Mapping and Line Locates for Small Rural Water Utilities

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is soliciting proposals under RFP 580-26-RFP-0015 to locate, identify, and map water distribution lines and associated infrastructure for small rural water utilities serving 1,100 or fewer customers across Texas. The contract requires field verification using appropriate detection technologies and GPS data collection to produce accurate, GIS-compatible digital maps and comprehensive electronic reports that can be integrated into utility asset management systems. The scope includes coordination with TWDB to select eligible systems, technical execution of mapping activities, and delivery of final products that comply with 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213 and the WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Work must commence upon contract execution and conclude by August 31, 2027, with potential one-year extensions available through 2030. Proposals must be submitted electronically as a single PDF under 100 MB to bid-room@twdb.texas.gov by 5:00 p.m. CT on June 30, 2026, and must adhere to strict formatting rules, including page limits for each required content item, with resumes and the addendum tracking table excluded from the count. The maximum contract value is $4,750,000, and bidders must provide a credible estimate of the number of systems they can serve within this budget. Proposals will be evaluated against ten weighted factors totaling 130 points, with the highest emphasis placed on experience in field asset location, consulting contracts, and coordination of financial or technical assistance, followed by knowledge of water systems, geographic mapping, rural utility experience, and asset management capabilities. Vendor performance history from the Texas Comptroller’s VPTS system will also be considered. Applicants must submit detailed documentation including company profiles, resumes of key personnel with at least five years of relevant experience, an organizational chart, a VetHUB subcontracting plan, proof of business ownership for individuals with 25% or greater interest, prior project experience, and a technical approach. The contract is governed by Texas law, subject to the Public Information Act and Texas Government Code Chapters 2260 (dispute resolution), 552 (public records), and 2155.074 (best value award). Contractors must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, TX-RAMP cybersecurity standards, and prohibitions against human trafficking and discrimination against firearm entities. They are