Foothills Regional Airport Industial Sewer Project

Caldwell County is seeking a qualified engineering firm to undertake the Foothills Regional Airport Industrial Sewer Project, a comprehensive infrastructure development initiative located near Morganton and Lenoir, North Carolina. The procurement is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), design, and construction services targeting public sanitary sewer infrastructure serving Foothills Regional Airport and approximately 1,054 surrounding acres. Key deliverables include project descriptions, site layouts, feasibility analysis, permit and approval assessments, environmental considerations, construction cost estimates, and construction schedules. The evaluation committee will rank submissions based on four primary criteria: experience (30%), work performance (30%), capacity to perform (30%), and other appropriate factors (10%), with particular emphasis on demonstrated Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding experience and prior PER submissions. Proposals must be submitted as two hard copies (maximum 30 double-sided pages) and one electronic copy on a flash drive to Heather Cox, Purchasing Agent, by January 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

The county encourages participation from small, minority, and female-owned businesses and requires firms to be registered to practice in North Carolina. Respondents must provide labor rates by category, travel costs, and a list of reimbursable expenses. The project is contingent upon securing EDA funding, with Caldwell County serving as the official selection entity. Publication requirements include advertisements in a local newspaper and The Charlotte Post, as well as postings on the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal and Historically Underutilized Business Solicitation Portal. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the project involves significant infrastructure development for an airport and surrounding industrial area, suggesting a potentially substantial investment. The procurement process anticipates awarding a follow-on design and construction contract to the same firm that completes the Preliminary Engineering Report, creating an opportunity for comprehensive project engagement.