RFQ WTP Soda Ash Improvements

The City of Bellingham is requesting qualifications from engineering firms to provide professional design services for Water Treatment Plant Soda Ash Improvements (Project #45B-2026), with qualifications due August 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. via electronic submission through the City's procurement portal.

The scope includes design, permitting, cost estimates, and potentially construction management for replacing and upgrading the WTP's aging soda ash chemical feed system. Work encompasses replacement of mechanical components downstream of the silo to the injection point, retrofit of storage silos with inter-silo transfer capability, installation of actuated discharge gates, and replacement of chemical feed piping with flushing ports. All work must comply with Washington State Department of Health standards, American Water Works Association Standards, WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City will separately contract for surveying, base mapping, topography, existing utility mapping, and public outreach.

The anticipated contract term is up to 24 months, with work potentially completed in multiple phases. The project will be funded through the City of Bellingham Water Fund. Consultant fees will be determined through a fee proposal process following selection, based on hourly rates that include overhead and profit with no markup allowed on subconsultants or service invoices. Travel expenses will be reimbursed at federal and state government per diem rates.

Selected firms must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, automobile liability insurance of $1 million, professional liability insurance of $1 million, and workers compensation coverage.

Evaluation is based on qualifications and experience (25 points), organization and project management (20 points), technical knowledge (25 points), current project workload (10 points), schedule capability (10 points), and references (10 points). Award is anticipated within 30 calendar days of the submission deadline.