Engineering & Design Services for Dam Decommission Project

The City of Marion, North Carolina is requesting qualification statements and proposals for engineering and design services to decommission the Lady Marian Dam, a 34-foot high-hazard-potential structure at 89 Westwood Chateau Drive, with proposals due October 16, 2026. The scope encompasses design services for repair or replacement of the failed spillway (culvert) to convert the dam to a dry impoundment, including project management, grant administration, survey and data collection, hydrologic and hydraulic design, geotechnical and structural investigations, construction drawings and specifications, permits and approvals, construction bidding services, construction administration, and project closeout.

The Lady Marian Dam, constructed in 1965, poses significant risk to 67 properties, including a shopping center, businesses, residential properties, and a U.S. Highway. A 2019 Dam Safety Order requires repair or removal. Hurricane Helene damage in September 2024 rendered the original slip-lining approach infeasible, requiring a redesigned engineering approach. The project is funded through FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam construction grants and NC Dam Safety Helene Grants awarded to the City of Marion; prospective bidders must acknowledge funding contingency on compliance with grant terms and conditions.

Evaluation is weighted across five criteria: Technical Approach and Understanding of Services Requested (35 points), Experience of Proposed Engineering Personnel with Similar Projects (35 points), Direct Experience with Administration of FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam Grants and NC Dam Safety Helene Grants (10 points), References and Past Performance (10 points), and Firm Capacity and Availability (10 points). Proposals are limited to 20 pages and must be submitted electronically in PDF format. Questions from firms are due September 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The evaluation period runs October 19 through October 30, 2026, with firm announcement scheduled for November 4, 2026. The City intends to negotiate a contract with the selected firm and proceed immediately upon written authorization.