RFQ - Engineering Services for Water and Sewer System Improvements

Request for Qualifications
ARC & GEFA Funded Projects
and
Annual On-Call Engineering Services
Project: 20262 - Sewer Line Expansion Project (ARC)
Project: 20263 - Water System Improvements (GEFA)
Lumpkin County Water & Sewerage Authority
194 Courthouse Hill, Annex A
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
(706) 867-6580
Issue Date: April 22, 2026
SOQ Due Date: May 28, 2026

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 1
Section 1: Introduction...............................................................................................................................2
ConStuemnmtsar y ....................................................................................................................................................2
Solicitation .................................................................................................................................................2
Open Records .............................................................................................................................................2
Section 1.1: General Project Information .....................................................................................................3
ARC Project ...............................................................................................................................................3
GEFA Project ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Annual On-Call Engineering Services .......................................................................................................5
Section 2: Consultant Services ................................................................................................................. 6
Description of Needs................................................................................................................................. 6
Description of Consulting Services ........................................................................................................... 6
Responsibilities of LCWSA ...................................................................................................................... 6
Section 3: Procurement Process ................................................................................................................ 7
Acknowledgement of RFQ ....................................................................................................................... 7
Submittal of Questions and Requests for Clarification ............................................................................ 7
Communications ........................................................................................................................................ 7
RFQ Schedule of Events ............................................................................................................................ 7
Section 4: Submittal Requirements ................................................................................................................8
Submittal and Due Date .............................................................................................................................8
Format ........................................................................................................................................................8
Content .......................................................................................................................................................8
Section 5: Evaluation and Selection ........................................................................................................ 10
Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................................................................. 10
Selection Process ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 6: Additional Terms and Conditions .......................................................................................... 11
Restriction of Communication .................................................................................................................. 11
Submittal Costs and Confidentiality ......................................................................................................... 11
Award Conditions ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Statement of Agreement ........................................................................................................................... 11
Section 7: Additional Required Content ................................................................................................. 12
Forms ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Attachment A ..................................................................................................................................................
Attachment B ..................................................................................................................................................

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 2
Section 1: Introduction
Summary
The Lumpkin County Water & Sewerage Authority ("Owner" or "LCWSA") is soliciting Statements of
Qualifications from professional firms interested in providing Engineering Services for the following
("Projects"):
* Project No. 20262 - Sewer Line Expansion Project (ARC)
* Project No. 20263 - Water System Improvements (GEFA)
* Annual On-Call Engineering Services
This Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") seeks to identify potential providers of the above-mentioned
services. One or more firms that respond to this RFQ and who are determined by the Owner to be
especially qualified, may be deemed eligible and may be invited to discuss and negotiate for these services.
All respondents to this RFQ are subject to instructions communicated in this document and are cautioned
to completely review the entire RFQ and follow instructions carefully. The Owner reserves the right to
reject any or all statements of qualifications, and to waive technicalities and informalities at the discretion
of the Owner.
Please Note: The issuance of this RFQ invokes a Restriction of Communication on potential respondents,
which, if violated, may result in proposal rejection. (See Section 6 for details.)
It is the responsibility of the qualified consultant to be aware of and familiar with applicable local, state,
and federal grant compliance requirements associated with such projects, including Federal Labor
Standards, Equal Opportunity, and Accessibility Requirements.
Solicitation
This Request for Qualifications for the Project invites Statements of Qualifications (SOQ), from
Consultants according to the requirements set forth in this RFQ, including the format and content
guidelines specified. SOQs will be reviewed and evaluated by the LCWSA selection team and ranked in
the order of most qualified using the criteria and process described herein.
Upon completion of the evaluation process, LCWSA will notify all Respondents. Those scored as most
qualified will be interviewed, prior to consideration of Project award(s). Based on the needs projected in the
development and implementation of the Project, we may seek multiple awards.
Open Records
All materials submitted in connection with this RFQ will be public documents and subject to the Open
Records Act and policies of the LCWSA. All such materials shall remain the property of LCWSA.
If the Consultant has notified the Owner Contact that the Consultant's submittal contains trade secrets,
proprietary commercial or financial information, which is privileged and confidential, we will make every
effort to protect those portions of the submittal. The title page and each page containing proprietary
information must be marked.

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 3
Section 1.1: General Project Information
ARC PROJECT
Project No. 20262
Project Name: Sewer Line Expansion Project
Project Location: 122 Ethan Allen Drive, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
Funding Agency: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
Project Description
LCWSA will apply for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds to construct safe and sanitary
sewer infrastructure to support existing and future businesses in the Lumpkin County Industrial Park
located at 122 Ethan Allen Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533, creating opportunities for development and
economic diversification. The Consultant(s) will be required to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report
(PER) for the application, and, if awarded, serve as the Engineer of record, providing planning, permitting,
studies, survey, engineering, design, and construction phase services for the implementation of the project.
The project is anticipated to include a minimum of approximately 1,300 linear feet of sanitary sewer
extension from an existing LCWSA trunk sewer into the existing industrial park. The project design will
include an alternatives analysis to evaluate installation of gravity sewer versus installation of a low-
pressure sewer force main system. Additional or alternative alignments may also be evaluated to
increase service accessibility within the industrial park. Improvements may include gravity sewer, low-
pressure sewer force mains, and associated appurtenances necessary to provide reliable wastewater
service. All work is anticipated to be completed within public rights-of-way and/or easements, with no
work proposed on private property.
It is the responsibility of the qualified consultant to be aware of and familiar with local, state, and federal
grant compliance requirements of such projects (i.e., Federal Labor Standards, Equal Opportunity and
Accessibility Requirements).
Project Goals
* Support economic development and industrial growth
* Expand wastewater service access
* Provide reliable and regulatory-compliant infrastructure
* Promote job creation and economic diversification
Project Schedule
All dates are estimates and subject to change.
* Preliminary Engineering Report (PER): July 10, 2026
* Design: 2026-2027
* Construction: 2027-2028

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 4
GEFA PROJECT
Project No. 20263
Project Name: Water System Improvements
Project Location: Multiple Sites, Lumpkin County, Georgia
Funding Agency: Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA)
Project Description
LCWSA has received a funding award through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA)
related to the Hurricane Helene Resiliency Program to support development of critical water infrastructure
improvements. This project is anticipated to include construction of a new 1.0 million gallon ground
storage tank, development of a supplemental groundwater well, and extension of approximately 9,800
linear feet of water distribution infrastructure to improve system redundancy, resiliency, and service
capacity. The selected Consultant(s) may be tasked with providing engineering services for planning,
permitting, design, and construction phase services associated with these improvements, as well as
coordination with GEFA funding and compliance requirements.
It is the responsibility of the qualified consultant to be aware of and familiar with local, state, and federal
grant compliance requirements of such projects (i.e., Federal Labor Standards, Equal Opportunity and
Accessibility Requirements).
Project Goals
* Improve system resiliency and redundancy
* Ensure continuity of service during emergency events
* Expand water system capacity
* Strengthen long-term water supply reliability
Project Schedule
All dates are estimates and subject to change.
* Planning / Preliminary Engineering: 2026
* Design: 2026-2027
* Construction: 2027-2028

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 5
ANNUAL ON-CALL ENGINEERING SERVICES
In addition to the above projects, the selected Consultant(s) may be retained to provide on-call engineering
services to support LCWSA's Capital Improvement Program, development review activities, and general
engineering needs.
The selected Consultant(s) may also be asked to provide support for other grant-funded infrastructure
projects through funding sources including the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Georgia
Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program,
the Redevelopment Fund (RDF) Program, the Employment Incentive Program (EIP), the Economic
Development Administration (EDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and any other
federal or state funding sources.
It is the responsibility of the qualified consultant to be aware of and familiar with local, state, and federal
grant compliance requirements of such projects (i.e., Federal Labor Standards, Equal Opportunity and
Accessibility Requirements).
Annual On-Call Engineering Services Agreement Renewal
Annual On-Call Engineering Services Agreement(s) executed as a result of selection will be for one (1) year
beginning on or about July 2026, and may be renewed up to four (4) successive, one-year periods, for a total
of five (5) years, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the LCWSA Board in the annual fiscal-year
budget which runs from Jan 1 through Dec 31. Written notice shall be given approximately ninety (90)
days before the expiration date of each agreement period.

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
Page - 6
Section 2: Consultant Services
Description of Needs
LCWSA has an immediate need for professional engineering services to support implementation of the ARC-
funded Sewer Line Expansion Project (Project No. 20262) and the GEFA-funded Water System
Improvements Project (Project No. 20263), including planning, permitting, preliminary engineering, design,
funding coordination, and construction phase services. These projects represent priority components of
LCWSA's ongoing Capital Improvement Program and are intended to support economic development,
system resiliency, and long-term infrastructure reliability.
In addition to these project-specific needs, LCWSA anticipates ongoing demand for general consulting and
on-call engineering services in support of development review, system evaluations, capital planning,
permitting coordination, and other water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives that may arise during the
term of the agreement. Selected Consultant(s) may also support other grant-funded projects pursued by
LCWSA under federal or state funding programs.
Description of Consulting Services
Consulting Services broadly includes surveying, planning, engineering and permitting services. Our project
needs can be summarized into the following task areas and sample subtasks:
* Topographic surveys: Survey in support of engineering and construction
* Ecological and environmental permitting: Biology, NEPA, USACOE, EPD activities
* Water resource planning: Watershed activities, water and wastewater demand projections
* Water and sewer hydraulic modelling: Capacity analysis, flow monitoring
* Conceptual and preliminary engineering studies
* Facilities for treatment, storage and distribution of water supply
* Water and wastewater lines and pumping stations (engineering, design, services during construction)
* Owner's Representative: Review of engineering design and reports by others, value engineering
Responsibilities of LCWSA
LCWSA, through our Executive Director or assigned project manager(s), will administer the services and
work cooperatively with the selected firms to fulfill our Owner responsibilities in a timely manner. We will
facilitate the firms' efficient performance of services. Our commitments include:
* Clearly outlining project requirements;
* Timely reviewing the work products and deliverables;
* Issuing timely responses to the Consultant;
* Furnishing existing studies, drawings, utility locates, plans, specifications, shop drawings, data,
information and other documents to assist the consultant in their assigned Tasks;
* Funding the Project(s) and rendering timely compensation.
* Reimbursing for permitting fees, as needed.
* Assisting in obtaining permits, as needed.

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
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Section 3: Procurement Process
Acknowledgement of RFQ
Each potential Respondent should acknowledge via email, to the Owner Contact listed below, no later than
5:00 p.m., May 6, 2026, that it has received the RFQ. Identify and provide full contact information for the
firm's primary point of contact for any future documents, notices, and addenda associated with this RFQ.
Submittal of Questions and Requests for Clarification
Questions about any aspect of the RFQ, or the Projects, must be submitted via email to the Owner Contact.
The deadlines for submission of questions related to the RFQ are the times and dates shown in the RFQ
Schedule of Events below. Respondents are cautioned to review and adhere to the Restriction of
Communication (See Section 6).
Communications
The Owner Contact will act as the sole point of contact for this RFQ and will administer the RFQ process.
All communications should be submitted in writing via email, and specifically reference this RFQ. This
RFQ is subject to revision after the date of issuance via written Addenda. Any such addenda will be
distributed directly to known Respondents via email. All questions and responses will be shared by
Addenda with all parties having acknowledged the RFQ.
Please direct questions to the Owner Contact as follows:
Mr. Sean Phipps, P.E.
Executive Director
LCWSA
194 Courthouse Hill, Annex A
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (770) 482-2562
Email: sean.phipps@lumpkincounty.gov
RFQ Schedule of Events
The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner's best estimate of the schedule that will be followed.
All times indicated are prevailing times in Georgia. The Owner reserves the right to adjust the schedule as
the Owner deems necessary.
Owner Issues public advertisement of RFQ for April 22, 2026
a period of 30 days (minimum).
Deadline for Acknowledgement of RFQ May 6, 2026 5:00 PM
Deadline for Written Questions / Request for May 13, 2026 5:00 PM
Clarifications
Deadline for submission of Statements of May 28, 2026 5:00 PM
Qualifications
Owner completes evaluation, post results and June 3, 2026 ------
issues Notification to Finalist Firms
Selection Committee interviews Finalist Firms June 8 - June 11, 2026 TBA
Final Selection and Award June 16, 2026 ------

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
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Section 4: Submittal Requirements
Submittal and Due Date
Respondents shall deliver (3) complete copies and a memory drive containing the digitally published
version (PDF) of the SOQ to the Owner Contact at the address noted above no later than May 28, 2026 at
5:00 p.m. local time.
Each Respondent assumes full responsibility for timely submittal of its SOQ at the required location.
The Respondent shall furnish and sign all information required by the RFQ. An authorized agent of the
company must sign on behalf of the firm.
Format
We value brevity. Please provide twelve (12) pages or less, (excluding resumes, reference project sheets
and appendices), conveying the Respondent's transmittal letter, qualifications, experience, and project
management approach. An 11 X 17-inch sheet size may be used for a team chart or other exhibit and will
count as 1 page.
All other items required or called for should be located in the appendices. Limit total page count to 30 or
less, 8.5 X 11-inch equivalent, minimum 11-point font.
Content
Letter of Interest
Provide a 1-page Letter of Interest describing how the Authority will benefit with your firm as a trusted
advisor. In the letter, please acknowledge receipt of any and all Addenda.
Team and Qualifications
The twelve (12) pages should demonstrate how your firm's team, qualifications, and experience fill our
project needs.
Qualifications
Respondents should possess and demonstrate a minimum of 20 years of firm / key team member experience
in the water and wastewater arena for municipal, public or private agencies. Engineering Respondent's key
team members, including the Project Manager and Project Engineer(s), should be licensed Professional
Engineers in the State of Georgia.
Experience
The SOQ must describe the experience of the firm and Project team members on projects relevant to the
Tasks described in the Categories of Consultant Services. The Respondent should include reference
projects to demonstrate relevant experience.
Respondents should have a minimum of 20 years of progressive project experience in water and wastewater
infrastructure projects. Respondents should also have experience with local, state, and federal grant
compliance requirements such as Federal Labor Standards and Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Requirements.
Within the past ten (10) years, Respondents should have successfully completed at least thirty (30) similar or
comparable projects for municipal clients in the Southeastern United States. The Respondent should have
completed at least fifteen (15) similar or representative projects for municipal water agencies in Georgia in
the last 5 years.

Request for Qualifications
April 22, 2026
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Statement of Suitability
Provide any information that may serve to differentiate the firm from other firms in suitability for the
projects. Suitability may include, but is not limited to, the firm's fit to the project and/or needs of the Owner,
any special or unique qualifications for the projects, current and projected workload, the proximity of office
to the project locations, and any services that may be particularly suitable to the projects.
Resumes
Include resumes for key team members in the Appendix. Resumes should be 1-page maximum length.
Reference Project(s)
Each project description shall contain the following information:
* Owner
* Owner contact information (including email address)
* Role of firm
* Year completed
* Description of the project demonstrating relevance to the Authority's needs
* Experience with local, state, and federal grant compliance requirements
* Key team members involved in the relevant projects, along with a concise description of the role and
responsibilities of each.
Value Added Services
Along the same lines as the Statement of Suitability, explain a service offered by your firm that fits a niche or
is a differentiator from the competition. Our ideas, presented as "food for thought" only, might include:
* Easement / right-of-way services
* In-house services as opposed to sub-consultants
Compensation and Fee Negotiation
Billing rates, fee schedules, and cost proposals shall not be included in the Statement of Qualifications.
Compensation for services will be negotiated with the highest-ranked firm(s) following completion of the
qualifications-based selection process, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal procurement
requirements.