RFQ - Engineering Design - New Hog Bayou Control Structure.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ENGINEERING SERVICES

Procurement #2025-011

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) is pursuing Professional Engineering Services and accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from consulting engineering firms with a strong record in low-head dam/control structures as related to the design and construction of a new Hog Bayou Control Structure.

INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

The information contained within this document is intended to provide interested firms with the requirements and criteria used to make the consultant selection. Please read this entire document before preparing a response(s).

RETURN SOQ ELECTRONICALLY: via BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupeblancoriverau. Any SOQs received outside of the BidNet Direct website will not be opened and the submitter will be disqualified.

SOQs shall be received electronically no later than:

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM CDT

Respondent shall sign and date the SOQ acknowledgement in Attachment A. SOQs which are not signed and dated shall be rejected.

GBRA appreciates your time and effort in preparing your qualifications statement. Please note that all qualification statements must be received by the deadline. Qualification statements received after the deadline will not be considered for the award of the contract and shall be considered void.

Please let us know of any request requirements which are causing you difficulty in responding to this SOQ. GBRA want to make the process as easy and fair as possible, so that all potential engineering firms can compete.

Questions must be submitted via BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupeblancoriverau by Friday, May 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM CDT. Response will be issued in the form of a Q&A response. Any questions submitted after the deadline may or may not be answered.

Consulting engineering firms interested in providing these services will submit their qualifications by completing the Professional Services Questionnaire provided in Attachment A. The completeness, content, and accuracy of the information provided by each firm will be considered in the selection process. If Attachment A is not completed, the submittal may be disqualified.

Additional information and/or material related to the qualifications of a firm may also be submitted; however, such information may or may not be given value. Attachment A may be reformatted as needed, but for ease of review please include the question text along with the response. Greatest value will be given to the information provided in response to the Professional Services Questionnaire provided in Attachment A.

If the primary firm intends to partner with an affiliate firm, outline clearly the responsibilities of the respective parties. Affiliate firms do not need to complete a separate Attachment A.

Similar importance will be given to individual team members’ qualifications and responsibilities.

Please be specific about the duties of each individual proposed to work on these projects. Include members of the primary firm, the affiliated firm (where applicable), and any sub-consultants.

IT IS UNDERSTOOD that GBRA reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject any or all SOQs for any or all services covered in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and to waive informalities or defects, and/or amend or supplement this RFQ giving equal information and cooperation to all RFQ recipients, as it shall deem to be in the best interest of GBRA.

GBRA further reserves the right to retain all SOQs and to use any concepts or ideas within the SOQs, regardless of whether that firm is selected. Submission of a SOQ indicates acceptance of these conditions by the firm, unless clearly and specifically noted in the submittal.

All qualified firms including Small, Minority, and Women Owned Businesses are encouraged to submit SOQs in response to this request.

BACKGROUND

The information provided in this section is only intended to provide interested firms with basic reference information outlining the type of projects for which GBRA may be requesting services under this RFQ. There is no requirement to include any specific information from this section in the Statement of Qualifications.

The existing Hog Bayou Saltwater Barrier and Control Structure is located 2.8 miles downstream of SH-35. Due to its location, the structure can be difficult to access and to maintain. GBRA seeks to construct a new control structure on Hog Bayou located approximately 3,000 feet downstream of SH-35 to facilitate access and operations/maintenance. In addition to the design for the new structure, permit approvals will be required from Calhoun County Floodplain Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, and any other jurisdictional authorities required.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

GBRA is requesting interested parties to submit qualifications for services for the New Hog Bayou Control Structure. GBRA will select one qualified engineering firm/team for the project. The selected firm will enter into a contract to complete the design, permitting, and construction administration.

The selected consulting firm will track tasks separately. Tasks include:

TASK 1 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Perform project management associated with the design, permitting, and construction administration, including monthly invoicing and project status reports. Attend one (in-person) kick-off meeting to review scope and contract, project expectations, and schedule. Review existing information and studies related to the New Hog Bayou Control Structure. Attend monthly project status Teams meetings.

TASK 2 – ANALYSES & DESIGN

Conduct site visits, perform surveying, and geotechnical investigations (if necessary). Develop a PER, as well as 30%, 60%, and 90% design submittals. Participate in review meetings with GBRA staff. Develop IFB documents.

TASK 3 – AGENCY COORDINATION

Coordination with agencies as needed to complete regulatory and environmental reviews. The selected Consultant should anticipate processing any additional documentation if requested to achieve complete environmental compliance. Early coordination shall determine extents of analytical and any potential land acquisition requirements.

TASK 4 – BIDDING SUPPORT

Preparation of bid packages for the construction of the project. Assist in answering prospective bidder questions. Review of bids and other documentation, as needed.

TASK 5 – CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATON

Preparation of construction related permit applications, if needed. Answer Requests for Information (RFIs). Review of submittals, change proposals, and change orders. Provide construction support and/or management services, as determined necessary, including record management and as-builts.

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE

Question Submission Date Friday, May 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM CDT

SOQ Deadline Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM CDT

BASIS OF SELECTION

Response(s) to the RFQ must be submitted in its entirety on the GBRA’s BidNet Direct website no later than 2:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Complete response(s) shall not exceed 20 pages in length (size 11 font) including any appendices or other materials, or it may be disqualified. 11x17 formatted pages may be submitted but will count as 2 pages. Figures (including graphics, maps, schedules, and diagrams) may use a minimum of 10-pt font. Resumes do not count toward the statement of qualifications page length and may be unlimited in number but limited to two pages in length each. The cover letter will not count towards page limits.

Submittals received after the deadline will not be accepted. GBRA will not accept mailed, hand-delivered, facsimile, or email submittals. GBRA will review the material and rank the submittals.

The highest ranked firm(s) may be interviewed by a selection committee. The selection committee will make a recommendation and selection will be based on the highest-ranking firm(s). GBRA will then work with the selected firm(s) to reach an agreement. If a preliminary contract cannot be obtained, GBRA may begin negotiations with the next highest ranked firm(s). Negotiations will continue in this manner until an agreement has been reached with a firm(s). When negotiations with a firm(s) have been successfully completed, the firm(s) will be recommended for award of a contract. In the event that all of the qualified firm(s) have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with GBRA, GBRA retains the right to reject all submittals and re-post a new solicitation for the same project.

GBRA reserves the right to determine which qualifications best serves the organization and its customers. While the selection of a consultant is anticipated, it is not guaranteed.

GBRA will utilize the following criteria to assist with the scoring of the responses to this RFQ.

1. Overall compliance with the Professional Services Questionnaire included as Attachment A to this RFQ. (Pass / Fail)

2. Attachment B - Work Plan: Overall description of work plan and organizational structure to accomplish assignment. (Weighted 40%)

3. Attachment B - Personnel Experience: Project-specific relevant experience and expertise of key personnel proposed to work on this project. (Weighted 40%)

4. Attachment B - Firm Experience: Previous relevant project experience and ability to complete project on time and within budget. (Weighted 20%)

5. Potential discussion with References.

LATE SOQs: Submittals received by GBRA after the submission deadline will be considered void and unacceptable.

ALTERING SOQs: Submittals cannot be altered or amended after the submission deadline. Any interlineation, alteration, or erasure made before opening time must be initialed by the signer of the submittal, guaranteeing authenticity.

WITHDRAWL OF SOQs: A submittal may not be withdrawn or cancelled by a firm without the permission of GBRA for a period of ninety (90) days following the date designated for the receipt of submittals, and Respondent so agrees upon submittal of their response.

CHANGE ORDER: 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 or modifications to the contract will be made in writing by GBRA and endorsed by the Respondent.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No public official shall have an interest in this contract, except in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 171 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 572. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 176, et seq., a person or business, (including its or their agents, as applicable), who seeks to contract or enter into an agreement with GBRA, may be required to file a conflict of interest questionnaire (FORM CIQ) with the Texas Ethics Commission on the following website: www.ethics.state.tx.us. The specific “vendor” requirements, as that term is defined by the statute, are set forth in Texas Local Government Code, Section 176.006. A list of GBRA officers, required by Section 176.0065, can be found on GBRA’s Purchasing and Procurement webpage at www.gbra.org/about/purchasingandprocurement.

ETHICS: A Respondent shall not offer or accept gifts or anything of value nor enter into any business arrangement with any employee, official, representative or agent of GBRA. Lobbying is prohibited. Potential consultants are prohibited from directly or indirectly communicating with members of the GBRA Board of Directors regarding this RFQ.

ADDENDA: Any interpretations, corrections, or changes to this RFP, specifications, or instructions/terms of a contract or agreement will be made by addenda. Sole issuing authority of addenda shall be vested in GBRA. Addenda will be published via https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/guadalupeblancoriverau website. Proposers shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda.

SUBMITTAL MUST COMPLY with all federal, state, county and local laws concerning these types of goods or services.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RESPONSIBLE PROSPECTIVE RESPONDENTS: A

prospective Respondent must affirmatively demonstrate firm’s responsibility and prospective Respondent must meet the following requirements:

1. Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery schedule;

2. Have a satisfactory record of performance;

3. Have a satisfactory record of integrity and ethics;

4. Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award.

GBRA may request representation and other information sufficient to determine Respondent’s ability to meet these minimum standards listed above.

RESPONDENT SHALL PROVIDE with this response, all documentation required by this RFQ.

Failure to provide this information may result in rejection of submittal.

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS: In order to maximize the utilization of certified HUBs, GBRA is requesting all eligible HUB vendors please submit their HUB certification documentation as part of their submission.

SUCCESSFUL FIRM SHALL defend, indemnify and save harmless GBRA and all its officers, agents and employees from all suits, actions, or other claims of any character, name and description brought for or on account of any injuries or damages received or sustained by any person, persons, or property on account of any negligent act or fault of the successful Respondent, or any agent, employee, subcontractor or supplier in the execution of, or performance under, any contract which may result from SOQ award.

WAGES: Successful Respondent shall pay or cause to be paid, without cost or expense to GBRA, all Social Security, Unemployment and Federal Income Withholding Taxes of all such employees and all such employees shall be paid wages and benefits as required by Federal and/or State Law.

FEE: Compensation for these services will be negotiated after the qualification process is complete. Do not include any reference to a fee in your response to this request.

NOTICE: Any notice provided by this solicitation (or required by law) to be given by GBRA to the successful Respondent shall be conclusively deemed to have been given and received on the next day after such written notice has been deposited in the mail by Registered or Certified Mail with sufficient postage affixed hereto, addressed to the successful firm at the address so provided;

provided this shall not prevent the giving of actual notice in any other matter.

PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: The successful Respondent agrees to protect GBRA from claims involving infringement of patents and/or copyrights which may result from this award.

REMEDIES: The successful Respondent and GBRA agree that both parties have all rights, duties, and remedies available.

VENUE: The Agreement will be governed and construed according to the laws of the State of Texas without regards to its conflicts of law provisions. The Agreement will be executed in Comal County, Texas.

ASSIGNMENT: The successful Respondent shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey the resulting contract, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of GBRA.

INSURANCE POLICIES: The type and coverage amount of any insurance policy required by the successful Respondent shall be delineated in the accompanying specifications or contract and shall include worker’s compensation insurance at levels required under laws of the State of Texas.

Each insurance policy to be furnished by the successful Respondent shall include by endorsement to the policy, a statement that a notice shall be given to GBRA by certified mail thirty (30) days prior to cancellation or upon any material change in coverage. Furthermore, any General Liability and any Automotive Liability insurance policy by this solicitation will list GBRA as an “Additional Insured.”

FORM 1295: Respondent acknowledges that for contracts meeting specific criteria, GBRA may not accept or enter into a contract until they have received a completed and signed Texas Ethics Commission (“TEC”) Form 1295 from the Respondent, pursuant to Texas Government Code §

2252.908. Respondent understands that failure to provide said form complete with a certificate number assigned by the TEC may prohibit the remainder of the parties hereto from entering into this Agreement. Pursuant to the rules prescribed by the TEC, the TEC Form 1295 must be completed online through the TEC’s website, assigned a certificate number, printed, signed and provided to GBRA.

Texas Government Code 2252, Subchapter F. Prohibition on Contracts with Certain Companies: Contractor represents and warrants that it is not engaged in business with Iran, Sudan, or a foreign terrorist organization as prohibited by Section 2252.152 of the Texas Government Code.

Texas Government Code Chapter 2271, Anti-Boycott-of-Israel Verification: In accordance with Chapter 2271, Texas Government Code, a governmental entity may not enter into a contract with a company for goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the firm that it: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. The signatory executing this document on behalf of the firm verifies that the firm does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract.

Texas Government Code Chapter 2274, Prohibition on Contracts With Companies that Discriminate Against Firearm and Ammunition Industries: Contractor verifies that it does not have practice, policy, guidance, or directive against a firearm entity or firearm trade association and will not discriminate during the term of this contract against a firearm entity or trade association as defined and provided in Texas Government Code Chapter 2274.

Texas Government Code Chapter 2275, Prohibited Contracts with Certain Foreign-Owned Companies in Connection with Critical Infrastructure: Contractor asserts and verifies that its company is not owned by or the majority of its stock or other ownership interest is held by individuals who are citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or a country designated under Texas Government Code Chapter 2275; nor is its company or entity owned or directly controlled by the government of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or is it headquartered in any of the aforementioned four countries or a country designated under such chapter.

No Agreements with Certain Foreign Owned Companies in Connection with Critical Infrastructure: Proposer asserts and verifies that its company is not owned by or the majority of its stock or other ownership interest is held by individuals who are citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or a country designated under Section 117.003 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code; nor is its company or entity owned or directly controlled by the government of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or is headquartered in any of the aforementioned four countries or a country designated under Section 117.003 above.

Professional Services RFQ – New Hog Bayou Control Structure

Attachment A

Professional Services Questionnaire

1. How many years has your firm been in business as an Engineering firm?

2. How many years has your firm been in business under its present business name?

3. If a corporation, provide the following:

a) Date of Incorporation:

b) State of Incorporation:

c) President’s Name:

d) Vice President’s Name:

e) Secretary’s Name:

f) Treasurer’s Name:

g) Corporation Address:

4. If an individual or a partnership, provide the following:

a) Date of Organization:

b) Name and Address:

c) Names of Partners:

5. If other than a corporation or partnership, describe organization and name principals:

6. Below, list all states in which your firm is legally qualified to do business.

7. Has this firm ever failed to complete any contract awarded to it? If so, when, where and why (attach explanation if necessary)?

8. Below, describe any litigation in which this firm is presently involved and/or has been involved during the past five years (attach explanation if necessary).

9. Does this firm carry Errors and Omissions Insurance? Yes___ No___ Amount _______________________

Amount of general liability insurance carried:

Have there been any claims in excess of $25,000.00 over the past 5 years? Attach explanation if necessary.

10. Dated as of this ____________________ day of _______________________________, 2022.

Name of Firm: _____________________________________________________________________________

By: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Printed Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Title: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________

Name of Contact: ___________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________

Addendum Acknowledgment:

Addendum Date Received 1 _______________________ 2 _______________________ 3 _______________________

Professional Services RFQ – New Hog Bayou Control Structure

Attachment B

1. Provide an outline describing the respective responsibilities of your firm and/or a partnering firm with which you propose to affiliate for the projects under this contract (where applicable).

Please be specific and thorough in this outline description. Provide a work plan outlining your firm’s approach for meeting the requirements of the project. Describe the team’s experience with low-head dam/control structures along with permitting, survey, and geotechnical investigations. [WORK PLAN]

2. Provide an organizational chart identifying key personnel and their roles specific to the category being submitted. Identify the proposed project manager responsible for the projects under this contract (list project manager’s mailing address, telephone number, and qualifications). Fully describe the qualifications, duties and responsibilities of each person.

Include personnel from the primary firm, the affiliated firm (where applicable), and any sub consulting firms (where applicable). Relevant projects each person has worked on in the past and their particular responsibilities for projects under this contract should be included.

[PERSONNEL EXPERIENCE]

3. Describe the firm’s relevant experience for the last five (5) years using a list or table. Please include the date of the project, the name of the client, client contact name and telephone number, and a brief description of the project. The same information should also be provided from each sub consultant. This information should be limited to the branch or office of the firm and the personnel that are proposed to perform the work that is the subject of this RFQ and not reflect the experience of branch offices that will not be involved in the proposed project. [FIRM

EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES]

Exhibit A

Background Information

Figure: Approximate Site of New Hog Bayou Control Structure

An alternative site has been identified near TX-35 upstream of the horseshoe meander and the Alligator Slide Lake Low Water Crossing. This site is located roughly 3,000 feet downstream of -TX-35 and near the intersection of the Hog Bayou access road and a WMA internal access road.

A survey from November 2018 indicates that the channel top width is about 145 feet wide in this area.