RFQ - Design Build Services for Water Line Extensions - Blossom St., Chadwick Acres, & Cape Landing

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Design-Build RFQ
DATE ISSUED: April 30, 2026
CAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR:
A DESIGN-BUILD TEAM FOR WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS TO THE AREAS OF
BLOSSOM STREET, CHADWICK ACRES, AND CAPE LANDING
Deadline for Inquiries May 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Time and Date Set for Submittal June 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Design-Build RFQ
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
FOR
DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES
WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS TO THE AREAS OF BLOSSOM STREET, CHADWICK
ACRES, AND CAPE LANDING
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS TO DESIGN-BUILDERS
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority ("CFPUA") intends to procure a qualified Design-
Builder ("DB") to provide design and construction services for the installation of water
main extensions into existing neighborhoods in the areas of Blossom Street, Chadwick
Acres, and Cape Landing. ("Project") This installation will include the public and private-
side water service connections.
1.1 Sealed Statement of Qualifications ("SOQ") must be received by the Finance Department
at 235 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 no later than June 2, 2026 at
2:00 PM.
1.2 CFPUA will address questions regarding the RFQ until 2:00 PM on May 19, 2026.
Questions submitted after this time will not be addressed. Questions should be directed to
Ben Guerrieri, Procurement Manager, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, at
bids@cfpua.org.
1.3 CFPUA will not be held responsible for any oral instructions. Any changes to this RFQ
will be in the form of an addendum, which will be furnished to all registered RFQ holders.
Please register by sending company name and contact information to bids@cfpua.org.
1.4 CFPUA reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs, to waive any informality or irregularity
in any SOQ received, and to be the sole judge of the merits of the respective SOQs received.
1.5 Project Description: The proposed Blossom Street, Chadwick Acres, and Cape Landing
area water main extensions are a continuation of CFPUA's ongoing efforts to provide
public drinking water service connections and main extensions to unserved homes and
communities in New Hanover County impacted by PFAS.
These water main extensions will be primarily funded via Division of Water Infrastructure
("DWI") Emerging Contaminants Small and Disadvantaged Communities ("EC-SDC")
grants.
This Project will include design, obtaining of permits, creation of engineering reports
(preparation, submission, and DWI approval), public outreach assistance, construction
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Design-Build RFQ
phase engineering services, and ultimately the construction of water main extensions into
existing neighborhoods impacted by PFAS. The selected DB will form a team with
CFPUA ("Project Team") and execute preliminary and final comprehensive agreements
for design and construction for a total Project cost not to exceed the approved budget
amount. This Project will receive funding as outlined herein.
As the Blossom Street, Chadwick Acres, and Cape Landing phases of the Project are being
funded through separate grants, each phase of the Project, including pricing and invoicing
for each of the three benefited areas, shall be kept separate.
* Total Estimated Design-Build Project Budget for Blossom Street Area Water
Extension: $2, 259,003
* Total Estimated Design-Build Project Budget for Chadwick Acres Area Water
Extension: $2,547,784
* Total Estimated Design-Build Project Budget for Cape Landing Area Water
Extension: $ $2,386,924
Anticipated Project Schedules:
Item Task *Anticipated Date
Advertise Design Build RFQ for Design
1 April 30, 3026
Build Teams
Receive Design Build SOQs for Design
2 June 2, 2026 by 2:00 PM
Build Teams
Design Build Team Selection &
3 June 16, 2026
Notification
Execute Preliminary Design Build
4 August 12, 2026
Agreement DBIA 520
Design Build Team Obtains DWI
*5 November 10, 2026
Approval of Engineering Reports
Design Team Develops 60% Drawings and
6 May 7, 2027
Specifications
7 Permitting/DWI Submittal Approval July 6, 2027
8 Execute Construction Contract August 11, 2027
*The funding for this Project is contingent on receipt of DWI approval of the engineering
reports.
1.6 The DB will be selected based on qualifications as outlined in Section 3 of this RFQ.
1.7 The Design Build services will be performed under the terms and conditions of Design
Build Institute of America ("DBIA") contract documents with one entity identified as the
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Design-Build RFQ
DB. CFPUA standard terms and conditions are attached as Exhibit E. Services will include
all necessary activities to design and construct the Project.
1.8 The DB will be an integral member of the Project Team, consisting of the DB,
representatives from CFPUA, and other consultants as required. DB, utilizing skills and
knowledge of design and general contracting, is responsible for a) integrating the design
and construction phases, b)providing design, code analysis, value engineering and
constructability reviews, c) developing schedules, d) preparing detailed Project
construction estimates, e) studying labor conditions, and, , f) contributing to the
development of the Project in any other way deemed necessary during the pre-
construction/design phase.
1.9 The DB assumes design and construction risk and has direct authority over the sub-
consultants and subcontractors. The DB will act as the CFPUA's fiduciary and will
maintain a relationship of trust and confidence between itself and CFPUA. CFPUA will
enter into a Preliminary Design-Build Agreement with the selected DB utilizing DBIA
form 520 (Exhibit E). Upon completion of the preliminary design-build scope of work,
CFPUA will develop a Lump Sum agreement with the selected DB for the Project utilizing
DBIA form 525 and 535 (Exhibit E). The Project will be an "open book" job whereby
CFPUA may attend any and all meetings of the DB firm relating to the Project and have
access to any and all books and records of the DB relating to the Project.
1.10 CFPUA is currently evaluating additional funding options for this Project. As federal funds
are being utilized, all federal Uniform Guidance requirements will apply in addition to all
applicable State requirements. These terms and conditions can be found at the end of this
solicitation. CFPUA is aware that federal requirements and state requirements may be in
conflict, however in the absence of guidance for these conflicts the standard State
requirements will remain within the terms and conditions of the Project documents.
Additionally, based on funding sources, M/WBE outreach goals may differ from CFPUA's
standard goals. Compliance Supplement can be found here:
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-infrastructure/i-have-funding/design-bid
2- ANTICIPATED SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 The scope of work will be generally delivered in a two-phased Progressive Design-Build
approach as described below.
* Phase 1 - Design and Pre-Construction Services: The scope of work for Phase 1 will be
negotiated on a lump sum basis and will require approval by CFPUA. During this phase,
the scope of work will include overall Project scoping, public outreach assistance,
creation of engineering reports (including preparation, submission, and obtaining DWI
approvals), assistance with grant administration, design meetings, development of an
initial opinion of cost, design services through a 30% submittal package (with cost
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Design-Build RFQ
opinion update), and design completion to 60% or greater (with cost opinion update) as
well as the preparation and delivery of a lump sum cost and schedule for Phase 2.
Completion of the design and pre-construction services associated with the Phase 1
contract will be contingent on DB gaining approval of the required engineering reports
during preliminary design. This Project has received Conditional Letters of Intent to
Fund from DWI, however formal funding offers will not be issued until the engineering
reports have been approved. If DWI does not approve the engineering report(s) due to
the acts or omissions of DB, CFPUA will have the right to terminate the agreement for
cause and without penalty. Funding is additionally contingent upon 90% of the
homeowners identified in the respective grant applications committing to connecting to
the proposed water systems prior to submission of the engineering reports. DB will be
expected to assist CFPUA with the public outreach effort as part of the scope of the Phase
1 agreement. Completion of Phase 1 is required before commencement of activities in
Phase 2.
Following receipt and acceptance of the formal funding offers, CFPUA will work with
DB to finalize the terms of the Design-Builder Agreement for Phase 2. DB will only be
authorized to proceed with Phase 2 upon negotiation and execution of an agreement for
Phase 2 including Project scope, schedule, contract terms, and lump sum cost as well as
all other standard terms and conditions and any terms and conditions specific to this
Project. CFPUA must be able to demonstrate that execution of the Phase 2 work is cost-
effective, allows for local sub-contractor competition, achieves schedule milestones, and
meets the needs of CFPUA. If a Phase 2 agreement is not reached, then CFPUA will have
no further contractual responsibility to DB and may seek alternatives to Project
completion.
* Phase 2 - Design-Build Services Agreement: Phase 2 Design-Build work will include
completion of design services, continued grant administration assistance, construction,
and final Project completion as outlined in the Design-Build Agreement.
2.2 In general, the Project scope of work includes design and construction for the following key
elements:
* All necessary professional engineering and construction services for the installation of
grant-funded public water main extensions into existing neighborhoods in the areas of
Blossom Street, Chadwick Acres, and Cape Landing including the public and private-
side water service connections.
* Exhibits A, B, and C to this RFQ provide vicinity maps showing the general Project
areas.
2.3 After being selected, the DB will execute preliminary and final comprehensive agreements
with CFPUA as previously outlined to provide design, permitting, and construction services
of the Project including, but not limited to:
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* Providing Project management and administration through Project leadership and overall
Project Team coordination;
* Planning and designing the Project and preparing forms and reports required by the
funding agency(ies) (i.e. Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document
(ER/EID)), as well as obtaining permitting, etc. for water main and service installations
in accordance with applicable technical standards and administrative requirements of
CFPUA, New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, NCDOT, DWI, NC Building Code,
etc. Experience with water distribution projects in an active urban environment is
required;
* Assisting with CFPUA's public outreach efforts;
* Completing all preliminary through final design engineering efforts for the Project with
design document submittals at 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100%;
* Developing an initial opinion of cost and then updating that cost opinion during design
development with submittals at the 30% design stage, 60% design stage and final lump
sum. An updated cost opinion will be maintained throughout Phase 1 efforts.
Demonstrated capacity to accurately estimate project costs and effectively deliver
projects of this nature on time and within budget is relevant to the selection process;
* Completing all surveying, SUE, and geotechnical engineering required for successful
design and construction and development of construction pricing;
* Providing all construction management services related to the scope of work;
* Completing Project close-out activities including final punch-lists, Project certifications,
and warranty efforts;
* Ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements as set forth by the funding
agency(ies); and
* Assuming the risk of delivering the Project and bearing the responsibility for construction
means and methods.
3 - STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS SELECTION CRITERIA
3.1 Firms interested in providing design build services must submit:
a. An SOQ that addresses the evaluation criteria included in this Section 3. Applicants
are encouraged to organize their submissions in such a way as to follow the general
evaluation criteria contained within this RFQ. Information included within the
SOQ may be used to evaluate DB as part of any criteria regardless of where that
information is found within the SOQ. Information obtained from the SOQ and
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Design-Build RFQ
from any other relevant source may be used in the evaluation and selection process;
and
b. A Cover Letter limited to one page and containing at a minimum:
Company name, contact name, address, fax number, and email address
3.2 Qualifications Criteria
CFPUA will utilize a rating system to score and rank each proposal; CFPUA will use these
rankings to develop a shortlist. DBs are encouraged to keep proposals concise and to include
a minimum of marketing materials. Each proposal must address the following criteria:
Item Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points
(A) General Information & (B) Relevant Firm
1 30
Experience
2 Team Experience and Qualifications 30
3 Project Understanding and Approach 30
4 Other Factors 5
MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE and Small Business
5 5
Participation Outreach Plan
6 Inclusion of Price Factors Pass/Fail
7 Financial & Legal Pass/Fail
Total Possible Points 100
Evaluation Criteria 1(A) - General Information
a. Description of firm/team
b. Legal company organization including an organizational chart with names. The
organizational chart will also include major subcontractors and will name
authorized signatories for DB.
c. Identification of the Project Manager for DB who will be assigned to this Project.
d. List of applicable North Carolina licenses for construction, engineering, or other
trades/professions pertinent to the Project requirements.
e. Explanation of Project Team selection consisting of one of the following team
selection options:
a. A list of the licensed contractors, licensed subcontractors, and design
professionals whom DB proposes to use for the Project's design and
construction. If this Project Team selection option is used, DB may self-
perform some or all of the work with employees of DB and, without bidding,
also enter into negotiated subcontracts to perform some or all of the work
with subcontractors, including, but not exclusively with, those identified in
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the list. In submitting its list, DB may, but is not required to, include one or
more unlicensed subcontractor DB proposes to use. If this Project Team
selection option is used, DB may, at its election and with or without the use
of negotiated subcontracts, accept bids for the selection of one or more of its
first-tier subcontractors; or
b. A list of the licensed contractors and design professionals whom DB proposes
to use for the Project's design and construction and an outline of the strategy
DB plans to use for open subcontractor selection based upon the provisions
of Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. If this Project Team
selection option is used, DB may also self-perform some of the work with
employees of DB, but shall not enter into negotiated contracts with first-tier
subcontractors.
Evaluation Criteria 1(B) - Relevant Firm Experience and References
a. DB's service capabilities and quality as it relates to this Project;
b. A list and brief description of 3 comparable projects completed by DB or currently
in progress; this list will include DB's role and will discuss any applicable contract
amendment history. For each project, this list will include contract value and
construction value (original value plus contract amendments, if applicable), project
owner, project location, contact name and title, address, current and accurate
telephone number, and email address (if available);
c. A minimum of three referrals and references from other agencies and owners. If
possible, references should be from the projects listed above; and
d. A calculation of the type and amount of total self-performed work that was
completed (for completed projects) or is anticipated (for on-going projects).
Evaluation Criteria 2 - Team Experience and Qualifications
a. Description of each team member's position within DB. This description will
include resumes of each proposed Project Team member and will be attached to the
SOQ as Appendix A;
b. Brief description of each team member's role on this Project;
c. Description of the proposed team's experience working together on similar
projects;
d. Explanation of DB's understanding of and experience with the Progressive Design-
Build Delivery Method;
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Design-Build RFQ
e. Any available information regarding teaming history and the working relationship
between DB and DB's consulting engineering firm(s);
f. Any available information regarding teaming history and the working relationship
between DB and any proposed major construction subcontractor(s); and
g. Explanation of DB team's current workload and ability to proceed promptly with
the Project. Explanation will include a statement with assurances that the Project
Team has the necessary resources available to complete this Project within the
schedule provided in this RFQ.
Evaluation Criteria 3 - Project Understanding and Approach
a. Description of DB's understanding of the Project;
b. Description of DB's planning, scheduling, estimating, and construction
management tools;
c. Description of DB's quality control plan during design and construction;
d. Identification and discussion of any potential problems during design and
construction;
e. Identification and discussion of methods DB will use to mitigate those problems
identified in d;
f. Description of work anticipated to be self-performed, and work anticipated to be
performed by sub-consultants/subcontractors;
g. An anticipated Project schedule with ideas to accelerate the overall duration;
h. Description of the approach DB will use to minimize disruption and inconvenience
to the residents of existing neighborhoods and the general public; and
i. Description of the approach DB will use to conduct public outreach and
communicate with residents impacted by the work.
Evaluation Criteria 4 - Other Factors
a. Description of the approach DB will use for safety management;
b. Documentation verifying that DB has an acceptable safety record, including
Experience Modification Rate ("EMR") for the last three years. DBs should not
submit full safety plans but rather limit documentation to DB's approach to safety
management;
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c. A statement of assurances that entering into an agreement to perform the scope of
work for this Project will not result in a conflict of interest; and
d. Description of any relevant factors impacting the quality and value of work to be
performed for this Project.
Evaluation Criteria 5 - MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE and Small Business Participation
Outreach Plan
a. Description of DB's approach to MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE, and Small Business
Participation Outreach Plan;
b. Description of how DB will comply with the Federal requirements as per 2 C.F.R.
200.321, as applicable; and
c. MBE/WBE (DBE) Compliance Supplement which can be found here:
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-infrastructure/i-have-
funding/design-bid
Evaluation Criteria 6 -Inclusion of Price Factors
No points will be allocated for Evaluation Criteria No. 6; DBs will be rated as
acceptable (pass) or unacceptable (fail). Price factors will be negotiated
following selection of DB.
a. Per S.L. 2021-189, Section 1.6, CFPUA is requesting price factors. Please provide
all of the information necessary to complete the following table with your SOQ.
*Price Factors Form (Include in SOQ)
Design-Builder's Fee (%) for Phase 2 Services - as defined in DBIA
Standard Document 525 %
Design-Builder's Fee (%) for additive Change Orders as defined in
DBIA Standard Document 525 %
Design-Builder's estimated amount of self-performed work as a
percentage of the total contract value %
DB's 2026 Rate Table for Key Personnel $/hr.
Construction Staff
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