Special Counsel- CO Development Agreement

The Town of Firestone, Colorado, located in Weld County, is seeking Statements of Qualifications from attorneys and law firms to serve as Special Counsel for a critical water infrastructure project. The procurement involves selecting legal counsel to support the negotiation, structuring, and execution of a Co-Development Agreement for the St. Vrain Water Treatment Plant expansion and other strategic infrastructure projects outlined in the Town's Water Action Plan. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in municipal finance, infrastructure development, and utility law, with specific emphasis on public-private partnership (P3) funding alternatives for water treatment facilities. Key deliverables include reviewing and drafting agreements, advising on legal structure and risk allocation, preparing and negotiating contracts, providing guidance on financing strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The RFQ was issued on July 14, 2025, with qualifications due by August 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. local time. The selection process includes a tentative timeline for interviews from August 11-15, 2025, with contract award anticipated on August 27, 2025, or September 10, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on the firm's experience with municipal water projects, knowledge of co-development and utility law, and ability to navigate complex legal and contractual frameworks.

The RFQ does not specify any explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project involves a significant capital investment to expand water treatment capacity, potentially utilizing multiple funding mechanisms including revenue bonds, grants, and partnerships with developers or districts. The procurement will require close collaboration with the town's legal, finance, and engineering teams to develop comprehensive infrastructure solutions. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the complexity of the project suggests a substantial investment in legal services and infrastructure development. The selected special counsel will play a critical role in facilitating a complex water infrastructure expansion project that involves intricate legal, financial, and regulatory considerations.