RFQ - Richardson WTP Membrane Pilot Project

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is requesting qualifications from an engineering consulting firm with demonstrated experience in pilot-scale reverse osmosis (RO) membrane treatment systems for drinking water applications, with statements of qualification due September 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. This is a qualifications-based selection; scope and fee will be negotiated with the selected firm.

The scope covers professional engineering services for the Richardson Water Treatment Plant Membrane Pilot Project: establishing performance objectives, conducting performance-based monitoring and evaluation of low-pressure RO membranes, identifying and evaluating qualified membrane manufacturers, designing the pilot-scale treatment system, developing a comprehensive pilot testing plan, providing operational and maintenance support during testing, and analyzing results to prepare a final technical memorandum with recommendations and lifecycle cost estimates.

The firm must be registered with the North Carolina Office of the Secretary of State and maintain comprehensive insurance: general liability of $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate, workers compensation of $500,000 / $500,000 / $500,000, auto liability of $1 million combined single limits, and professional liability of not less than $2 million per loss, with CFPUA named as additional insured on applicable policies.

Qualifications statements are limited to 20 pages excluding cover pages, tabs, resumes, and appendices, and must be submitted in PDF to bids@cfpua.org. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: project understanding and approach (30%), relevant firm experience (25%), overall staff experience (25%), and project management and technical expertise (20%). Questions are due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Key project milestones include contract completion by October 2, 2026; membrane selection evaluation by December 1, 2026; pilot skid acquisition and startup by March 1, 2027; active pilot testing by August 28, 2027; and final technical memorandum submission by September 27, 2027. CFPUA reserves the right to reject any and all qualifications and to initiate negotiations with the next best qualified firm if negotiations with the selected firm are unsuccessful.