RFQ: Engineering Services for Highway 74 Parallel Force Main

BRUNSWICK COUNTY
REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS
Engineering Services for
Highway 74 Parallel Force Main
ISSUE DATE: October 22, 2026
DUE DATE: November 23, 2026
1
v11.042025

Request for Qualifications Statements
Engineering Services for Highway 74 Parallel Force Main
Brunswick County (the "County") is requesting qualifications statements from qualified engineering
firms for the US Highway 74 (Hwy 74) Parallel Force Main project located in the northeastern part
of Brunswick County.
Services will include, but not be limited to, professional engineering, design, and project
management.
A more detailed description of the work to be performed is contained in the enclosed Scope of Work.
Firms submitting a Statement of Qualifications should use the enclosed Scope of Work as a guide
but may develop their own scope based upon their experiences on similar projects. The County will
negotiate and refine a final Scope of Work with the selected firm. The firm's final contract shall be
based on a lump sum amount, inclusive of permit application fees and other expenses (printing,
mileage, per diem, etc.). No additional compensation shall be made for reimbursable items.
Firms interested in being considered for this work should submit their Statement of Qualifications
to:
Post Office Delivery Hand Delivery or Alternate Shipping Service
Paul L. Goss, PE Paul L. Goss, PE
Brunswick County Brunswick County
Utilities Operations Center Utilities Operations Center
P.O. Box 249 250 Grey Water Road NE
Bolivia, NC 28422 Supply, NC 28462
Contact: 910-253-1824
For consideration, five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy on a USB drive of the response
to this Request for Qualifications must be received by the County by 3:00 PM ET on November
23, 2026. Brunswick County will not be responsible for the failure of any mail or delivery service
to deliver responses prior to the stated date and time. Regardless of the manner of submission, any
response received after the stated date and time will not be considered. Incomplete responses or
responses inconsistent with the required format may be disqualified from consideration.
Sections shall be divided by tabs that indicate the title of each section. At a minimum, the
qualifications statement should include the following information:
1. The company's full legal name, state of organization or incorporation, primary office
location, office location of project personnel, years of experience, and a contact person.
2. The North Carolina Secretary of State identification number (SOSID) as evidence that the
company is organized or qualified to transact business in the State of North Carolina.
3. Qualifications of the employees who will be assigned to the project. The project manager
and other key team members should be clearly identified. If subcontractors are to be used
for any portion of the work, they should be identified, and their qualifications included.
2
v11.042025

Brunswick County reserves the right to reject any subcontractors in its sole and absolute
discretion.
a) The qualifications statement shall clearly indicate who will oversee the project as well
as the roles that each individual shall perform.
b) Special emphasis shall be provided on the individuals' backgrounds, qualifications,
certifications, and experience on related or similar projects.
4. Experience on at least three (3) similar projects. The qualifications statement should include
a description and contact person for projects that were similar in size and scope as this
project.
a) For each project experience listed, list the role played by each of the current team
members.
5. A project schedule including key milestones should be included. The project schedule should
start from the Notice to Proceed and include two-week review times for County staff
reviews. A project schedule will be included in the contract for this work.
6. A brief description of the project approach to be used by the firm should be included.
a) In the firm's own words, describe the understanding of the project, the requirements of
the project, the challenges associated with the project, the approach to handling any
project challenges, and the anticipated outcome of the project.
b) List all assumptions made in preparing the project approach.
c) Discuss any additions, deletions, or changes to the Scope of Work which may improve
the project. Discuss how these changes will affect the associated resources and schedule.
7. A brief discussion of the firm's ability to properly scope the project should be included. This
includes an estimate of man-hours required to complete the various components of the
project. Man-hour estimates should be broken down by tasks with separate columns for labor
classifications. Each task shall be subtotaled in addition to project totals.
Brunswick County reserves the right to request financial information for any firm in order to support
the viability of the firm.
Brunswick County reserves the right to refuse or reject any or all qualifications and to waive any
and all formalities, irregularities, or technicalities. Brunswick County reserves the right to select
the firm that best meets its needs and negotiate a final Scope of Work that reflects the work to be
done and the budget constraints. Based upon the number of qualifications statements received, the
County may subsequently request oral presentations as a part of the selection process. All firms
submitting a Statement of Qualifications will receive notification once the contract has been
awarded.
3
v11.042025

Statements of Qualifications will be evaluated on the firm's ability to meet the requirements of this
Request for Qualifications. Evaluation criteria will include, without limitation:
1. The firm's experience in providing similar services for similar projects.
2. Qualifications and accessibility of key individuals identified in the qualifications statement
that will be assigned to the project.
3. Ability to properly scope the project and the capability of firm to manage the work.
4. Ability to provide a project approach that best meets the project intent
5. Ability to meet established schedules.
Qualifications Selection
Qualifications Selection Criteria
Criteria Weighting
Max Points
The firm's experience in providing similar services for
30
similar completed projects
Qualifications and accessibility of key individuals
identified in the qualifications statement that will be 25
assigned to the project
Ability to properly scope the project and the capability of
15
firm to manage the work
Ability to provide a project approach that best meets the
15
project intent
Ability to meet established schedules 15
Total Points 100
Brunswick County will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by any firm in
submitting a Statement of Qualifications. Brunswick County reserves the right to cancel the work
described herein prior to the issuance and acceptance of any contractual agreement even if the Board
of Commissioners has formally accepted the recommendation.
In addition to the terms and conditions contained in this Request for Qualifications, by submitting a
Statement of Qualifications, if selected, the firm agrees to enter into and be bound by the provisions
of a Professional Services Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference. To the extent that any of the terms of this Request for Qualifications and the
terms of the Professional Services Agreement conflict, the terms of the Professional Services
Agreement shall prevail. No work shall commence until an agreement has been fully executed by
the parties.
Any questions or comments shall be submitted to paul.goss@brunswickcountync.gov by 3:00 PM
ET on November 6, 2026. A copy of all questions, further clarifications, and answers will be made
in the form of an addendum to this Request for Qualifications and will be provided to all known
4
v11.042025

interested firms. Any addendum will also be posted to the County website. Notwithstanding the
forgoing, firms will be responsible for ensuring that they have all addenda.
Interested firms are expressly prohibited from contacting any Brunswick County official or
employee regarding this Request for Qualifications, except in the manner noted in this section.
A violation of this provision is grounds for the immediate disqualification of the firm.
Certification
The firm submitting a Statement of Qualifications hereby certifies that it has carefully
examined this Request for Qualifications and all attachments hereto, including, without
limitation, the Professional Services Agreement. The firm submitting the Statement of
Qualifications further certifies that it understands and accepts all terms and conditions
contained in the Request for Qualifications, including, without limitation, the Professional
Services Agreement, and the scope of work, and that it has knowledge and expertise to
complete the project. By submitting a Statement of Qualifications, the firm further certifies
that its submittal is fair in all respects and without collusion or fraud.
5
v11.042025

SCOPE OF WORK
1. BACKGROUND
The Hwy 74 Parallel Force Main project involves the design of two (2) different sized sections of
force main sewer pipes to increase transmission capacity and reduce system pressure along the Hwy
74 corridor in Brunswick County. The first section of sewer force main (Section 1/34A) includes
approximately 14,000 linear feet of 24-inch sewer force main, starting at the I-140 and Hwy 74
intersection and extending to Shadowloop Road. The second section of sewer force main (Section
2/34B) will add approximately 22,100 linear feet of 18-inch sewer force main, continuing from
Shadowloop Road to International Boulevard. These sewer force mains will be installed parallel to
the existing sewer main line along Hwy 74. The selected firm will provide general project
management and construction oversight in addition to the professional services to support the project
through construction and project completion.
2. STUDY AND REPORT PHASE
The firm shall identify, evaluate, document, and provide preliminary construction cost estimates
for the identification and correction of deficiencies. The firm shall identify potential easement
locations and shall consult with the North Carolina Department of Transportation ("NCDOT")
concerning encroachments needed within NCDOT rights-of-way. The firm shall prepare an
overview map of the project area. The firm shall provide copies of the overview map and review the
map with the County.
The firm shall also generate a report based on preliminary engineering to identify the deficiencies
and to discuss their recommendations for repair or replacement. The report should include an
evaluation of each alternative, including opinions of probable cost and conceptual design criteria,
and a final recommendation of the best alternative. Consideration shall be given to cost, schedule,
permit requirements, governmental requirements including mitigation efforts and cost, ability to
acquire easements and easement costs. The firm shall provide copies of the preliminary report to the
County and review it with the County. The County shall submit comments to the firm which shall
be incorporated into the final report provided by the firm. A minimum of two (2) weeks shall be
provided in the schedule for the County to evaluate the report. Approval of the alternative shall be
given by the County prior to commencing design.
3. PRELIMINARY DESIGN
The firm shall prepare design drawings, details, and technical specifications adequate to apply for
and receive all necessary permits and encroachments. The force mains are estimated to be 24-inch
for Section 1/34A and 18-inch for Section 2/34B as determined by the 2023 Brunswick County
Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan.
The proposed pipe sizes shall be evaluated using the hydraulic modeling software of SewerCAD or
SewerGEMS. The selected firm shall anticipate working with the County's existing hydraulic
models to determine the optimal sizes of the lines. If required, directional drill piping shall be
upsized to provide the best-match interior diameter to the piping installed by open cut methods.
Preliminary drawings shall clearly indicate easement areas, shut-off valves, directional drill
locations, bore and jack locations, air release valves, metering vaults, and bypass piping.
All modifications to existing infrastructure or design of new infrastructure shall be in accordance
with Brunswick County standards.
6
v11.042025

The firm shall be responsible for the design of all systems for the project. The design must show all
existing utilities located within the project area and the location should be based upon information
from the affected utility. It is anticipated that construction will occur in NCDOT rights-of-way, in
County-owned utility easements, or within private access easements.
Upon approval of the 60% Design Drawings or with the final route study, the firm shall furnish final
easement plat maps suitable for recording with the Register of Deeds. The cost for easements shall
be provided on a per each basis.
4. SURVEY
The firm shall provide base mapping of the necessary areas for the route for the new force main
inclusive of all aboveground and underground features. All aboveground features shall be surveyed,
including, without limitation, breaks in elevation (centerline and top of ditch, etc.). An adequate
number of elevation points shall be surveyed to develop contours of the area. The firm shall clearly
indicate all utilities, indicating size, type, and owner information. Survey data shall be supplemented
by existing maps, as-builts, and utility locates. Base mapping will indicate both edges of pavement
and existing utilities on both sides of the roadway. Additionally, edges of wetlands and geotechnical
boring sites shall be surveyed and clearly shown on the base mapping. Adjacent properties shall be
identified by owner and parcel ID number. The survey should include enough information for use
in obtaining all necessary permits including the NCDOT and North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality ("NCDEQ") permits.
5. WETLANDS DELINEATION
The firm shall perform wetlands delineation sufficient for receipt of all Army Corps of Engineers
and NCDEQ permitting. Wetland areas that are sufficiently dry shall be evaluated for pipe
installation using open trench techniques.
6. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
The firm shall perform geotechnical evaluation at necessary intervals to support a complete and
thorough design. The firm shall perform geotechnical evaluations at all likely directional drill
locations and, if determined prudent, provide geotechnical evaluations at bore and jack locations
and for structures having significant foundations or significant embedment into the existing ground.
Geotechnical borings shall be advanced to refusal or 5' below the maximum depth of the installation,
whichever is encountered first. Geotechnical recommendations and soil boring logs shall be
incorporated into the contract documents. The cost for geotechnical investigations shall be provided
on a per each basis.
7. FINAL DESIGN
Upon receipt of the NCDOT Encroachment Agreement or notice by the County, the firm shall
prepare final design drawings, details, and contract documents for bidding purposes. Standard
County "front-end" documents shall be provided to the firm for use in preparing the final contract
documents. The firm shall modify these documents to create a final bid package specific to the
project.
The firm shall review and utilize Brunswick County standard technical specifications when
available and applicable and shall supplement Brunswick County technical specifications as needed.
The firm shall ensure there is no overlap between the technical specifications and the County's
7
v11.042025

standard "front-end" documents. The bid documents shall be prepared to a state where they are
ready for advertisement. All bidding and contract documents must be approved by the County prior
to advertising same.
The firm shall prepare an updated Opinion of Probable Cost. The County will supply the firm with
comments for inclusion in the final design.
8. PERMITTING
Upon approval of the preliminary drawings, the firm shall prepare and submit permits and permit
fees to regulatory agencies. At a minimum, these shall include (if required):
NCDOT Encroachment Agreement
US Army Corps of Engineers Permits and/or Notifications (401/404 Permits)
NCDEQ Division of Water Quality Wetlands Permits
NCDEQ Division of Water Quality Sewer Fast Track Application
NCDEQ Division of Land Resources Erosion and Sediment Control Permit
NCDEQ Division of Water Quality Stormwater Permit
Brunswick County Stormwater Permit
Brunswick County Zoning and Planning Approval inclusive of all required Departmental
Approvals (Engineering, Fire Marshal, etc.)
Other Permits as required by all federal, state, and local authorities.
The firm shall perform field work, furnish plans and specifications, handle document preparation,
attend regulatory meetings, prepare responses, evaluate alternatives, and provide recommendations
concerning permitting. The firm shall also solicit comments from the appropriate regulatory
agencies during the preliminary design process. Where possible, all regulatory agency comments
that are received should be addressed at this project stage.
9. EASEMENTS
Upon receipt of the NCDOT Encroachment Agreement or notice by County, the firm shall prepare
final easement plats. Mapping shall comply with the requirements of the local zoning officer and
the Brunswick County Planning Department. The firm shall also help identify and provide maps as
necessary to secure permanent access to the proposed lines. Preliminary easement maps shall be
provided during preliminary design phase. Final plats, suitable for recording, shall be provided
during the final design phase.
10. BIDDING AND NEGOTIATING PHASE
All contracts and bidding documents must be approved by the County prior to advertising the
project. The firm shall assist in advertising the project, conduct a pre-bid meeting, post bid
documents to plan room internet sites, provide all necessary hard copy contract documents, respond
to contractor questions, evaluate substitutions, prepare and distribute addenda and clarifications,
attend bid opening, review bids, provide certified bid tabulation, assist with bid protests, make
recommendation of award, consult with the County on the acceptability of contractors, suppliers,
and manufacturers, and assist County in negotiations with contractors.
8
v11.042025

NORTH CAROLINA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING
BRUNSWICK COUNTY AND/OR SURVEYING SERVICES
(Mini-Brooks Act/Qualification Based Selection)
THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the
"Agreement") is made and entered into by and between Brunswick County, a body politic and
corporate of the State of North Carolina, (hereinafter referred to as the "County" or "Owner"), party
of the first part and {Vendor Name}, (hereinafter referred to as the "Provider" or the "Engineer"),
party of the second part.
WITNESSETH:
1. SERVICES; FEES
The Provider agrees to perform the services (hereinafter referred to as the "Services") in
connection with the project (hereinafter referred to as the "Project") at the agreed upon fees, all as
more fully set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
Any exhibits or attachments referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference and
made a part of this Agreement. Any conflict between the language in an exhibit or attachment and
the main body of this Agreement shall be resolved in favor of the main body of this Agreement.
2. TERM OF AGREEMENT; TIME OF COMPLETION
(1) Term. The term of this Agreement begins one (1) business day after approval by the
Brunswick County Board of Commissioners (the "Effective Date") and continues in
effect until {Expiration Date}, unless extended or sooner terminated as provided for
herein or in the General Conditions of the Contract.
(2) Time of Completion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Provider shall complete the
Services in accordance with the schedule set forth herein (the "Time of Completion"),
unless extended as provided for in the General Conditions of the Contract. No work may
commence under this Agreement until the Agreement has been fully executed by
both parties.
3. TERMINATION
The County may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by giving sixty (60)
days' written notice to the Provider. As soon as practicable after receipt of a written notice of
termination without cause, the Provider shall submit a statement to the County showing in detail the
work performed under this Agreement through the effective date of termination. The County may
terminate this Agreement for cause by giving written notice of a breach of the Agreement. The
Provider shall have fifteen (15) days to cure the breach following receipt of the notification. Failure
to cure the breach within the fifteen (15) days shall result in the immediate termination of the
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County may terminate this Agreement immediately
and without notice to the Provider if the Provider becomes insolvent, makes or has made an
9
v11.042025

assignment for the benefit of creditors, is the subject of proceedings in voluntary or involuntary
bankruptcy instituted on behalf of or against the Provider, or has a receiver or trustee appointed for
substantially all of its property, or if the Provider allows any final judgment to stand against it
unsatisfied for a period of forty-eight (48) hours.
4. BRUNSWICK COUNTY GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT
This Agreement, in addition to any construction documents prepared hereunder, shall be
subject to the Brunswick County, North Carolina General Conditions of the Contract (for
construction contracts), unless the County directs otherwise. In the event of a conflict between the
General Conditions of the Contract and this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.
5. NONAPPROPRIATION
If the Board of County Commissioners does not appropriate the funding needed by the
County to make payments under this Agreement for a given fiscal year, the County will not be
obligated to pay amounts due beyond the end of the last fiscal year for which funds were
appropriated. In such event, the County will promptly notify the Provider of the non-appropriation
and this Agreement will be terminated at the end of the last fiscal year for which funds were
appropriated. No act or omission by the County which is attributable to non-appropriation of funds
shall constitute a breach of or default under this Agreement.
6. COMPENSATION
The County agrees to pay fees as specified in Exhibit "A" or as set out above for the Services
satisfactorily performed in accordance with this Agreement. Unless otherwise specified, the
Provider shall submit monthly invoices to the County and include detail of all Services delivered or
performed under the terms of this Agreement. The County shall pay all undisputed and properly
completed invoices within forty-five (45) days of receipt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
County will not pay late fees on any charges under this Agreement. If the County disputes any
portion of the charges on any invoice received from the Provider, the County shall inform the
Provider in writing of the disputed charges. Once the dispute has been resolved, the Provider shall
re-invoice the County for the previously disputed charges, and, per any resolution between the
County and the Provider, the County shall pay those charges in full at that time. No advance
payment shall be made for the Services to be performed by the Provider under this Agreement.
7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Both the County and the Provider agree that the Provider shall act as an independent
contractor and shall not represent itself as an agent or employee of the County for any purpose in
the performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Provider represents that it has or will
secure, at its own expense, all personnel required in performing the Services under this Agreement.
Accordingly, the Provider shall be responsible for payment of all federal, state, and local taxes
arising out of its activities in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, federal
and state income tax, social security tax, unemployment insurance taxes and any other taxes or
business license fees as required. The Provider shall not be entitled to participate in any plans,
10
v11.042025