On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services

Dorchester County is seeking qualified firms to provide on-call geotechnical engineering services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Water & Sewer, Public Works, and Capital Projects Departments. The solicitation requires firms to deliver comprehensive geotechnical services including subsurface investigations, foundation design recommendations, settlement and slope stability analysis, pavement design, and geotechnical reporting and consultation during construction. Proposals will be evaluated using a point-based scoring system across five key criteria: firm qualifications and experience (30 points), key personnel (25 points), relevant project experience (20 points), technical approach (15 points), and references (10 points). The RFP timeline includes written questions due by October 24, 2025, with final proposals due on November 7, 2025. The initial contract term will be one year, with the potential to renew for up to four additional one-year terms. A selection committee will review and score proposals on a 0-5 scale for each evaluation criterion, with the county reserving the right to make multiple awards based on individual offeror capacities.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged business enterprises. Proposals will be evaluated to determine the best value to the county, with payment processed within 30 days of approved invoices. The contract structure will be based on individual task orders, with associated fees submitted for each specific project, allowing for flexibility in project assignment and scope. While no specific budget range is detailed in the available documentation, the on-call nature of the contract suggests potential for multiple projects across various county departments. The procurement appears open to qualified geotechnical engineering firms with demonstrated experience in municipal infrastructure and engineering services, with the county seeking to establish a pool of competent service providers who can respond to various infrastructure and construction-related geotechnical needs.