Design-Build Services for Lee S. Dukes Water Treatment Plant Expansion

Charlotte Water is requesting Statements of Qualifications for progressive design-build services to design, permit, and construct the Lee S. Dukes Water Treatment Plant Expansion in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, with SOQs due September 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit on July 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Lee S. Dukes WTP facility. Charlotte Water prioritizes Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) participation and requires proposers to demonstrate strategies for maximizing Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) participation.

The scope expands treatment capacity from 25 million gallons per day to 54 MGD with high-rate capability to 75 MGD. Work is structured in two major phased milestones: an Interim Milestone requiring construction of an 18 MGD conventional treatment module and associated infrastructure by December 31, 2031, and a Final Milestone requiring completion of a second 18 MGD module and additional systems by December 31, 2034. The design-builder will advance the final layout, sizing, and equipment specifications from the Preliminary Engineering Report completed in June 2026, including treatment-process improvements and distribution-system upgrades in the 978 Zone.

The overall project budget is approximately $790 million—$315 million for the Interim Milestone and $475 million for the Final Milestone. Funding derives from Charlotte Water's Capital Investment Plan with annual allocations ranging from $5 million in FY2027 to $144 million in FY2032 through FY2035. The contract is structured in phased Work Packages or Guaranteed Maximum Price agreements.

Proposers must hold an Unlimited North Carolina General Contractor's license, demonstrate bonding capacity with a surety rated A– or higher by A.M. Best, maintain an Experience Modification Rate of 1.0 or less for at least two of the last three years, and carry professional liability insurance of $2 million, commercial general liability of $2 million, automobile liability of $1 million, and workers' compensation insurance as required by North Carolina. Proposers must comply with E-Verify and register with the North Carolina Secretary of State no later than 15 business days prior to contract award. Short-listed proposers will be notified by September 22, 2026, with optional interviews September 30 through October 1, 2026, and selection notification by October 6, 2026.