JEFFERSON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
General Legal Counsel Services (Retainer)
Issue Date: 3/5/2026
Proposal Due Date: 3/31/26 @ 4:30pm
RFQ Number: JCWA-2026-Legal-01
I. INTRODUCTION
The Jefferson County Water Authority (“JCWA” or “Authority”), located in Festus, Missouri, is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from qualified law firms or licensed attorneys to provide ongoing general legal services on a retainer basis.
The Authority’s current legal services agreement has been terminated effective March 26, 2026. Accordingly, the Authority seeks to retain qualified legal counsel to serve as General Counsel under a long-term professional services agreement.
The Authority intends to enter a five (5) year agreement, subject to annual performance evaluation and approval by the Board of Directors.
II. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Jefferson County Water Authority is a public non-profit water authority serving residents and customers in Festus and Herculaneum, Missouri. The Authority operates under Missouri law and is governed by a Board of Directors.
JCWA is responsible for providing safe and reliable public water service, maintaining infrastructure and distribution systems, ensuring regulatory compliance with state and federal requirements, and managing contracts, procurement, and operational policies.
The Authority operates in a regulated environment and requires experienced legal counsel familiar with Missouri municipal, utility, and public entity law.
III. SCOPE OF LEGAL SERVICES
The selected firm or attorney shall serve as General Counsel and provide legal services including, but not limited to:
A. Governance & Board Counsel
• Advising the Board of Directors on fiduciary duties and governance matters
• Preparing and reviewing resolutions and board policies
• Attendance at regular and special Board meetings as requested
• Advising on Missouri Sunshine Law compliance
B. Contracts & Procurement
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and procurement documents
• Advising on bid processes and public procurement compliance
• Construction and infrastructure contract review
C. Regulatory & Compliance
• Advising on Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) compliance
• Public utility and water authority regulatory matters
• Assistance with compliance under applicable state and federal laws
D. Employment & Personnel Matters
• Employment policies and procedures
• Personnel disputes and risk mitigation
• Review of employee agreements
E. Real Estate & Easements
• Review and drafting of easements and rights-of-way
• Real property transactions and related matters
F. Litigation & Risk Management
• Pre-litigation advice
• Coordination with insurance carriers
• Representation in administrative or court proceedings as needed
G. General Legal Counsel
• Ongoing legal advice to the Executive Director and Board
• Emergency legal consultation when necessary
IV. TERM OF ENGAGEMENT
The Authority seeks to enter into a professional services agreement for a term of five (5) years.
The agreement shall be subject to annual review and approval by the Board, include provisions for termination for cause or convenience, and allow for performance evaluation.
Respondents must clearly state their willingness to commit to a five-year engagement.
V. FEE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Respondents must provide a detailed fee proposal including:
1. Hourly Rates
• Partner hourly rate
• Associate hourly rate
• Paralegal hourly rate
• Any alternative staffing rates
2. Rate Adjustments
• Any proposed annual rate increases
• Rate guarantee period
• Discounted governmental or public entity rates, if applicable
The Authority seeks transparent, predictable pricing and encourages cost-effective proposals.
VI. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Respondents should demonstrate experience representing Missouri public entities, water districts, or utilities; experience in municipal or public authority law; familiarity with Missouri Sunshine Law; experience in public procurement and infrastructure contracts; and knowledge of Missouri regulatory agencies affecting water authorities.
Proposals must include:
• Firm overview and history
• Identification of primary attorney(s) assigned to JCWA
• Resumes of assigned attorneys
• Description of similar public entity clients
• At least three (3) references
• Disclosure of any conflicts of interest
• Proof of professional liability insurance coverage
VII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Proposals shall include:
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Qualifications
• Detailed Fee Proposal
• Confirmation of five-year commitment
• References
• Insurance documentation
Proposals must be received no later than:
March 31, 2026 @ 4:30PM
Submit proposals electronically in PDF format to:
Miranda O’Haleck, Treasurer
Jefferson County Water Authority
For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.
Or deliver sealed proposals to:
Jefferson County Water Authority
711 West Main Street
Festus, Missouri 63028
VIII. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on relevant experience with public entities and utilities; understanding of Missouri water authority law; cost and fee structure; responsiveness and availability; references and reputation; and willingness to enter into a five-year agreement.
The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, conduct interviews, request additional information, negotiate final contract terms, and select the proposal deemed in the best interest of the Authority.
IX. GENERAL CONDITIONS
The Authority is not responsible for costs incurred in preparation of proposals. All submitted materials become the property of the Authority. Selection does not guarantee a minimum amount of work. The final agreement shall be subject to approval by the JCWA Board of Directors.
