Current Projects

Dade County
Water Main Upgrades
Request for Qualifications
Engineering Services For Water & Sewer Systems Upgrades
Issue Date: January 30, 2023
Submission Deadline: February 24, 2023
Request To: Engineering Professional(s)
Submit To: Sherri Walker, General Manager
Dade County Water & Sewer Authority
250 Bond Street
Trenton, GA 30752
or
swalker@mydadewater.com
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2
Table of Contents
1. OVERVIEW OF THE REQUIREMENT ............................................................................... 3
2. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 3
2.1 Enquiries ...................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Closing Date ................................................................................................ 3
2.3 Late Responses ........................................................................................... 3
2.4 Qualifications Review Committee ................................................................ 3
2.5 Review and Selection .................................................................................. 3
2.6 Acceptance of Responses ........................................................................... 3
3. SERVICES ................................................................................................................... 4
4. EVALUATION CRITERIA ................................................................................................ 4
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................... 5
6. CONFLICT OF INTEREST ............................................................................................... 5
7. LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................... 6
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 3
1. Overview of the Requirement
The main objective of this RFQ is the acquisition of engineering services that will be required to successfully complete an upgrade to the Dade County public water system.
This RFQ is intended for qualified individuals and/or companies that have the necessary expertise, and experience to assist Dade County Water & Sewer Authority with this project.
The entirety of the project is composed of two individual projects, the Vangard Industrial Road expansion project, and the SR 299 water main upgrade project. The Vangard project will include the addition of 3,400 LF of 8” ductile iron pipe. The SR 299 project includes the replacement of 3,600 LF of undersized asbestos cement pipe with 6” ductile iron pipe, and the addition of 3 new fire hydrants for more adequate fire protection in the area. Additional details are contained in the ‘Services’ component of this document located in Section 3.
2. Request for Qualifications
2.1 Enquiries
All enquiries related to this RFQ are to be directed, in writing, to Sherri Walker, General Manger via regular mail, or email. Information obtained from any other source is not official and should not be relied upon.
2.2 Closing Date
An original and four (4) hard copies must be received via regular mail, or be delivered before 5 p.m., on February 24, 2023 at the address on the front cover of this RFQ. Responses must not be sent by facsimile. Responses and their envelopes should be clearly marked with the name and address of the respondent and the project or program title.
2.3 Late Responses
Late responses will not be accepted.
2.4 Qualifications Review Committee
The Review Committee will be composed of the Board members of the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority.
2.5 Review and Selection
This RFQ is being used for pre-qualification purposes by the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority, and as such:
The qualifications review committee will check responses against the mandatory criteria listed in Section 4 of this document. Responses not meeting all mandatory criteria will not be considered for review. Qualified respondents will be provided with a copy of the RFP if one is issued.
2.6 Acceptance of Responses
The RFQ is not a binding agreement to purchase goods or services. Responses to an RFQ are assessed in light of the qualification review criteria and, if chosen for the shortlist, will be contacted for the RFP.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 4
3. Services
Dade County Water & Sewer Authority is soliciting submissions requesting the following services to be performed by an engineering firm to include (but not limited to) concept report preparation and validation, utility plans, preparation of displays for public meetings, surveys and mapping, preliminary construction plans, final right-of-way plans (including staking of right-of-way), erosion control plans, structural plans, permit assistance, and final construction plans.
Tasks may include developing the scope of construction; development of concept, preliminary, and final design documents; environmental documents; utility coordination and relocation plans; right-of-way plans and documents; specifications and bid documents; contract administration.
The period for which the selected individual/firm will be retained will be two (2) years, after which the selection process must then be repeated. Examples of, but not limited to, the aforementioned tasks that will be required are the Vangard Industrial Road project, and the SR 299 Water Main Upgrade project.
The goal of the Vangard Industrial Road project is to create a redundant water main feed for Dade County Industrial Park and subsequently all customers in the north end of Dade County. Water mains for the industrial park and north end residents currently extend through the city of Trenton. Undersized, aging water pipes experience frequent breaks that restricts flow into the industrial park and residents to the north until repairs can be accomplished. The Vangard project is composed of the following components:
1. 8” CL 350 DI Water Main – 3,400 LF
2. 8” Gate Valves – 2
3. Directional Bore Creek Crossing (8” RJ DI) – 100 LF
4. Fire Hydrant w/6” Gate Valve – 1
5. Open Cut & Case w/12” Steel Casing – 90 LF
6. Connect to Existing System (Connect to Exsisting Stub-Out w/Vlv)
7. Connect to Existing System (Tapping Sleeve & 8” Gate Vlv)
The SR 299 Water Main Upgrade is located in Wildwood, Georgia and is currently fed with an aging mix of 3” and 4” AC water line. Inadequate flow and frequent breaks necessitate the need for line replacement in this area to support residential and retail facilities. The SR 299 project is composed of the following components:
1. 6” CL 350 DI Water Main – 3,600 LF
2. 6” Gate Valve – 5
3. Fire Hydrants w/6” Gate Valve – 3
4. Interstate Bore & Case w/16” Steel Casing – 565 LF
5. Road Bore & Case w/12” Steel Casing – 50 LF
6. Reconnection of Existing Commercial Services – 3
7. Reconnection of Existing Residential Services – 5
8. Connect to Existing System – 4
4. Evaluation Criteria
The Dade County Water & Sewer Authority shall at its sole discretion select the most qualified firm(s) for each project, based on the best value evaluation of the following criteria:
A. Relevance and amount of previous experience. (20%)
B. Relevance and amount of previous experience with Federally Assisted. (15%)
C. Methodology and approach. (25%)
D. Scope and level of services. (20%)
E. Demonstrated capacity to complete assignments and manage complex projects. (10%)
F. Cost effectiveness of proposed remuneration schedule. (10%)
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 5
5. Submission Requirements
All proposing firms shall submit an original and four (4) copies of their proposal that include the following information and documents in this order:
Cover
Table of Contents
Qualifications
• A brief history and overview of the firm and its general areas of practice. Please include the number of years the company has been in existence and the firm’s specific experience with Federally Assisted Projects.
• Firm’s experience providing engineering services to local governments in the State of Georgia. List contact names and contact information for each reference.
• Resumés of key personnel that will be working with the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority, if selected, including their qualifications and relevant experience.
Scope and Methodology
• Methodology and approach for engineering services.
• Scope and level of service proposed.
• Organizational chart which identifies the project manager, key team leaders, support personnel, and reporting structure.
Ability to Complete the Project
• Statement of current workload and availability for providing services.
• Statement of the company’s financial strength. (Please provide suitable documentation to establish financial stability. Acceptable documentation includes audited or reviewed financial statements, partnership or corporation tax returns, bank or financial institution commitments, or other verifiable information demonstrating financial stability.)
• Statement concerning any previous projects that the firm was unable to complete, unable to complete in a timely manner, or unable to complete as budgeted in the last ten years.
• Statement of any previous, existing, or pending litigation of the company.
Budget and Fees
• Rate Schedule for Design and Construction Administration Services.
• Other information regarding firm’s approach to establishing project cost.
Additional
• Proof that the firm is authorized to do business in the State of Georgia. Firm MUST have all the necessary, valid and current licenses to do business in the State of Georgia as issued by the respective State Boards and Government Agencies responsible for regulating and licensing the services to be provided and performed.
• In an Appendix, please provide any other pertinent information you believe will assist the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority in assessing the capability of your firm to undertake the project (i.e. letters of recommendation, certifications or awards, etc.). Please limit to no more than an additional 10 pages.
6. Conflict of Interest
Dade County Water & Sewer Authority defines a conflict of interest as:
“A conflict of interest exists wherever an individual could benefit directly or indirectly from access to information or from a decision over which they may have influence and also includes a perceived conflict where someone might reasonably perceive there to be such benefit and influence. A conflict of interest occurs when a staff member or consultant attempts to promote a private or personal interest that results in an interference with the objective exercise of their job responsibilities, or gains any advantage by virtue of his/her position with Dade County Water & Sewer Authority. Conflicts of interest may be real, potential or perceived.”
The respondent should disclose conflicts of interest, in writing, to the review committee who will consider the nature of the respondent’s responsibilities and the degree of potential or apparent conflict in deciding the course of action that the respondent needs to take to remedy the conflict of interest.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 6
7. Limitations
There are no expressed or implied obligations for the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority to reimburse responding companies for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to this RFQ.
The Authority reserves the right to request clarifications regarding information submitted as well as request additional information from one or more companies submitting qualifications.
Ownership of all data, materials, and documentation prepared for and submitted in response to this RFQ shall belong exclusively to the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority and will be considered a public record and subject to public inspection in accordance with the Georgia Open Record Act, O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et. seq. unless otherwise provided by law.
The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, extend the deadline for submission of proposals, and call for new proposals. The Authority reserves the right to accept, reject and/or negotiate any and all proposals or parts of proposals deemed by the Board to be in the best interest of the citizens of Dade County.
The contract between the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority and the successful firms will be on the form approved by the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority Board.
By submitting their proposal, the responding company certifies that it has fully read and understands this RFQ and has full knowledge of the nature, scope, quantity and quality of the work to be performed; the detailed requirements of the services to be provided and the conditions under which the services are to be performed. Failure to do so will not relieve the successful proposing company of its obligation to enter into a contract and to completely perform the contract in strict accordance with this RFQ.
This RFQ and any resulting contract shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Georgia and the successful proposing company shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
By submitting their qualifications, all proposing companies certify that their proposals are made without collusion or fraud and that they have not offered or received any kickbacks or inducements from any other person or party in connection with their proposals, and that they have not conferred with any Dade County Water & Sewer Authority employee having official responsibility for this procurement transaction of any payment, loan, subscription, advance, deposit of money, services, or anything of value of more than nominal value, present or promise, unless consideration of substantially equal or greater value was exchanged.
The proposing companies specifically certify that by submitting their qualifications that they are not in violation of O.C.G.A. §§ 16-10-2 and 16-10-22 for acts of bribery, and/ or conspiracy in restraint of free and open competition in transactions with state or political subdivisions.
By submitting their qualifications, all proposing companies certify that they are not currently debarred from submitting bids or proposals on contracts by any agency of the State of Georgia and the federal government, nor are they an agent of any person or entity that is currently debarred from submitting bids on contracts by any agency of the State of Georgia or the federal government.

Water line replacements are complete.

In 2016, Dade County Water & Sewer Authority began standardizing the replacement of worn-out water meters with a single brand of water meter capable of being read remotely.  Over the last 5 years, Authority staff was able to replace entire neighborhoods with Sensus Iperl radio-read meters, eliminating the need to read those routes manually.  Over 1,200 of the Authority's 7,200 meters were upgraded to radio-read water meters by the end of 2020.  This replacement process has been slow as Authority Staff must complete this work between other day-to-day maintenance duties.

Beginning October 2021, Dade County Water & Sewer Authority will speed up this process by contracting the installation to contractors that specialize in rapid meter replacement.  UWS (Utility & Water Services) and their team of professional meter installers, will be replacing an additional 4,300 meters over the next 6 months.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

When it is time for your meter to be replaced, UWS contractors will need to turn your water off for a few minutes to complete the meter replacement. Most meter replacements take about 10 minutes.  Once your meter has been replaced, UWS will turn your water back on a verify that there are no leaks at the meter.

All contractors will have the UWS logo on their vehicle and vest.