North Putnam Utilities Feasibility Study

The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners in Florida is requesting qualifications from firms with demonstrated experience in regional water and sewer planning and design for a North Putnam Utilities Feasibility Study under RFQ 26-11, with sealed proposals due May 22, 2026.

The scope encompasses a regional feasibility study to determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach to provide water and sewer services in the North Putnam area, identify system improvements and strategies to accommodate projected growth, conduct utility needs analysis, project capacity and demand, develop conceptual plant designs, analyze buildout phasing, and provide cost estimating for water and wastewater infrastructure. The study period runs from July 28, 2026, through July 27, 2027, with a one-year service period commencing upon receipt of a written Notice to Proceed. The County anticipates establishing a lump sum contract with compensation for all project costs, paid monthly following invoice submission with 5 percent retainage under the Florida Prompt Payment Act.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: experience and qualifications of proposed staff (30 percent), past performance on similar projects (20 percent), project approach (30 percent), availability of proposed staff (10 percent), and familiarity with the project area (10 percent), for a maximum of 100 points. A mandatory pre-submittal meeting was held April 29, 2026, at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, Florida. Proposals must be submitted in one original hard copy, four duplicate copies, and one USB drive containing all documentation in PDF format. The Statement of Qualifications is limited to 15 pages, excluding required forms in Tab F. Addendum 1 (May 1) and Addendum 2 (May 12) modified scope requirements and submission format specifications.

The consultant must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million combined single limit, professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per claim and aggregate, and workers compensation insurance with employer liability limits of at least $100,000 each accident. All proposers must comply with E-Verify, non-discrimination, public entity crimes certification, drug-free workplace certification, and public records retention obligations.

As of June 15, 2026, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., located at 800 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite 100, Gainesville, Florida, has been ranked as the top firm, with the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners scheduled to approve ranked firms on June 23, 2026, after which contract negotiations commence in rank order. Two firms—Kimley-Horn and Quest Corp of America—submitted bids by the May 22 deadline; four other solicited firms (England Thames and Miller, Jones Edmonds, Wright-Pierce, and one unnamed firm) did not submit responses.