Engineering Design Services for Drainage Improvements

Whitfield County Board of Commissioners is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from professional engineering firms to provide design services for drainage improvements and stormwater management in the Gillum Drive drainage basin in Dalton, with sealed proposals due October 5, 2026 by 2:00 PM EST. Questions close September 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM and addenda close September 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

The scope encompasses hydrologic analysis, engineering design, environmental studies, permitting coordination, and bid-ready construction documentation for replacement of undersized storm drainage infrastructure, construction of regional detention facilities, channel stabilization, water-quality improvements, and associated roadway drainage reconstruction. The project serves a 400-acre drainage basin; the direct scope area encompasses approximately 7 acres. Topographic survey data and a Preliminary Engineering Report by Atlas, Inc. are available to the selected firm. The preferred design alternative sizes infrastructure for the 100-year storm event.

The estimated budget for engineering design and environmental services is $400,000 within a total project cost of $6.95 million. Whitfield County is applying for $2 million in Appalachian Regional Commission grant funding; if awarded, the project will include full federal NEPA oversight; if not awarded, the project remains locally funded through SPLOST proceeds with reduced environmental and construction scope. Upon completion, Whitfield County will own and operate the infrastructure.

Proposals are evaluated on experience and qualifications (35%), project understanding (25%), proposed schedule (20%), and company resources (20%). The County will negotiate scope and fees with the selected firm and reserves the right to reject proposals, waive technicalities, or cancel the solicitation. Anticipated award date is October 12, 2026. Submittals must be four hard copies addressed to Brian McBrayer at Whitfield County BOC Finance Department, 201 S. Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Dalton, Georgia 30720. Questions should be directed to Whitfield County Engineer Kent Benson at kbenson@whitfieldcountyga.com. All proposals are subject to Georgia public records disclosure. Standard federal compliance certifications (Byrd Anti-Lobbying for awards $100,000 or more, Copeland Anti-Kickback, Equal Employment Opportunity, domestic preference, and recycled materials procurement) apply.