County Airport Engineering and Consultant Services

Clarendon County, South Carolina is soliciting qualified engineering firms through a Request for Professional Qualifications (RFQ 2026-009) to provide on an as-needed basis comprehensive engineering and consulting services for the County Airport over a five-year contract term. The procurement encompasses aviation planning, environmental analysis, land acquisition assistance, preliminary and final design, estimating, bidding, construction administration, surveying, geotechnical and environmental studies, and grant application preparation for state and federal funding sources. Proposals must be submitted by March 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST through the Clarendon County Bonfire E-Procurement System, with a questions deadline of February 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Proposals are limited to thirty-five double-spaced pages with minimum 10-point font and must address selection criteria including firm qualifications and personnel, experience with South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and FAA regulations, ability to assist with the Airport Capital Improvement Plan, service capability, and past performance with Clarendon County or other local governmental agencies. Required staffing includes Project Managers with minimum 10 years of design and permitting experience plus 6 years of project management experience, Professional Engineers with minimum 6 years of experience, Design Engineers with 3 years of experience, environmental specialists, professional land surveyors, and support personnel. The prime consultant must be capable of providing a minimum of 65% of the services described. Tentative proposal evaluation meetings are scheduled for March 19, 2026, with an anticipated contract issue date of March 31, 2026. Insurance requirements include comprehensive general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, professional liability of $1,000,000/$2,000,000, and automobile liability of $600,000.

Firms are required to identify all Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) subcontractors and commit to meeting DBE utilization goals as part of the procurement process. The RFQ is structured as a qualification-based selection process conforming to FAA Advisory Circular 150/1500-14E with Change 1, and no cost proposal is required at the initial submittal phase. The County reserves the right to interview selected firms and negotiate final contract terms with the highest-ranked offeror following evaluation. Proposals must include a Non-Collusion Affidavit and Certificate of Familiarity form, certifying that the firm has reviewed all solicitation materials and complies with applicable South Carolina tax payment obligations. The specific award value or budget allocation is not detailed in the procurement documents provided. Compensation for services shall be paid according to a Schedule of Charges as specified in the contract, with monthly invoicing permitted for services completed, and payment due within thirty days of receipt of an accurate and properly submitted invoice.