Site work and new construction of a water / sewer project in Kalispell, Montana. Working plans call for the construction of a water / sewer project; and for site work for a water / sewer project.

The Flathead City-County Board of Health (Board) is requesting interested persons/firms to submit their qualifications for providing engineering services for the Flathead County Septage Treatment and Biosolids Composting Facility. Such qualification statements are to be submitted, in writing and electronically PROJECT BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, Flathead County has experienced rapid growth rates and as a result the land that is suitable and available for the disposal of septage has become very limited. The rapid growth in the Flathead Valley has also created a problem related to the disposal of municipal biosolids because of concerns related to the long-term viability of existing disposal methods or locations. The following are challenges that have been identified by the Board that has led to the necessity of this RFQ: 1. Land application of septage disposal is becoming increasingly difficult as agricultural land is developed for residential purposes. 2. Land disposal of septage provides very little treatment of a high strength waste. The probability of groundwater and surface water pollution from this source is significant. 3. The availability of municipal sludge disposal and treatment options continue to decrease. The commercial composting facility in Flathead County has limitations with regard to accepting the quantity of municipal sludge generated. 4. An abundant supply of compost is a high-quality soil amendment that may be used throughout Flathead County for residential and agricultural use. It is expected that the septage treatment and composting facility will be co-located. The type of septage treatment is integrally tied to location of the facility. It is anticipated that septage will be received, solid waste will be separated and the septage will be dewatered. It is also anticipated that the biosolid from the dewatering process will be composted and the remaining water (supernatant) treated to an acceptable level to be disposed on-site by either a surface or subsurface application or delivered to a municipal wastewater plant for treatment and final disposal. Proximity to a municipal treatment facility is an important factor in the final disposal of the treated water from this facility. SCOPE OF WORK: The proposed scope of work includes professional services related to the design, bidding, construction administration, and construction observation for a new Flathead County Septage Treatment and Biosolids Composting Facility. It is anticipated that the work will be completed in two phases as follows: Phase 1 (30% Design): The persons/firm selected will provide consultative and engineering services necessary to identify an appropriate site and provide initial design (approximately 30%) for a septage treatment and composting facility to serve Flathead County. This is a collaborative project between Flathead County, the three munici- palities (Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls), and some or all of the county water and sewer districts. It is anticipated that the Phase 1 services will specifically include the following items: 1. Alternative analysis and selection of the septage treatment and biosolids composting processes. 2. Development of sizing design criteria for all major treatment processes. 3. Identification of potential sites to locate the facility and development of a recommended alternative. 4. Development of a final site plan for the recommended facility. 5. Development of a detailed project cost estimate based on the recommended treatment processes and recommended site. 6. Development of a financial evaluation and business plan based on estimated costs and fees. 7. Assistance with land acquisi- tion. 8. Coordination with Flathead County, the three municipalities, and water and sewer Districts within the County. 9. Development of Preliminary Design Report and 30% set of construction drawings. 10. Funding assistance and grant administration, if needed At the sole discretion of Flathead County, the consultant selected for Phase 1 may be retained to provide professional services for Phase 2, which includes the following scope of work. Phase 2 (Final Design, Bidding, Construction Administration, and Project Closeout): The Phase 2 services include, but may not be limited to, the following major items of work. 1. Preparation of Final Construction Drawings and Specifications 2. Coordination with DEQ 3. Obtaining necessary permits required for construction 4. Project Bidding 5. Construction Administration and Observation 6. field Commissioning, System Startup and Operator Training 7. Project Closeout and As-re- corded Drawings 8.Preparation of an Operation and Maintenance Manual 9. Funding assistance and grant administration, if needed CRITERIA OF SELECTION: Selection of a person/firm for the provision of these services will be based upon the following criteria and each must be addressed within the response submitted to be eligible for consideration. Cover Letter If desired an introductory letter can be provided and limited to one page. The letter will not be scored. Location of the Key Staff Members and Firm Location of the firm and key staff assigned to the project. Qualifications of the Professional Personnel who will be Assigned to the Project. Provide an overview of the Consultant team highlighting their experience, qualifications and technical capabilities that are relevant to the project. Briefly describe Consultant's team key personnel's experience, qualification, and role on this project. Resumes for key staff shall be provided in A, but will be scored within this section. Provide an organizational chart of the proposed project team. Indicate the number of other projects that will be managed by the Project Manager and by the lead engineer during the time he or she would be assigned to this project. Resumes will not be included in the page count. Related Experience and References Provide project descriptions with similar scope and magnitude to this project. In addition, provide project descriptions of past work with Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls that may impact this proposed project. Present and Projected Workloads/Capability to Meet Time and Budget Requirements Provide a discussion regarding the anticipated workload for the key members of the project team during the time frame that this project will occur. Provide a brief description of the tools and processes used to manage budget. Recent or current work for Flathead County, Kalispell, White- fish, and Columbia Falls. Provide information regarding past related wastewater experience working with Flathead County, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. GENERAL INFORMATION: The County may select a consultant without an interview. The selected firm will be asked to submit a formal scope of services and fee for the work and to negotiate a contract with the County. If an appropriate agreement cannot be reached with the highest-ranked firm, the second-- ranked firm may be invited to submit a proposal and negotiate a contract with the County, and so on. The County reserves the right to reject any or all statements of qualification and re-advertise, to waive any irregularities in the statements of qualification, and to accept the statement of qualification that best benefits the County. Flathead County reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. All proposals become the property of Flathead County. The County is not responsible for any costs associated with preparing qualifications statements in response to this RFQ. Please provide six printed Statements of Qualifications and one electronically in PDF. Questions and electronic submittal may be referred to Joseph W. Russell, Health Officer, Flathead City County Health Department at (406) 751-8155 or jrussell@flath ead.mt.gov. The method of contractor selection has not been determined at this time.