Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation 2026

REQUEST FOR QUALILFICATION (RFQ)
PROCUREMENT NO.: 042026-1029
PARCEL 1A TOTE USTS SITE CLOSURE
INVESTIGATION
Issued by
Port of Tacoma
One Sitcum Plaza
P.O. Box 1837
Tacoma, WA 98401-1837
RFQ INFORMATION
Contact: Michelle Walker, Procurement Analyst
Email Addresses: procurement@portoftacoma.com
Phone: (253) 888-4744
Submittal Date June 16, 2026
Questions Due Date June 9, 2026
SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS AND SOQS VIA THE PROCUREMENT PORTAL.
(LINK LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PROCUREMENT WEB PAGE)
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Port of Tacoma (PORT)
RFQ 042026-1029
Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation
A. PURPOSE
The PORT is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from firms interested in
providing Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation. The PORT anticipates
awarding one (1) Professional Service contract. The period of performance of the contract
is three (3) years from the execution of the contract, with options for renewal at the sole
discretion of the PORT, for a possible total of five (5) years. This contract will not exceed
a total of $350,000.00 + any applicable Washington State Sales Tax (WSST).
The successful respondent may be precluded from competing for, or participating in,
subsequent contracts that are the direct result of or primarily generated by, the work
performed under the contract resulting from this procurement.
Interlocal Cooperation Act-RCW 39.34 allows cooperative purchasing between public
agencies, and other political subdivisions. If a public agency files or has filed an
Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the Port of Tacoma, those
agencies are eligible to purchase from Contracts established by the Port. Such agencies
may ask Port of Tacoma Contractors to accept orders from the agency, citing the Port of
Tacoma contract as the basis for the order. The Contractor may accept or decline such
orders. If the Contractor accepts an order from another public agency using the Port of
Tacoma contract as the basis, the Contractor agrees to sell additional items at the
contract prices, terms, and conditions. The Port of Tacoma accepts no responsibility for
the payment of the purchase price by other governmental agencies.
B. BACKGROUND
Created by Pierce County citizens in 1918, the PORT is a major center for container
cargo, bulk, break-bulk, autos and heavy-lift cargo. To learn more about the PORT, visit
www.portoftacoma.com.
The purpose of this project is to complete environmental investigation to address
outstanding Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) requirements related to
over 25 former underground storage tanks at Parcel 1A. The investigation will support
regulatory decision making, advance the site toward potential closure, and reduce long
term environmental and financial risk to the Port.
- -
Under the Port's Legacy UST program, staff and consultants developed a closure strategy
for the Tote property and are pursuing a parcel-wide No Further Action determination
through Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP).
A Remedial Investigation and Action Plan based on 2019-2020 data was submitted in
January 2021, proposing additional borings, monitoring wells, and monitored natural
attenuation. In July 2021, Ecology required further site characterization. The Port
responded with a focused data gap investigation, submitting a Draft Investigation Plan in
June 2022 and revisions in February 2023.
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The investigation work plan organizes the work into three stages to improve efficiency,
align with contractor availability, and allow the Port to move forward quickly. Stage 1
involves drilling borings, collecting soil and groundwater samples, and confirming removal
of the former Wax Tank; Stage 2 includes additional porewater sampling and
redevelopment and sampling of existing wells; and Stage 3 consists of installing new
monitoring wells and collecting soil and groundwater samples. The results of this
investigation may lead to either closure recommendation, long-term groundwater
monitoring, or additional remedial actions at individual USTs.
The Work Plan and comments are included as Attachment C. Additional technical
reports and Site information for Parcel 1A Tote can be found on Ecology's site:
https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/7619
The PORT's Standard Terms and Conditions are included with the Sample
Professional Services Agreement (Attachment B) to this RFQ. By submitting a
SOQ, the Proposer represents that it has carefully read and agrees to be bound by
the PORT's Standard Terms and Conditions. Identify during the question submittal
and response period, any sections you consider onerous, clarify why you consider
these sections onerous, propose alternative language and describe why it is in the
PORT's best interests to adopt the alternative language.
SOQs submitted with altered or conditioned Terms and Conditions without prior
written agreement from the PORT will be considered non-responsive and not
considered for evaluation.
Proposers submit SOQs understanding all contract terms and conditions are
mandatory. Response submittal is agreement to the Contract without exception.
The PORT reserves the right to negotiate changes to submitted SOQs and to
change the PORT's otherwise mandatory Contract form during negotiations. If the
Proposer is awarded a contract and refuses to sign the attached Contract form, the
PORT may reject the Proposer from this and future solicitations for the same work.
Under no circumstances shall Proposer submit its own boilerplate of terms and
conditions.
C. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The work may include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Assist the Port with permitting actions as-needed.
2. Implement the Investigation Work Plan for former USTs at Parcel 1A.
3. Prepare and submit a report documenting investigation results and closure
recommendations to Ecology for review.
4. Respond to Ecology comments and requests for additional information, if
required.
5. Assist the Port with coordinating with Ecology and TPCHD to determine
appropriate next actions, including potential remedial alternatives or regulatory
closure pathways.
6. Other services as needed.
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D. DELIVERABLES
Known and potential deliverables for this contract include:
* Investigation Data Report
* Validated Analytical Dataset and EIM Data Submittal
* Other deliverables as requested or required
E. QUALIFICATIONS
Key team personnel shall have the appropriate licenses and/or certifications for the
services to be provided. Personnel shall have demonstrable knowledge and expertise
with the following:
* Soil, groundwater, and porewater sampling and analysis
* Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, metals, PCBs
* Understanding of contaminant behavior and site characterization
* Experience with UST release investigations and cleanup programs
F. SOQ ELEMENTS & EVALUATION CRITERIA
SOQs should present information in a straightforward and concise manner, while
ensuring complete and detailed descriptions of the Vendor (to include the prime, key team
members, and major sub-consultants) and the team's ability to meet the requirements
and provide the requested services of this RFQ. Emphasis will be on completeness of
content. The written SOQs should be prepared in the same sequential order as outlined
below.
SOQs are limited to 10 numbered pages (8 12 by 11 inch) excluding the cover letter and
all appendices. All pages shall be in portrait orientation with 1-inch (1") margins. Font size
shall be 10 point or larger. SOQs that do not follow this format may be rejected. Submittals
need to be limited to 9 MB in total size.
The cover letter shall include the RFQ Number & Title in the subject line, and the Name,
Title, Email Address, Phone Number, and current Address of the submitting team. SOQ's
that do not follow this format may be rejected. The cover letter shall include the following
information (even if the answer is None):
* Describe any claim submitted by any client against the prime firm within the past
two (2) years related to the professional services provided by the firm or its key
personnel. For purposes of this request, claim means a sum of money in dispute
in excess of 10% of the firm's fee for the services provided.
* Any real or perceived conflicts of interest for team members, inclusive of the prime,
sub-consultants, and key team members.
SOQs are to address, and will be evaluated upon, the following criteria:
INITIAL EVALUATION PHASE
1. Qualifications & Experience 50 PTS
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a) Identify the proposed team (to include working titles, degrees, certificates and
licenses), demonstrate the team's experience in performing the requested services
and describe how the team meets or exceeds the required qualifications.
* Resumes of the key individuals may be included as an appendix and are not
included in the total page count. Resumes are to be limited to one (1) single-
sided, letter-size page. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.
* Provide an organizational chart demonstrating the relationships and hierarchy
of the team described above and availability to support PORT projects. Identify
individuals by name, position, discipline and firm. Identify key back up
personnel.
b) The PORT will evaluate the experience, technical competence, and qualifications of
the key personnel identified, their project specific roles and responsibilities, and overall
organization of the project team. Emphasis will be placed on experience and expertise
in performing work of similar scope and complexity.
c) Capacity to perform the work (including any specialized services) within the time
constraints identified, considering the firm's current and planned workload.
d) d) Include a list of three (3) recent contracts/projects in the last five (5) years, to
include a point of contact, contact information (phone and email), and brief description,
for services relevant to the items listed in the Scope of Services as performed by the
key personnel. Only projects completed by key members of the project team will be
considered.
2. Project Approach Narrative 50 PTS
SOQs should clearly outline the team's recommended approach and methodology for:
a) Accomplishing the Scope of Services. Clearly describe the approaches and methods
that will be used to accomplish the tasks required in the Scope of Services. Include a
summary of innovative ideas and suggestions for enhancing the scope of services.
* Project Management: Describe how the team will manage and coordinate the
necessary disciplines required to accomplish the services requested.
* Describe the team's experience responding to and overall management of on-
call/ task order services and describe the firm's approach for responding to the
PORT's request(s) for services.
b) Provide approach for scheduling and sequencing of individual task orders and for
providing simultaneous services on multiple task orders and facilitating efficient and
consistent progress on each task order.
* Approach for managing multiple task budgets and approach for ensuring
cumulative task budgets do not exceed the overall contract amount.
* General information for supporting the PORT with an overall approach to
architectural services at the PORT.
c) Coordination & Communication. Provide a plan for communications and coordination
between the Project Team, the PORT's Project Manager, and the various
Stakeholders.
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d) Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) program for the requested services.
e) What risks beyond your control do you see in providing this service, and how would
you mitigate them?
FINAL EVALUATION PHASE (if applicable)
1. Oral Presentations (if requested) ............................................................... 100 PTS
Oral Presentations will be conducted with the top-ranked SOQ. Failure to participate
in the process will result in the Vendor's disqualification from further consideration.
Oral Presentations will be conducted by online video meeting.
2. References (if requested) ........................................................................... Pass/Fail
Reference checks may be performed on the selected firm, if based directly on the
SOQ's received, or on shortlisted firms if Oral Presentations are being requested. The
PORT may evaluate the reference checks to assess the proposed Vendor's overall
performance and success of previous, similar work. Reference checks may also be
utilized to validate information contained in the SOQ.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
ATTACHMENT A - INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING (ATTACHED)
ATTACHMENT B -PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TEMPLATE & TERMS
AND CONDITIONS (ATTACHED)
ATTACHMENT C - PROJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION (SEPARATE
ATTACHMENT)
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ATTACHMENT A - INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING
PROCUREMENT PROCESS
SOLICITATION TIMELINE:
Issuance of RFQ May 19, 2026
*Last Day To Submit Questions June 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM (PST)
*SOQ packets due June 16, 2026 @ 2:00 PM (PST)
*Review/Shortlist* June 25, 2026
*Oral Presentations (if required)* June 29-July 2, 2026
*Final Selection July 6, 2026
*Execute Contract July 13, 2026
*Dates are tentative and may be subject to change.
All status updates on the above solicitation timeline will be announced on the PORT's
website for this solicitation.
VENDOR OBLIGATION
The Port of Tacoma's (PORT) Request for Qualifications can be accessed on the
following websites, www.portoftacoma.com (PORT) under 'Business -> Contracting ->
Procurement'.
When viewing the details page for this procurement on the PORT's Website firms have
the option of subscribing to the Holder's List.
By subscribing to the Holder's List, firms will automatically be notified when new
documents or changes relating to this procurement occur.
*Only those who have subscribed to the Holder's List will receive notifications
throughout the procurement process, up until a firm is selected.
COMMUNICATION / INQUIRES
All communications is to be sent through Michelle Walker, the Procurement
Analyst.
Proposers who, relative to this scope of services, contact any individuals or Commission
members representing the PORT, other than the Procurement Representative listed on
the solicitation may be disqualified from consideration.
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ATTACHMENT A - INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING
Written questions about the meaning or intent of the Solicitation Documents shall only be
submitted to the Procurement Department via the Procurement Portal (Portal link is
accessible via this specific procurements website. See left side of page.).
Proposers who may have questions about provisions of these documents are to submit
their questions by the date listed on the solicitation. The PORT will respond to all written
questions submitted by this deadline, and responses will be posted on the corresponding
procurements website.
ADDENDA
The PORT may make changes to this Solicitation. Oral or other interpretations,
clarifications or submittal instructions will be without legal effect. Any information
modifying a solicitation will be furnished in a formal, written addendum. If at any time, the
PORT changes, revises, deletes, increases, or otherwise modifies the Solicitation, the
PORT will issue a written Addendum to the Solicitation. Addenda will be posted to the
PORT's web site and conveyed to those potential submitters who have requested to be
placed on the Holder's List.
SUBMITTAL PROCESS
Electronic Submittal:
SOQs must be received via the procurement portal on or before the date and time outlined
on the front page of this RFQ.
Procurement Submission Portal Instructions:
Navigate to this procurements web page (referencing the number and name) via the
following link Procurement | Port of Tacoma. While on the procurements page, click on
the 'Procurement Submission Portal' link (located on the lefthand side of the page).
Full instructions on how to utilize the submission portal can be found on the PORT's
Procurement website.
Please submit SOQ, including all separate attachments and compensation in separate
Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Submittals need to be limited to 9 MB in total size. It is the
Consultant's responsibility to verify the receipt of the submittal. Electronic
verification will be provided.
*Late SOQs will not be accepted by the PORT. SOQs received after the stated date
and time will not be reviewed and shall be deemed non-responsive.
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ATTACHMENT A - INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING
All SOQs submitted shall be valid and binding on the submitting firm for a period of
ninety (90) days following the submittal deadline and for any extension of time granted by
the submitting firm.
EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS
An evaluation team, using the point method of award, will review each SOQ and evaluate
all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The PORT may request
clarifications or additional information, if needed. After the evaluation team individually
scores each SOQ, the scores are tallied, and the firms are ranked based on the scores.
A selection may be made based on the SOQs and initial evaluation criteria alone.
Alternatively, the evaluation team may create a short list of the top ranked firms and invite
the short-listed firms in for interview and/or check references. Scores for reference checks
and interviews will be tallied and added to the short-listed firm's initial evaluation scores.
Final selection will be based on the accumulative score.
The PORT intends to select the Proposer who represents the best value to the PORT.
The PORT reserves the right to accept or reject any or all information in its entirety or in
part and to waive informalities and minor irregularities and to contract as the best interest
of the PORT may require. The PORT reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs
submitted as non-responsive or non-responsible.
PROCEDURE WHEN ONLY ONE SOQ IS RECEIVED
In the event that a single responsive SOQ is received, the Proposer shall provide any
additional data required by the PORT to analyze the SOQ. The PORT reserves the right
to reject such SOQs for any reason.
GENERAL INFORMATION
News releases pertaining to this RFQ, the services, or the project to which it relates, shall
not be made without prior approval by, and then only in coordination with, the PORT.
COSTS BORNE BY PROPOSERS
All costs incurred in the preparation of a SOQ and participation in this RFQ and
negotiation process shall be borne by the proposing firms.
PROTEST PROCESS
A Bidder protesting for any reason the Bidding Documents, a Bidding procedure, the
PORT's objection to a Bidder or a person or entity proposed by the Bidder, including but
not limited to a finding of non-Responsibility, the Award of the Contract or any other aspect
arising from or relating in any way to the Bidding shall cause a written protest to be filed
with the PORT within two (2) business days of the event giving rise to the protest.
(Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are not counted as business days.)
The written protest shall include the name of the protesting Bidder, the bid solicitation
number and title under which the protest is submitted, a detailed description of the specific
factual and legal grounds for the protest, copies of all supporting documents, evidence
that the apparent low bidder has been given notice of the protest, and the specific relief
requested. The written protest shall be sent by email to procurement@portoftacoma.com.
Consideration. Upon receipt of the written protest, the PORT will consider the protest.
The PORT may, within three (3) business days of the PORT's receipt of the protest,
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ATTACHMENT A - INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING
provide any other affected Bidder(s) the opportunity to respond in writing to the protest. If
the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement of the protesting Bidder and the PORT,
the Contracts Director of the PORT or his or her designee will review the issues and
promptly furnish a final and binding written decision to the protesting Bidder and any other
affected Bidder(s) within six (6) business days of the PORT's receipt of the protest. (If
more than one (1) protest is filed, the PORT's decision will be provided within three (3),
but no more than six (6) business days of the PORT's receipt of the last protest.) If no
reply is received from the PORT during the six (6) business-day period, the protest will
be deemed rejected.
Waiver. Failure to comply with these protest procedures will render a protest waived.
Condition Precedent. Timely and proper compliance with and exhaustion of these protest
procedures shall be a condition precedent to any otherwise permissible judicial
consideration of a protest.
SMALL BUSINESS AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The Port of Tacoma encourages participation in all its contracts by MWBE firms certified
by the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Participation
may be either on a direct basis in response to this solicitation/invitation or as a
subcontractor to a Bidder/Proposer. However, unless required by federal statutes,
regulations, grants, or contract terms referenced in the contract documents, no
preference will be included in the evaluation of bids/submittals, no minimum level of
MWBE participation shall be required as a condition for receiving an award and
bids/submittals will not be rejected or considered non-responsive on that basis. Any
affirmative action requirements set forth in federal regulations or statutes included or
referenced in the contract documents will apply. The selected firm will be required to show
evidence of outreach.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
SOQs submitted under this Solicitation will be considered public documents and, with
limited exceptions, will become public information and may be reviewed by appointment
by anyone requesting to do so following the conclusion of the evaluation, negotiation, and
award process. This process is concluded when a signed contract is completed between
the PORT and the selected Consultant.
If a firm considers any portion of its response to be protected under the law, the
vendor shall clearly identify each such portion with words such as CONFIDENTIAL,
PROPRIETARY or TRADE SECRET on each page for which the protection is sought. If a
request is made for disclosure of such portion, the PORT will notify the vendor of the
request and allow the vendor not less than ten (10) days to seek a protective order from
the Courts or other appropriate remedy and/or waive the claimed confidentiality. Unless
such protective order is obtained and provided to the PORT by the stated deadline, the
PORT will release the requested portions of the SOQ. By submitting a response, the vendor
assents to the procedure outlined in this paragraph and shall have no claim against the
PORT on account of actions taken under such procedure.
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