RFQ 27-04 Flood Mitigation Engineer Services -V2.pdf

RFQ 27-04

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) #27-04

ENGINEERING SERVICES - FLOOD MITIGATION PLANNING

GUADALUPE COUNTY

OCTOBER 13, 2026

SUBMISSIONS DUE: NOVEMBER 12, 2026, at 2:00PM CST.

Guadalupe County (herein after referred to as “County” or “Guadalupe County”) seeks Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services.

Sealed SOQ’s must be submitted electronically or hard copy with one (1) original and one (1) electronic copy of the entire SOQ on a flash drive.

IMPORTANT DATES:

QUESTION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST SOQ DUE DATE AND TIME: NOVEMBER 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST

All questions and correspondence must be directed to the Purchasing Agent – Guadalupe County and submitted in writing via email to purchasing@guadalupetx.gov.

Guadalupe County prefers that Offerors submit SOQ’s electronically at:

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

GUADALUPE

COUNTY

Enclosed for your consideration is the RFQ with all attachments. Respondent shall sign and date the Respondent Certification page and submit as the first page of your SOQ. If the Respondent Certification page is not completed, signed and dated, your SOQ may be rejected.

Guadalupe County is very conscious and extremely appreciative of the time and effort you have expended to submit an SOQ. If your response to this RFQ is a “No SOQ Response”, submit a Statement

Respondents shall restrict all contact with the County and direct all questions, in writing, via email, regarding this RFP, to the County’s Purchasing Agent. Do not contact members of the Commissioners Court, Elected Officials, Department Heads, or other employees of Guadalupe County regarding this RFQ. Contact with any county employee or elected official regarding this RFQ, after issuance of the RFQ and before selection is made, will result in disqualification.

mailto:purchasing@guadalupetx.gov https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupecounty of “No SOQ Response” stating your reason and any requirement of this RFQ which may have influenced your decision.

Any interpretation of the RFQ will be made only by RFQ Amendment duly issued by the Purchasing Office. Guadalupe County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all SOQ as it deems in its best interest and to waive any formalities.

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to verify the issuance of Addenda in regard to this RFQ. All Addenda shall be submitted to all known Respondents and shall be posted on the Guadalupe County Purchasing Website at: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupecounty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PART II. SCOPE OF WORK

PART III. INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM RESPONDENTS

PART IV. REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS

ATTACHMENT A: RESPONDENT CERTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT B: DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

ATTACHMENT C: AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION, NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST, ANTI-LOBBYING

ATTACHMENT D: INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

ATTACHMENT E: SWORN VERIFICATION OF STATEMENTS

ATTACHMENT F: VENDOR CONTACT INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT G: W-9 REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT H: CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES

ATTACHMENT I: PROPOSED STUDY AREA

I. INTRODUCTION & GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1.1 Guadalupe County is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The governing body of the County is the elected five-member Commissioners Court in accordance with the Texas Constitution, Article 5, §18(b). The Commissioners Court consists of, the County Judge, who is elected at large to a four-year term, and four County Commissioners, each elected to represent a precinct within the County for a four-year term. In all Texas counties, the County Judge presides over Commissioners Court meetings.

1.1.2 Guadalupe County, which serves an area of 715 square miles, is located approximately one hundred miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico in south central Texas and is bounded by Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Gonzales, Wilson, and Bexar Counties. The population of the County has steadily grown from 64,873 in 1990 to 131,533 in 2010, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating the County’s current population at 155,265.

1.1.3 Inquiries/Questions concerning this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must be submitted in writing via email no later than OCTOBER 28, 2026, by 2:00PM (Central Standard Time). All inquiries must be directed to the Purchasing Agent at:

Purchasing Agent - Guadalupe County 215 S. Milam St.

Seguin, Texas 78155 purchasing@guadalupetx.gov

Note: It is the responsibility of the person submitting the SOQ to verify that the Purchasing Department has received the inquiry.

1.1.4 DEADLINE for submitting SOQ’s is NOVEMBER 12, 2026, by 2:00 PM (Central Standard Time).

NOTE: The Time-Date Stamp Clock located in the Guadalupe County Purchasing Office, will serve as the OFFICIAL CLOCK for the purpose of verifying the date and time of receipt of SOQ’s. Hours of delivery/service shall be between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise stipulated.

1.1.5 Submittals: Vendor shall sign and date the SOQ, as requested, on each page. Submissions, which are not signed and dated in this manner, may be rejected.

All submissions must be received at the designated location by the deadline shown. SOQ’s received after the deadline will not be considered for the award of the contract and shall be considered void and “Non-responsive” in accordance with state law. Incomplete submissions (all requested/required documents/signatures) will be considered “Non-responsive” and will be rejected.

1.1.5.1 Guadalupe County prefers that Offerors submit SOQ’s electronically at:

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

If submitting an electronic response, Offeror is not required to submit in hard copy format; however, Offeror is responsible to confirm solicitation has uploaded to the County’s BIDNET site. County will not mailto:purchasing@co.guadalupe.tx.us accept any late electronic responses because submission did not upload before the Deadline for Submission. Guadalupe County shall not be responsible for failed internet connections or power interruptions.

For registration and instructions go to Vendor Registration or contact BIDNET DIRECT Vendor support at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupecounty

BIDNET DIRECT - Vendor Support will help you register. Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST If you need help registering, please call the support department at Bidnet Direct toll free 1-800-835- 4603 – option 2. There is no cost for you to register and retrieve documents. For convenience you may select the option in which your company will receive emails once Guadalupe County, or any other participation agency, has a bid opportunity that matches your company's business.

Hard copy SOQ’s must submit one (1) original and one (1) electronic copy of the entire submission on a flash drive.

Hard copy submissions must be delivered by mail, express mail, or in person to:

Mailing Address:

Purchasing Agent - Guadalupe County

RFQ 27-04

215 S. Milam Street Seguin, Texas 78155

Hard copy submissions must be in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the name of the Company, RFQ name, RFQ number, and opening date in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope.

1.1.5.2 Receipt and Opening of Submissions: To ensure the identification, security, and confidentiality of electronic SOQ’s, electronic submissions received before the due date/time will be held in secure storage in the County’s third party free vendor registration/bidding service “Bidnet Direct” until such time as they are electronically opened on the due date/time for said RFQ.

To ensure the identification, security, and confidentiality of hard copy SOQ’s, all hard copy submissions received before the due date/time will be held in a secure storage in the Purchasing Agent’s office.

Regardless of hard copy or electronic submission, all SOQ’s will be opened at the same time after the due date and time.

1.1.6 Acceptance - All SOQ must include a statement that they are valid for a minimum period of ninety

(90) days subsequent to the RFQ closing date.

1.1.7 Late SOQ - will not be considered. Each Respondent shall be solely responsible for ensuring that the County receives the SOQ within the time limit indicated.

1.1.8 Non-appropriation - The County may cancel the contract should the present or any future County Commissioners Courts not appropriate funds in any fiscal year for the payment of this agreement. No penalty shall be attached in the event of any such non-appropriation. In the event of non-appropriation, the County shall give the successful Respondent written notice of cancellation and the County shall not be obligated to make any payments beyond the end of the fiscal year for which funds were appropriated (related to a subsequent fiscal year).

1.1.9 Costs – Costs related to preparation of a response shall be the responsibility of the Respondent.

There is no expressed or implied obligation for Guadalupe County to reimburse Respondents for any expense incurred in preparing a SOQ in response to this RFQ and Guadalupe County will not reimburse Respondents for these expenses.

1.1.10 Ownership of Responses – Each SOQ shall become the property of Guadalupe County upon submittal and will not be returned to Respondents.

1.1.11 Right of Rejection - Guadalupe County reserves the right to reject any or all SOQ and to waive any informality in SOQ received.

1.1.12 Clarification or Additional Information Requested - During the evaluation process, Guadalupe County reserves the right, where it may serve Guadalupe County's best interest, to request additional information or clarifications from Respondents, or to allow corrections of errors or omissions. At the discretion of Guadalupe County, firms submitting a SOQ may be requested to make oral presentations as part of the evaluation process.

1.1.13 Right of Retention - Guadalupe County reserves the right to retain all SOQ submitted and to use any ideas in a SOQ regardless of whether that SOQ is selected, provided that the information was not marked as “Proprietary and or (Confidential)”. Submission of a SOQ indicates acceptance by the firm of the conditions contained in this RFQ, unless clearly and specifically noted in the SOQ submitted and confirmed in the contract between Guadalupe County and the firm selected.

1.2 General Contract Terms and Conditions

The parties, Guadalupe County, Texas, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, (hereinafter referred to as “County”) and (hereinafter referred to as “Respondent,”), hereby agree upon the following terms and conditions.

1.2.1 Contract – County is seeking to enter into a contract with a qualified firm.

1.2.2 Conflict of Interest - No public official shall have any interest in this contract, except as permitted by and subject to the disclosure requirements of Vernon’s Texas Codes Annotated, Local Government Code, Title 5, Subtitled C, Chapter 171.

1.2.3 Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (Texas Ethics Commission Form CIQ) - Complete this form and note if you have a conflict of interest with any County Official, Employee, or Department. The questionnaire should reflect the name of the individual with whom the conflict of interest occurs. If you have any questions regarding compliance with Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code, please consult your legal representative. Compliance is the responsibility of each individual, business, agent or representative who is subject to the law’s filing requirements.

1.2.4 Equal Opportunity – Neither party shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

1.2.5 Confidentiality - All information disclosed by Guadalupe County to the successful respondent for the purpose of the work to be performed or information that comes to the attention of the successful respondent during the course of performing such work is to be kept strictly confidential.

1.2.6 Proprietary Information and Texas Public Information Act – All material submitted to the County as part of the RFQ shall become public property and subject to the Texas Public Information Act upon receipt. If a Respondent does not desire proprietary information in the SOQ to be disclosed, each page must be clearly identified and marked proprietary at time of submittal or, more preferably, all proprietary information may be placed in a folder or appendix and be clearly identified and marked as being proprietary.

Note: Items marked “proprietary information” must meet the Texas Public Information Act requirements.

Marking the entire submission, or large portions of the SOQ, “proprietary” will not meet the spirit, or the letter of the law, and will not be treated as proprietary information.

1.2.7 ADDENDA - Any interpretations, corrections or changes to this RFQ will be made by addenda.

Addenda will be emailed to all who are known to have received a copy of this RFQ. Respondent shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda with SOQ submission. It is the Submitters responsibility to verify the issuance of Addenda in regard to this RFQ.

1.2.8 Change Orders - No oral statement of any person shall modify or otherwise change, or affect the terms, conditions or specifications stated in the resulting contract. All change orders to the contract will be made in writing and approved by the Commissioners Court.

1.2.9 Incorporation of Exhibits, Appendices and Attachments – All of the exhibits, appendices and attachments referred to herein are incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim herein.

1.2.10 Assignment - The successful respondent shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey any contract resulting from this RFQ, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Guadalupe County Commissioners.

1.2.11 Venue - This agreement will be governed and construed according to the laws of State of Texas.

This agreement is performable in Guadalupe County, Texas.

1.2.12 Compliance with Laws – Guadalupe County and successful Respondent shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and the orders and decrees of any courts or administrative bodies or tribunals in any matter affecting the performance of the Contract and any ensuing Agreement, including, without limitation, Workers’ Compensation laws, salary and wage statutes and regulations, licensing laws and regulations. When required, the successful Respondent shall furnish the County with certification of compliance with said laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, and decrees above as specified.

1.2.13 IRS Form W-9 Request for Tax Payer Identification Number and Certification:

The IRS W-9 Form must be completed, signed and returned with the SOQ response. More information on this form can be found at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w9.

The County is exempt from federal excise and state sales tax; therefore, tax must not be included in any bids.

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w9

1.2.14 Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295): In 2015, the Texas Legislature adopted House Bill 1295, which added section 2252.908 of the Government Code. The law states that a governmental entity may not enter into certain contracts with a business entity unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties to the governmental entity at the time the business entity submits the signed contract to the governmental entity or state agency.

The Texas Ethics Commission adopted rules and requires online filing of Form 1295 through their Website. The completed form, which will include a unique certification number, must be submitted to the County as part of your SOQ. Information regarding how to complete the online form is available at:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/

1.2.15 Prohibition On Investment In Companies That Boycott Israel: Texas Government Code, Chapter

2271.002 states a government may not enter into a contract with a Company for goods or services unless the contract contains written verification from the Company that it 1) does not boycott Israel and

2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. Respondent must complete the form certifying that they are in compliance with these requirements. Prohibition on contracts with companies boycotting Israel per Texas Government Code, Chapter 2270.001, Definitions:

1. “Boycott Israel” has the meaning assigned by Section 808.001.

2. “Company” has the meaning assigned by Section 808.001.

3. “Government entity” has the meaning assigned by Texas Government Code, Section 2251.001.

1.2.16 Texas Senate Bill 252 – Prohibition On Contracting With A Company Doing Business With Iran, Sudan, Or A Foreign Terrorist Organization: During the 85th Texas Legislative Session, a new state law went into effect with the passing of Senate Bill 252. Texas Government Code, Chapter 2252.152, states a government may not enter into a contract with companies engaged in active business operations with Sudan, Iran, a foreign terrorist organization or a Company that is identified on a list prepared and maintained under Texas Government Code Section 2252.153. Respondent must complete the form certifying that they are in compliance with these requirements. Prohibition on contracts with certain companies per Texas Government Code 2252.151 Definitions:

1. “Company” has the meaning assigned by Section 806.001.

2. “Foreign terrorist organization” means an organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States Secretary of State as authorized by 8 U.S.C. Section 1189.

3. “Government contract” means a contract awarded by a government entity for general construction, an improvement, a service, or a public works project for purchase of supplies, materials, or equipment. The term includes a contract to obtain a professional or consulting service subject to Texas Government Code Chapter 2254.

4. “Government entity” has the meaning assigned by Texas Government Code, Section 2252.001.

1.2.17 Section 2252.152 – Contracts with companies engaged in business with Iran, Sudan, or foreign terrorist organization prohibited. A government may not enter into a governmental contract with a Company that is identified on a list prepared and maintained under Section 2252.153.

1.2.18 Section 2252.153 – Listed Companies. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts shall prepare and maintain, and make available to each governmental entity, a list of companies known to have https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm contracts with or provide supplies or services to a foreign terrorist organization.

1.2.19 Standard Insurance Policies Required:

All insurance requirements, including public liability and workers' compensation, as outlined in Texas State Statutes shall be met prior to any delivery and shall remain in effect during the life of the contract.

General Requirements applicable to all policies:

• Only insurance carriers licensed and admitted to do business in the State of Texas will be accepted.

• Deductibles shall be listed on the Certificate of Insurance and are acceptable only on a per occurrence basis for property damage only.

• "Claims Made" policies will not be accepted.

• Each insurance policy shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to Guadalupe County.

• All insurance policies shall be furnished to Guadalupe County upon request.

The County requires that the Respondent awarded the contract maintain in force such insurance that will protect themselves and the County from claims which may arise out of, or result from the execution of, the work whether such execution be by themselves, their employees, subcontractors, or by anyone for whose acts may be liable.

1.2.20 INSURANCE AND LIABILITY: Prior to executing a professional services agreement, the Selected Respondents will be required to provide evidence of the coverages listed below and pay all costs associated with insurance coverage. Insurance policies or certificates of insurance will name County as the named insured, and the Selected Respondents will maintain these minimum insurance coverages for the duration of the contract:

a. Professional Liability insurance coverage with minimum coverage of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and a minimum aggregate policy limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

b. Commercial General Liability insurance for at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) on a per occurrence basis, with a Two Million ($2,000,000) aggregate. Blanket Contractual Liability, Broad Form Property Damage, Personal Injury, Completed Operations/Products Liability, Premises Liability, Medical Payments, and Broad Form General Liability Endorsements;

c. Comprehensive Automobile Liability insurance covering all owned, non-owned or hired automobiles to be used by the Contractor, with coverage at the minimum State of Texas requirements;

d. Worker’s Compensation Insurance in an amount required by statute and Employer’s Liability Insurance in an amount not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for each occurrence, for all the company’s employees to be engaged in work under the contract.

Selected Respondents using design professionals as subconsultants will be required to obtain evidence that subconsultants have obtained the same minimum insurance coverages as is required above.

1.2.21 Indemnification – See Attachment D.

1.2.22 Termination of Contract - This contract shall remain in effect until contract expires, completion and acceptance of services or default. Guadalupe County reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately in the event the successful respondent fails to:

• Meet delivery or completion schedules, or otherwise perform in accordance with the accepted contract.

• Breach of contract or default authorizes the County to award to another respondent, purchase elsewhere and charge the full increase cost to the defaulting respondent.

Either party may terminate this contract with forty-five (45) days written notice prior to either party stating cancellation. The successful respondent must state therein the reasons for such cancellation.

Prior written notice must be delivered in person or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, proper postage paid, and properly addressed to: Guadalupe County Judge, 101 E. Court, Room 319, Seguin, Texas 78155.

1.2.23 Performance of Contract - Guadalupe County reserves the right to enforce the performance of this contract in any manner prescribed by law or deemed to be in the best interest of the County in the event of breach or default of resulting contract award.

1.2.24 Invoices - Invoices shall be sent directly to Guadalupe County Auditor’s Office, attention Accounts Payable, 307 West Court Street, Suite 205, Seguin, Texas 78155, or emailed to ap@guadalupetx.gov. The invoices shall show:

• Firm name and address

• Purchase Order Number

• Name of receiving department

• Detailed breakdown of all charges for the services delivered, stating the applicable period of time

• Signature of County employee accepting delivery

1.2.25 Payment - Payment will be made within thirty (30) days after satisfactory acceptance by the County of all completed services and receipt of a valid invoice, in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2251. Payment requests must be submitted in accordance with the contracted payment schedule.

1.2.26 EVALUATION CRITERIA - The County will conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of all SOQ received in response to this RFQ. Each SOQ will be analyzed to determine the overall responsiveness and qualification under the RFQ. The award of the contract shall be made to the provider, or providers, whose SOQ is determined to be in the best interest of Guadalupe County, having the best value for the County. The County shall determine the evaluation of the SOQ and other factors set forth in the RFQ in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254.

mailto:ap@guadalupetx.gov

The selection process will be based on the responses to this RFQ, and any interviews/demonstrations required to verify the ability of the Respondent to provide the services proposed in response to this RFQ, along with reference checks.

1.2.27 The SOQs will be ranked based on the selection criteria & weights set out below. Respondents can receive up to 100 points. Details of each are found in Section III. Respondents failing to follow instructions will have their submissions marked as non-responsive.

• Firm’s Related Project Experience (30 points)

• Related Project References (15 points)

• Key Personnel Experience (30 points)

• Capacity to Perform (25 points)

Scoring criteria will be as follows:

• Firm’s Related Experience and References (up to 30 points – max 15 points for each of three (3) relevant projects) o 10 points for Engineering experience on Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) grant funded Flood Mitigation Plan projects o 8 points for Engineering experience on non-TWDB funded flood Mitigation Plan projects for government (Federal, State, County, City) o 5 points for Engineering experience on non-government flood mitigation projects o 2 points all other environmental project experience

Plus up to 5 points each for the three completed project references (name, email, and phone number)

• Key Personnel Experience (up to 30 points): Personnel are to be from your firm, not subconsultants. Points are equivalent to years in position with firm up to 10 points max for each team member. If years in suggested role at your firm is not specified, zero (0) points will be given. Key personnel must include:

• Project Manager

• Project Engineer

• Environmental Lead

• Capacity to Perform (up to 25 points):

• Proof/printout of active registration on SAM.gov

• Legal name of the company as registered with the Secretary State of Texas

• Address of the office that will be providing services

• Type of Operation (Individual, Partnership, Corporation, Joint Venture, etc.)

• Number of Employees by skill group

• Number of Offices

• Annual revenue totals for the past ten (10) years

• Is your company currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become acquired by another business entity? If yes, please explain the impact both in organizational and directional terms.

• Provide details of any conditions or litigation that would adversely affect your company’s performance under a contract with the Owner.

• Provide a claims history under professional malpractice insurance for the past five (5) years for the Prime Firm and any team members proposed to provide services.

• List of subconsultants to be used and list of projects that have been collaborated on with your firm in the last 5 years.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Guadalupe County has applied for a Texas Water Development Board grant. The grant will be used to fund a detailed Drainage Master Plan to identify existing and future flood prone areas and develop a flood protection plan to mitigate flood problems. The objective of the proposed planning effort is to provide the County with an accurate assessment of the hydrologic and hydraulic conditions of the subject watersheds and streams, and a practical storm water management plan to address the critical flooding problems, as well as provide the County with an important tool to manage growth and development.

A detailed description of the proposed planning study scope of work is presented as follows:

1. Project Management

The County’s consultant will conduct a kick-off meeting with County representatives and the TWDB project manager.

The kick-off meeting will cover the following topics:

• Project communication & reporting responsibilities – establish the frequency and method of interface with TWDB project manager, County project manager and any other parties;

• Project milestone and schedule; and

• Project deliverables at each milestone.

During the course of the study, project progress reports will be submitted to TWDB at a minimum interval of quarterly (once every 3 months). Project progress meetings will also be conducted on an as-needed basis. Meeting agendas will include the following:

• Tasks accomplished since last meeting

• Discussion of issues discovered, if any

• Tasks to be performed

• Project schedule status

• Budget status

A minimum of two (2) public meetings will also be conducted: one to solicit input on initial flood problem area identification and one to present findings upon development of flood mitigation alternatives and a draft report.

2. Collection and Review of Baseline Information

The County’s consultant will collect and review previous drainage studies, FEMA Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and maps, FEMA LOMRs, TWDB Base Level Engineering (BLE) studies, master plans, drainage studies and reports, citizen drainage complaint reports, storm damage reports, field survey data, as-built information, and other relevant data within the proposed planning area.

A base map will be developed using the following information:

• Current FEMA FIS and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

• Digital GIS data of parcels, zoning maps, current and future land use maps and soils maps;

• As-builts drawings for channel and bridge/culvert improvements;

• Most current LiDAR topography; and

• Approved LOMRs since the latest FIRM update

3. Initial Identification of Flood Problem Areas

Based on the previous drainage studies, reports, and other baseline data, known flood problem areas will be identified. The County will conduct a public meeting to solicit input on the drainage problem areas including the specifics and nature of the flooding.

4. Field Survey & Measurements

The County will utilize best available LiDAR datasets. In addition, the County’s consultant will obtain field survey and measurement data for critical features including regional detention facilities, bridge/culvert crossings, cross sections and finished floor elevations, as needed. Use of available field surveys and as-built data will be incorporated where applicable.

5. Hydrologic Modeling

The County’s consultant will develop geo-referenced hydrologic models using the USACE HEC-HMS computer program. They will develop hydrologic rainfall-runoff models based on existing watershed conditions. The following information will be incorporated into the HEC-HMS models:

• Flood control reservoirs and regional detention facilities;

• FEMA LOMR hydrologic models; and

• Other large scale storm water impoundment facilities (more than 20 acres in surface area).

The hydrologic model input parameters will be developed based on the following approach.

• Terrain Processing – The County will utilize best available LiDAR data including Stratmap datasets, ESRI ArcMap, and HEC tools to develop a digital elevation model (DEM) to support hydrologic model development.

• Rainfall data – NOAA Atlas 14, Volume 11, Version 2 precipitation frequency estimates will be applied using a frequency storm distribution in HEC-HMS. The 2-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100- and 500-year frequency storm events will be modeled. For drainage subareas greater than 10 square miles, a depth areal reduction will be applied based on TP-40 methodology.

• Drainage Area – Hydrologic subbasins will be delineated using the DEM, ESRI ArcMap, and HEC tools. To ensure consistency in the peak time computation within the HEC-HMS model, the subbasin size for rural areas will generally vary from 5 to 8 square miles. The subbasin size for urban areas will generally vary from 0.25 to 1.0 square mile.

• Runoff Loss Method – The Runoff Curve Number (CN) for each sub-basin will be computed based on procedures outlined in the NRCS TR-55 publication. The existing condition CN will be computed based on latest existing land-use condition data and aerial imagery. The latest NRCS Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database shall be used for hydrologic soil group determination.

• Unit Hydrograph Method – The Snyder Unit Hydrograph method will be used to develop runoff hydrographs within HEC-HMS. The Snyder Unit Hydrograph method is the primary method utilized by the Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District for the majority of hydrologic studies in the region. The Snyder method requires two parameters, the Snyder standard lag and the Snyder peaking coefficient (Cp). Snyder’s lag values will be developed using the USACE Fort Worth District Urbanization Curve methodology with HEC and ESRI tools. Snyder peaking coefficients will be developed based on previous studies within the region.

• Hydrograph Routing – For the proposed study reaches and other reaches where existing hydraulic models are available, the Modified Puls routing method will be used to account for peak flow and timing attenuation along the stream. For reaches without existing hydraulic models, the Muskingum-Cunge or lag method will be applied for hydrograph routing.

• Model Calibration – The hydrologic models will be calibrated to peak discharges recorded during historic storm events at USGS gauges or other data sources, where available.

6. Hydraulic Modeling

The County’s consultant will develop geo-referenced hydraulic models using the USACE HEC-RAS computer program. The hydraulic model input parameters and modeling procedures are presented as follows:

• Peak discharges from the HEC-HMS junctions will be specified at the appropriate cross sections and interpolated to provide sufficient detail.

• Manning’s roughness coefficients (“n”) will be established based on field reconnaissance, aerial photos and standard engineering reference tables or publications.

• Field survey and/or measurements will be performed for major detention facilities and roadway crossings where no as-built information is available.

• Other HEC-RAS parameters, such as “ineffective flow area”, “expansion/contraction coefficients” and “bridge/culvert energy loss coefficients” will be used as appropriate.

• The HEC-RAS model will be calibrated to peak flood stages recorded during historic storm events based on USGS gauge data, high water mark data, or other data sources.

The County’s consultant may also develop 2D hydraulic models to more accurately assess urban drainage problem areas and associated flood mitigation alternatives identified within the participating municipalities. These analyses will utilize HEC-RAS 2D, Innovyze InfoWorks ICM, or other drainage modeling software, as appropriate.

7. Flood Mitigation Alternative Development

Based on the collected baseline information and results of the hydraulic models, flood problem areas will be identified and evaluated. The County will establish flood severity index factors to assist in the evaluation and prioritization of flood problem areas. These factors may include, but will not be limited to:

• Number of affected structures with consideration of flood depth and frequency;

• Roadway overtopping with consideration of flood depth and frequency;

• Channel conveyance capacity and freeboard;

• Availability of alternative evacuation routes;

• Potential environmental constraints; and

• Easement availability and requirements.

For the flood problem areas identified, the following flood mitigation measures will be evaluated for feasibility at each location:

Structural Solutions

• Detention/Retention Facility;

• Channel Improvements, particularly using Natural Channel Methods;

• Roadway Bridge/Culvert Improvements;

• Levees/Berms/Floodwalls; and

• Combination of any of two or more of the above.

Non-Structural Solutions

• Update the County’s drainage criteria (if applicable) and existing land development ordinance if necessary;

• Buy-outs of the flooded properties;

• Installation of Early Flood Warning systems;

• Installation of flood warning signs and barricades at frequent inundated roadway crossings; and

• Develop public information publications describing flood risks and flood insurance.

8. Flood Mitigation Alternative H&H Analysis

Hydrologic/hydraulic analyses of flood mitigation alternatives will be performed using HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models for the various design flood events. Conceptual flood control measures will be developed and added to the hydrologic and/or hydraulic models as appropriate to evaluate the flood mitigation potential.

Flood mitigation alternatives will be evaluated not only at the problem area (to reduce the levels of flooding) but also the potential of causing adverse hydrologic/hydraulic impacts at other locations in the watershed. For example, a channel improvement project would likely reduce the time of concentration through the project area, thereby potentially increase the peak discharges at the downstream discharge point of the project area. The County will ensure that flood mitigation measures will not cause adverse flooding impacts outside of the proposed flood improvement areas.

9. Flood Mitigation Alternative Benefit/Cost Analysis

The flood mitigation alternatives identified by the proposed study will be evaluated and selected based on their cost-effectiveness and overall feasibility. The benefit-cost ratio is the most commonly applied tool for determining the cost-effectiveness of undertaking an improvement. In general, when the benefits expected exceed the cost of implementation, the project can be deemed viable.

10. Implementation and Phasing Plan

Based on input from the public meeting, a project implementation and phasing plan will be developed.

The implementation and phasing plan will consider items such as funding sources, project duration, easement requirements, environmental impact of the proposed improvements, and benefit/cost ratio.

In addition, consideration of the comprehensive and capital improvements plans of the County will be important to ensure that the implemented flood improvement projects are compatible with each community’s goals including economic development and quality of life.

11. Report

The County’s consultant will develop a draft final report summarizing the results of the hydrologic/hydraulic investigations, flood mitigation alternatives, benefit/cost analysis and stakeholder input. The draft report will include technical description of hydrologic/hydraulic analyses, methodologies, assumptions and modeling notes as well as improvement alternative costs, easement requirements (if applicable), phasing and implementation plan, floodplain maps and other applicable exhibits.

A final public meeting will be conducted to present the draft Drainage Master Plan. Following the public meeting and incorporation of public input, the draft final report will be submitted to TWDB for review.

Upon addressing TWDB review comments, the final Drainage Master Plan will be submitted to TWDB.

III. INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM RESPONDENTS

3.1 Required SOQ Submission Format. To be considered responsive to this RFQ and to facilitate evaluations, SOQ’s shall be organized per the outline given below. The submittal should be clear and concise, with an emphasis placed on specific desired experience and qualifications of the people who will actually perform the services. SOQ’s font size must be 11 point, or greater. County does not desire elaborate brochures and other representations beyond that which is sufficient to present the information requested in this RFQ.

3.1.1 LIMIT OF 40 SINGLE SIDED PAGES (20 DOUBLE SIDED). The 40-page maximum limit does not include the following required forms:

ATTACHMENT A: RESPONDENT CERTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT B: DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

ATTACHMENT C: AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION, NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST, ANTI-LOBBYING

ATTACHMENT D: INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

ATTACHMENT E: SWORN VERIFICATION OF STATEMENTS

ATTACHMENT F: VENDOR CONTACT INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT G: W-9 REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT H: CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES

3.1.2 To enable the County to efficiently evaluate the SOQs, Respondents are urged to strictly follow the required format set forth in this RFQ. If submitting a hardcopy, each SOQ shall be bound to ensure that pages are not lost. Pages shall be no larger than letter-size (8 ½” x 11”) for hardcopy and electronic submissions. Elaborate covers, binding, dividers, and the like are not required.

3.1.3 Each SOQ shall be organized in the following order (Failure to meet this requirement will result in instant disqualification):

a. Required forms listed in Section 3.1.1

b. Firm’s Related Project Experience and References (up to 45 points total broken down by project and reference): Provide three examples of completed projects from the past ten years (not contracted with Guadalupe County) that demonstrate your ability to perform the requested Engineering services for Flood Mitigations Plan Services. Each project example must be broken down in this manner from beginning to end before moving to the next example.

• Project name, location, contract delivery method, and description

• Original project budget

• Final Cost, including Change Orders

• Type of Flood Mitigation Project

• Actual Notice to Proceed and Substantial Completion dates

• Detailed description of Engineering Services provided for the project

• Project Reference*

• The Owner’s name and representative who served as the day-to-day liaison during the project, including telephone number and email address

• Length of business relationship with the Owner.

*References shall be considered relevant based on specific project participation and experience with the Respondent.

c. Key Personnel Experience (up to 30 points): Submit resumes of key staff members that will be assigned to Guadalupe County in the delivery of services if your firm is awarded a contract.

Indicate their current position, time in that position at your firm, and total length of service with your firm. List their relevant project experience gained as a staff member with your firm and identify relevant project experience obtained as a member of other firms. List professional licenses held, current standing, year obtained and identify the jurisdiction of the license.

• Project Manager

• Project Engineer

• Environmental Lead (or equivalent)

d. Capacity to Perform (up to 25 points): Provide the following information for the Firm:

• Proof/printout of active registration on SAM.gov

• Legal name of the company as registered with the Secretary State of Texas

• Address of the office that will be providing services

• Type of Operation (Individual, Partnership, Corporation, Joint Venture, etc.)

• Number of Employees by skill group

• Number of Offices

• Annual revenue totals for the past ten (10) years

• Is your company currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become acquired by another business entity? If yes, please explain the impact both in organizational and directional terms.

• Provide details of any conditions or litigation that would adversely affect your company’s performance under a contract with the Owner.

• Provide a claims history under professional malpractice insurance for the past five (5) years for the Prime Firm and any team members proposed to provide services.

• List of subconsultants to be used and list of projects that have been collaborated on with your firm with these firms in the last 5 years.

IV. REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS

2 CFR 200.326 Contract provisions. The non-Federal entity's contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200—Contract Provisions for non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards. The non-Federal entity's contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200—Contract Provisions for non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.

All Contracts

THRESHOLD PROVISION CITATION

>$150,000 (Simplified Acquisition Threshold)

Contracts for more than the simplified acquisition threshold currently set at $150,000, which is the inflation adjusted amount determined by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 1908, must address administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as appropriate.

2 CFR 200

APPENDIX II (A)

>$10,000 All contracts in excess of $10,000 must address termination for cause and for convenience by the non-Federal entity including the manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement.

2 CFR 200

APPENDIX II (B)

None

Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement. If the Federal award meets the definition of “funding agreement” under 37 CFR §401.2 (a) and the recipient or subrecipient wishes to enter into a contract with a small business firm or nonprofit organization regarding the substitution of parties, assignment or performance of experimental, developmental, or research work under that “funding agreement,” the recipient or subrecipient must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR Part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements,” and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency.

2 CFR 200

APPENDIX II (F)

None

Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)—A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549.

2 CFR 200

APPENDIX II (H)

None

Records of non-Federal entities. FEMA, Inspectors General, the Comptroller General of the United States, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and the pass-through entity, or any of their authorized representatives, must have the right of access to any documents, papers, or other records of the non- Federal entity which are pertinent to the Federal award, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcripts. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the non-Federal entity's personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents.

2 CFR 200.336

None

Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities must not impose any other record retention requirements upon non-Federal entities. The only exceptions are the following:

(a) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

2 CFR 200.333

https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=bd068de301925928a02adc6fab1b1d02&term_occur=1&term_src=Title:2:Subtitle:A:Chapter:II:Part:200:Subpart:D:Subjgrp:34:200.336 https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=e70d4d5b3d21f635ea2aec391214bde6&term_occur=1&term_src=Title:2:Subtitle:A:Chapter:II:Part:200:Subpart:D:Subjgrp:34:200.336 https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=e70d4d5b3d21f635ea2aec391214bde6&term_occur=1&term_src=Title:2:Subtitle:A:Chapter:II:Part:200:Subpart:D:Subjgrp:34:200.336 https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=e70d4d5b3d21f635ea2aec391214bde6&term_occur=2&term_src=Title:2:Subtitle:A:Chapter:II:Part:200:Subpart:D:Subjgrp:34:200.336

(b) When the non-Federal entity is notified in writing by the Federal awarding agency, cognizant agency for audit, oversight agency for audit, cognizant agency for indirect costs, or pass-through entity to extend the retention period.

(c) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds must be retained for 3 years after final disposition.

(d) When records are transferred to or maintained by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the non-Federal entity.

(e) Records for program income transactions after the period of performance. In some cases recipients must report program income after the period of performance. Where there is such a requirement, the retention period for the records pertaining to the earning of the program income starts from the end of the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in which the program income is earned.

(f) Indirect cost rate proposals and cost allocations plans. This paragraph applies to the following types of documents and their supporting records:

indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates).

(1) If submitted for negotiation. If the proposal, plan, or other computation is required to be submitted to the Federal Government (or to the pass-through entity) to form the basis for negotiation of the rate, then the 3-year retention period for its supporting records starts from the date of such submission.

(2) If not submitted for negotiation. If the proposal, plan, or other computation is not required to be submitted to the Federal Government (or to the…