Request for Qualifications Public Utilities Engineering (RFQ No. 26-001)

The City of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #26-001) seeking letters of interest and statements of qualifications from professional engineering firms to provide public utilities engineering services across multiple disciplines including potable water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, rate and fee schedule development, and miscellaneous projects. The scope of services is broad and project-specific, potentially encompassing feasibility analysis, grant support, environmental impact analysis, cost estimates, rate analysis, hydraulic modeling, asset evaluation, surveying, design, bidding assistance, construction administration, testing, and inspection. Qualified respondents must demonstrate at least five years of experience in relevant project categories, hold professional engineering licensure in North Carolina, and possess adequate financial capability. Proposals must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on March 11, 2026, to the Public Utilities Director at 410 Pritchard Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, with written questions due by 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2026. Proposals are limited to ten double-sided pages (excluding covers) and must address company background, similar work performed over the last two years with references, key personnel resumes, hourly rates, workforce availability, grant and loan funding experience, and prior work in eastern North Carolina and coastal communities. Master service agreements will be awarded for a three-year term, with the potential for multiple firms to be selected as qualified across various categories. Submissions must include one original and two copies in hard copy format plus a soft copy on a flash drive.

The City of Elizabeth City emphasizes equal opportunities for certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and requests that all respondents disclose their MWBE certification status and describe their participation efforts in this area. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents provided. The RFQ does not specify a budget range or award value; rather, the City will establish hourly rates and project-specific fees through the master service agreement negotiation process based on the qualifications and rate proposals submitted by selected firms. This procurement represents an opportunity for engineering firms with experience in municipal utilities and southeastern coastal infrastructure to establish long-term relationships with the City of Elizabeth City.