REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Engineering and Administrative Services: Post Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, & Resilience

Due Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 5 p.m.

I. Summary

The Town of Hot Springs (Town) is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms experienced in providing professional engineering and construction services to support multiple disaster recovery projects stemming from Hurricane Helene, including water, sewer, and sidewalk rehabilitation.

II. Background

Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding damage to the Town’s water and sewer systems, as well as to sidewalks in and around downtown Hot Springs. In response, the Town seeks a firm(s) to assist with addressing engineering needs related to infrastructure repair, replacement, and/or relocation projects.

III. Applicants

Qualified applicants must have experience in engineering and construction management working with local governments, preferably under a disaster recovery, mitigation, and long-term resiliency building context. The Scoring Criteria prioritizes a proven track record of working with federal and state funding programs, including all or portions of the following:

FEMA Public Assistance (FEMA PA)
NC Commerce Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ)
NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Revolving Fund and/or Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Hawai’i Wildfires (SRF Helene)

IV. Scope of Work

Project Scopes

A summary of all project scopes and selected design/engineering considerations covered under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) includes:

FEMA PA

French Broad River Water Line Replacement. Replacement of waterline crossing the French Broad River at the US 25/70 bridge. Note: Remaining scope of work is construction management during the construction phase once the project is awarded and under construction.
Hot Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant Relocation. WWTP relocation and associated collection system reconfiguration. Key design and engineering considerations include:
1. Either relocating 2 package plants (75,000 ea. gpd capacity) or constructing a new plant (150,000 gpd capacity) based on feasibility analysis,
2. Converting existing WWTP to a pump station,
3. New sewer force main under the French Broad River,
4. New waterline to WWTP site.
Red Bridge Pump Station. Rehabilitate the Red Bridge pump station. Note: This project works in parallel with SRF funding (see below).

SmBIZ

South Side Bridge Street Sidewalk, Stormwater and Appalachian Tail Corridor. Reconstruction of sidewalk along the south side of Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs—an official segment of the Appalachian Trail. Key design and engineering considerations include:
1. Replace ADA-compliant curb ramps and driveway aprons,
2. Install new storm drainage infrastructure (three new inlets, replace existing inlet tops, and new pipe),
3. Restore Appalachian Trail markers.
North Side of Bridge Street Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvements. Construction (300 square yards) of new concrete sidewalk along the north side of Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs. Key design/engineering considerations include:
1. Install new ADA-compliant curb ramps, driveway transitions, and mid-block crossings,
2. Replace and realign stormwater inlet tops and utility lids.
North & South Andrews Avenue Sidewalk Repair & Improvements. Reconstruction (600 square yards) of sidewalk along North and South Andrews Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. Key design/engineering considerations include:
1. Install new ADA-compliant curb ramps,
2. Improve driveway transitions,
3. Add conduit for new street lighting.

SRF Helene

Helene Sewer System Replacement & PS Upgrades. Address damage to the collection system, which has led to increased inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the system while temporary repairs are in place. The Cat Hole, Silver Mine, and Red Bridge sewer pump stations will be rehabilitated and improved. Key design/engineering considerations include:
1. Elevate well and electrical equipment,
2. Install flood protection walls,
3. Install permanent standby generators in all three lift stations,
4. Replace 3,700 linear feet of 8” sewer line and lining and/or repairs to approximately 1,900 linear feet of existing sewer line.
Helene Water Systems Improvements. Improve resiliency and redundancy for the Town’s water supply, storage, and distribution system. Key design/engineering considerations include:
1. Install new redundant water line (feeding new water tank) and transmission line,
2. Construct new 200,000-gallon water tank (location to be determined),
3. Replace damaged water lines (approximately 6,000 linear feet).
Housing Authority Sand Filter (pending award, may not be included in final scope). Decommission sand filter and replace with a pump station to send effluent to new WWTP.

General activities

General project activities to be executed across the projects include, but are not limited to:

Engineering design and consulting
Site assessments
Environmental information documentation
Local, state, and federal regulatory compliance
Permitting and regulatory compliance
Design services and construction administration
Cost estimation, scope of work development, and project formulation
Bid and award support, contract management, and construction oversight
Attendance at local meetings related to disaster recovery if needed
Recordkeeping and documentation in accordance with state and federal requirements

Important

An Applicant may respond to individual funding programs and projects (e.g., FEMA PA projects only), or it may submit a response to the full Scope of Work in its entirety (i.e., all projects listed above). This document spells out below how to reflect this selection in the SOQ. The Town may select multiple firms to complete the Scope of Work in its entirety.

V. Submission Requirements and Format

Maximum page limit: 20 pages (tabs 3-6 = ~17 pages)

Formatting: Please use standard formatting (1 inch Top, Bottom, Left, Right margins; 11- or 12-point font)

Submission structure:

Title Page (1 page)

Document title, firm name, address, phone number(s), contact person’s name, and date

Tab 1: Letter of Interest (1 page)

A statement of interest and understanding of the work
- Include a clear statement whether your SOQ covers the full suite of projects identified above in this document OR
- Whether you are responding to select projects (for example, sidewalk reconstruction / SmBIZ only)
Include the primary point of contact (with contact info) and sign the letter by an authorized individual
Highlight the strengths of the lead firm and consultants as they relate specifically to your selected funding program / project expertise

Tab 2: Table of Contents (1 page)

List materials by section and page number

Tab 3: Qualifications of Firm and Key Staff (35 points)

Firm Qualifications: Provide an overview of the firm’s history, capabilities, and experience with the project types listed (or only those identified in your letter of interest, see Tab 1). Include:
- Company profile
- Capabilities statement
- Verification that the firm and key staff are not debarred (attach SAM.gov record)
- Insurance coverage information
Key Staff Qualifications: Provide resumes for key personnel, including:
- Relevant staff experience
- Engineer license and certifications
- At least three project case studies for each key staff member
- Role descriptions for key staff members, per grant project
- Hourly billing rates for key staff

Tab 4: Federal & State Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, & Resiliency Experience (15 points)

Summarize previous related experience, particularly related to FEMA PA, SmBIZ, and SRF Helene, or the types of projects outlined above. Include:
- Project overview (client, location, description, dates)
- Scope of work and services provided

Tab 5: Project Approach and Methodology (35 points)

Provide a detailed plan outlining the approach to managing all projects, or just those selected under your SOQ:
- Overall approach, methodologies, and strategies
- Proposed timeline with project phases, tasks, and milestones

Tab 6: References from Past Projects (15 points)

Provide at least three references from past projects, including work for local governments, preferably associated with grant / loan programs or similar projects identified in this document. Include:
- Contact information (name, position, phone number, email)
- Project details (type, scope, duration, dates)

VI. Submission Deadline

Submissions must be received by: March 4th, 2026, 5pm

Submissions: Send electronically to Mary Roderick (Mary@landofsky.org)

Late responses will not be considered.

VII. Evaluation Criteria

The selection committee will evaluate SOQs based on the following criteria:

Qualifications of Firm and Key Staff - 35 points
References from Past Clients - 15 points
Proposed Approach and Methodology - 35 points
Federal & State Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, & Resiliency Experience - 15 points

VII. Selection Process

SOQs will be reviewed by the Town beginning on 3/5/2026. Interviews will be scheduled only if deemed necessary. Once a firm is selected, a contract will be negotiated between the firm and the Town. A contract will subsequently be awarded within a reasonable timeframe.

VIII. RFQ Schedule

RFQ posted 2/6/2026
Deadline for Questions 2/18/2026
Addendum Issued 2/20/2026
Proposals Due 3/4/2026
Anticipated Selection Announced 3/10/2026 (contract award will follow after negotiations)

IX. General Information

Costs incurred by respondents for preparing and submitting responses are the sole responsibility of the respondents.
All responses, inquiries, and correspondence will become the property of the Town and will not be returned.
Minority- and women-owned firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The Town of Hot Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any submittals.
The Town reserves the right to award contracts that best serve its interests.
All inquiries should be directed to Mary Roderick (Mary@landofsky.org).

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