Crosstown Water Main Route Study RFP

The City of Toledo, Ohio, Department of Public Works is requesting proposals for professional engineering services to conduct a route selection and pipeline alignment study for approximately 3.5 miles of 1940s-era water transmission mains, with proposals due July 28, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST through PlanetBids. The Notice to Proceed is anticipated for October 2, 2026, with final deliverables due by September 3, 2027.

The scope requires the consultant to develop at least three viable route alternatives for pipes ranging from 42 to 60 inches in diameter, extending from Parkside Boulevard and West Woodruff Avenue to Erie Street and Walnut Street. The corridor includes critical infrastructure constraints: a trenchless crossing beneath Interstate 75 and at least one active commercial railroad mainline. The consultant must conduct environmental assessments, perform subsurface utility engineering evaluations, coordinate permitting and stakeholder outreach with a minimum of two public meetings, and deliver a Final Route Selection Report. Supplemental services—topographical surveys and preliminary 30% design—are optional and may be commissioned separately with a Notice to Proceed by January 7, 2028. All consultants and sub-consultants must use AutoCAD Civil 3D 2025 or 2026 for plan submittals. All work products become the exclusive property of the City upon creation.

Pricing uses a direct labor multiplier method without benefits or fringes, with a maximum 5% markup on direct expenses and 3% on sub-consultant costs; billing occurs monthly based on staff hours and hourly charges. Proposals must not exceed 30 pages excluding cover pages, letters of transmittal, and required City forms.

Evaluation criteria (100 points total): firm qualifications and background (15%), office location (5%), familiarity with local and state regulations (10%), current workload (5%), previous project performance (15%), understanding of the project (15%), schedule and staffing (15%), fee (5%), and other distinguishing criteria (5%). The City reserves the right to conduct oral interviews with highest-ranking proposers.

Professional liability insurance is required per Exhibit J (minimum $1 million per occurrence and aggregate, or $2 million claims made). Living Wage requirements apply: $17.45 per hour with health benefits or $20.63 per hour without, per Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 187. All mandatory City forms identified in Exhibits D and E must be completed and attached. Proposals remain effective for 90 days from the due date.