AS27-126 Engineering Analysis for Newfoundland Basin Water Augmentation to GSL

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, through the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner, is soliciting statements of qualifications under RFSQ AS27-126 for engineering analysis of methods to augment the Newfoundland Basin and deliver surface water to the Great Salt Lake, with qualifications due November 18, 2026. Selection follows Utah Procurement Code 63G-6a Part 15 for design professional service providers. The highest-ranked vendor negotiates compensation the state deems fair and reasonable, and the state moves to the next-ranked vendor if those negotiations fail. Submissions must exclude pricing.

The scope requires a minimum of three alternative options, each with preliminary cost estimates and an analysis of strengths and weaknesses. One preferred method must then be refined to a minimum 30 percent engineered design. Preliminary estimates indicate annual delivery of 10,000 to 100,000 acre-feet, averaging about 35,000 acre-feet. The consultant must collect and evaluate additional data on terrain elevation, surface and subsurface characteristics, volumetric retention within the Newfoundland Basin, and annual delivery, drawing on hydrologic data, imagery, and studies that the Office and the Department of Natural Resources provide. Solutions must resist hypersaline brines and sediment accumulation, function across significant elevation changes and distances, and operate passively to minimize ongoing costs.

Evaluation totals 1,000 points: approach and methodology at 200 points (20 percent), consultant qualifications including subconsultants at 250 points (25 percent), demonstrated knowledge at 250 points (25 percent), work schedule at 150 points (15 percent), and personnel availability at 150 points (15 percent). Statements of qualifications may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the executive summary, and must be submitted electronically through the U3P platform. Vendor inquiries are limited to the designated procurement officer.

The scope document lists an award date of December 7, 2026, a kickoff of December 14, 2026, and a contract term ending April 1, 2027, which matches the stated start date of April 1, 2027. It also lists cost estimates due February 26, 2026 and the final engineering alternative analysis due April 1, 2026, both before the award date. Required insurance includes commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, plus commercial automobile liability of $1 million per occurrence if vehicles are used. The contractor must register with and use E-Verify for Utah-based employees. Vendors may assert a business confidentiality claim under GRAMA by submitting both redacted and non-redacted proposal versions.