Request for Qualifications: Planning, Consulting, and Engineering Services for Wastewater Sewer Project
Project Overview
Northern Township is soliciting qualification statements from interested engineering firms for a critical infrastructure project to install a sanitary sewer system along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 20 in the Lake Bemidji area. This project aims to address long-standing regional planning goals and environmental concerns related to aging septic systems around the iconic Lake Bemidji. The proposed sewer line, approximately 5 miles in length, will run through Lake Bemidji State Park and extend to the Township’s border along the east side of the lake. Timely execution of this project is crucial, as it aligns with Beltrami County’s concurrent reconstruction plans for CSAH 20, including storm sewers, curbs, gutters, and a multi-use trail, scheduled for completion in 2026.
The proposed sewer project will provide a long-term solution by connecting several key facilities, including the Lake Bemidji State Park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regional Headquarters, and Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge resort to a reliable sanitary sewer system. This initiative will help protect Lake Bemidji from future degradation and ensure its preservation for generations to come. In addition, this project will service over 400 residential units as part of the effort to protect Lake Bemidji, the Mississippi River, groundwater, drinking water, and other downstream resources.
Northern Township is partnering with Beltrami County to combine plans into a single set, ensuring cohesive and efficient project management and execution. Northern Township is soliciting qualification statements from interested engineering firms for a comprehensive sanitary sewer project. The project involves the design, development, and implementation of a wastewater collection and treatment system, along with continuous road and related utility improvements, including future water system and utility extensions.
Federal Funding Involvement
The Township anticipates federal funding for this project, necessitating the procurement of professional services that meet federal standards. All professional services must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 requirements.
Scope of Services
The intent is for full engineering services from project conception to project completion. The specific items to be addressed in the scope of services include, but are not limited to:
– Preliminary Planning
– Budgeting
– Topographic Survey
– Public meetings/engagement
– NEPA Compliance
– EPA Work Plan Grant Acceptance
– EPA Environmental Information Document Preparation
– Design
– MPCA Permitting
– Wetland Delineations
– Resident Project Representation
– Construction Staking
– Contract Management
– As-Builts
Responses to this request shall also include a list of sub-consultants necessary to complete the work, including, but are not limited to:
– Geotechnical investigation
– Professional soil scientist
– Environmental review staff
– Materials testing
– Any other necessary sub-consultants
Submission Requirements
To be considered, firms must submit concise responses, limited to no more than 15 pages, including cover letters and all attachments. Responses should detail the firm’s qualifications and experience, understanding of the project scope, and the ability to meet schedules and deadlines, including the critical timeline for the CSAH 20 reconstruction completion in 2026. Firms should demonstrate their capacity and commitment to meeting these timelines effectively. Lengthy submittals of general company information are not necessary.
Selection Criteria
Selection will be based on qualifications and experience, using a numerical rating system. The criteria and their respective weights are as follows:
1. Experience and Relationship with Stakeholders (30%):
- Experience with similar collection and treatment projects within 100 miles.
- Demonstrated relationships with stakeholders including Rutgers Resort, Northern Township, Lake Bemidji State Park, Beltrami County, the DNR, and various private landowners.
2. Project-Specific Experience and Proximity (25%):
- Firm’s experience with long-term infrastructure projects around lakes.
- Proximity to the project site and ability to attend impromptu in-person meetings.
3. Professional Background of Key Personnel (25%):
- Specific project responsibilities and activity level on the project.
- Professional integrity and competence of the personnel.
4. Understanding and Implementation of the Project Scope (20%):
- Firm’s understanding of the project requirements and capability to provide the requested services.
Submission Details
- Advertisement and RFQ availability begins June 1st.
- Submissions may be mailed, dropped off in person, or emailed.
- Submissions are due by July 1st at 10 am.
- Responses must acknowledge the firm’s ability to meet all federal requirements applicable to 2 CFR Part 200.
- The full Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is available at www.northerntownship.com.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Requirements
This project is subject to the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program as contained in 40 CFR Part 33. Accordingly, the selected firm shall make good faith efforts to solicit proposals or quotes from DBE firms and ensure that DBEs are given the maximum opportunity to compete for subcontracts under this contract.
The selected firm shall comply with all applicable requirements of EPA’s DBE Program, including maintaining records and submitting periodic reports to Northern Township on its DBE utilization and good faith efforts. The Township encourages all qualified DBEs to submit proposals or quotes for consideration.
Contact Information
For any queries or further information, please contact:
Chris Lahn
Northern Township Administration Office
445 Town Hall Rd NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-751-4989
Email: info@northerntownship.com
Important Dates
– Advertisement and RFQ availability begins June 1st.
– Submission Deadline: July 1st at 10 am
– Township shall review the proposals at special meeting on July 1st.
– Selection notification will be provided by July 3rd.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and working to enhance our community’s utility infrastructure