Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services.pdf

August 4, 2026

11:00 AM EDT

Electronic Submittal Procurement & Contract Management Department

Request for Qualifications No. 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Due Date:

Time:

Receipt Location:

Procurement Contact:

Corey Brooks Procurement & Contract Management Director 704.283.3683 corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov mailto:corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov

Union County, North Carolina RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Contents 1 Notice of Advertisement 2 Submittal Details

2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS

2.4 ADDENDA

2.5 COMMUNICATION

3 Introduction

3.1 PURPOSE

3.2 COUNTY

4 Scope of Services

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

4.2 ENGINEERING SERVICES

4.3 SOLID WASTE/COLLECTION RECYCLING

5 Detailed Submittal Requirements and Instructions

5.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION

5.2 PROPOSAL FORMAT

5.2.1 Section A – Cover Letter

5.2.2 Section B – Firm Background

5.2.3 Section C – Project Team

5.2.4 Section D – Project Management and Quality Control

5.2.5 Section E – Project Approach and Methodology

5.2.6 Section F – History of Similar Projects

5.2.7 Section G – Reputation of Firm

5.2.8 Section H – Required Forms

6 Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

6.1 SELECTION PARTICIPANTS

6.2 EVALUATION SELECTION PROCESS

6.3 AWARD PROCEDURE

7 General Conditions and Requirements

7.1 TERMS OF CONTRACT

7.2 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

7.3 MINORITY BUSINESSES (MBE) OR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES (DBE)

7.4 EXPENSE OF FIRM

7.5 E-VERIFY

7.6 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

7.7 INSURANCE

7.8 INDEMNIFICATION

8 Appendix A – SOQ Submission Form 9 Appendix B – Addendum and Anti-Collusion 10 Appendix C – Template Master Agreement

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

1 NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT

Request for Qualifications No. 2027-001

Electronic Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) will be received by the Union County’s Procurement Department until 11:00 AM EDT on August 4, 2026. Late submittals will not be accepted.

Union County, North Carolina, through the Union County Solid Waste Department, is seeking SOQs from qualified firms to provide professional services for Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services. This is a Request for Qualification (RFQ). As a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), responding firms are not required to submit price information nor work product with submittal packages. Compliance with N.C.G.S. 143-64.31 is required.

This solicitation is available electronically and may be downloaded from the following locations:

1. Download the Solicitation Documents from the Union County Website Union County Procurement & Contract Management - Current Bids

2. Download the Solicitation Documents from the State of North Carolina eVP website:

North Carolina eVP - Solicitations (Search County of Union)

Union County (UC) reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, to waive technicalities and to make such selection deemed in its best interest. With limited response, Union County reserves the right to extend the solicitation opening date as appropriate in order to assure a competitive procurement process.

Solid Waste engineering professional services performed under this contract must be provided by or under the responsible charge of a professional licensed in the State of North Carolina in accordance with applicable statutes. Firms submitting qualifications must identify the North Carolina licensed professional who will be responsible for the work performed under the contract.

The proposer shall provide the name, discipline, and North Carolina license number of the responsible professional within the Statement of Qualifications.

Offerors are required to comply with the non-collusion requirements set forth in the Solicitation Documents.

Union County encourages good faith effort outreach to Minority Businesses (HUB Certified) and Small Businesses.

2 Submittal Details

2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All submittals, for the services specified, are to be received by the Union County Procurement Department no later than 11:00 AM EDT on August 4, 2026, per the https://www.unioncountync.gov/government/departments-f-p/procurement-contract-management/current-bids https://www.unioncountync.gov/government/departments-f-p/procurement-contract-management/current-bids https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/ http://www.ips.state.nc.us/

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services instructions below. Any submittals received after this date and time shall be rejected without exception.

2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The SOQ must be submitted electronically by using the following link: Union County Submittal Portal.

The submittal, one complete document, must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing Company. Instructions for preparing the SOQ are provided herein.

Select the Solicitation drop down arrow and choose this RFQ from the list. Complete the form, upload the SOQ as one complete document and select submit. The maximum size accepted is 20 MB. An email response will be sent to the address entered on the form as your confirmation of receipt.

The submittal must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing Company. Instructions for preparing the SOQ are provided herein.

Paper submissions will not be accepted.

It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that they have obtained all addenda prior to submitting their SOQ.

There is no expressed or implied obligation for Union County to reimburse Offerors for any expenses incurred in preparing a response to this request.

Union County reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, to waive technicalities and to make such selection deemed in its best interest, to award to multiple vendors and to cancel this RFQ.

2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS

Submittal questions will be due on or before 5:00 PM EDT on July 21, 2026, the primary purpose is to provide participating Offerors with the opportunity to ask questions, in writing, related to the RFQ. Addenda will be issued prior to due date to answer applicable questions.

Submit questions by e-mail to Corey Brooks at corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov by the deadline shown above. The email should identify the RFQ number and project title. All questions and answers may be posted as addenda on Union County Website and/or North Carolina eVP website

2.4 ADDENDA

Union County may modify the RFQ prior to the date fixed for submission of SOQs by the issuance of an addendum.

Should an Offeror find discrepancies or omissions in this RFQ or any other documents provided by Union County, the Offeror should immediately notify the County of such potential discrepancy in writing via email as noted above.

https://lfportal.unioncountync.gov/Forms/procurementsubmit https://lfportal.unioncountync.gov/Forms/procurementsubmit mailto:corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov http://www.unioncountync.gov/ https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/ https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Any addenda to these documents shall be issued in writing. No oral statements, explanations, or commitments by anyone shall be of effect unless incorporated in the written addenda. Receipt of Addenda shall be acknowledged by the Offeror on Appendix B, Addendum and Anti-Collusion form.

2.5 COMMUNICATION

All communications, any modifications, clarifications, amendments, questions, responses or any other matters related to this Request for Qualifications must be made only through the Procurement Contact noted on the cover of this RFQ. A violation of this provision is cause for the County to reject a Company’s SOQ. No contact regarding this document with the Board of County Commissioners or other County employees is permitted and may be grounds for disqualification.

3 INTRODUCTION

3.1 PURPOSE

Union County, North Carolina, through the Solid Waste Department, is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms to provide on-call solid waste engineering and professional environmental services. The selected firm(s) will provide services on an as-needed basis through written task orders issued by the County.

Services may include engineering, environmental compliance, permitting, design, planning, regulatory support, and other related professional services associated with the operation, maintenance, expansion, and long-term planning of the County's solid waste facilities and programs. A more detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4.

The County intends to establish contracts with one or more qualified firms. For individual task orders, the County may consider factors such as the firm's expertise, experience with similar projects, current workload, staff availability, and ability to meet project schedules when determining the firm with which to initiate negotiations.

In accordance with the North Carolina Mini-Brooks Act (N.C.G.S. §143-64.31), firms will be evaluated and ranked based solely on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the required professional services. Price information shall not be submitted with the Statement of Qualifications and will not be considered during the evaluation process.

Following the evaluation process, the County will negotiate a fair and reasonable fee with the best qualified firm for the required services. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the County will terminate negotiations and proceed to negotiate with the next most qualified firm in accordance with the Mini-Brooks Act.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

3.2 COUNTY

The County (estimated population 247,058) is located in the central, southern piedmont.

The County provides its citizens with a full array of services that include public safety, water/wastewater utilities and sanitation, human services, cultural and recreational activities, and general government administration.

4 SCOPE OF SERVICES

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

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

• Groundwater Monitoring and Assessment;

• Groundwater Remediation/Remedial Alternatives;

• Landfill Gas Monitoring and Assessment;

• Landfill Gas Extraction System Design/Permitting;

• Air Quality Permitting and Greenhouse House Gas Reporting; and

• General Regulatory Compliance for Operations and Stormwater.

4.2 ENGINEERING SERVICES

• C&D Landfill Piggyback Expansion Design/Permitting on an Unlined MSW

Landfill;

• MSW Transfer Station Design/Permitting;

• Leachate Collection and Treatment Design/Permitting;

• Type I, II or III Composting Site Design/Permitting;

• Landfill Capacity Analysis;

• Site Utilization and Master Planning; and

• Closure/Post Closure Cost Estimating and Support Services.

4.3 SOLID WASTE/COLLECTION RECYCLING

• Solid Waste Convenience Center Design/Permitting;

• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs;

• Material Recovery Facility Design/Permitting;

• C&D Recycling Program and Facility Design;

• Disaster Debris Management Plan; and

• Solid Waste Collection/Recycling Partnership Agreements.

Annual Tasks and Project Tasks will be expected as a part of this Solid Waste Professional Engineering Services Agreement. Annual Tasks such as annual groundwater monitoring reports, annual volume study with closure & post closure data, permitting assistance, stormwater compliance, and general technical assistance is expected. An annual task for various activities will be negotiated.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Project Tasks for more specific projects will be performed under additional Task Orders after additional scope and fee negotiating is completed.

NOTE: This is a Request for Qualification (RFQ). Responding firms are not required to submit project specific scope information nor price. Do not submit price information nor work product with your submittal package. Each submittal package will be reviewed based on qualification criteria listed in this RFQ. In accordance with NC G.S. 143-64.31, the County will negotiate a contract with the best qualified firm based on the Scope of Work listed in this RFQ.

5 DETAILED SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

5.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION

All material received from a person or company (“Respondent”) in response to this solicitation shall become the property of Union County and will not be returned to the Respondent. Any and all costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing, submitting, or presenting submissions are the Respondent’s sole responsibility and Union County shall not reimburse the Respondent. All responses to this solicitation will be considered a public record and subject to disclosure under applicable public records law.

Any material in a response which the Respondent considers a trade secret and exempt from disclosure as a public record under applicable law, including N.C.G.S. §§ 132-1.2 and 66-152, must be properly designated as a trade secret. In order to properly designate such material, the Respondent must: (i) submit any trade secret materials in a separate envelope, or file, from all other submitted material, being clearly marked as “Trade Secret

– Confidential and Proprietary Information,” and (ii) stamp the same trade secret/confidentiality designation on each page of the materials therein which contain trade secrets.

To the extent consistent with public records law, Union County will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidential nature of trade secrets, as determined by Union County and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Respondent understands and agrees by submitting a response to this solicitation, that if a request is made to review or produce a copy of any information in the Respondent’s materials which was properly labeled by the Respondent as a trade secret, Union County will notify the Respondent of the request and the date that such materials will be released to the requestor unless the Respondent obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure prior to that date, Respondent understands and agrees that Union County will release the requested information to the requestor on that date.

Furthermore, the Respondent also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Union County and each of its officers, employees, and agents from all costs, damages, and expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material that has been designated as a trade secret by Respondent.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

5.2 PROPOSAL FORMAT

The County desires all responses to be identical in format. While the County’s format may represent a departure from the vendor’s preference, the County requests adherence to the format. All responses are to be in the format described below.

Offerors should prepare their SOQ in accordance with the instructions outlined in this section. The submittal should be one (1) complete document. Each Offeror is required to submit the SOQ electronically – Refer to item 2.2. The SOQ should be prepared as simply as possible and provide a straightforward, concise description of the Offeror’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFQ.

The utmost attention should be given to accuracy, completeness, and clarity of content.

All parts, pages, figures, or tables should be numbered and clearly labeled. Response information should be limited to pertinent information only. Marketing and sales type information is not to be included.

The total length of the submittal, including cover letter, should be no more than 25 single-sided pages. Submittals should be on 8 ½” x 11" paper with an 11-point minimum text size. Key personnel resumes may also be provided as an appendix to the document and will not count against the page limit. Covers, section acknowledgements, and the required forms, do not count against the page limit.

Please provide the following information in the sequence of the following major headings described below.

The submittal should be organized into the following sections:

• Section A – Cover Letter

• Section B – Firm Background

• Section C – Project Team

• Section D – Project Management and Quality Control

• Section E – Project Approach and Methodology

• Section F – History of Similar Projects

• Section G – Reputation of Firm

• Section H – Required Forms o Appendix A – SOQ Submission Form o Appendix B – Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion

Omissions and incomplete answers may be deemed unresponsive. Please initial any corrections.

By submitting a Statement of Qualifications, the Respondent acknowledges that it has reviewed Union County’s Multiple Project Agreement (Appendix C - TEMPLATE MASTER AGREEMENT) and is prepared to enter into the agreement without material modifications.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the Respondent being deemed non-responsive.

5.2.1 SECTION A – COVER LETTER

In your cover letter, include the following information about your company:

• Legal company name and DBA (if applicable).

• Corporate headquarters’ address, phone number and Website address.

• Location Providing Service (if different from headquarters), address and telephone number.

• Name of single point of contact, title, direct telephone number and/or extension and direct email address.

• Name of person with binding authority, title, address, direct telephone number and/or extension and email address.

• Describe your interest in this project and the unique advantage your firm and team bring.

• Make the following representations and warranty in the cover letter, the falsity of which might result in rejection of its Statement of Qualifications:

“The information contained in this SOQ or any part thereof, including any exhibits, schedules, and other documents and instruments delivered or to be delivered to the County, is true, accurate, and complete. This SOQ includes all information necessary to ensure that the statements therein do not in whole or in part mislead the County as to any material facts.”

5.2.2 SECTION B – FIRM BACKGROUND

Provide a general description of the capabilities of your firm, including information related to its history, overall size, and local North Carolina resources with direct emphasis on solid waste experience.

5.2.2.1 PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

Firms submitting qualifications must identify the North Carolina licensed professional who will be responsible for engineering services performed under the contract. The responsible professional must hold a current license in the State of North Carolina as a Professional Engineer licensed in North Carolina engineer.

The proposer shall provide the following information for the responsible professional(s):

Name License

Type NC License

Number Role on Project

Firms located outside North Carolina must ensure that the identified professional holds an active North Carolina license prior to execution of any task order requiring licensed services.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

5.2.3 SECTION C – PROJECT TEAM

Provide a detailed organization chart that presents the team to be dedicated to these services. This should include the project manager, architects and/or engineers and other supporting staff to be used in completion of the work.

Information to be included in this section shall include:

• Professional, relevant qualifications of each team member, including which projects listed under the Project Experience section of the response, the project team individual(s) had a significant role;

• Include North Carolina license information for Engineers, Architects and/or Surveyors assigned to this project;

• Office location and number of years the employee has worked with the current firm;

• Available time (in percent) that each team member may commit to these services.

• Familiarity with the area where the project is to be located.

• Construction administration capabilities.

• The specific experience the proposed program manager has in managing related or similar programs.

• Subconsultants to be utilized in the execution of the project must be clearly identified within the organizational chart. Provide relevant qualifications for up to five projects for each subconsultant proposed as part of the project team. Projects listed should demonstrate prior successful teaming with the respondent.

5.2.4 SECTION D – PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY CONTROL

Provide a brief description of the systems and methods employed by the firm to effectively manage the project, including a summary on the management of: goal setting, managing client expectations, communications, scope, approach, quality control, managing project schedule, cost, quality control/assurance, risk and stakeholders within prescribed budgets and change management.

5.2.5 SECTION E – PROJECT APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

Provide a brief summary to include the approach for this project including the team and consultants as it relates to the previously defined scope.

5.2.6 SECTION F – HISTORY OF SIMILAR PROJECTS

Provide a minimum of five (5) representative projects including the following information for each project:

• Owner’s name and title.

• Owner’s contact person name, title, address, telephone number and email address.

• Title and description of the project.

• Description of the services provided.

5.2.7 SECTION G – REPUTATION OF FIRM

Provide a record of successfully completed projects without major legal or technical problems.

State whether the firm has been sued or had a claim filed against it in the last five

(5) years. If the answer is “yes” please, provide details of each suit or claim and the resolution of the matter.

5.2.8 SECTION H – REQUIRED FORMS

Submittals must include the following documents:

• Appendix A – Statement of Qualifications Submission (signed)

• Appendix B – Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion (signed)

6 EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.1 SELECTION PARTICIPANTS

1. Maintaining the integrity of the RFQ process is of paramount importance for the County. To this end, do not contact any member of the Union County Board of Commissioners or any member of the Union County staff regarding the subject matter of this RFQ until a selection is made, other than the County’s designated contact person identified in the introduction to this RFQ. Failure to abide by this requirement shall be grounds for disqualification from this selection process.

2. The County will establish an RFQ Evaluation Team to review and evaluate the submittals independently in accordance with the published evaluation criteria.

The Evaluation Team will review, and rank firms based on demonstrated competence and qualifications in accordance with the North Carolina Mini-Brooks Act (NCGS §143-64.31).

3. Union County reserves the right to conduct interviews with a shortlist of selected respondents.

4. At its sole discretion, the Owner may ask written questions of Offerors, seek written clarification, and conduct discussions with Offerors on the submittals.

5. The Owner will provide written notification to all Offerors of the selection at the conclusion of the Procurement process.

6. Following the evaluation and ranking process, the County will enter into negotiations with the firm determined to be the best qualified to provide the required services. The County will attempt to negotiate a contract at a fair and reasonable fee.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

If the County is unable to successfully negotiate a contract with the best qualified firm, negotiations with that firm will be formally terminated and the County will proceed to negotiate with the next most qualified firm. This process will continue until a contract agreement is reached or the selection process is terminated.

6.2 EVALUATION SELECTION PROCESS

In accordance with the North Carolina Mini-Brooks Act (NCGS §143-64.31), firms will be evaluated and ranked based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of professional services required. For individual project assignments under this contract, the County will evaluate the qualifications of the selected firms relative to the specific project and determine the firm with which to initiate negotiations based on demonstrated competence and qualifications. Price shall not be requested or considered during the evaluation of Statements of Qualifications.

The evaluation team will review the information submitted in response to this RFQ and rank firms based on the evaluation criteria identified below. The purpose of this process is to identify the most qualified firms to provide engineering services for Union County projects.

In the evaluation and scoring/ranking of Offerors, the Owner will consider the information submitted in the RFQ as well as the meetings (if applicable) with respect to the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFQ.

The initial evaluation criteria/factors and relative weights listed below will be used to recommend selection of the best qualified firm or for the purpose of selecting Short-Listed Offerors. The County may choose to award without engaging in interview discussions.

-------Intentionally Left Blank------

SOQ Evaluation Criteria Weights

Project Experience -Specialized or appropriate project experience;

-Recent experience with project costs and schedules;

-Past performance on similar projects;

-Record of successfully completed projects without major legal or technical difficulties.

45%

Project Team and Availability of Resources -Adequate staff and proposed consultant team for the project;

-Current workload and municipal projects awarded;

-Familiarity with the area where the project is located;

-Administration capabilities.

40%

Project Management and Quality Control -Project management with respect to project goals, communication, and cost & schedule control;

-Proposed approach for the project;

-Ability to address project challenges in a timely and definitive manner.

10%

Project Approach

- Proposed approach for the project including team and consultants 5%

After identification of Short-Listed Offerors, the Owner may or may not decide to invite Short-Listed firms for interviews/demonstrations. If interviews are scheduled with the Short-Listed Offerors, previous evaluation and rankings are not carried forward. For the purpose of selecting the best qualified firm, the evaluation criteria will be given the following relative weights:

6.3 AWARD PROCEDURE

The County reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the submittals received. It is understood that any SOQ submitted will become part of the public record.

A submittal may be rejected if it is incomplete. Union County may reject any or all submittals and may waive any immaterial deviation in a submittal.

The County may accept the SOQ that best serves its needs, as determined by County officials in their sole discretion.

Interview Evaluation Criteria Weights

Project Team and Availability of Resources Project Experience Project Approach and Project Management

75%

Quality and Relevance of Interview as it Relates to the Scope of the RFQ. 25%

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

The County reserves the right to select firms based solely on the Statements of Qualifications without conducting interviews.

More than one submittal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names will not be considered.

Following the evaluation and ranking process, the County will enter into negotiations with the firm determined to be the best qualified to provide the required services. The County will attempt to negotiate a contract at a fair and reasonable fee.

If the County is unable to successfully negotiate a contract with the best qualified firm, negotiations with that firm will be formally terminated and the County will proceed to negotiate with the next most qualified firm. This process will continue until a contract agreement is reached or the selection process is terminated.

The award document will be a Contract incorporating, by reference, all the requirements, terms and conditions of the solicitation and the Offeror’s SOQ as negotiated.

The County reserves the right to select and enter into contracts with multiple firms through this solicitation. Firms selected through this process may be utilized on an as-needed basis for individual project assignments. Selection does not guarantee that any firm will receive a minimum amount of work.

7 GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

7.1 TERMS OF CONTRACT

The contract award will have an initial term of two (2) years with three (3), one-year renewal options pending annual budget appropriation.

Union County has the right to reject any or all SOQ, to engage in further negotiations with any Company submitting a proposal, and/or to request additional information or clarification.

All SOQ submitted in response to this request shall become the property of Union County and as such, may be subject to public review.

7.2 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The contents of this submittal and the commitments set forth in the selected SOQ shall be considered contractual obligations if a contract ensues. Failure to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. All legally required terms and conditions shall be incorporated into final contract agreements with the selected Service Provider(s).

7.3 MINORITY BUSINESSES (MBE) OR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES (DBE)

It is the policy of Union County that Minority Businesses (MBEs), Women businesses (WBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and other small businesses shall have the opportunity to compete fairly in contracts financed in whole or in part with public funds. Consistent with this policy, Union County will not allow any person or business to

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against in connection with the award and performance of any contract because of sex, race, religion, or national origin.

7.4 EXPENSE OF FIRM

The Owner accepts no liability for the cost and expenses incurred by firms in responding to this Procurement. Each Firm that enters into the Procurement process shall prepare the required materials and the SOQ at its own expense and with the express understanding that the Firm cannot make any claims whatsoever for reimbursement from the Owner for the costs and expenses associated with the process, even in the event the Owner cancels this Project or rejects all submittals.

7.5 E-VERIFY

E-Verify is the federal program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, or any successor or equivalent program, used to verify the work authorization of newly hired employees pursuant to federal law.

Vendor/Firm shall ensure that Firm and any Subcontractor performing work under this contract: (i) uses E-Verify if required to do so; and (ii) otherwise complies with applicable law.

7.6 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All Firms will be required to follow Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.

Union County will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement, equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, and marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. All submittals submitted in response to this request shall become the property of Union County and as such, may be subject to public review. All payroll taxes, liability and worker’s compensation are the sole responsibility of the Proposer. The Proposer understands that an employer/employee relationship does not exist under this contract.

7.7 INSURANCE

One or more of the following insurance limits may be required if it is applicable to the project. The County reserves the right to require additional insurance depending on the nature of the agreement.

At Contractor’s sole expense, Contractor shall procure and maintain the following minimum insurances with insurers authorized to do business in North Carolina and rated A-VII or better by A.M. Best, or as otherwise authorized by the Union County Risk Manager.

A. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Statutory (coverage for three or more employees) limits covering all employees, including Employer’s Liability with limits of:

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

$500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Disease - Each Employee $500,000 Disease - Policy Limit

B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY

(for any agreement unless otherwise waived by the Risk Manager)

Covering Ongoing and Completed Operations involved in this Agreement.

$2,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit

C. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

(for any agreement involving the use of a contractor vehicle while conducting services associated with the agreement)

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit - Any Auto

D. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

(only for any agreement providing professional service such as engineering, architecture, surveying, consulting services, etc.)

$1,000,000 Claims Made

Contractor shall provide evidence of continuation or renewal of Professional Liability Insurance for a period of two (2) years following termination of the Agreement.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor’s General Liability policy shall be endorsed, specifically or generally, to include the following as Additional Insured:

UNION COUNTY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES ARE

INCLUDED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECTS TO THE GENERAL

LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY.

Additional Insured status for Completed Operations shall extend for a period of not less than three (3) years from the date of final payment.

B. Before commencement of any work or event, Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance in satisfactory form as evidence of the insurances required above.

C. Contractor shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against Union County (including its officers, agents and employees).

D. It is the intention of the parties that the insurance policies afforded by contractor shall protect both parties and be primary and non-contributory coverage for any and all losses covered by the above-described insurance.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

E. Union County shall have no liability with respect to Contractor’s personal property whether insured or not insured. Any deductible or self-insured retention is the sole responsibility of Contractor.

F. Notwithstanding the notification requirements of the Insurer, Contractor hereby agrees to notify County’s Risk Manager at 500 N. Main, Monroe, NC 28112, within two (2) days of the cancellation or substantive change of any insurance policy set out herein. Union, in its sole discretion, may deem failure to provide such notice as a breach of this Agreement.

G. The Certificate of Insurance should note in the Description of Operations the following:

Department: _____________________ Contract #: _____________________

H. Insurance procured by Contractor shall not reduce nor limit Contractor’s contractual obligation to indemnify, save harmless and defend Union County for claims made or suits brought which result from or are in connection with the performance of this Agreement.

I. Certificate Holder shall be listed as follows:

Union County Attention: Risk Manager 500 N. Main Street Monroe, NC 28112

J. If Contractor is authorized to assign or subcontract any of its rights or duties hereunder and in fact does so, Contractor shall ensure that the assignee or subcontractor satisfies all requirements of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, maintenance of the required insurances coverage and provision of certificate(s) of insurance and additional insured endorsement(s), in proper form prior to commencement of services.

7.8 INDEMNIFICATION

Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold Union County, its officers, employees and agents free and harmless from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages, settlements, costs, charges, professional fees or other expenses or liabilities of every kind and character arising out of or relating to any and all claims, liens, demands, obligations, actions, proceedings, or causes of action of every kind in connection with or arising out of this agreement and/or the performance hereof that are due, in whole or in part, to the negligence of the Contractor, its officers, employees, subcontractors or agents.

Contractor further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and defend the same at its sole expense and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto.

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

8 APPENDIX A – SOQ SUBMISSION FORM

RFQ 2027-001

Submit with SOQ

This SOQ is submitted by:

Company Legal Name:

Representative Name:

Representative Signature:

Representative Title:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Website Address:

It is understood that Union County reserves the right to reject any and all submittals, to make awards according to the best interest of the County, to waive formalities, technicalities, to recover and re-advertise this project. This Statement of Qualifications is valid for 120 calendar days from the due date and is submitted by an executive of the company that has authority to contract with Union County, NC.

Name:

Title:

Signature:

Date:

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

9 APPENDIX B – ADDENDUM AND ANTI-COLLUSION

Submit with SOQ

Please acknowledge receipt of all addenda by including this form with your submittal. Any questions or changes received will be posted as an addendum on www.co.union.nc.us and/or www.ips.state.nc.us. It is your responsibility to check for this information.

Addendum No. Date Downloaded

I certify that this SOQ is made in good faith and without collusion with any other offeror or officer or employee of Union County.

By signing below, the Offeror certifies that it has reviewed Union County’s Multiple Project Agreement (Appendix C) and is prepared to enter into the agreement without material modifications.

Legal Company Name:

Name:

Title:

Email Address:

Signature:

Date:

http://www.co.union.nc.us/

RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

10 APPENDIX C – TEMPLATE MASTER AGREEMENT

Multiple Project Agreement

Do Not Submit with SOQ

---Informational Purposes Only---

Last Updated: 02.06.24

MULTIPLE PROJECT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

UNION COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

AND

[ENGINEERING FIRM]

FOR

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

DATE: _______________________

AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

UNION COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

AND

[ENGINEERING FIRM]

FOR

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

THIS IS AN AGREEMENT made as ___________________________, between Union County, North Carolina, with principal offices at 500 N. Main St., Monroe, North Carolina 28112, hereinafter referred to as “OWNER” and [Engineering Firm], with offices at [Address], hereinafter referred to as “ENGINEER.”

OWNER desires to retain ENGINEER, a professional engineering firm, to provide engineering services on one or more projects in which the OWNER is involved; and

ENGINEER desires to provide such services on such projects as may be agreed, from time to time, by the parties.

OWNER and ENGINEER, in consideration of their mutual covenants, herein agree in respect of the performance of professional services by ENGINEER and the payment for those services by OWNER as set forth below.

SECTION 1 - PROJECT TASK ORDER

1.1 This Agreement shall apply to as many projects as OWNER and ENGINEER agree will be performed under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each project ENGINEER performs for OWNER hereunder shall be designated by a “Task Order.” A sample Task Order is attached to this Agreement and marked as Exhibit “A”. No Task Order shall be binding or enforceable unless and until it has been properly executed by both OWNER and ENGINEER.

Each properly executed Task Order shall become a separate supplemental agreement to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement does not require OWNER to purchase any minimum amount of professional services, and a decision by OWNER to not make any purchase hereunder will violate neither this Agreement nor any implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. OWNER has no financial obligation under this Agreement absent OWNER’s execution of a valid and binding Task Order.

1.2 In resolving potential conflicts between this Agreement and the Task Order pertaining to a specific project, the terms of the Task Order shall control.

1.3 ENGINEER represents and agrees that it is qualified and fully capable to perform and provide the professional engineering services and other services required or necessary under this Agreement in a fully competent and professional manner, and that any consultants ENGINEER engages (“Consultants”) are also fully capable and qualified to perform and provide the services that they will provide hereunder.

1.4 In performing services pursuant to this Agreement and any Task Order, ENGINEER shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and orders of any and all governmental bodies, agencies, authorities, and courts having jurisdiction.

ENGINEER shall also exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing its services under this Agreement in accordance with generally accepted standards for engineering practice in the region which is the situs of the project or task subject to the Task Order (“Standard of Care”).

1.5 ENGINEER shall be responsible for all errors or omissions in the drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by ENGINEER. It shall be the responsibility of ENGINEER throughout the period of performance under this Agreement, including any Task Order, to use reasonable professional care and judgment to guard OWNER against defects and deficiencies in any work.

1.6 ENGINEER shall correct at no additional cost to OWNER any and all errors, omissions, discrepancies, ambiguities, mistakes, or conflicts in the drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by ENGINEER.

1.7 Time is of the essence in this Agreement. ENGINEER shall perform all services in a timely manner in accordance with any schedules set forth herein, including any Task Order.

ENGINEER shall ensure all necessary or appropriate applications for approvals are submitted to federal, state, and local governments or agencies in a timely manner so as not to delay design or any other activities of a PROJECT.

1.8 Any of ENGINEER’s key personnel, along with its Consultants and their key personnel, may be listed in a Task Order. No changes to ENGINEER’s key personnel or its Consultants and their key personnel shall be permitted without the written consent of OWNER, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

SECTION 2 - BASIC SERVICES

ENGINEER shall provide OWNER with all engineering and related services required to satisfactorily complete all phases and requirements of a Task Order within the time limitation set forth therein in accordance with the Standard of Care. ENGINEER’s basic services and responsibilities (“Basic Services”) for each Task Order are defined in the Appendix, Exhibit A, “Scope of Services”, which is part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. A detailed Scope of Services for each Task Order, or for Additional Services, will be developed at the direction of OWNER and will formally become a part of this Agreement through a Task Order executed by both parties, which Task Order shall include payment provisions and provisions for time of completion by ENGINEER.

2.1 General.

2.1.1 ENGINEER's Basic Services and responsibilities to OWNER are as defined in the Task Order applicable to each project. These services may include providing professional engineering consultation and advice and furnishing (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process, chemical, solid waste and recovery) engineering design services and/or construction administration services and related architectural/engineering services incidental thereto.

SECTION 3 - ADDITIONAL SERVICES

3.1 General

Additional Services (“Additional Services”) are not included in the Basic Services; and shall be provided if authorized by Task Order; and shall be paid for by OWNER as provided in this Agreement, in addition to compensation for Basic Services.

SECTION 4 - OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

OWNER shall perform the following:

4.1 Designate in writing a person to act as OWNER's representative with respect to services to be rendered under this Agreement. Such person shall have complete authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret OWNER's policies and make decisions with respect to ENGINEER's services for the PROJECT, except those decisions which require approval by the County Manager or Board of Commissioners.

4.2 Provide to ENGINEER any data, plans, reports, and other information in possession of, and reasonably accessible by, OWNER which are relevant to the execution of ENGINEER's duties on the PROJECT; provide all criteria and full information as to OWNER's requirements for the PROJECT, including design criteria, objectives and constraints, space, capacity and performance requirements, flexibility and expendability, and any budgetary limitations.

4.3 After receiving notice from ENGINEER, furnish, if necessary, services of soils/geotechnical engineers, archeological professionals or other consultants. These services may include, without limitation, borings, probings and subsurface explorations, hydrographic surveys, laboratory tests and inspections of samples, materials and equipment, with reports and appropriate professional recommendations.

4.4 Provide land surveys to include property, boundary, easement, right-of-way, utility surveys, property descriptions, zoning, deed or other land use restrictions.

4.5 Arrange for access to, and make all provisions for ENGINEER and its Consultants to enter upon public and private property as required by ENGINEER and its Consultants, to perform services under this Agreement.

4.6 Review all studies, reports, sketches, Drawings, Specifications, proposals and other documents presented by ENGINEER.

4.7 Provide, if necessary, environmental assessments, or environmental impact statements related to the PROJECT; furnish approvals and permits from all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the PROJECT and approvals and consents from others as may be necessary for completion of the PROJECT, except those approvals, permits and consents to be provided by ENGINEER pursuant to this Agreement.

4.8 Provide accounting and insurance counseling services as necessary for OWNER regarding the PROJECT, and auditing services as OWNER may require to ascertain how or for what purpose any contractor has used the monies paid under the construction contract.

4.9 Advertise for proposals from bidders, open the proposals at an appointed time and place, and pay for all costs incidental thereto.

4.10 Give prompt notice to ENGINEER whenever OWNER observes or otherwise becomes aware of any condition that affects the scope or timing of ENGINEER's services, or any defect or nonconformity in the Work of any contractor.

4.11 Render approvals and decisions as is necessary for the orderly progress of ENGINEER's services. ENGINEER shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness of all information and services provided by OWNER or at OWNER's direction, unless ENGINEER knows or in the exercise of reasonable professional skill and care should or would have reason to know that information and services provided by OWNER were inaccurate or not completely accurate.

SECTION 5 - PERIODS OF SERVICE

5.1 The provisions of this Section 5 and the various rates of compensation for ENGINEER's services provided for elsewhere in this Agreement have been agreed to in anticipation of the orderly and continuous progress of the PROJECT through completion of the Services contained herein. ENGINEER's obligation to render services hereunder will extend for a period which may reasonably be required for the performance of ENGINEER's services and required extensions thereto. If specific periods of time for rendering services are set forth or specific dates by which services are to be completed are provided, and if such dates are exceeded through no fault of ENGINEER, all rates, measures and amounts of compensation provided herein may be subject to equitable adjustment.

5.2 The services required for the various phases shall be performed within the time stipulated and mutually agreed in the Task Order for which services are authorized.

5.3 ENGINEER's services shall be considered complete at the earlier of (1) the date when the submissions for that phase have been accepted by OWNER; or (2) thirty (30) days after the date when such submissions are delivered to OWNER for final acceptance, provided no dispute exists as to the quality of ENGINEER's submissions.

5.4 If OWNER requests significant modifications or changes in the general scope, extent or character of the PROJECT, the time of performance of ENGINEER's services and the various rates of compensation may be adjusted equitably.

SECTION 6 - PAYMENTS TO ENGINEER

6.1 Methods of Payment for Services and Expenses of ENGINEER

6.1.1 Payroll Cost shall mean the salary and wages at the time services are performed of all personnel engaged directly on the PROJECT, including, but not limited to, engineers, architects, scientists, surveyors, designers, draftsmen, specification writers, estimators, other technical and business personnel; plus the cost of customary and statutory benefits including, but not limited to, social security contributions, unemployment; excise and payroll taxes, workers' compensation, health and retirement benefits, sick leave, vacation, holiday pay, and other benefits.

6.1.2 Direct Labor Costs shall mean salary and wages at the time services are performed of all personnel engaged directly on the PROJECT, including, but not limited to, engineers, architects, surveyors, designers, draftsmen, specification writers, estimators, other…