RFQ Geomorphic Assessment

Cowlitz County, Washington, Department of Public Works is requesting qualifications from firms to provide professional geomorphic assessment services for the lower Toutle and Cowlitz rivers, with Statements of Qualifications due August 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. This is a qualifications-based selection process; cost proposals are not submitted with the initial SOQ and will be negotiated after evaluation.

The study area spans the lower Toutle River from river mile 6.5 to its confluence with the Cowlitz River and the lower Cowlitz River from river mile 20 to its confluence with the Columbia River. The assessment will evaluate geomorphic conditions to support watershed planning, sediment management, floodplain planning, habitat restoration, and stakeholder decision-making. Qualified firms must be licensed in Washington State and will propose their own technical approach, methodologies, level of effort, and work sequencing. All project work and final deliverables must be completed by May 31, 2027.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: demonstrated experience conducting geomorphic assessments (40 points), understanding of project objectives and technical approach with ability to meet the deadline (30 points), qualifications of key personnel (20 points), and past performance and client references (10 points). Highest-ranking firms may be invited to participate in interviews. The selected consultant will coordinate with Cowlitz County, the Rivers Need Room Workgroup of the Spirit Lake/Toutle-Cowlitz River Collaborative, and other stakeholders throughout the project.

The selected consultant must enter into Cowlitz County's standard Professional Services Agreement, including specified insurance requirements. Consultants must not be listed as debarred, suspended, or ineligible by the Washington State Department of Licensing or included on the GSA's List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-procurement Programs or HUD's Limited Denial of Participation list. Statements of Qualifications must be submitted in electronic PDF format to Ashley Claussen at ClaussenA@cowlitzwa.gov.