Well drilling oversight and hydrogeologic investigation

The City of Tucson is procuring on-call professional services for well drilling oversight and hydrogeologic investigation through Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 226067, targeting up to five firms to support Tucson Water's infrastructure expansion efforts. The primary objective is to provide comprehensive oversight for drilling operations, ensuring each groundwater production well meets specified standards and specifications. Wells will range from 500 to 1,200 feet deep, with an anticipated installation of up to 12 wells annually, and each well taking approximately 8-12 weeks to complete. The RFQ was published on June 6, 2022, with submittals due by June 29, 2022, following a virtual pre-submittal conference on June 14, 2022. Evaluation criteria will focus on three key areas: qualifications and experience of the team (40 points), qualifications and experience of the firm (30 points), and available resources and other considerations (30 points). Successful consultants must provide experienced personnel, preferably including at least one Registered Geologist or Engineer, capable of performing tasks such as permit applications, groundwater modeling, well installation oversight, and hydrogeologic investigations.

The procurement includes Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program provisions, which mandate specific requirements for local small business participation in municipal contracts. Contractors must submit detailed documentation demonstrating SBE subcontractor involvement, including identifying SBE firms, their specific work scopes, and contract values. The initial contract term is one year, with potential renewals for two additional two-year periods, and an estimated annual budget of $500,000. Individual projects are not expected to exceed $100,000, with typical projects under $80,000. Non-compliance with SBE program requirements may result in penalties, including payment withholding, contract termination, and potential disqualification from future bidding opportunities. The City will utilize a one-step qualifications-based selection process, with a screening committee evaluating firms' submissions and inviting qualified firms to negotiate billing rates. Successful firms will only commence work upon receiving a specific Notice to Proceed for each project assignment.