respective government entity that encompasses all or part of the products/services provided. Separate contracts will be drawn to reflect each participating entity's needs.

PART 5 – INSTRUCTIONS AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION

All documentation shall be submitted in accordance with the specifications below.

1.1 Required documents. In the appropriate section within the Submission Requirements, attach the required documents. No printed copies are required to be submitted within the submission.

The City shall bear no responsibility for submitting responses on behalf of any respondent.

Respondent(s) may submit their submissions any time prior to the stated deadline.

1.2 Time for Submission. Submissions shall be submitted no later than the date and time indicated for submission in this RFQ. Late submittals will not be considered.

1.3 Format. Material shall be organized following the order of the submission requirements outlined in Part 5, Section 2.0.

1.4 Complete Submission. Respondents are advised to carefully review all the requirements and submit all documents and information as indicated in this RFQ. Incomplete submissions may lead to a respondent being deemed non-responsive. Non-responsive submissions will not be considered.

1.5 Respondents Responsible for Timely Submission. Respondent remains responsible for ensuring that its submission is received by the time and date specified. The City assumes no responsibility for any submission not received, regardless of whether the delay is caused by some other act or circumstance.

2.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

This section details the requirements for submitting all required information to the City. Adherence to these submission requirements will provide a degree of uniformity in submissions. Therefore, please tab sections accordingly and use the provided attachments. All documents must be organized as follows.

Tab 1- Engineering Category Selection Form: Attachment A (one form).

Tab 2 - Firm Registration and Corporate Standing: Documentation required under Part 4, Section 5.3.1.

Tab 3 - Standardized Project Sheets: Attachment B (three per category) and Professional Staff List: Attachment C (one per category).

Tab 4 - Legal Actions: A list of any pending litigation, including a brief description of the reason for each legal action.

Tab 5 - Conflict of Interest: A statement disclosing any real or potential conflict of interest.

Failure to disclose any potential conflict of interest at the outset may be cause for rejection of the submission.

Tab 6 - Financial Stability: The financial documentation described in Part 4, Section 5.4.

Tab 7- Professional Insurance Coverage: Current certificates of professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability insurance, including carrier rating and limits of coverage.

PART 6 – SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1.0 NO CONTACT PERIOD

Neither Respondent(s) nor any person acting on respondent(s)’s behalf shall attempt to influence the outcome of the award by the offer, presentation or promise of gratuities, favors, or anything of value to any appointed or elected official or employee of the City, their families or staff members. All inquiries regarding the solicitation are to be directed to the designated City Representative identified on the first page of the solicitation.

With the exception of Respondent’s formal response to the solicitation and written requests for clarification during the period officially designated for such purpose by the City Representative, neither respondent(s) nor persons acting on their behalf shall communicate with any appointed or elected official or employee of the City, their families, or staff through written or oral means in an attempt to persuade or attempt to persuade or influence the outcome of the award or to obtain or deliver information intended to or which could reasonably result in an advantage to any respondent from the time of issuance of the solicitation through the pre-award phase and up to the date the City Secretary publicly posts notice of any City Council agenda containing the applicable award. However, nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Respondent from making public statements to the City Council convened for a regularly scheduled session after the official selection has been made and placed on the City Council agenda for action, or to a City Council committee convened to discuss a recommendation regarding the solicitation.

2.0 WOMAN AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (“W/SBE”)

It is the City of Houston’s policy to ensure that Women and Small Business Enterprises (W/SBE) have full opportunity to compete for and participate in City Contracts. Consultants shall comply with the City’s W/SBE Program as set forth in Chapter 15, Article V of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, as well as the Policies and Procedures of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) found on OBO’s website at https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/policies-procedures.html.

Individual W/SBE goals will be established at the project level that occurs during the “Mini RFQ” or Rotation step.

3.0 PROTESTS

Protests shall be filed in accordance with the City of Houston Administrative Policy No. 5-12 http://www.houstontx.gov/adminpolicies/5-12.pdf.

4.0 CANCELLATION

The City has sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFQ or to reject any or all submissions received prior to approval of the Pre-Qualified Pool roster.

5.0 EXECUTIVE ORDER 1-56 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CITY SERVICE

CONTRACTS AND PURCHASING

The City has a zero tolerance for human trafficking and, per Executive Order 1-56, City funds shall not be used to promote human trafficking. City vendors are expected to comply with this Executive Order and notify the City’s Chief Procurement Officer of any information regarding possible violation by the vendor or its subcontractors providing services or goods to the City. The Executive Order is available on the City’s website: http://www.houstontx.gov/execorders/1-56.pdf.

https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/policies-procedures.html http://www.houstontx.gov/adminpolicies/5-12.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/execorders/1-56.pdf

6.0 PRESERVATION OF CONTRACTING INFORMATION

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, may apply to this solicitation and the contractor or vendor agrees that the contract can be terminated if the contractor or vendor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

7.0 COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS

Anti-Boycott of Israel. Vendor certifies that vendor is not currently engaged in, and agrees for the duration of this Agreement not to engage in, the boycott of Israel as defined by Section 808.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Anti-Boycott of Energy Companies. Vendor certifies that Vendor is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of this Agreement not to engage in, the boycott of energy companies as defined by Section 809.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Anti-Boycott of Firearm Entities or Firearm Trade Associations. Vendor certifies that vendor does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association, or will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association for the duration of this Agreement, as defined by Section 2274.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Certification of No Business with Foreign Terrorist Organizations. For purposes of Section 2252.152 of the Code, Vendor certifies that, at the time of this Agreement neither vendor nor any wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company or affiliate of vendor, is a company listed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Sections 2252.153 or 2270.0201 of the Code as a company known to have contracts with or provide supplies or to a foreign terrorist organization.

8.0 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CLAUSE

The Contractor shall comply with the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Ordinance as set forth in Section 15-17 of the Code of Ordinances.

9.0 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE

Respondent shall maintain a drug-free workplace and ensure that its employees, agents, and subcontractors engaged in the performance of work on this award are free from the unlawful use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances and alcohol while on duty or on City premises. The requirements and terms of City of Houston Executive Order 1-31, as revised from time to time, relating to drug-abuse deterrence for City contractors, are incorporated into this award for all purposes. Respondent agrees it has reviewed Executive Order No. 1-31, as revised, and will comply with it.

PART 7 – INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

1.0 PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

A Pre-Submission Conference will be held at the date, time, and location indicated on the first page of the RFQ document. Interested Respondent(s) are encouraged to attend. It will be assumed that potential Respondent(s) attending this meeting have reviewed the RFQ in detail and are prepared to bring up any substantive questions not already addressed by the City.

2.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATION CHANGES

Requests for additional information and questions shall be addressed to the Finance Department, Strategic Procurement Division, Jedediah Greenfield, by e-mail to Jedediah.Greenfield@houstontx.gov no later than the date and time shown on page one of this document. The City shall provide written responses to all questions received by Respondents prior to the RFQ submittal deadline. Questions received from all Respondent(s) shall be answered by the City and made available to respondent(s) who are listed as having obtained the RFQ. Respondent(s) shall be notified in writing of any changes in the specifications contained within this RFQ.

3.0 LETTER(S) OF CLARIFICATION

3.1 All Letters of Clarification and interpretations to this Solicitation shall be in writing. Any Letter of Clarification(s) or interpretation that is not in writing shall not legally bind the City. Only information supplied by the City in writing or in this RFQ shall be used in preparing submission responses.

3.2 The City does not assume responsibility for the receipt of any Letters of Clarification sent to Respondent(s).

3.3 Proposers may submit no more than 25 questions relating to this solicitation. Should more than 25 questions be received from a single Proposer, the City will only respond to the first 25 questions received.

4.0 EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Each Respondent shall carefully examine all RFQ documents and familiarize themselves with all requirements prior to submitting a submission to ensure that the submission meets the intent of this

RFQ.

4.2 Before submitting a submission, each Respondent shall be responsible for making all investigations and examinations that are necessary to ascertain conditions and affecting the requirements of this RFQ. Failure to make such investigations and examinations shall not relieve the Respondent from obligation to comply, in every detail, with all provisions and requirements of the RFQ.

5.0 POST-SUBMISSION DISCUSSIONS WITH RESPONDENT(S)

It is the City’s intent to commence final negotiation with the Respondent(s) deemed most qualified in accordance with the criteria provided herein, at the City’s sole discretion. The City reserves the right to conduct post-submission discussions and/or interviews with any Respondents.