26-002 Capital Investment Strategy RFQ

The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking professional consulting services to establish and implement a comprehensive Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) for their water and wastewater infrastructure. This qualification-based selection process will identify the most qualified firm to develop an enterprise-level risk mapping and asset management strategy, with a focus on prioritizing infrastructure investments. Firms must demonstrate extensive experience in similar initiatives and submit detailed qualifications by December 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The evaluation will assess firms based on their statement of interest, project team composition, project approach, proposed schedule, and past experience. The project timeline spans from July 2026 to Winter 2027, with consultant support extending through two subsequent budget cycles (Winter 2027 - Spring 2028 and Winter 2028 - Spring 2029). Key deliverables include developing comprehensive risk mapping, leveraging existing asset risk data, engaging stakeholders, and providing strategic recommendations for investment prioritization.

While the RFQ does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it outlines a comprehensive selection process that appears open to qualified consulting firms with relevant infrastructure planning expertise. The document includes a sample contract with provisions for reimbursable expenses and hourly billing rates across various professional categories, suggesting flexibility in compensation structure. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the project's scope indicates a significant investment in strategic infrastructure planning. The consultant will be expected to support OWASA's goals of sustainability, resilience, and maintaining high service levels by addressing challenges related to aging infrastructure and effective resource allocation. The project will occur in Carrboro, North Carolina, and aims to provide a structured approach to long-term capital investment planning for the water and sewer authority.