Water Rate Study - Districts 1, 17, 19, & 38

The Ventura County Public Works Agency has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure consulting services for a comprehensive water rate study covering four Ventura County Waterworks Districts: District No. 1 (Moorpark), District No. 17 (Bell Canyon), District No. 19 (Somis), and District No. 38 (Lake Sherwood). The selected consultant will conduct a cost of service study, validate existing rate structure models, and develop recommended rates for fiscal years 2026-2031 that comply with Proposition 218 requirements. Key deliverables include a comprehensive water rate study with recommended rate schedules, validation of rate structure models, evaluation of capital improvement charges and administrative fees, a capacity charge study, and a financial model for future planning. The consultant must perform a thorough financial analysis encompassing enterprise fund review, cost allocation among customer classes, debt service obligations, infrastructure condition assessments, and development of emergency rate structures for water supply shortages. Required qualifications include over 20 years of experience performing similar projects and at least ten years of California regional rate-setting experience. Evaluation criteria focus on accuracy, thoroughness, firm qualifications, relevant experience with water rate studies in Ventura County and surrounding California regions, overall approach, and ability to meet project goals and timeline. The preliminary report is due September 7, 2026, with the final report due November 30, 2026, and the consultant must attend eight Zoom meetings with the Citizens' Advisory Committee and support a Board of Supervisors meeting on December 15, 2026. Statements of Qualifications must be submitted through the County of Ventura Bonfire website by 2:00 PM on May 20, 2026.

The RFQ does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations eligible to respond, nor does it indicate whether disadvantaged enterprise programs apply. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information has been disclosed in the available documentation. The selected consultant will be required to execute the County's Standard Professional Services Contract (Form ES-150) and maintain specified insurance coverage including $1,000,000 commercial general liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 professional liability per claim with a $2,000,000 annual aggregate, and $1,000,000 workers' compensation coverage. The RFQ does not disclose a specific budget amount or award value range, and consultant fees are explicitly noted as not being part of the evaluation process and should not be included in submissions. Travel costs to in-person meetings will not be reimbursed by the County. Interested firms should note that responses must be submitted electronically through the County's Bonfire portal by the stated deadline.