Request for Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
For: Professional Services for Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Alternatives and Upgrades
Issued by: City of Mandan, North Dakota
Date: February 6th, 2026
Introduction
The City of Mandan (City) is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified consulting
engineering firms to provide professional engineering services for evaluating, designing, and
administering the construction of upgrades to the City’s existing Wastewater Treatment Facility
(WWTF).
The City’s WWTF has been operating for over 50 years and as a mechanical treatment plant since 1996.
The WWTF is critical to the community’s health, safety, and environmental stewardship. The facility has
undergone multiple improvements throughout its lifetime, and its current operation relies heavily on
efficient liquid and solids handling, robust instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, and the expertise
of its staff to maintain functionality and compliance in the absence of system redundancy. As the City
evaluates future treatment needs, maintaining continuity and operational efficiency is a top priority.
This project will use the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method, which requires strong
collaboration among stakeholders. The selected firm must demonstrate a deep understanding of the
existing WWTF’s facilities, operational workflows, and the unique challenges associated with Mandan’s
wastewater infrastructure.
Since 2023, the City has been engaged in WWTF Master Plan updates and long-range financial planning.
Through these efforts, the City has established and confirmed the project need and magnitude.
Project Scope
The scope of services may include, but is not limited to:
1. WWTF Evaluation and Design
a. Treatment process alternative analysis, including conventional and advanced treatment
methods.
b. Design and implementation of the selected treatment system to replace or enhance
existing treatment processes. Design services shall include all necessary ancillary
disciplines needed for the successful construction of the new WWTF.
c. Address integration with the WWTF’s solids handling and odor control systems.
2. Instrumentation and Control (I&C)
a. Evaluate the existing I&C system and recommend upgrades to enhance monitoring,
automation, and operational efficiency.
b. Provide improvements compatible with the City’s existing I&C systems, which are
integral to day-to-day operations.
3. CMAR Collaboration
a. Assisting the City with the procurement of the CMAR for the project.
b. Provide planning, design and construction services tailored to the CMAR delivery
method, including early contractor involvement, alternatives analyses, value
engineering, and efficient project delivery.
4. Construction Administration
a. Provide construction administration, engineering and on-site services during
construction, including submittal reviews, RFI/RFC responses, pay application reviews,
design change reviews and documentation (as necessary), construction oversight and
documentation, etc.
5. Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
a. Navigate the complex permitting requirements associated with wastewater treatment
upgrades or new construction.
6. Financial and Funding Support
a. Identify and support funding opportunities to minimize the financial burden on the City.
b. Provide financial analyses to support decision-making and ensure the long- term
sustainability of the selected solution.
7. Community Engagement
a. Assist the City in communicating project objectives and benefits to stakeholders and the
public.
8. Owner’s Advisor
a. To accomplish the objectives listed in this solicitation, the City may elect to include
additional project management or administrative support services that supplement City
staff during the CMAR process. These services may be provided by the selected Engineer
or by a separate consultant, at the City’s discretion, and are intended to support
coordination, documentation, and procurement activities rather than duplicate design
responsibilities.
Selection Criteria
Firms will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Knowledge of the Existing WWTF and Operations
a. Demonstrates understanding of the current plant’s operations, including solids handling,
I&C systems, and hydraulic processes.
b. Experience working with similar facilities and addressing operational challenges while
implementing upgrades or alternatives.
2. Project Approach and Responsiveness
a. Clear and comprehensive approach to evaluating the existing WWTF and future
treatment alternatives, including the establishment of a conventional baseline and the
advantages of alternative treatment methods.
b. Proximity to Mandan and demonstrates ability to respond promptly to the City’s needs
throughout the contract duration.
c. Willingness to meet time and budget requirements.
3. Relevant Experience and Expertise
a. Proven experience analyzing treatment alternatives, designing and implementing
wastewater treatment systems, with specific examples of successful integration into
existing facilities.
b. Comprehensive knowledge of I&C system design and optimization.
c. Experience delivering projects using the CMAR method, including early collaboration
with contractors and stakeholders that led to value-engineering savings on large-scale
projects.
d. Expertise in mechanical dewatering, disposal strategies, and long-term facility planning
that account for emerging regulatory trends.
4. Team Qualifications
a. The ability of key project team personnel, particularly in areas critical to this project.
b. Demonstrated ability to provide hands-on support throughout the project lifecycle.
c. Recent, current and projected workloads.
5. Financial and Funding Capabilities
a. Expertise in securing grants and low-interest loans to offset project costs.
b. Proven track record of developing financial strategies for municipal projects.
c. Demonstrates project delivery strategies that would substantiate the long-term financial
benefit of a selected alternative.
Submission Requirements
Interested firms shall submit a detailed SOQ that includes the following:
1. Cover Letter: Introduction and statement of interest.
2. Project Understanding and Approach: Narrative outlining the firm’s understanding of the
existing WWTF and proposed approach to upgrades and alternatives.
3. Experience and Expertise: Summary of the firm’s background and relevant project experience.
4. Team Qualifications: Identify key personnel, their location and project roles, including
subconsultants, if applicable.
5. Financial Capabilities: Overview of funding strategies and success stories.
6. References: Contact information for at least three clients from similar projects.
Submission Deadline and Instructions
Submission Deadline: To be considered, the SOQ shall be submitted by 4:00 p.m. (CT) on Friday, March
6th, 2026.
Submission Format: The SOQ is limited to fifteen (15) pages, and the main body should be delineated to
clearly satisfy the above Submission Requirements. The cover letter will not be counted as one of the
fifteen pages. If necessary, appendices are allowed to include resumes (max 2 pages per), references,
and additional related project information that support the firm’s capability. The appendices will not be
counted against the fifteen-page limit. For consideration, submit one (1) electronic copy to:
City of Mandan
engineering@cityofmandan.com
Engineering Office
205 2nd Avenue NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Contact Information: Questions should be directed to jarek.wigness@cityofmandan.com and include the
text “WWTF SOQ Inquiry” in the subject line. The City will make a reasonable effort to respond to
inquiries from interested parties, depending on the nature and timing of the communication received.
Additionally, firms may request a 1-hour meeting with City staff to ask questions about the project prior
to submission.
The estimated schedule is as follows:
Start Date
February 3
February 6
March 6
March 20
March 30
April 1
April 7
April 8
April 13
April 29
May 5
Length
28 days
14 days
2 days
2 days
14 days
Milestone
Commission Approval
RFQ Published
Submittal Deadline and City Review
Notify Shortlisted Firms
Interviews & Selection
Commission Agenda Deadline
Commission Approval to Proceed with Contract Negotiations
Contract Scoping
Contract Negotiations
Commission Agenda Deadline
Commission Approval of Contracts
Background Information
Most background information is available through master planning documents that are stored in the
following shared drive:
Mandan WWTF Supporting Documents
(https://mandannd-
my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/jarek_wigness_cityofmandan_com/IgAThNufBi56T4Rm59p6yYKHAW
o3W0MLsUuNjTyig-SzhJc?e=QXVuVw)
If there are issues with this delivery method or additional documentation is required, the City will make
documents available upon request.
Evaluation Process
The City will evaluate submissions based on the outlined criteria and reserves the right to reject any or
all SOQs. Shortlisted firms may be invited for interviews or presentations. The City may elect to hire one
or multiple firms for certain phases of the project, as determined to be in the best interest of the City.
Conclusion
The City values the continued operation of its existing WWTF and seeks a firm capable of addressing
both immediate needs and long-term goals. Firms are encouraged to highlight their understanding of
the current plant’s systems, expertise in liquid treatment and solids handling systems, and ability to
collaborate on a CMAR delivery project.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.