Consulting Services for DEQ's Clean Watersheds Needs Survey

The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is soliciting proposals for consulting services to support data collection, review, and entry into the EPA Clean Watersheds Needs Survey Data portal and coordination with DEQ staff to complete Oregon's EPA-mandated Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, with proposals due September 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. An Oregon Small Business Enterprise (OSBE) preference of 10 percent applies to qualifying offers.

The scope encompasses three overlapping tasks: Task 1 (Training and Preparation, October 1, 2026–March 31, 2027) requires developing project plans and state-specific approaches; Task 2 (Data Collection, October 1, 2026–October 29, 2027) focuses on gathering project needs and cost estimates for approximately 100–200 wastewater systems, 50–100 stormwater facilities, and nonpoint source hydromodification projects; and Task 3 (Data Processing and Submittal, January 4, 2027–January 1, 2028) involves processing data, responding to EPA questions, and finalizing submissions. The initial contract term is 16 months with the possibility of extension.

The estimated budget is $250,000. Compensation will be structured on either a per-task or per-deliverable basis, to be determined through negotiation. Travel and other reimbursable expenses will be paid at rates established by the Oregon Accounting Manual. The sample contract requires Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate and Professional Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim / $2,000,000 aggregate.

Evaluation criteria total 100 points: Project Plan (35 points), Relevant Experience and Project Team Qualifications (35 points), Budget (10 points), and Price (20 points). Offerors must submit a project plan (not to exceed 5 pages), resumes for key personnel (up to 2 pages each), at least two references, proof of responsibility, and a completed Responsibility Inquiry form. A pre-offer conference is scheduled for August 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PT. Questions are due August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Award notification is anticipated around September 25, 2026.