RFQ - Water Supply Long Term Planning

The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is seeking qualified consulting engineering firms to develop a long-term water supply plan aimed at addressing a projected increase of 50 million gallons per day in peak day demand. This procurement is conducted under North Carolina’s Mini Brooks Act, which mandates qualifications-based selection without consideration of price during evaluation. Firms must submit Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) by September 10, 2026, via email in PDF format, not exceeding 25 pages excluding appendices, resumes, cover pages, and tabs, with a maximum file size of 25MB. Evaluation is based on three equally weighted factors: understanding of the project and proposed approach (35%), relevant firm experience in water supply planning (35%), and the qualifications and experience of the proposed project team (30%). The contract value is capped at $300,000, with fees to be negotiated after selection; if negotiations fail, CFPUA may turn to the next highest-rated firm. Required deliverables include a project charter, a detailed draft workplan, and a final comprehensive report with ranked alternatives, supported by GIS layers and Excel files for ongoing use by CFPUA. The work must be performed in support of CFPUA in Wilmington, North Carolina, with key milestones set for October 2026 (project charter meeting), December 2026 (draft workplan), and October 2027 (final deliverables). Firms must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and maintain specific insurance coverage, including $2 million professional liability insurance with CFPUA named as additional insured. No federal acquisition regulations apply; all requirements are embedded in the solicitation narrative, and no formal contract clauses, accounting identifiers, or invoicing protocols are specified. There are no socioeconomic set-asides, size status requirements, or federal entity registrations needed, and the selection process is entirely based on technical merit.