I. INTRODUCTIONThe City of East Moline, Illinois (the “City”) has been awarded a Site Readiness Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to evaluate and assess development potential near the I-80/I-88 interchange. The site is within a “special flood hazard area” near the Rock River and presents unique development challenges and opportunities.The City is seeking qualifications from experienced engineering firms to complete the scope of work within the defined project budget of $160,000. The project must be completed in accordance with the City’s Qualification-Based Selection (QBS) process.II. SCOPE OF WORKThe selected consultant will provide professional engineering and planning services to support the development readiness of approximately 600 acres of property located near the I-80/I-88 Interchange in East Moline, Illinois. This project ultimately aims to identify barriers and propose strategies for unlocking the site’s economic development potential. Work must comply with the DCEO Site Readiness Grant objectives and the City of East Moline’s QBS procedures. All deliverables must be scoped and scheduled to stay within the fixed $160,000 budget. Primary scope of work generally includes:1. Wetland Assessment and Analysis: This task involves the identification and delineation of wetlands on the 600-acre site using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and the Midwest Regional Supplement. It includes a review of aerial imagery, hydrology data, soils, and other resources. Fieldwork will be performed to identify vegetation, hydrology, and soil characteristics. GPS survey data will be compiled into AutoCAD drawings. The consultant will submit a formal Wetland Delineation Report to USACE and coordinate with relevant agencies for jurisdictional determinations and regulatory site visits.2. Environmental Site Assessment: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will be conducted in accordance with ASTM E1527-21 standards. It includes a regulatory database search extending beyond the standard radius, local agency consultation (e.g., fire department, health department), site reconnaissance, historical land use research, and stakeholder interviews. Vapor encroachment will be evaluated using ASTM E2600-10 protocols. The purpose is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) that could affect site development and assess the potential need for further study.3. Conceptual Land Use Planning: This task builds upon prior planning efforts and integrates new environmental and engineering data to create a conceptual land use plan. It involves evaluating the site’s developability based on constraints like wetlands, floodplain, infrastructure access, and topography. Deliverables may include two conceptual plans — one emphasizing intensive industrial development and another incorporating environmental mitigation (e.g., wetland banking, recreational use).4. Floodplain Study: This component entails analyzing the site’s floodplain conditions using FEMA data, historical flood models, and possibly developing a new model if existing models are outdated or insufficient. Phase I will develop a baseline model of existing conditions. Phase II will model conceptual land use alternatives to assess flood impacts and confirm compliance with “zero-rise” requirements in flood elevation. Deliverables may include hydraulic modeling, flood impact reports, and recommendations to accommodate fill and cut operations within the floodplain.5. Floodplain Management Strategy: This task evaluates regulatory constraints and mitigation opportunities related to floodplain development. Activities may include identifying permissible development areas based on state and local floodplain and zoning rules, developing a mitigation strategy, and preparing floodplain mitigation alternatives. A summary report may be created, detailing regulatory constraints, concept exhibits, mitigation costs, and a prioritized matrix of feasible floodplain management strategies.6. Regulatory Coordination and Review: This task supports agency coordination and ensures compliance with federal and state environmental regulations. Submittals will be made to:•USACE for jurisdictional determinations and potential 404 permitting,•Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) using the EcoCAT system, and•State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for cultural resource review.The consultant will prepare and submit appropriate documentation for agency review and lead coordination efforts on behalf of the City.7. Project Meetings: The consultant will participate in ongoing coordination and progress meetings throughout the project, including bi-weekly virtual check-ins with City staff and stakeholders; in-person meetings at City offices or designated locations; and meetings with local, state, and/or federal regulators as needed for wetland, floodplain, or permitting coordination.8. Optional Recommendations: Firms may also include optional recommendations and estimated add-on costs for follow-up services beyond the current scope (e.g., CLOMR preparation). These should be provided as non-binding budget estimates.III. ANTICIPATED SCHEDULEActivity Date (Tentative)RFQ Issuance 06/06/2025Statements of Qualifications Due 06/27/2025Evaluation and Shortlisting 06/27/2025 – 07/11/2025Interviews (if required) / Contract Negotiations 07/14/2025 – 07/18/2025City Committee of the Whole Approval 07/21/2025City Council Approval 08/04/2025Notice to Proceed 08/05/2025Onsite Fieldwork Complete 10/10/2025Each firm shall submit one digital copy (PDF) and three (3) printed copies of their qualifications package, which must include:1. Cover Letter2. Firm Profile3. Relevant Experience with similar site assessment/planning projects.4. Technical Approach to the scope of services outlined.5. Project Team and Resumes6. References (3 minimum)7. Required Forms or Disclosures (see Section VIII below)V. EVALUATION CRITERIASubmissions will be evaluated according to the City's QBS policy. The following criteria will be used:Criteria Weighting RangeTechnical Approach 25%Firm Experience 20%Specialized Experience 20%Workload and Capacity 15%Past Performance 15%Local Presence (if applicable)* 05%VI. SELECTION PROCESSA selection committee will independently evaluate submissions, shortlist a firm or firms, and conduct interviews as needed. The top-ranked firm will be invited to negotiate a scope of work and fee. If negotiations fail, the City will proceed to the next most qualified firm.VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS•The City reserves the right to reject any or all submissions.•The project budget is fixed at $160,000•No reimbursement will be made for submission or interview costs.•The final contract will be subject to City Council approval.•All work must comply with DCEO grant requirements.
