RFQ 2027-001, Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Request for Qualifications No. 2027-001
Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services
Due Date: August 4, 2026
Time: 1 1:00 AM EDT
Receipt Location: E lectronic Submittal
Procurement & Contract Management Department
Procurement Contact:
Corey Brooks
Procurement & Contract Management Director
704.283.3683
corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov

Contents
1 Notice of Advertisement ............................................................................................................ 2
2 Submittal Details ........................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE .......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 ADDENDA............................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.5 COMMUNICATION................................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.2 COUNTY ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
4 Scope of Services ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES .................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 ENGINEERING SERVICES .......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 SOLID WASTE/COLLECTION RECYCLING .................................................................................................................. 5
5 Detailed Submittal Requirements and Instructions ................................................................ 6
5.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION ........................................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 PROPOSAL FORMAT ................................................................................................................................................ 7
5.2.1 Section A - Cover Letter ................................................................................................................................ 8
5.2.2 Section B - Firm Background ........................................................................................................................ 8
5.2.3 Section C - Project Team .............................................................................................................................. 9
5.2.4 Section D - Project Management and Quality Control ................................................................................. 9
5.2.5 Section E - Project Approach and Methodology ........................................................................................... 9
5.2.6 Section F - History of Similar Projects.......................................................................................................... 9
5.2.7 Section G - Reputation of Firm ................................................................................................................... 10
5.2.8 Section H - Required Forms........................................................................................................................ 10
6 Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process ............................................................................. 10
6.1 SELECTION PARTICIPANTS .................................................................................................................................... 10
6.2 EVALUATION SELECTION PROCESS ...................................................................................................................... 11
6.3 AWARD PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 12
7 General Conditions and Requirements .................................................................................. 13
7.1 TERMS OF CONTRACT........................................................................................................................................... 13
7.2 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 13
7.3 MINORITY BUSINESSES (MBE) OR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES (DBE) ........................................................... 13
7.4 EXPENSE OF FIRM ................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.5 E-VERIFY ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.6 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ................................................................................................................... 14
7.7 INSURANCE .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.8 INDEMNIFICATION ................................................................................................................................................ 16
8 Appendix A - SOQ Submission Form ................................................................................... 17
9 Appendix B - Addendum and Anti-Collusion ...................................................................... 18
10 Appendix C - Template Master Agreement.......................................................................... 19
1
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

1 NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT
Union County, North Carolina
Request for Qualifications No. 2027-001
Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services
Electronic Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) will be received by the Union County's
Procurement Department until 11:00 AM EDT on August 4, 2026. Late submittals will not be
accepted.
Union County, North Carolina, through the Union County Solid Waste Department, is seeking
SOQs from qualified firms to provide professional services for Solid Waste Engineering
Professional Services. This is a Request for Qualification (RFQ). As a Request for Qualifications
(RFQ), responding firms are not required to submit price information nor work product with
submittal packages. Compliance with N.C.G.S. 143-64.31 is required.
This solicitation is available electronically and may be downloaded from the following locations:
1. Download the Solicitation Documents from the Union County Website Union County
Procurement & Contract Management - Current Bids
2. Download the Solicitation Documents from the State of North Carolina eVP website:
North Carolina eVP - Solicitations (Search County of Union)
Union County (UC) reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, to waive technicalities and
to make such selection deemed in its best interest. With limited response, Union County
reserves the right to extend the solicitation opening date as appropriate in order to assure a
competitive procurement process.
Solid Waste engineering professional services performed under this contract must be provided
by or under the responsible charge of a professional licensed in the State of North Carolina in
accordance with applicable statutes. Firms submitting qualifications must identify the North
Carolina licensed professional who will be responsible for the work performed under the
contract.
The proposer shall provide the name, discipline, and North Carolina license number of the
responsible professional within the Statement of Qualifications.
Offerors are required to comply with the non-collusion requirements set forth in the Solicitation
Documents.
Union County encourages good faith effort outreach to Minority Businesses (HUB Certified) and
Small Businesses.
2 Submittal Details
2.1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All submittals, for the services specified, are to be received by the Union County
Procurement Department no later than 11:00 AM EDT on August 4, 2026, per the
2
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

instructions below. Any submittals received after this date and time shall be rejected
without exception.
2.2 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The SOQ must be submitted electronically by using the following link: Union County
Submittal Portal.
The submittal, one complete document, must be signed by a person who is authorized to
bind the proposing Company. Instructions for preparing the SOQ are provided herein.
Select the Solicitation drop down arrow and choose this RFQ from the list. Complete the
form, upload the SOQ as one complete document and select submit. The maximum size
accepted is 20 MB. An email response will be sent to the address entered on the form as
your confirmation of receipt.
The submittal must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing
Company. Instructions for preparing the SOQ are provided herein.
Paper submissions will not be accepted.
It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that they have obtained all addenda prior to
submitting their SOQ.
There is no expressed or implied obligation for Union County to reimburse Offerors for any
expenses incurred in preparing a response to this request.
Union County reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, to waive technicalities and
to make such selection deemed in its best interest, to award to multiple vendors and to
cancel this RFQ.
2.3 SUBMITTAL QUESTIONS
Submittal questions will be due on or before 5:00 PM EDT on July 21, 2026, the primary
purpose is to provide participating Offerors with the opportunity to ask questions, in writing,
related to the RFQ. Addenda will be issued prior to due date to answer applicable
questions.
Submit questions by e-mail to Corey Brooks at corey.brooks@unioncountync.gov by the
deadline shown above. The email should identify the RFQ number and project title. All
questions and answers may be posted as addenda on Union County Website and/or North
Carolina eVP website
2.4 ADDENDA
Union County may modify the RFQ prior to the date fixed for submission of SOQs by the
issuance of an addendum.
Should an Offeror find discrepancies or omissions in this RFQ or any other documents provided
by Union County, the Offeror should immediately notify the County of such potential
discrepancy in writing via email as noted above.
3
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Any addenda to these documents shall be issued in writing. No oral statements,
explanations, or commitments by anyone shall be of effect unless incorporated in the
written addenda. Receipt of Addenda shall be acknowledged by the Offeror on Appendix
B, Addendum and Anti-Collusion form.
2.5 COMMUNICATION
All communications, any modifications, clarifications, amendments, questions, responses
or any other matters related to this Request for Qualifications must be made only through
the Procurement Contact noted on the cover of this RFQ. A violation of this provision is
cause for the County to reject a Company's SOQ. No contact regarding this document
with the Board of County Commissioners or other County employees is permitted and may
be grounds for disqualification.
3 INTRODUCTION
3.1 PURPOSE
Union County, North Carolina, through the Solid Waste Department, is seeking
Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms to provide on-call solid waste
engineering and professional environmental services. The selected firm(s) will provide
services on an as-needed basis through written task orders issued by the County.
Services may include engineering, environmental compliance, permitting, design,
planning, regulatory support, and other related professional services associated with the
operation, maintenance, expansion, and long-term planning of the County's solid waste
facilities and programs. A more detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4.
The County intends to establish contracts with one or more qualified firms. For individual
task orders, the County may consider factors such as the firm's expertise, experience with
similar projects, current workload, staff availability, and ability to meet project schedules
when determining the firm with which to initiate negotiations.
In accordance with the North Carolina Mini-Brooks Act (N.C.G.S. 143-64.31), firms will
be evaluated and ranked based solely on demonstrated competence and qualifications
for the required professional services. Price information shall not be submitted with the
Statement of Qualifications and will not be considered during the evaluation process.
Following the evaluation process, the County will negotiate a fair and reasonable fee with
the best qualified firm for the required services. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the
County will terminate negotiations and proceed to negotiate with the next most qualified
firm in accordance with the Mini-Brooks Act.
4
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

3.2 COUNTY
The County (estimated population 247,058) is located in the central, southern piedmont.
The County provides its citizens with a full array of services that include public safety,
water/wastewater utilities and sanitation, human services, cultural and recreational
activities, and general government administration.
4 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of work may include, but is not limited to the following:
4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
* Groundwater Monitoring and Assessment;
* Groundwater Remediation/Remedial Alternatives;
* Landfill Gas Monitoring and Assessment;
* Landfill Gas Extraction System Design/Permitting;
* Air Quality Permitting and Greenhouse House Gas Reporting; and
* General Regulatory Compliance for Operations and Stormwater.
4.2 ENGINEERING SERVICES
* C&D Landfill Piggyback Expansion Design/Permitting on an Unlined MSW
Landfill;
* MSW Transfer Station Design/Permitting;
* Leachate Collection and Treatment Design/Permitting;
* Type I, II or III Composting Site Design/Permitting;
* Landfill Capacity Analysis;
* Site Utilization and Master Planning; and
* Closure/Post Closure Cost Estimating and Support Services.
4.3 SOLID WASTE/COLLECTION RECYCLING
* Solid Waste Convenience Center Design/Permitting;
* Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs;
* Material Recovery Facility Design/Permitting;
* C&D Recycling Program and Facility Design;
* Disaster Debris Management Plan; and
* Solid Waste Collection/Recycling Partnership Agreements.
Annual Tasks and Project Tasks will be expected as a part of this Solid Waste Professional
Engineering Services Agreement. Annual Tasks such as annual groundwater monitoring
reports, annual volume study with closure & post closure data, permitting assistance,
stormwater compliance, and general technical assistance is expected. An annual task for
various activities will be negotiated.
5
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Project Tasks for more specific projects will be performed under additional Task Orders
after additional scope and fee negotiating is completed.
NOTE: This is a Request for Qualification (RFQ). Responding firms are not required to
submit project specific scope information nor price. Do not submit price information nor
work product with your submittal package. Each submittal package will be reviewed based
on qualification criteria listed in this RFQ. In accordance with NC G.S. 143-64.31, the
County will negotiate a contract with the best qualified firm based on the Scope of Work
listed in this RFQ.
5 DETAILED SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 TERMS OF SUBMISSION
All material received from a person or company ("Respondent") in response to this
solicitation shall become the property of Union County and will not be returned to the
Respondent. Any and all costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing, submitting, or
presenting submissions are the Respondent's sole responsibility and Union County shall
not reimburse the Respondent. All responses to this solicitation will be considered a public
record and subject to disclosure under applicable public records law.
Any material in a response which the Respondent considers a trade secret and exempt
from disclosure as a public record under applicable law, including N.C.G.S. 132-1.2
and 66-152, must be properly designated as a trade secret. In order to properly designate
such material, the Respondent must: (i) submit any trade secret materials in a separate
envelope, or file, from all other submitted material, being clearly marked as "Trade Secret
- Confidential and Proprietary Information," and (ii) stamp the same trade
secret/confidentiality designation on each page of the materials therein which contain
trade secrets.
To the extent consistent with public records law, Union County will make reasonable
efforts to maintain the confidential nature of trade secrets, as determined by Union County
and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Respondent understands and agrees by
submitting a response to this solicitation, that if a request is made to review or produce a
copy of any information in the Respondent's materials which was properly labeled by the
Respondent as a trade secret, Union County will notify the Respondent of the request and
the date that such materials will be released to the requestor unless the Respondent
obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court
order enjoining disclosure prior to that date, Respondent understands and agrees that
Union County will release the requested information to the requestor on that date.
Furthermore, the Respondent also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Union County
and each of its officers, employees, and agents from all costs, damages, and expenses
incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material that has been designated as
a trade secret by Respondent.
6
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

5.2 PROPOSAL FORMAT
The County desires all responses to be identical in format. While the County's format
may represent a departure from the vendor's preference, the County requests adherence
to the format. All responses are to be in the format described below.
Offerors should prepare their SOQ in accordance with the instructions outlined in this
section. The submittal should be one (1) complete document. Each Offeror is required to
submit the SOQ electronically - Refer to item 2.2. The SOQ should be prepared as simply
as possible and provide a straightforward, concise description of the Offeror's capabilities
to satisfy the requirements of the RFQ.
The utmost attention should be given to accuracy, completeness, and clarity of content.
All parts, pages, figures, or tables should be numbered and clearly labeled. Response
information should be limited to pertinent information only. Marketing and sales type
information is not to be included.
The total length of the submittal, including cover letter, should be no more than 25 single-
sided pages. Submittals should be on 8 12" x 11" paper with an 11-point minimum text
size. Key personnel resumes may also be provided as an appendix to the document and
will not count against the page limit. Covers, section acknowledgements, and the required
forms, do not count against the page limit.
Please provide the following information in the sequence of the following major headings
described below.
The submittal should be organized into the following sections:
* Section A - Cover Letter
* Section B - Firm Background
* Section C - Project Team
* Section D - Project Management and Quality Control
* Section E - Project Approach and Methodology
* Section F - History of Similar Projects
* Section G - Reputation of Firm
* Section H - Required Forms
Appendix A - SOQ Submission Form
o
Appendix B - Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion
o
Omissions and incomplete answers may be deemed unresponsive. Please initial any
corrections.
By submitting a Statement of Qualifications, the Respondent acknowledges that it has
reviewed Union County's Multiple Project Agreement (Appendix C - TEMPLATE MASTER
AGREEMENT) and is prepared to enter into the agreement without material modifications.
7
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the Respondent being deemed non-
responsive.
5.2.1 SECTION A - COVER LETTER
In your cover letter, include the following information about your company:
* Legal company name and DBA (if applicable).
* Corporate headquarters' address, phone number and Website address.
* Location Providing Service (if different from headquarters), address and
telephone number.
* Name of single point of contact, title, direct telephone number and/or
extension and direct email address.
* Name of person with binding authority, title, address, direct telephone
number and/or extension and email address.
* Describe your interest in this project and the unique advantage your firm
and team bring.
* Make the following representations and warranty in the cover letter, the
falsity of which might result in rejection of its Statement of Qualifications:
"The information contained in this SOQ or any part thereof, including any
exhibits, schedules, and other documents and instruments delivered or to
be delivered to the County, is true, accurate, and complete. This SOQ
includes all information necessary to ensure that the statements therein do
not in whole or in part mislead the County as to any material facts."
5.2.2 SECTION B - FIRM BACKGROUND
Provide a general description of the capabilities of your firm, including information
related to its history, overall size, and local North Carolina resources with direct
emphasis on solid waste experience.
5.2.2.1 PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Firms submitting qualifications must identify the North Carolina licensed professional
who will be responsible for engineering services performed under the contract. The
responsible professional must hold a current license in the State of North Carolina as a
Professional Engineer licensed in North Carolina engineer.
The proposer shall provide the following information for the responsible professional(s):
License NC License Role on
Name Type Number Project
Firms located outside North Carolina must ensure that the identified professional holds
an active North Carolina license prior to execution of any task order requiring licensed
services.
8
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services

5.2.3 SECTION C - PROJECT TEAM
Provide a detailed organization chart that presents the team to be dedicated to
these services. This should include the project manager, architects and/or
engineers and other supporting staff to be used in completion of the work.
Information to be included in this section shall include:
* Professional, relevant qualifications of each team member, including which
projects listed under the Project Experience section of the response, the
project team individual(s) had a significant role;
* Include North Carolina license information for Engineers, Architects and/or
Surveyors assigned to this project;
* Office location and number of years the employee has worked with the
current firm;
* Available time (in percent) that each team member may commit to these
services.
* Familiarity with the area where the project is to be located.
* Construction administration capabilities.
* The specific experience the proposed program manager has in managing
related or similar programs.
* Subconsultants to be utilized in the execution of the project must be clearly
identified within the organizational chart. Provide relevant qualifications for
up to five projects for each subconsultant proposed as part of the project
team. Projects listed should demonstrate prior successful teaming with the
respondent.
5.2.4 SECTION D - PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY CONTROL
Provide a brief description of the systems and methods employed by the firm to
effectively manage the project, including a summary on the management of: goal
setting, managing client expectations, communications, scope, approach, quality
control, managing project schedule, cost, quality control/assurance, risk and
stakeholders within prescribed budgets and change management.
5.2.5 SECTION E - PROJECT APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
Provide a brief summary to include the approach for this project including the team
and consultants as it relates to the previously defined scope.
5.2.6 SECTION F - HISTORY OF SIMILAR PROJECTS
Provide a minimum of five (5) representative projects including the following
information for each project:
* Owner's name and title.
* Owner's contact person name, title, address, telephone number and email
address.
* Title and description of the project.
9
Union County, North Carolina
RFQ 2027-001 Solid Waste Engineering Professional Services