This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Bluffton, South Carolina. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

Due to the possibility of negotiation with all respondents, the identity of any respondents or the contents of any proposal shall not be public information until after the contract award is made; therefore, the public is not invited to the proposal closing. Project Purpose Like many coastal communities, Beaufort County must balance a variety of infrastructure needs within the area in the face of sea level rise and more intense weather events, often with limited available resources. One of the more critical areas in need is the 480-acre Alljoy community, located on the May River near Bluffton. The area, which boasts approximately 850 full-time residents, 352 homes, scenic estuarian views, a laid-back lifestyle, and a rich history, was developed organically by individuals as opposed to a planned community. Maps of the area are included in Attachment 3. Most of the homes and roads in the area are within FEMA documented floodplains and were constructed prior to stormwater standards and regulations. As a result, the area often floods following regular rain events, obstructing access to homes and threatening property damage. Water stands for long periods after routine rain events, threatening the health and safety of the residents. Additionally, residents have concerns that numerous aging septic tanks in the area contribute to water quality issues. The County Disaster Recovery Division has aided at least two people applying for federal funding as a result of inundation of their homes. With future sea levels and storm events, these conditions are expected to worsen over time. The existing drainage infrastructure has been pieced together as the area slowly developed over time in the 20th century and is comprised of open channels connected with culvert pipes. Much of the infrastructure holds water, likely as a function of the nearby tidal marsh. Beaufort County desires to understand the flooding situation and its causes as best as possible. The proposed planning effort consists of collecting data pertinent to developing a hydrology and hydraulic analysis model, using this model to identify deficiencies and potential improvements, and devising a feasible plan for lessening the threat of flooding in the Alljoy area. Scope of Work Data Collection & Existing Document Review, GIS Coordination, Conceptual Base Map and Database, Identification of Known Flooding & Problematic Areas Field Investigation to Verify & Validate Inventory for Preliminary Base Map & GIS Database Development and Initial Stormwater Network Model Framework Hydrology & Hydraulic Analysis Approach and Stormwater Network Model Development Identification of System Conveyance Deficiencies, Design Constrains, Concerns & Limitations, and Develop Potential System Improvements for the County and/or other entities could use to implement. All findings listed shall be provided in a final report for review by both the County and South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority staff before approval and project close out. Identify Future Data and Information Needs for Design Phase Development Future Design Phase Development Program including High Priority Areas Note: This project is being funded in whole or in part by a state grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). All RIA grant requirements will apply to the contract. More information about program requirements can be found in the RIA State Grant Project Management Procedures found at ria.sc.gov/resources/forms-documents. Per RIA guidelines, any contract negotiated as a result of this procurement process will require approval from RIA prior to award/execution. Projected Start Date October 7th, 2024 Bi-weekly progress meetings upon starting field work Completion of data acquisition January 15, 2025 Bi-weekly progress meetings upon starting draft report Completion of first draft of report August 1, 2025 Bi-weekly progress meetings on draft edits in coordination with SCRIA staff Completion of final edits of report September 30, 2025 Presentation of findings to Stormwater Utility Board October 15, 2025 Grant close-out November, 19, 2025 (end of grant period) All submittals received in response to this Request for Qualifications will be rated by a Selection Committee, based upon the Evaluation Criteria contained within this RFQ. If the best proposal respondent is clearly identified from the point summary, there will not be a need for oral presentations. If not, then an oral presentation from a minimum of the top two rated firms shall be required. This solicitation does not commit Beaufort County to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal, or to procure or contract for the articles of goods or services. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all qualifications received as a result of this request, to negotiate with all qualified firms, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this solicitation, if it is in the best interests of the County to do so. Question Deadline 08/23/2024 at 5:00 PM ET Submit questions through electronically. Answers to questions received that would change and/or clarify this solicitation will be posted electronically. Award shall be posted online. The County shall not be responsible for any of the costs associated with responding to this request and all submitted materials shall become the property of the County. Furthermore, the County expressly reserves the right and options to: Reject any or all consultants and re-advertise if deemed necessary Waive any or all formalities and technicalities Approve, disapprove, or cancel all services associated with the project The County has yet to decide whether to select one or more other firms to provide some or all of the professional services described in this document. All selected firms will perform such services under the direct supervision of Beaufort County. An award resulting from this request shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible offeror whose Request for PROPOSALS is determined to be most advantageous to the County, taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors set forth herein; however, the right is reserved to reject any and all Request for PROPOSALS received, and in all cases the County will be the sole judge as to whether an offeror's Request for PROPOSALS has or has not satisfactorily met the requirements of this RFP. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.