Upper Agua Fria Recharge Facility Expansion

The Town of Prescott Valley is seeking professional consulting services for the Upper Agua Fria Recharge Facility Expansion through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in Yavapai County, Arizona. The project involves a comprehensive hydrogeologic feasibility evaluation for a Managed Underground Storage Facility (MUSF) that will expand upon the current In-Channel site of the Upper Agua Fria Recharge Facility. Key deliverables include reviewing existing recharge operations, conducting aquifer characterization, performing hydrologic feasibility analysis, designing a facility to meet state regulations, and preparing permit applications for Underground Storage Facility (USF) and Water Storage Permit (WSP). The procurement aims to increase recharge capacity from the current average of 1,600 acre-feet annually to at least 2,000 acre-feet annually. Evaluation criteria will assess submissions across five categories: Understanding & Approach (20 points), Team Experience (25 points), Capacity/Capability (20 points), Project Experience (25 points), and SOQ Quality (10 points), with a potential interview phase adding another 100 points. The solicitation timeline includes a non-mandatory pre-submittal conference on August 13, 2025, with statements of qualifications due September 15, 2025, at 3:30 PM Arizona MST through the Bonfire digital procurement portal, following Arizona Revised Statutes 34-603 for professional services selection.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project will utilize the Town's existing wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, which can pump up to 4.3 million gallons per day but is currently limited to 2.7 MGD based on population. Current infrastructure includes two constructed underground storage facility sites: the In-Channel site utilizing 2.2 miles of the Upper Agua Fria River bottom and the North Plains site with 7 basins covering 25 acres. The Town will cover all required Arizona Department of Water Resources application fees, and the project specifically excludes direct injection methods near drinking water wells due to PFAS contamination concerns. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the project is anticipated to span Fiscal Year 25/26, with final reports and permit applications expected by June 1, 2026. The contract will be awarded to the most qualified firm based on the comprehensive evaluation process, with negotiations to follow the selection of the highest-ranked consultant.