REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS – ENGINEERING SERVICES
The City of International Falls is soliciting statements of qualifications to retain a firm to provide general engineering services related to the City’s surface Water Treatment Plant. The City will utilize the selected firm for a period of one year for all engineering related activities associated with its water treatment plant, processes, procedures, maintenance, capital improvement planning, water rates and distribution when related to the water treatment process. The City has the right to extend this selection period by increments of one year, if so desired. The agreement and payment terms will be negotiated with the selected firm.
The ideal firm should have extensive experience with Minnesota surface water systems, scope in-house instrumentation and control services, and knowledge of financing programs.
The anticipated initial scope of work will include an assessment of the facility, equipment, staffing, and operational procedures. The consultant should develop an equipment/facility maintenance and improvement plan. Once the improvement plan has been developed, recommendations on rate changes and other sources of funds that may be available should be prepared.
Proposal Content:
Respondents are prohibited from contacting any representative of the City regarding this RFQ. Any questions must be asked in writing of the Director of Public Works and will be shared with other respondents. All responses must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021. Please state “Engineering Services Qualifications” on the outside of the response package. Include 1 printed copy of the proposal and one PDF version. Proposals may not exceed 25 one-side 8.5” x 11” pages, including cover letter and attachments. Additional material, other than that requested by the City, will be disregarded.
Responses should include:
- Firm Background, including the firm’s legal name, mailing address, telephone number, name of primary contact person, location of firm headquarters, and services provided.
- The experience and qualifications of the staff to be assigned to the City.
- A description of the firm’s prior experience with surface water treatment plants, including any similar infrastructure projects, location, project costs, and name of a local official knowledgeable regarding the firm’s performance. Include at least three references.
- A description of the firm’s current work activities as well as the firm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project.
- Hourly rate schedule for assigned staff.
Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors:
- Location (preference given to firms headquartered in Minnesota) (10%)
- Qualifications of the professional personnel (25%)
- Related experience in surface water treatment plants (25%)
- Consultant’s capacity to meet time and budget requirements (15%)
- Recent, current, and projected workloads (15%)
- Overall quality of the proposal (10%)
The selection of finalists will be based on an evaluation of the written responses, as well as interviews. The award will be made to the most qualified firm whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the City, all factors considered. Unsuccessful firms will be notified as soon as possible.
RFQs should be mailed to: Ted Brokaw, City of International Falls Director of Public Works, 600 4th Street, International Falls, MN 56649. tedb@ci.international-falls.mn.us
Proposal Policies:
The City of International Falls reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed. City of International Falls also retains the right to reject all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory, or inappropriate, and/or re-solicit for proposals if deemed to be in its best interest.
All costs related to the preparation of the proposal, interview, or any other related activity are the sole responsibility of the firm. No reimbursement will be made by the City of International Falls for costs incurred prior to a formal notice to proceed under a contract.
