Waco Lake Study

The City of Waco, Texas, has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2026-001 seeking a professional engineering consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive biological and chemical study of Lake Waco. The primary objective is to analyze the lake's current condition and develop recommendations for improving the city's water treatment process. Qualified firms must demonstrate multidisciplinary team capabilities, including a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer experienced in drinking water treatment, aquatic scientists or limnologists with reservoir dynamics expertise, and qualified field and laboratory personnel. The study will encompass six base tasks: reviewing existing information and regulatory records, developing a study plan, preparing a sampling and analysis plan, conducting field sampling and laboratory analysis, drafting a report, and resolving city review comments. An optional seventh task involves preparing a Preliminary Engineering Report, which may be added through a contract amendment. The procurement timeline includes a questions deadline of February 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT and a submission deadline of March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CT, with proposals to be opened via Zoom video conferencing at 2:01 p.m. The evaluation will be conducted by a Project Review Committee using a 100-point system, with 50 points for firm expertise and experience, 40 points for project approach, and 10 points for conformance with RFQ requirements.

The RFQ does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Electronic submissions are preferred through the EUNA/Bonfire portal, with alternative options for paper submissions including one electronic copy and one original plus four physical copies. No pricing information should be included in the Statements of Qualifications, as the selection process follows Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code and will be based solely on qualifications and technical merit. The selected firm must complete all work within 18 months from the Notice to Proceed. After evaluation and potential oral interviews, the Director of Infrastructure Services will establish final firm rankings, with contract negotiations beginning with the top-ranked firm. Contract awards exceeding $100,000 will require City Council approval, while smaller contracts may be executed by the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, department head, or director. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided documentation, the comprehensive nature of the study and the requirement for a multidisciplinary team suggests a substantial professional services contract.