Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)
| Location: | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Posted: | May 3, 2026 |
| Due: | May 29, 2026 |
| Agency: | Town of Carrboro |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Solicitation No: | SW-2026-02 |
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Number: |
SW-2026-02
|
| Bid Title: |
Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)
|
| Category: | Bids, RFPs, and RFQs |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
TOWN OF CARRBORO
NORTH CAROLINA
TITLE: Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)
OVERVIEW: The Town of Carrboro is seeking qualified professional engineering firms to submit sealed
Statements of Qualifications for a comprehensive evaluation of its Stormwater Utility. The selected firm
will provide analysis and implementation support for a stormwater utility fee structure that is fair,
equitable, legally defensible, and publicly acceptable.
In order to develop an adequate understanding of needed revenue, emphasis should focus on a deep
understanding of current and legacy municipal stormwater infrastructure, with particular attention to
system deficiencies and areas that lack conveyance connection. The study should also evaluate funding
needs that encourage and motivate management of stormwater at points of generation.
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
ISSUING DIVISION: Stormwater Division
TOWN CONTACT: Dylan Kirk
Stormwater Manager
dkirk@carrboronc.gov
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTALS:
Optional |Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Please email the Town Contact above to RSVP or request accommodation. A Microsoft Teams Meeting
link will be provided to join.
Sealed Statement of Qualifications must be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Deliver to the following:
Town of Carrboro Finance Department
Attention: Chaz Offenburg, Finance Director
301 West Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
LETTERS OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT
BE CONSIDERED. EXCEPTIONS MAY APPLY ONLY IF THE PROJECT IS RE-ADVERTISED AND THE FIRM
PROVIDES AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF ITS SUBMISSION.
PLEASE NOTE: This Request for Qualifications is being posted on the Town’s website. It will also be
advertised on the NC Department of Historically Underutilized Business’s HUB website, and other
publications. ANY ADDENDA ISSUED WILL ONLY BE POSTED ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE. ALL FIRMS ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING THE TOWN’S WEBSITE PERIODICALLY TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY
ADDENDA HAVE BEEN ISSUED. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF AN ADDENDA MAY
DISQUALIFY A PROPOSAL FROM CONSIDERATION.
SW-2026-02
Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │919-942-8541
OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE
Project Overview
The Town of Carrboro is seeking qualified professional engineering firms (Firms) to submit sealed
Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for a comprehensive evaluation of its Stormwater Utility. The
selected firm will provide analysis and implementation support for a stormwater utility fee structure
that is fair, equitable, legally defensible, and publicly acceptable.
In order to develop an adequate understanding of needed revenue, emphasis should focus on a deep
understanding of current and legacy municipal stormwater infrastructure, with particular attention to
system deficiencies and areas that lack conveyance connection. The study should also evaluate funding
needs that encourage and motivate management of stormwater at points of generation.
Solicitation Schedule
Provided below is the anticipated schedule of solicitation events. The Town reserves the right to adjust
the schedule. Listed below are the dates and times by which stated actions must be taken or completed.
Should changes be required, proper notice will be provided to potential firms as applicable by law. If you
need any reasonable accommodation for any type of disability to participate in the procurement, please
contact the listed Town Contact as soon as possible. All listed times are Eastern Daylight Times (EDT).
Solicitation Schedule
RFQ Released
Optional |Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference
Deadline for Questions (written email)
Town Response to Question(s) via Addendum
Submissions of Qualifications Due
Readvertisement Period (Only If Necessary)
Notice of Award –Town Council Regular Meeting
Time
8:00 AM
11:00 AM
2:00 PM
5:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:00 PM
6:00 PM
Date
05/03/2026
05/13/2026
05/18/2026
05/20/2026
05/29/2026
06/12/2026
06/16/2026
COMMUNITY & BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Town History and General Development Pattern
The Town of Carrboro is a progressive community of approximately 20,000–21,000 residents and is
located in Orange County, North Carolina. The Town is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity,
community engagement, racial equity, climate action, and a diverse, creative culture.
Carrboro’s incorporation origins date to the late 19th century with the extension of the North Carolina
Railroad and the establishment of a local textile mill. For much of its early history, it remained a small
mill town with gradual growth. In 1956, construction began on the NC 54 bypass around Carrboro’s
SW-2026-02
Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 1
downtown, expanding transportation infrastructure and establishing a key mobility route within the
community. By 1960, the Town’s population was approximately 2,000 residents. In the late 1960s, the
population began to increase driven by growth at UNC–Chapel Hill and surrounding businesses.
In the 1970s, a group of Carrboro residents advocated for changes that prioritize meaningful
involvement of all residents. Today, Carrboro maintains its working-class roots while advancing policies
focused on social equity and environmental sustainability.
Stormwater Utility History
On June 6, 2017, the Town of Carrboro’s Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance to establish a
stormwater management utility (Utility). A dedicated enterprise fund was established for stormwater
management activities and to help ensure compliance with the Town’s National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit and North Carolina's Jordan Lake Rules.
Mission
Our mission is to remain at the forefront of water resource protection by employing effective,
innovative, and lawful practices that serve our community and residents, and safeguard one of
our most precious natural resources.
Vision
Our vision is of a vibrant and resilient Carrboro where residents enjoy and benefit from healthy
waterways, stormwater is managed and conveyed efficiently, nature-based solutions are
integrated with development, and groundwater, wetlands, streams, lakes, and coastal waters
are restored and reconnected with their natural ecological patterns.
Most recently, on February 27, 2024, Town Council approved an adjustment to the residential fee
structure from $90 per year to $100 per year to support green stormwater infrastructure within the
community. More information on current fee implementation can be found in Resources.
REQUESTED SERVICES
The role of the selected firm will be to work with the Carrboro community and Town to provide a
comprehensive study of the Stormwater Utility as well as assessing data to compile rate structures that
are needed to support a progressive stormwater management program.
Initial Scope of Services
Phase 1: Baseline Utility Assessment and Vision Implementation Strategy
Preliminary Timeline: July 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
Program Assessment and Cost Evaluation
o Review, compile, and analyze utility and municipal data and information
Conditional assessment information for above ground infrastructure Phases I and II
by third-party engineering firm (2022 -2025)
Conditional assessment information for below ground infrastructure (Ongoing) using
NASSCO PACP standards (2022 – Current)
Stormwater utility geospatial system and associated information
SW-2026-02
Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 2
Review of current services, identification of gaps, and potential future services
Alignment with a strategic pivot minimizing grey infrastructure (when possible)
Revenue Assessment
o Review of all sources of revenue (e.g. stormwater fees, permits, review/inspection fees)
o Review opportunities for infrastructure special assessments
Strategies for neighborhoods that lack conveyance connectivity
Strategies where municipal acceptance of drainage infrastructure never occurred or
lacks proper recorded documentation
o Non-fee-based funding strategies for larger capital projects
Fee Structure Basis
o Review of the currently implemented residential and commercial fee structures
o Options and implications of alternative fee models
A fee more reflective of built-upon area is of interest
o A mechanism that addresses inflation costs
o A mechanism that addresses billing collection administrative costs
o Identification of fee credit opportunities
Community Outreach for Findings
o Mass communication strategies
o Targeted dialogues and stakeholder engagement:
Residents of historically underrepresented groups
Residents facing hardship given tax and other recent household utility increases
Community residents that serve on the Stormwater Advisory Commission (SWAC)
A Town Council Work Session for information and elected official reflections
Presentation and facilitation at official meetings
o Town Council Business Meeting for draft report and recommendations
Phase 2: Fee Structure Adoption and Implementation Strategy
Preliminary Timeline: November 30, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Presentation and facilitation at official meetings
o Public hearing / council meeting for utility ordinance and fee adoption (February 2027)
On-call implementation assistance through September 2027
The scope of services may be adjusted based on needs and priorities. Detailed deliverables,
expectations, and schedule will be established at the first meeting between the Town staff and the
selected firm.
Project Milestones
ASAP 1. Final project scope/budget/timeline
FALL 2026 2. Review, analysis, and stakeholder engagement
NOV 2026 3. Draft utility ordinance and fee schedule
FEB 2027 4. Public hearing / Council meeting for utility ordinance and fee adoption
MAR 2027 5. Billing review
SW-2026-02
Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 3
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Clearly mark the outside of all envelopes and all transmittals, both physical and electronic, with the
following subject line:
“SW-2026-02: Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)”
Due Date
Sealed SOQs must be received no later than by 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. Submissions after
this deadline will not be considered. Deliver to the following:
Town of Carrboro Finance Department
Attention: Chaz Offenburg, Finance Director
301 West Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
Delivery Methods
Qualification packages may be hand-delivered or mailed. If the submittal is sent by mail or commercial
express, the Firm shall be responsible for actual delivery to the Town’s designated official before the
deadline. A copy of SOQs can be sent electronically to Dylan Kirk at dkirk@carrboronc.gov.
Right to Reject
The Town of Carrboro reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submittals in whole or in part, with
or without cause; to waive technicalities; or to accept submittals or portions thereof which, in the
Town’s judgment, best serve the interest of the Town. The Town reserves the right to allow alterations,
modifications, or revisions to individual elements of the Scope of Services at any time during the period
of the contract which results from this RFQ.
Withdrawal
Qualification packages may be withdrawn by written request.
RFQ Questions and Town Responses
Questions regarding this RFQ may be emailed to the listed Town Contact no later than 2:00 P.M. on
Monday, May 18, 2026 by 2:00PM. Responses will be provided via Addendum(s) posted on the Town’s
website at: Bid Postings • Carrboro, NC • CivicEngage.
SOQ Preparation
Nothing herein is intended to exclude any responsibilities or in any way restrain or restrict competition.
All qualified firms/individuals are encouraged to submit responses.
Format
The SOQ body text shall be a minimum of 11-point font and packages should be limited to no more than
20 single-sided pages (8½ x 11). Resumes, section dividers, cover sheet, and any addenda will not count
toward the page limit. Submittals that exceed the page limit may be deemed nonresponsive.
SW-2026-02
Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 4
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