Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Owner’s Advisor for Chowan River Dock Project

The County of Hertford, North Carolina, is seeking a licensed engineering firm to serve as an Owner’s Advisor for the Chowan River Dock Project. This project involves the design and construction of a publicly owned industrial dock and a supporting public road capable of handling industrial loads, with an anticipated total project budget of 40 million dollars for the dock and 11 million dollars for the road. The selected advisor will act as an extension of County staff, providing expertise in marine and waterfront facilities, maritime cranes, heavy civil work, and roadway construction. Key responsibilities include assisting with project criteria during the public procurement phase, performing design administration, reviewing material specifications, and managing construction phase administration, including the review of project costs and schedules. The selection process is based on a qualifications-based selection method, where the County will negotiate with the best qualified firm based on an overall ranking. Interested firms must be licensed in the State of North Carolina under Chapter 89C of the General Statutes and must certify that they are not currently debarred or suspended from state or federal participation. Submissions require a Statement of Qualifications, including a cover letter, a detailed project team organization chart, and a completed background questionnaire. The deadline for responses is 4:00 PM on October 30, 2026, with the final selection expected to be announced by December 15, 2026. The successful firm will be required to provide an original insurance certification naming the County as an additional insured.