Water System Master Plan Study

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Water System Master Plan Study
Gaffney Board of Public Works
Introduction
Gaffney Board of Public Works (BPW) is seeking qualifications from experienced
engineering firms to conduct a comprehensive Water System Master Plan Study.
The purpose of this study is to assess the current water system, forecast future demand, evaluate
potential alternatives for water supply (both raw and potable), and provide actionable
recommendations to guide infrastructure planning over the next 30-50 years.
Project Overview
The selected firm will work closely with BPW staff to:
* Analyze existing water system infrastructure
* Develop long-term water demand projections
* Evaluate potential water supply sources and treatment alternatives, to include purchasing
water from another entity
* Recommend system improvements and strategic plans for sustainable growth
* Provide a financial roadmap of how to accomplish the recommended strategies
The study will include stakeholder workshops, technical memoranda, and a consolidated Master
Plan Report.
Scope of Services
The study will generally consist of the following tasks:
Project Goal Definition
* Kickoff meeting with BPW staff and stakeholders to define study objectives,
geographical limits, and milestones
* Establish a project schedule and communication plan
* Set up a secure project SharePoint site for data sharing and document review
Deliverables: Project Goals Technical Memorandum, Meeting Agendas, Meeting Minutes
Flow Projections
* Collect historical water usage data (past 5 years)

* Develop 30- and 50-year water demand projections based on population, employment
trends, and potential industrial/commercial flows
* Conduct a workshop to review draft projections with BPW staff
Deliverables: Flow Projections Technical Memorandum, Workshop Agendas, Meeting Minutes
Data Collection and Review
* Review existing design reports, drawings, GIS data, flow monitoring data, and planning
documents
* Identify data gaps and request additional information if necessary
* Evaluate preliminary regionalization feasibility with potential partner utilities
Deliverables: Data Gap Analysis, Request for Information (RFI), Meeting Agendas, Meeting
Minutes
High-Level Screening of Water Supply Alternatives
* Identify and review potential water sources, interconnection options, and treatment
alternatives
* Develop preliminary cost estimates for alternatives
* Conduct a workshop with BPW staff to prioritize feasible options
Deliverables: Water Supply Alternatives Analysis Technical Memorandum, Meeting Agendas,
Meeting Minutes
Evaluation of Feasible Water Supply Alternatives
* Perform detailed feasibility analysis of top 3-4 alternatives using criteria including:
capacity, water quality, cost, lifecycle costs, and regulatory considerations
* Map alternatives and summarize evaluation results
* Conduct workshops to review findings and gather BPW input
Deliverables: Evaluation Technical Memorandum, Maps, Workshop Agendas, Meeting Minutes
Final Recommendations and Consolidated Report
* Compile results into a Master Plan Report draft
* Review draft with BPW staff and finalize report incorporating comments
* Provide a final Master Plan Report with recommendations for system improvements, the
timing of those improvements, include cost estimates and potential funding sources
Deliverables: Draft and Final Master Plan Report, Meeting Agendas, Meeting Minutes

Minimum Qualifications
Firms must demonstrate:
* Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina
* Experience with municipal water system master planning
* Experience with utility infrastructure assessments, including PFAS treatment
considerations
* Experience managing projects of similar size and scope
* Strong record of stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation
Proposal Requirements
Firms should submit the following:
1. Firm Profile: Background, size, office locations, and available resources
2. Project Team: Identify key personnel, including project manager, engineers, and support
staff
3. Relevant Experience: Summary of similar water system studies and projects
4. Project Approach: Methodology, timeline, and communication plan
5. References: Minimum of three references from similar municipal projects
6. Fee Information: All-inclusive fees for the proposal, including any hourly rates for
additional services.
Submissions should be limited to 20 pages (excluding resumes and attachments) and submitted
electronically as a single PDF file.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using a qualifications-based approach.
Criteria
* Relevant Firm Experience *
* Project Approach / Methodology *
* Key Personnel Qualifications *
* References / Past Performance *
* Understanding of Local System Needs
*
* Cost Proposal
BPW reserves the right to shortlist firms for interviews or discussions before final selection.

Selection Process
1. RFQ issued and submissions received
2. Evaluation of qualifications by BPW staff using scoring matrix
3. Shortlist of top firms
4. Optional interviews/presentations with shortlisted firms
5. Final recommendation presented to BPW Board for approval
Schedule
Milestone Target Date
RFQ Issued 04/13/2026
Questions Due 04/27/2026
Proposal Submission Deadline 05/04/2026
Evaluation / Shortlist 05/12/2026
Interviews (if applicable) 05/20/2026
Board Approval 06/02/2026
Submission Instructions
* Submit one (1) electronic PDF copy to:
Cody Brown, Purchasing Agent
Email: cbrown@gbpw.com
Phone: 864-335-9715
* Submission deadline: 05/04/2026
* Late submissions will not be considered
Terms and Conditions
* BPW reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, and select the
firm deemed most qualified and in the best interest of the Utility.
* All proposals become property of BPW.
* Questions regarding the RFQ must be submitted in writing to the contact above.
* BPW may negotiate final terms and fees with the selected firm.