Waco Lake Study

The City of Waco is requesting qualifications from consulting engineering firms to conduct a comprehensive biological and chemical study of Lake Waco under RFQ 2026-001, with statements due March 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time and opening scheduled immediately thereafter via Zoom videoconference.

The scope requires completion of the study and delivery of reports within 18 months of Notice to Proceed. The primary technical deliverable involves water quality modeling of Lake Waco using CE-QUAL-W2 and SWAT models to assess phosphorus control strategies across the 1,660 square-mile Lake Waco–Bosque River watershed spanning six counties in the Brazos River Basin. The selected firm must conduct a 32-year simulation analysis to evaluate control strategy effectiveness against a target of 10 ppb mean summer orthophosphate concentration and must provide analytical laboratory support (the City of Waco laboratory will not be available). Findings will inform recommendations for improvements to the city's water treatment process.

Mandatory criteria include current Texas licensure or registration and absence of conflicts of interest with the City. The City requires at least five references, with preference for clients engaged within the past 24 months, and demonstrated experience with FEMA, USACE, TCEQ, TWDB, EPA, USFS, and TPWD as pertains to lake studies and aquatic assessments. Submissions must include organizational charts showing project personnel and evidence of organizational capacity for hydrodynamic and water quality modeling and long-term simulation analysis.

Evaluation follows Texas Government Code Chapter 2254 professional services procurement procedures using a point-based system: firm expertise and experience (50 points), project approach (40 points), and conformance with RFQ requirements (10 points). Price is not evaluated. The City anticipates interviews during March and April 2026, with final award expected by April or May 2026. Contracts exceeding $100,000 require Waco City Council approval. Questions were due February 19, 2026. Addendum No. 1 issued March 11, 2026, clarified submission requirements and confirmed the City will provide access to available historical records prior to contract finalization. Contact: Melanie Wade, Purchasing Agent, 254-750-8098 or melaniew@wacotx.gov.