RFP - Pattison Lake Management District – Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan Development

Thurston County, Washington
Public Health and Social Services Department
Environmental Health Program
3000 Pacific Avenue SE
Suite 225
Olympia, Washington 98501
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) NO. _____________:
PATTISON LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan (LCMP) Development
Solicitation Documents
RFP Issuance Date: May 19, 2026
All solicitation documents, including any addenda, are published on the Thurston County website at
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/Pages/rfprfq.aspx.
Proposal Due Date
Proposals are due: 4:00p.m. PST on: June 30, 2026
Proposal Acceptance Location
Proposals will be received by:
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department
Environmental Health Program
3000 Pacific Avenue SE Suite 225
Olympia, Washington 98501
Office Hours: 8am-4pm Monday through Friday
Kimberly Graham, email: EH_LMD@co.thurston.wa.us
Thurston County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, cancel this solicitation, and to waive
any informalities or irregularities in procedure.
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RFP NO. XXX-XXXX-XX-XXXX
Pattison Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan Development

Pattison Lake
Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan Development
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ........................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 OVERVIEW OF SERVICES REQUESTED .................................................................. 4
SECTION 3 - ACQUISITION TIMELINE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................... 7
SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS ............................. 9
SECTION 5 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION ......................................................................... 12
SECTION 6 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................ 14
SECTION 7 FORMS ............................................................................................................. 15
ATTACHMENT 1 PRICE SCHEDULE (Bid Sheet) ..................................................................... 16
ATTACHMENT 2 - STATEMENT OF WORK ............................................................................. 17
ATTACHMENT 3 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT (PDF attached separtely) ............... 19
SCOPE OF SERVICES ......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
ATTACHMENT 4-A PROJECT/SERVICES EXPERIENCE ........................................................... 19
ATTACHMENT 4-B PROPOSER REFERENCE SHEET ............................................................... 20
ATTACHMENT 5 - KEY PERSONNEL RESUME FORMAT ........................................................... 21
ATTACHMENT 6 CERTIFICATION ......................................................................................... 22
ATTACHMENT 7 TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ON HISTORICAL DATA ..................................... 24
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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Thurston County's Department of Public Health & Social Services, Environmental Health Division and the, Pattison
Lake Management District Program (PLMD) is seeking a qualified aquatic specialist to create a complete
Integrated Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan (LCMP) for Pattison Lake. The LCMP will be developed using the
results of a thorough study of the lake including work done by the County through regular water sampling and by
the LMD through sampling in 2024 and inflow and outflow analysis in 2025.
Overall goal of this project is to restore the ecological health of Lake Pattison by reducing eutrophication and algal
blooms. This will be achieved through measurable objectives including:
1) Contract for the development of a Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan (LCMP) to be completed in the
FY2026-2027 time period.
2) Update and quantify phosphorus and other nutrient input sources impacting Pattison Lake water quality.
3) Reduce phosphorus inputs to lake from sources identified in the LCMP.
4) Reduce annual average Total Phosphorus to levels recommended in the LCMP through use of
recommended management tools.
5) Decrease cyanobacterial toxin events above state recreational guidelines to the lowest frequency
possible, ideally to zero, through use of techniques recommended in the LCMP and included in the PLMD
action plan.
6) PLMD funds availability will be managed to meet these objectives to the maximum extent possible over
the period of PLMD operations.
To complete the LCMP, the contractor is expected to:
* Review all available Washington State Department of Ecology and Thurston County Environmental Health
data on water quality for the lake, most of which has already be done in 2025 under the inflow/outflow
contract and contained in a technical report by Herrera, Attachment 7.
* Provide an addendum to the existing Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) before any new sampling
work begins. The QAPP will guide the study design, sample collection, field and laboratory analyses, data
analyses, quality assurance, and reporting activities following ECOLOGY's Guidelines for QAPP for LCMPs.
A draft QAPP has been submitted to ECOLOGY for review and a final addendum to the QAPP will be
submitted as needed prior to beginning any new work.
* Nutrient source identification beyond work already done in 2024 and 2025 and documented in
Attachment 7:
Perform a lake and area survey with to identify all possible nutrient sources entering the lake that
o
could impact lake eutrophication.
Identify and address Phosphorus and Nitrogen nutrient sources throughout the lake ecosystem to
o
mitigate eutrophication.
Identify impact of aquatic plant vegetation on increasing nutrient sources.
o
Sample water and sediment from key sources entering the lake ecosystem and already in the lake
o
ecosystem to determine extent of nutrient load to the lake ecosystem from each source. This will
require core sampling in the deepest parts of both lake basins and analysis of both suspended and
total phosphorus at various depths.
Identify impact of non-migratory waterfowl on lake ecosystem to determine extent of nutrient
o
load to the lake ecosystem.
Identify impact of public access points (e.g., WDFW boat launch) to the lake ecosystem.
o
Identify impact of septic systems, fertilizer and other chemicals used by residents throughout the
o
watershed to determine extent of nutrient load to the lake ecosystem.
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Plan development will include attending at least two meetings with PLMD Steering committee members, one of
which will be designed to facilitate a public meeting for input on plan development and problem solving as issues
arise, and consulting with staff from Environmental Health LMD Management Program. When the study is
complete, the contractor will provide their draft findings and recommendations to the PLMD Steering Committee
at a public meeting and subsequently provide a final written report to the PLMD Steering Committee leaders in a
pdf format. It will include reports and findings, plus detailed recommended mitigation, and treatment options for
each type of nutrient source that can be managed so that subsequent efforts can be taken by the PLMD to
mitigate and hopefully reverse eutrophication.
1.1 PURPOSE
Excessive weed growth and algae blooms have become increasingly problematic over the past 30 years. The lake
has transitioned from Mesotrophic to Eutrophic over that time period. Dissolved Oxygen levels have fallen
resulting in increased incidents of toxic algae blooms and unsatisfactory levels for fish habitat. At times during the
year, lake residents and visitors are prevented from enjoying the beneficial uses of the lake. It is anticipated that
the study will begin in August 2026 and the plan will be completed by March 31, 2027 (assuming 8 months to
develop the plan, including use of previous work already done). To capture watershed and in lake nutrient
sources, it is anticipated the study will require lake sampling at various times throughout the period which is being
provided by Thurston County on a monthly basis in both the north and south basins.
1.2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Contractor shall have the following minimum qualifications to be eligible for an award:
A. Documented current licenses, endorsements, qualifications, insurance, and proven experience in
developing phosphorus management plans.
B. Experience and expertise in aquatic surveying, mapping and sampling. Ability to meticulously collect data
on types, extent, and distribution of weeds, collect and analyze water samples and core sampling of
sediment to the extent needed beyond what has already been done.
C. Knowledge of components of an LCMP that meets the requirements of Washington's Department of
Ecology. Additionally, this plan will encompass strategies to address management of all significant sources
of nutrients and regulation of nutrient input, mitigate water quality concerns, and enhance the overall
ecological health of the lake most effectively.
D. Skills to lead and make professional presentations at public meetings to engage lake residents in
development of the LCMP.
1.4 PROCUREMENT NOTIFICATION
This project is a formal competitive procurement and will be advertised in the Nisqually Valley News" and is open
to all qualified companies. All solicitation documents, including any addenda, are published on the Thurston
County website at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/Pages/rfprfq.aspx.
SECTION 2 OVERVIEW OF SERVICES REQUESTED
2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Contractor will provide all management, materials, equipment, supplies, labor, and other items necessary for
sampling and documentation. Sediment testing will be part of the lake study. Contractor is responsible for all
permits and compliance with all rules and regulations. Contractor will work directly with the PLMD Steering
Committee and if needed the Environmental Health POC, Stuart Whitford, or Kimberly Graham or other designee.
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2.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
Pattison Lake is a Puget Sound lowland lake at an elevation of 154 feet above mean sea level. It is located
southeast of Olympia in an unincorporated part of Thurston County and is in the Urban Growth Area of the city of
Lacey. It is divided into north and south basins by a railroad trestle and is the second in a series of four lakes. Hicks
Lake drains into Pattison, which drains into Long Lake. The outlet for Long Lake flows through Lois Lake and
ultimately becomes Woodland Creek, a tributary to Henderson Inlet. The lake is part of the Henderson Inlet
watershed. Water also enters Pattison Lake via groundwater seeps, direct precipitation onto the lake, and
stormwater runoff within the watershed.
Specific properties of the lake:
* Shoreline length: 6.3 miles
* Lake size: 0.42 square miles (270 acres), 80 acres in the North Basin and 190 acres in the south basin
* Mean depth: 4.0 meters (13 feet)
* Maximum depth: 6.7 meters (22 feet)
* Volume: 3,600 acre-feet
Pattison Lake is a popular recreation area used for fishing, swimming, and boating (under 5 mph) by locals and the
public through a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife boat launch in the south basin.
Nutrient Loading: The relative magnitude of phosphorus loading from various sources was quantified through
detailed nutrient analysis of existing data and documented in Table 1 of Attachment 7.
Continued water quality monitoring has been conducted by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services,
Environmental Health that shows the eutrophic state of the lake. In 2004, Pattison Lake was designated as a
303(d) impaired water body due to elevated total phosphorus levels. Toxic Algae blooms have exceeded the
advisory level of concern in all 3 of the last three years. General water quality has deteriorated from fair to a
rating of poor in 2023 per Table 1 below.
Summary of past studies within the Pattison Lake Watershed including results of treatments conducted in the
1980's are documented in Table 2 of Attachment 7.
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Table 1. Water Quality Thurston County Lakes (Chart taken from Thurston Regional Planning Council website 9
November 2023)
2.3 STATEMENT OF WORK. See Attachment 2 - Statement of Work
2.4 CONTRACT PERIOD AND BUDGET
The County anticipates the Contract will be for a maximum duration of eight (8) months) because of the previous
work already done and documented in the attached report), beginning approximately August 18, 2026, through
March 31, 2027. Contract extension options will be exercised at the sole discretion of the County. The Contract
value will be for a maximum of $90,000.00. Contract may be increased to meet the ongoing needs of the County
for the services requested up through the Contract period of performance.
2.5 COMPENSATION
A. Payment to Contractor will be based on the negotiated rate schedule and actual quantities/labor hours
incurred as verified by work order.
B. The negotiated rate schedule will be incorporated into the executed Professional Services Contract.
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SECTION 3 - ACQUISITION TIMELINE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
Following is the procurement schedule for this RFP. The dates shown below are estimated, are provided for
information only, and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the County.
Table 1: Estimated Solicitation and Award Schedule
Due Date Activity
05/19/2026 RFP Issuance
4:00 PM PST on 06/09/2026 Cut-off Date for Questions (3 weeks)
06/16/2026 Responses to Questions posted on County Website (5 days)
06/30/2026 Proposal Due Date (6 weeks)
07/07/2026 Proposal Evaluation and Contractor Selection (1 week)
08/11/2026 Executed Contract (6 weeks from proposal)
08/18/2026 Start Date (1 week from contract signature)
3.2 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE/SITE VISIT
There will be no Pre-Proposal Conference or tour of the site.
3.3 PRE-PROPOSAL INQUIRY AND ADDENDUM
It is the responsibility of each Proposer to examine the entire RFP and, as necessary, seek clarification in writing
(pre-proposal inquiries or PPIs). This RFP may only be modified by a written addendum issued by the County.
Proposer shall not rely on verbal responses to inquiries. A verbal reply to an inquiry does not constitute a
modification of the RFP or obligation by the County.
All pre-proposal inquiries (PPIs) regarding this RFP shall be directed in writing (mail or e-mail) to Thurston County
Department of Environmental Health, to the attention of:
Kimberly Graham
PHSS Environmental Health
3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 225, Olympia, WA 98501
EH_LMD@co.thurston.wa.us
360-999-9510
All PPIs must clearly identify the name of the inquiring company or person and the RFP number, title, and
section/page number. The deadline for receipt of PPIs from Proposer are due according to the PROCUREMENT
SCHEDULE identified in Section 3.1.
3.4 EXAMINATION BY PROPOSER
Each Proposer is responsible for examining the RFP, including the sample Professional Services Contract
(Attachment 3), prior to submitting a Proposal. Failure to examine such documents and any errors made in the
preparation of a Proposal are at the Proposer's own risk.
The dates contained in this RFP are for informational purposes only. The County makes no warranty as to the
accuracy of the dates. Each Proposer shall make its own examination, investigation, and research regarding the
proper method of doing the work under this RFP and Contract, all conditions affecting the work to be done, the
necessary labor, equipment and materials, and the quantity of work to be performed.
The Proposer agrees that it has satisfied itself by Proposer's own investigation and research regarding all such
conditions, and that Proposer's conclusion to enter into the Contract and execution of the Contract is based upon
such investigation and research, and the Proposer shall make no claim against the County because of any of the
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estimates, statements, or interpretations made by any officer or agent of the County that may prove to be
erroneous in any respect.
3.5 MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
Written requests to modify or withdraw a Proposal received by the County prior to the scheduled time of closing
(i.e., 4:00 p.m. PT on the Proposal Due Date) will be accepted and will be corrected after opening. No oral
requests will be allowed. Requests to modify or withdraw a Proposal must be addressed and labeled in the same
manner as the Proposal and marked as a MODIFICATION or WITHDRAWAL of the Proposal. Requests for
withdrawal after the time of closing will be allowed at the County's sole discretion.
3.6 PROPOSAL FIRM OFFER
Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered after the time of closing (i.e., 4:00 p.m. PT on the Proposal Due Date)
and for ninety (90) calendar days from such date. The County and the Proposers may mutually agree to extend
the period during which the Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered.
3.7 PROPOSALS ARE PUBLIC RECORD
If your Proposal contains information considered to be exempt from the Public Records Act, Section 42.56 Revised
Code of Washington (RCW), those items must be clearly marked as such and may be returned to you upon
request once Contract award has been determined.
3.8 CANCELLATION
This RFP may be cancelled at any time and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part if the County
determined such action to be in the best interest of Thurston County.
3.9 NO OBLIGATION
This solicitation in no manner obligates Thurston County or any of its departments to use any of the proposed
services until a valid written Contract is awarded and approved by the appropriate authorities.
3.10 EXPENSES INCURRED
The County will not be responsible for any costs associated with participation in this RFP to include, but not
limited to, preparation, submission, or presentation; interviews, if held; negotiation process; and Contract
execution. All expenses related to the Proposal are entirely the sole responsibility of the Proposer.
3.11 NONDISCRIMINATION
Thurston County hereby notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that all will be afforded full
opportunity to submit a Proposal in response to this solicitation and will not be discriminated against because of
race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, sexual
orientation, or the presence of any disability. Implementation of this policy shall be consistent with
RCW 49.60.400.
3.12 PRIME CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The prime Contractor is solely responsible for fulfillment of any Contract with the County awarded under this RFP
and for all performance whether or not subcontractors are used. The County will make Contract payments to the
prime Contractor only.
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SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
1. Proposers shall submit their Proposal to Kimberly Graham by email at, EH_LMD@co.thurston.wa.us.
2. Proposals shall clearly identify the RFP# and Project Title in the subject line. The email must be
received in EH_LMD in-box according to the PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE identified in Section 3.1.
Proposers are responsible for verifying receipt. The Proposal shall be in a single PDF document.
3. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered for award.
4.2 ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL FORMAT
A. Format: Page Size will be 8-1/2" X 11" with at least 12 margins all around. Typeface should be Times New
Roman 12. Narratives shall be single spaced. All text shall be legible and easily read. Security markings,
and page numbers should fall within the defined margin area.
B. Unnecessary attachments or documents not specifically asked for in this solicitation should be avoided.
Elaborate or expensive artwork, paper, bindings, visual and other presentations beyond those sufficient to
present a complete and effective response to this solicitation are neither necessary nor desired.
C. Proposals shall be assembled in accordance with the format specified below. Failure on the part of the
Proposer to clearly and completely provide all the content and information requested below may result in
the County's rejection of the Proposal as nonresponsive. However, the County reserves the right to waive
minor informalities and irregularities in the format of a Proposal at its sole discretion.
D. Proposers shall adhere to the maximum page counts for the contents indicated below. Any and all pages
that exceed the maximum page count for a given section will be removed from that section and not
considered. Proposal covers, table of contents, forms, and any attachments that are required contents are
not limited as to the number of pages but must not be excessive and must be directly related to the
specific content requested.
4.3 PROPOSAL CONTENTS
The proposal contents listed below are required and must be included in the following order:
Cover Page
The cover shall have text and graphics limited to RFP number; RFP name/title; Proposal due date and time;
Proposer's business name and address, email address, telephone number, web address, and contact person's
name.
Cover Letter
Include a cover letter signed by an authorized official of the company including the following:
A. Company name, Tax ID Number (TIN), Washington Uniform Business Identification number (UBI) address,
telephone number and contact person with title and email address. If the name of the principal owner or
the company has changed within the last three years, provide all prior names.
B. Evidence of meeting minimum qualifications as stated under paragraph 1.2 above.
C. Statement the Contractor has made its own examination, investigation, and research regarding the
proper method of doing the work under the RFP and Contract, all conditions affecting the work to be
done, the necessary labor, equipment and materials, and the quantity of work to be performed.
D. Statement as to whether or not the Proposer accepts, or has exceptions, revisions, or additions to the
standard Professional Services Contract Terms and Conditions presented in Attachment 3 of this
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Solicitation. Include an explanation as to why such exception, revision, or addition is requested. It will be
up to the discretion of the County whether or not to accept changes to the standard Contract terms and
conditions requested if no objections are included.
TAB 1 - Technical Submission:
A. Summary of Company's Qualifications and Experience:
Include the following information in this section, which shall not exceed five (5) pages. Provide a narrative
with general information about the company including:
* A description and history of the company including general expertise and experience, size, facility,
available resources (equipment, labor, subcontractors, etc.), and service locations.
* A list of current applicable State and federal permits, licenses, certifications, accreditations, and/or
credentials for the company and company's employees or other entities that demonstrate
competency for the work that will be performed under the Contract.
* A list of infractions or violations cited by the Washington State Departments of Ecology or Agriculture,
and any other regulatory agency over the past five years for the company, principal, and applicators.
The thoroughness of the list will be verified with the department's records. Any error or omission may
be used as a basis for disqualification.
* A copy of the company's Certificate of Insurance or evidence that Liability Limits can be met.
* Any additional information the Proposer feels is relevant to the general qualifications of the Proposal.
B. Relevant Experience/Past Performance (References):
Include the following information in this section, which shall not exceed two (2) pages for Project
Experience and (2) pages for Past Performance for a total of four (4) pages per reference.
Information to be submitted on Attachment 4 - PROJECT EXPERIENCE/PAST PERFORMANCE FORM.
1. COMPANY'S EXPERIENCE: Submit three (3) recent, relevant service projects by completing
Attachment 4, Page 1.
Recent is defined as projects that are on-going or have been completed within the last 5 years of the date
of issuance of this RFP that have been executed by the Proposer and its team members as a prime
Contractor.
Relevant is defined as projects of similar size, scope, and complexity to the services in this solicitation.
Specifically, similar projects include development of LCMPs.
2. COMPANY'S PAST PERFORMANCE: Proposer will submit a completed Past Performance
Questionnaire (PPQ) on each of the three (3) service projects submitted under paragraph (1)
above. Proposer shall have the project owner/reference complete Attachment 4, Page 2 of the
form using the objective rating prescribed in Attachment 4, Page 3. Proposers should ensure
correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. If the
Proposer is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client prior to the Proposal due date, submit
the PPQ with the Proposal indicating attempts to obtain the information. Note: Thurston County
reserves the right to contact other references.
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