Risk & Resilience Assessment and Update to Water System Emergency Response Plan

The City of Poway, located in San Diego County, California, is soliciting proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and update the Water System Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in compliance with Section 2013 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. The procurement requires a consultant to complete four primary tasks: preliminary review and project kick-off, conduct a detailed risk and resilience assessment, update the city's emergency response plan, and provide emergency response training. Deliverables will include a comprehensive assessment of risks to water system assets from malevolent acts and natural hazards, evaluating financial infrastructure, monitoring practices, chemical handling, and operational maintenance. The RFP was released on March 27, 2025, with proposal submissions due on April 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The contract is anticipated to begin on June 3, 2025, with specific federal compliance deadlines of June 30, 2026, for the Risk and Resilience Assessment and December 31, 2026, for the Emergency Response Plan. Evaluation criteria will include reference checks, consultant qualifications, proposal thoroughness, project understanding, technical competence, and prior relevant experience.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The City of Poway serves a population under 50,000 and provides potable water to over 14,000 connections, indicating a relatively small municipal water system. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract allows for potential extensions up to two additional one-year terms subject to approval by the City Manager and consultant. The procurement will require self-certification to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to demonstrate compliance with federal mandates. Although a specific budget range is not detailed in the available documentation, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in water system resilience and emergency preparedness. Interested consultants should have extensive experience in municipal water system risk assessment, emergency planning, and federal regulatory compliance.