RFQ for ROW Acquisition Consultant

Request for Qualifications
for
Real Estate Acquisition Services
Projects:
Paxton Bridge
Scenic Loop Bridge
Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection
Improvements at Powerline Road
May 2026
Walla Walla County
Public Works Department
990 Navion Lane
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 524-2710
RFQ - Real Estate Services: Paxton Bridge Page 1 of 13 May 16, 2026
Scenic Loop Bridge
Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection Improvements at Powerline Road

Table of Contents
Walla Walla County
Real Estate Acquisition Services
Paxton Bridge
Scenic Loop Bridge
Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection Improvements at Powerline Road
Section 1 - Invitation
Section 2 - Introduction and General Information
Section 3 - Scope of Work
Section 4 - Qualifications and Proposer Requirements
Section 5 - Qualification Selection and Evaluation
Vicinity Map(s)
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Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection Improvements at Powerline Road

Request for Qualifications
Walla Walla County
Real Estate Acquisition Services
Paxton Bridge
Scenic Loop Bridge
Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection Improvements at Powerline Road
1 Invitation
1.1 Invitation
Walla Walla County solicits interest from consulting firms with expertise in Real Estate Acquisition Services. This
agreement will be for approximately twenty four (24) months in duration with the option for Walla Walla County
to extend it for additional time if necessary. Consultants will be considered for the following project(s):
Estimated Start Times:
July 2026
Paxton Bridge
Scenic Loop Bridge January 2027
Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection October 2027
Improvements at Powerline Road
Walla Walla County reserves the right to amend terms of this "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) to circulate various
addenda, or to withdraw the RFQ at any time, regardless of how much time and effort consultants have spent on
their responses.
Detailed Request for Qualifications documents must be downloaded from the Walla Walla County website at:
https://www.wwcowa.gov/government/public_works/request_for_proposals_qualifications.php
1.2 Project Description
The work to be performed by the CONSULTANT, under the terms of a "Negotiated Hourly Rates" Agreement,
consists of preparing appraisals, appraisal review, negotiation and acquisition of real property associated for the
listed project on behalf of Walla Walla County. Procurement of Right-of-Way parcels and Temporary Construction
Easements will be needed on all of the projects listed in this RFQ.
1.3 Evaluation Criteria
Submittals will be evaluated and ranked based on the following criteria:
1) Qualifications and Experience of Right of Way Services
2) Qualifications and Experience of the Individuals assigned as County's Main Representative(s)
3) Location considerations and how it impacts maintaining effective communication between the County and
Consultant
4) Scheduling
5) Knowledge and Understanding of Right of Way Procedures
1.4 Submittal
Submittals should include the following information: Firm name, phone and fax numbers; Name of Principal-in-
Charge and Project Manager; and Number of employees in each firm proposed to project.
Please submit THREE (3) copies of your Statement of Qualifications to: Walla Walla County Public Works
Department, 990 Navion Lane, Walla Walla, Washington 99362, Attention: Alex Zitterkopf, no later than 1:00 p.m.
PDT on June 8th, 2026. Submittals will not be accepted after that time and date. Any questions regarding this
project should be directed to Alex Zitterkopf, by phone at (509) 524-2726 or by email at azitterkopf@wwcowa.gov.
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1.5 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Walla Walla County, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and
activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing pwinfo@co.walla-walla.wa.us or
by calling (509) 524-2710.
1.6 Title VI Statement
Walla Walla County, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42
U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any
contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and
fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of
race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award."
Dates of publication in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin: May 16th & 23rd, 2026.
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2 Introduction and General Information
2.1 Introduction
Walla Walla County (County) received funding from state and federal funding sources for the projects; selection of
the Consultant, award of the Contract and acquisition of the real properties must comply with Federal
requirements for the projects.
Tentatively, the Paxton Bridge project consists of procuring Right-of-Way from four (4) parcels.
Tentatively, the Scenic Loop Bridge project consists of procuring Right-of-Way from three (3) parcels and one
(1) Temporary Construction Easement.
Tentatively, the Cottonwood Road MP 1.14 Intersection Improvements at Powerline Road project consists of
procuring Right-of-Way from two (2) parcels and two (2) Temporary Construction Easements.
All proposers are required to comply with the provisions of the Revised Code of Washington and the Walla Walla
County Procurement Policy. The County may reject any qualification not in compliance with all prescribed public
procurement procedures and requirements, and may reject for good cause any or all qualifications upon a finding
of the County if it is in the public interest to do so.
2.2 Issuance of Request for Qualifications
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) documents may be downloaded from the County website at:
https://www.co.walla-walla.wa.us/government/public_works/request_for_proposals_qualifications.php
Alex Zitterkopf, Project Manager of the Public Works Department, is the point of contact for all questions, concerns,
and protests. He may be reached by phone at (509) 524-2726 or by email at azitterkopf@wwcowa.gov.
2.3 Submission of Qualifications
Each Proposer shall provide THREE (3) copies of their qualifications, sealed in an envelope plainly identifying
Project Name, Project Number, and Proposer's Name and Address. Qualifications shall be addressed and submitted
to the following location by 1:00 p.m. on June 8th, 2026:
Walla Walla County
Public Works Department
990 Navion Lane
Walla Walla, WA 99362
All qualifications must arrive at the Walla Walla County Public Works Department Office on or before the time and
date due. Electronically mailed or faxed qualifications will not be accepted.
2.4 Request for Qualifications Schedule
The County anticipates the following general timeline for receiving and evaluating the qualifications and selecting a
firm/individual for the Pre-qualification of Engineering Services. This schedule is subject to change if it is in the
County's best interest to do so.
* Advertise RFQ on County Website May 16th, 2026
* Advertise RFQ in Walla Walla Union Bulletin May 16th & 23rd, 2026
* Qualifications Due June 8th, 2026 - 1:00 p.m. PDT
* Evaluation of Qualifications Complete June 15th, 2026
* Interviews June 22nd - 25th, 2026
* Notice of Award July 6th, 2026
2.5 Follow-up Interviews
The County will identify the three highest scoring Statements of Qualifications and schedule follow-up interviews
with the related Proposers.
2.6 Changes to the Solicitation by Addenda
The County reserves the right to make changes to the RFQ by written addendum. Proposers are advised to check
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the County's website regularly for addenda and will be made available for download at:
https://www.co.walla-walla.wa.us/government/public_works/request_for_proposals_qualifications.php
A prospective Proposer may request a change in the RFQ by submitting a written request to the address set forth
in Subsection 2.3. The request must specify the provision of the RFQ in question, and contain an explanation of the
requested change. All requests for changes to the RFQ must be submitted to the County no later than the date set
forth in Subsection 2.4.
The County will evaluate any request submitted, but reserves the right to determine whether to accept the
requested change. Changes that are accepted by the County shall be issued in the form of an addendum to the
RFQ.
All addenda shall have the same binding effect as though contained in the main body of the RFQ.
No addenda will be issued later than the date set in Subsection 2.4, except an addendum, if necessary, postponing
the date for receipt of Qualifications, withdrawing the invitation, modifying elements of the qualifications resulting
from delayed process, or requesting additional information, or clarification.
Each Proposer is responsible for obtaining all addenda prior to submitting a Qualifications. Receipt of each
addendum shall be acknowledged in writing as part of the submittal.
2.7 Confidentiality
All information submitted by Proposers shall be public record and subject to disclosure pursuant to Washington
Public Records requirements, except such portions of the Qualifications for which Proposer requests exception
from disclosure consistent with Washington Law. All requests shall be in writing, noting specifically which portion
of the Qualifications the Proposer requests exception from disclosure. Proposer shall not copyright, or cause to be
copyrighted, any portion of any said document submitted to the County as a result of this RFQ. Proposer should
not mark the entire submittal document "Confidential."
2.8 Cancellation
The County reserves the right to cancel the Prequalification of Real Estate Acquisition Services at any time before
execution of a contract by both parties if cancellation is deemed to be in the County's best interest. In no event,
shall the County have any liability for the cancellation of an individual's pre-qualification.
2.9 Late Qualifications
All Qualifications that are not received by the Qualifications Due Date in Subsection 2.4 will not be considered and
will be returned unopened to the Proposer(s). Electronically mailed or faxed qualifications will not be accepted.
Delays due to mail and/or delivery handling, including, but not limited to delays within the County's internal
distribution systems, do not excuse the Proposer's responsibility for submitting the Qualifications to the correct
location by the Qualifications Due Date.
2.10 Disputes
In case of any doubt or differences of opinions as to the items or service to be furnished hereunder, or the
interpretation of the provisions of the RFQ, the decision of the County shall be final and binding upon all parties.
2.11 Proposer's Representation
Proposers, by the act of submitting their Qualifications, represent that:
A. They have read and understand the Qualifications Documents and their Qualifications is made in accordance
therewith;
B. They have familiarized themselves with the local conditions under which the work will meet their satisfaction;
C. Their Qualifications is based upon the requirements described in the Qualifications Documents with exception,
unless clearly stated in the response.
2.12 Conditions of Submittal
By the act of submitting a Qualifications in response to this Request for Qualifications, the Proposer certifies that:
A. The Proposer and each person signing on behalf of any Proposer certifies, and in the case of a sole
proprietorship, partnership or corporation, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under
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penalty of perjury, that to the best of their knowledge and belief, no elected official, officer, employee, or
person, whose salary is payable in whole or part by the County, has a direct or indirect financial interest in the
Qualifications, or in the services to which it relates, or in any of the profits thereof other than as fully
described in the Proposer's response to this solicitation.
B. The Proposer has examined all parts of the Request for Qualifications, including all requirements and contract
terms and conditions thereof, and, if its Qualifications is accepted, the Proposer shall accept the contract
documents thereto unless substantive changes are made in same without the approval of the Proposer.
C. The Proposer, if an individual, is of lawful age; is the only one interested in this Qualifications; and that no
person, firm, or corporation, other than that named, has any interest in the Qualifications, or in the proposed
contract.
D. The Proposer has quality experience providing Real Property Procurement Services in a capacity similar to the
duties outlined within the scope of services.
2.13 Proposer Requests Interpretation of Request for Qualifications Documents
Proposers shall promptly notify the County of any ambiguity, inconsistency or error, which they may discover upon
examination of the Qualifications Documents. Proposers requiring clarification or interpretation of the
Qualifications Documents shall make a written request for the same to the County Project Manager.
The County shall make interpretations, corrections, or changes to the Qualifications Documents in writing by
published Addenda in accordance with Subsection 2.6. Interpretations, corrections, or changes to the
Qualifications Documents made in any other manner will not be binding, and Proposers shall not rely upon such
interpretations, corrections, and changes.
2.14 Proposer Requests for Additional Information
Requests for information regarding County services, programs, or personnel, or any other information shall be
submitted in writing to the County Project Manager prior to the deadline to request additional information stated in
Subsection 2.4.
The County shall respond to requests for additional information in writing by published Addenda in accordance
with Subsection 2.6. Responses to requests for additional information made in any other manner will not be
binding.
2.15 Competition
Respondents are encouraged to comment, either with their Qualifications or at any other time, in writing, on any
specification or requirement with this Request for Qualifications, which the respondent believes, will inordinately
limit competition.
2.16 Complaints and Inequities
All complaints or perceived inequities related to the Request for Qualifications shall be in writing and directed to
the County Project Manager. Such submittals will be reviewed upon receipt and will be answered in writing.
2.17 Cost of Request for Qualifications and Associated Responses
The County is not liable for any costs incurred by a Proposer in the preparation and/or presentation of a
Qualifications. The County is not liable for any cost incurred by a Proposer in protesting the County's selection
decision.
2.18 County Requests for Clarification, Additional Research, & Revisions
The County reserves the right to obtain clarification of any point in a Qualifications or to obtain additional
information necessary to properly evaluate a particular Qualifications. Failure of a Proposer to respond to such a
request for additional information or clarification may result in a finding that the Proposer is non-responsive and
consequent rejection of the Qualifications.
The County may obtain information from any legal source for clarification of any Qualifications or for information
of any Proposer. The County need not inform the Proposer of any intent to perform additional research in this
respect or of any information thereby received.
The County may perform, at its sole option, investigations of the responsible Proposer. Information may include,
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but shall not necessarily be limited to current litigation and contracting references. All such documents, if
requested by the County, become part of the public records and may be disclosed accordingly.
The County reserves the right to request revisions of qualifications after the submission of qualifications and
before a selection determination is made.
2.19 Rejection of Qualifications
The County reserves the right to reject any or all Qualifications received as a result of this Request for
Qualifications. Qualifications may be rejected for one or more of the following reasons, including but not limited
to:
A. Failure of the Proposer to adhere to one or more of the provisions established in the Request for
Qualifications.
B. Failure of the Proposer to submit Qualifications in the format specified herein.
C. Failure of the Proposer to submit Qualifications within the time requirements established herein.
D. Failure of the Proposer to adhere to ethical and professional standards before, during, or following the
Qualifications process.
The County may reject any Qualifications not in compliance with all prescribed public procurement procedures and
requirements, and may reject for good cause any or all Qualifications upon a finding of the County that it is in the
public interest to do so.
2.20 Modification or Withdrawal of Qualifications by Proposer
Qualifications may not be modified, withdrawn, or canceled by the Proposer. Qualifications submitted early may
be modified or withdrawn only by notice to the County, at the Qualifications submittal location, prior to the
Qualifications Due Date. Such notice shall be in writing over the signature of the Proposer and submitted to the
County Project Manager. All such communication shall be so worded as not to reveal the amount of the original
Qualifications or any other material contents of the original Qualifications.
Withdrawn qualifications may be resubmitted up to the Qualifications Due Date provided that they are then in full
conformance with the Request for Qualifications.
2.21 Qualifications Ownership
All Qualifications submitted become and remain the property of the County and, as such, are considered public
information and subject to public disclosure within the context of the federal Freedom of Information Act and the
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) once accepted in the accordance with the Walla Walla County Procurement
Policy.
Unless certain pages or specific information are specifically marked "proprietary" and qualify as such within the
context of the regulations stated in the preceding paragraph, the County shall make available to any person
requesting information through the County processes for disclosure of public records, any and all information
submitted as a result of this Request for Qualifications without obtaining permission from any Proposer to do so,
subject to the limitations contained in the Walla Walla County Procurement Policy.
2.22 Title VI
Walla Walla County, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42
U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in
any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full
and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the
grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
2.23 Affirmative Action/Nondiscrimination
By submitting qualifications, the Proposer agrees to comply with the Fair Labor Standard Act, Civil Rights Act of
1964, Executive order 11246, Fair Employment Practices, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Americans with
Disabilities Act, and the Revised Code of Washington. By submitting qualifications, the Proposer specifically
certifies, under penalty of perjury, that the Proposer has not discriminated against minority, women or emerging
small business enterprises in obtaining any required subcontracts.
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3 Scope of Work
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes:
3.1 Appraisal(s)
* Prepare the Project Funding Estimate
* Prepare appraisals
* Prepare and complete Appraisal Reports as per Appendix 4-1 Appraisal Report Guide in the WSDOT Right
of Way Manual M 26-01.25
* The final version of all forms must be acceptable to the WSDOT Local Agency Coordinator (LAC) for
acquisition of property under Federal and State guidelines.
3.2 Appraisal(s) Review
* Provide appraisal reviews
Preliminary Review
o
Joint Inspection with Owner (if necessary)
o
Desk Review
o
Field Review
o
Analyze appraisal reports
o
Prepare and distribute Determination of Value(s)
o
* The final version of all forms must be acceptable to the WSDOT Local Agency Coordinator (LAC) for
acquisition of property under Federal and State guidelines.
3.3 Acquisition Services
* Review and abide by all state and federal requirements for WSDOT right-of-way certification(s) and
become familiar with the sites
* Research and correct title report data as required to determine who is required to sign the acquisition
documents.
* Negotiate and obtain signatures on a right-of-way purchase/sale agreement and other applicable
documents for land required by the County for the proposed road/bridge improvements, or contact all
individuals as necessary to negotiate to an impasse.
* Provide Administrative Offer Summaries (as needed).
* Provide Relocation Plans (as needed).
* Prepare deeds, easements and other documentation as necessary to correctly disburse the right-of-way
payments and convey to the County valid title to the required right-of-way(s).
* Obtain release of all liens and encumbrances as necessary to vest title to the County. Notify the County in
writing of any liens or encumbrances that cannot be released.
* Provide a bi-weekly project update report. The report will include any concerns or issues that may arise.
* Deliver a project diary of all negotiations.
3.4 Closing Operations
* Perform all services and activities and provide documentation to the appropriate agencies necessary to
finalize and closeout the acquisition of real property.
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4 Qualifications and Proposer Requirements
4.1 Submittal of Qualifications
In order to be considered for this qualification, each Proposer must provide THREE (3) total copies of their
qualifications. All qualifications must arrive at the issuing office on or before the listed time and date due. A
corporate officer who has been authorized to make such a commitment must sign the qualifications. Qualifications
shall be sealed in an envelope, plainly identifying Project Name, and Proposer's Name and Address. The document
shall be addressed and delivered to the issuing office identified in Section 2.3.
Proposer Requirements
The following minimum criteria will apply:
A. Each Proposer shall have no fewer than ten years of experience, no fewer than five of which are within the
State of Washington, in providing the types of services within the Scope of Work in Section 3.
B. Proposer shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the County, the ability to provide the services within the
Scope of Work in Section 3 and shall demonstrate a proven history of providing such service for public
agencies.
C. Proposer shall not have a record of substandard workmanship. The County will verify this requirement by
communication with the licensing authority, the Proposer's clients and references, and as many other
references as the County may be deem appropriate.
4.2 Qualifications Format and Requirements
4.2.1 Qualifications Format
Proposers are encouraged to provide clear, concise qualifications that contain information detailing experience,
team, capacity, schedule and the unique characteristics of the project. Qualifications shall be type written with the
body text consisting of a serif font at least 12-point (e.g. Times New Roman, Garamond). One page is considered to
be one side of a single 8 12" x 11" sheet. The qualifications may not exceed 10 pages. Covers, dividers, table of
contents, introductory letter, attachments, and resumes are not included in the above page count. Proposer may
use up to two (2) 11" x 17" pages of the 10 pages allowed.
4.2.2 Introductory Letter
Include the name of the proposing firm and its principal business, names and emails of Principal-in-Charge and
Project Manager, address, phone number and fax number where the relationship will be managed and number of
employees employed by the firm. The letter should address the firm's willingness and commitment, if selected, to
provide the services offered and a description of why the Proposer believes it should be selected for this project.
The letter should be addressed to the Public Works Office at the address identified in Section 2.3. A statement in
the letter of interest shall specifically stipulate that the consultant accepts all terms and conditions contained in
the RFQ. The letter shall name the person(s) authorized to represent the consultant in any negotiations and the
name of the person(s) authorized to sign any contract or agreement, which may result. The letter of interest must
be signed by a legal representative of the Consultant firm or institution, authorized to bind the firm or institution
in contractual matters.
4.2.3 Qualifications and Experience of Right of Way Services
The proposer shall describe the qualifications and experience of Right of Way Services of each service listed under the
project description, personnel included on the WSDOT Approved Appraisers list, availability of qualified personnel,
quality control systems and procedures, past performance records of Right of Way Services with other public agencies,
past performance acquiring Right of Way for federal and state funded projects, and references. References shall
include the following: contact name, title, agency, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address.
4.2.4 Qualifications and Experience of the Individuals assigned as County's Main
Representative(s)
The proposer shall describe the qualifications and experience, demonstration of good communication, and quality
control procedures of the individual(s) assigned as the County's main representative(s).
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