RFP - L ake Lawrence Lake Management District - Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

Thurston County, Washington
Public Health and Social Services Department
Environmental Health Program
3000 Pacific Avenue SE
Suite 225
Olympia, Washington 98501
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1:
LAKE LAWRENCE LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control
Solicitation Documents
RFP Issuance Date: July 22, 2026
All solicitation documents, including any addenda, are published on the Thurston County website at
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/Pages/rfprfq.aspx.
Proposal Due Date
Proposals are due: 4:00p.m. PST on: September 2, 2026 (6 weeks after issuance)
Proposal Acceptance Location
Proposals will be received by:
Public Health and Social Services Department
Environmental Health Program
3000 Pacific Avenue SE Suite 225
Olympia, Washington 98501
Office Hours: 8am-5pm Monday through Friday
Kimberly Graham, email: EH_LMD@co.thurston.wa.us
Thurston County reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, cancel this solicitation, and to waive
any informalities or irregularities in procedure.
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

Lake Lawrence Lake Management District
Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control
Table of Contents
SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE .......................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 - OVERVIEW OF SERVICES REQUESTED ................................................................ 4
SECTION 3 - ACQUISITION TIMELINE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................... 9
SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS ........................... 11
SECTION 5 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION ......................................................................... 15
SECTION 6 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................ 18
SECTION 7 FORMS ............................................................................................................. 19
ATTACHMENT 1 PRICE SCHEDULE (Bid Sheet) ..................................................................... 20
ATTACHMENT 2 - STATEMENT OF WORK ............................................................................. 28
ATTACHMENT 4-A PROJECT/SERVICES EXPERIENCE ........................................................... 37
ATTACHMENT 5 - KEY PERSONNEL RESUME FORMAT ........................................................... 38
ATTACHMENT 6 CERTIFICATION ......................................................................................... 39
ATTACHMENT 7 TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ON HISTORICAL DATA ...................................... 40
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Thurston County's Department of Environmental Health, Lake Lawrence, Lake Management District Program
(LLLMDP) is seeking a qualified and commercially licensed aquatic pesticide applicator to provide algae control
treatment for Lake Lawrence. All activities are subject to the requirements of the Ecology Aquatic Plant and Algae
Management Permit (APAM), and the Contractor shall be responsible for environmental testing, posting and
notification, and any other permit requirements. Anticipated algae control options are referenced in Section 2.1
but may include other available options as technologies emerge.
1.2 PURPOSE
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and associated algal toxins in Lake Lawrence pose a significant threat to public
health, aquatic habitat, and recreational use of the lake. The purpose of this contract is to implement a long-term
phosphorus mitigation program that targets and sequesters bioavailable phosphorus within the water column
and, where appropriate, addresses significant nutrient inputs contributing to eutrophication.
The objective of this project is to provide sustained algae management and reduce the frequency, duration, and
severity of harmful algal blooms over a five (5) year period or longer through the strategic application of
phosphorus sequestration technologies and associated monitoring activities.
The anticipated period of performance is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2031, with one additional 2-year
extension through 2033 if activated.
1.3 PROJECT GOALS AND PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
A. The overall goal of this project is to restore and maintain the ecological health of Lake Lawrence by reducing
eutrophication and the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms. The selected contractor shall develop
and implement a strategy designed to achieve the following measurable objectives:
* Public Health Advisories: During the five-year project period, limit the occurrence of public health
Warning or danger advisories to no more than one calendar year in which two or more warning/danger
events are issued.
* Advisory Duration: Within the same five-year period, ensure that no individual warning or danger advisory
remains in effect for three consecutive weeks or longer.
* Chlorophyll-a Reduction: Reduce Chlorophyll-a concentrations at a depth of one meter to less than 7.2
micrograms per liter (ug/L), achieving and sustaining a healthy mesotrophic condition. (For reference,
concentrations reached approximately 100 ug/L in 2025).
* Water Quality Improvement: Reduce total phosphorus concentrations at a depth of one meter to less
than 24 ug/L while maintaining Secchi disk transparency of at least 2.0 meters.
B. The Contractor shall include in its proposal a monitoring plan and methodology for evaluating progress
toward these objectives. The Lake Lawrence LMD Steering Committee recognizes that weather conditions,
watershed inputs, and other external factors may influence annual results; therefore, these objectives are
intended as project performance targets rather than absolute guarantees.
1.4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible for award, the Contractor shall possess the following minimum qualifications:
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

A. Demonstrated experience and current licenses, certifications, endorsements, and insurance necessary to
perform aquatic phosphorus mitigations and algae management services in the State of Washington. The
Contractor shall have documented experience with zero-valent iron (ZVI) and other phosphorus treatment
technologies.
B. Demonstrated expertise in aquatic surveying, mapping, and water quality sampling, including the capability to
collect, analyze, and interpret water column and sediment core samples as necessary to support project
objectives.
C. Proven experience designing and implementing phosphorus mitigation programs for eutrophic lakes utilizing
zero valent iron and other phosphorus treatment technologies. The Contractor shall demonstrate familiarity
with Washington's Department of Ecology requirements appliable to aquatic phosphorus mitigation projects
and shall be capable of developing a comprehensive nutrient management strategy that addresses significant
sources of nutrient loading, improves water quality, and enhances the long-term ecological health of the lake.
1.5 PROCUREMENT NOTIFICATION
This project is a formal competitive procurement and is open to all qualified firms. A notice of solicitations will be
published in the "The Nisqually Valley News". All solicitation documents, including any addenda, will be available
through the Thurston County procurement website:
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/Pages/rfprfq.aspx.
SECTION 2 OVERVIEW OF SERVICES REQUESTED
2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. The Contractor will provide all project management, labor, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation,
sampling, reporting and other resources necessary to successfully complete the project. Sediment
characterization and testing may be included as part of the overall phosphorus mitigation strategy. The LMD
reserves the right to conduct APAM required and additional sampling/monitoring to reduce overall project
costs should contractor bids for these services exceed LMD budget constraints.
B. The anticipated initial treatment program consists of the following phases:
Phase I - Thermal Survey and Seep Identification (Anticipated February 2027)
Conduct a comprehensive lake surface temperature mapping survey around the lake perimeter to identify
potential groundwater seeps, springs, and vents contributing nutrient loading to the lake. The survey shall:
* Collect and map surface temperatures with associated GPS coordinates;
* Produce a color-contoured thermal map identifying potential groundwater inflow locations;
* Develop GIS shapefiles delineating identified seepage areas;
* Evaluate whether identified seepage locations would benefit from treatment using zero-valent iron or
other product barrier applications, including recommended particle size, product specifications, and
application rates.
Based on the findings and recommendations, the Lake Lawrence LMD Steering Committee may authorize
treatment of some or all identified seepage areas following completion of Phase II.
Phase II - Initial Water Column and Sediment Treatment (Anticipated February-April 2027)
Apply approximately fifty percent (50%) of the estimated treatment dose using an agreed upon ZVI product or an
equivalent approved product to sequester an estimated 2,323 pounds of bioavailable phosphorus within lake
areas greater than five (5) feet in depth (approximately 196 acres, subject to contractor verification).
The Contractor shall provide a detailed treatment plan describing:
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

* Application methodology;
* Product, product quantities and dosing calculations;
* APAM required and recommended additional monitoring procedures before, during, and after treatment;
and
* Compliance with Washington State Department of Ecology APAM monitoring requirements for Zero
Valent Iron (ZVI).
Phase III - Years 2-5 Adaptive Management
Additional treatment applications using ZVI or other phosphorus sequestration products may be recommended by
the Contractor and authorized by the Lake Lawrence LMD Steering Committee based upon monitoring data, water
quality analyses, and project performance objectives. Supplemental treatments may include additional water
column phosphorus and sediment sequestration or targeted treatment of nutrient-rich seepage areas identified
during Phase I.
Phase IV - Year 5 - Sediment Assessment
Conduct sediment testing in both the East and West Basins to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment
program and to provide recommendations regarding future phosphorus mitigation needs.
C. Additionally:
1. Bathymetric data are provided to assist proposers in evaluating areas exceeding five (5) feet.
2. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals and shall comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and permit conditions.
3. The Contractor will coordinate directly with the Lake Lawrence LMD Steering Committee and, as
necessary, with Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, Environmental Health Division, or its
designated representative.
2.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
A. Lake Lawrence is a 327-acre seepage lake located south of Yelm in rural Thurston County, Washington, at
an elevation of approximately 429 feet above mean sea level. The lake consists of two basins: the larger East Basin
(274 acres) and the smaller West Basin (53 acres).
B. Historically, Lake Lawrence has been a highly productive, shallow eutrophic system characterized by
excessive aquatic vegetation and algal growth that impair recreational and ecological uses. The lake has been the
subject of numerous studies and restoration investigations since the 1990s. Early analyses identified excessive
nutrient loading, particularly internal phosphorus release from lake sediments, as the principal cause of declining
water quality. Although large-scale restoration alternatives were identified, they were not implemented because
of cost and feasibility constraints.
C. Subsequent management efforts have focused primarily on aquatic vegetation control while harmful algal
blooms have continued to threaten public health, wildlife, and recreational use.
D. Lake Characteristics:
* Surface Area: 327 acres (0.51 square miles)
* West Basin: 53 acres
* East Basin: 274 acres
* Mean depth: 4.2 meters (13.8 feet)
* Maximum depth: 7.9 meters (26 feet)
* Volume: 4,506 acre-feet
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Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

E. Lake Lawrence is a popular recreational destination supporting fishing, swimming, kayaking,
paddleboarding, water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and general boating. Public access is provided through an
ADA-accessible Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife boat launch located in the East Basin.
F. Nutrient Loading and Water Quality:
1. The relative contribution of phosphorus loading from various sources has been evaluated through
previous nutrient studies and is summarized in Table 1 of Attachment 7.
2. Long-term monitoring by Thurston County Department of Health and Human Services,
Environmental Health Division, documents the lake's continued eutrophic condition. In 2004, Lake Lawrence was
listed as an impaired water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act due to elevated total phosphorus
concentrations. Harmful algal blooms, primarily associated with microcystin, have exceeded public health advisory
thresholds in most years since at least 2010. Overall water quality has declined from a rating of "fair" to "poor"
as reflected in Table 1 below.
3. The lake watershed consists primarily of low-density residential development, forestland,
and limited agricultural uses. Nutrient inputs originate from intermittent tributaries, direct stormwater
runoff, and shallow groundwater seepage. An intermittent stream enters the lake from the southeast.
4. Previous investigations by KCM (1991) identified groundwater as a significant nutrient
source. The aquifer supplying the lake was found to contain elevated phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen
concentrations, although it remains uncertain whether these conditions are natural or influenced by
historical agricultural activities. Septic system contributions were believed to be relatively minor.
5. Lake Lawrence discharges through Lawrence Creek along the western shoreline of the
West Basin when lake levels exceed the normal high-water elevation, typically between February and
April. Lawrence Creek flows approximately one mile before entering the Deschutes River, which
ultimately discharges through Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet into the Salish Sea.
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Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

Table 1. Water Quality Thurston County Lakes (Chart taken from Thurston Regional Planning Council website 9
November 2023)
2.3 STATEMENT OF WORK. See Attachment 2 - Statement of Work
2.4 CONTRACT PERIOD AND BUDGET
A. The County anticipates awarding a Contract with an initial term commencing January 1, 2027,
and ending December 31, 2031. At the sole discretion of the County, the Contract may be renewed for
one (1) additional two-year term, subject to satisfactory Contractor performance, continued project
need, and funding availability.
B. The total value of the Contract, including any renewals or amendments, shall not exceed
$700,000 unless otherwise authorized by the County. The County reserves the right to increase the
Contract amount, subject to available funding and mutual agreement of the parties, to meet ongoing
service requirements during the period of performance.
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

2.5 COMPENSATION
A. Payment to Contractor will be based on the negotiated rate schedule and actual quantities/labor hours
incurred as verified by work order/application record.
B. Rates may be adjusted no more than once annually. Rates will be negotiated based on various economic factors
including consideration of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area. Requests for
rate adjustments must be submitted prior to October 30th of each year for the following year.
C. The negotiated rate schedule will be incorporated into the Professional Services Contract executed.
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

SECTION 3 - ACQUISITION TIMELINE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
Following is the procurement schedule for this RFP. The dates shown below are estimated, are provided for
information only, and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the County.
Table 1: Estimated Solicitation and Award Schedule
Due Date Activity
7/22/2026 RFP Issuance
4:00 PM PST on 8/12/2026 Cut-off Date for Questions (3 weeks)
8/17/2026 Responses to Questions posted on County Website (5 days)
09/02/2026 Proposal Due Date (6 weeks)
09/09/2026 Proposal Evaluation and Contractor Selection (1 week)
10/21/2026 Executed Contract (6 weeks from proposal)
1/1/2027 Start Date 1 January 2027 (1 week from contract signature)
3.2 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE/SITE VISIT
There will be no Pre-Proposal Conference or tour of the site.
3.3 PRE-PROPOSAL INQUIRIES AND ADDENDUM
A. It is the responsibility of each Proposer to examine the entire RFP and as necessary, seek clarification in
writing (pre-proposal inquiries or PPIs). This RFP may only be modified by a written addendum issued by the
County. Proposer shall not rely on verbal responses to inquiries. A verbal reply to an inquiry does not constitute a
modification of the RFP or obligation by the County.
B. All pre-proposal inquiries (PPIs) regarding this RFP shall be submitted in writing (mail or e-mail) to
Thurston County Department of Environmental Health, to the attention of:
Kimberly Graham
Environmental Health
3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 225, Olympia, WA 98501
EH_LMD@co.thurston.wa.us
360-999-9510
C. All PPIs must clearly identify the name of the inquiring company or person and the RFP number, title, and
section/page number. The deadline for receipt of PPIs from Proposer is due according to the PROCUREMENT
SCHEDULE identified in Section 3.1.
3.4 EXAMINATION BY PROPOSER
A. Each Proposer is responsible for examining the RFP, including the sample Professional Services Contract
(Attachment 3), prior to submitting a Proposal. Failure to examine such documents and any errors made in the
preparation of a Proposal are at the Proposer's own risk.
B. The dates contained in this RFP are for informational purposes only. The County makes no warranty as to
the accuracy of the dates. Each Proposer shall make its own examination, investigation, and research regarding
the proper method of doing the work under this RFP and Contract, all conditions affecting the work to be done,
the necessary labor, equipment and materials, and the quantity of work to be performed. The Proposer agrees
that it has satisfied itself by Proposer's own investigation and research regarding all such conditions, and that
Proposer's conclusion to enter into the Contract and execution of the Contract is based upon such investigation
and research, and the Proposer shall make no claim against the County because of any of the estimates,
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Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control

statements, or interpretations made by any officer or agent of the County that may prove to be erroneous in any
respect.
3.5 MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
Written requests to modify or withdraw from a Proposal received by the County prior to the scheduled time of
closing (i.e., 4:00 p.m. PT on the Proposal Due Date) will be accepted and processed prior to opening. No oral
requests will be allowed. Requests to modify or withdraw a Proposal must be addressed and labeled in the same
manner as the Proposal and marked as MODIFICATION or WITHDRAWAL of the Proposal. Requests for withdrawal
after the time of closing will be allowed at the County's sole discretion.
3.6 PROPOSAL FIRM OFFER
Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered after the time of closing (i.e., 4:00 p.m. PT on the Proposal Due Date)
and for ninety (90) calendar days from such date. The County and the Proposers may mutually agree to extend
the period during which the Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered.
3.7 PROPOSALS ARE PUBLIC RECORD
If your Proposal contains information considered to be exempt from the Public Records Act, Section 42.56 Revised
Code of Washington (RCW), those items must be clearly marked as such and may be returned to you upon
request once Contract award has been determined.
3.8 CANCELLATION
This RFP may be cancelled at any time, and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part if the County
determines such action to be in the best interest of Thurston County.
3.9 NO OBLIGATION
This solicitation in no manner obligates Thurston County or any of its departments to use any of the proposed
services until a valid written Contract is awarded and approved by the appropriate authorities.
3.10 EXPENSES INCURRED
The County shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by a Proposer in connection with participation in this
RFP process, including but not limited to the costs of Proposal preparation, submission, presentations, interviews,
negotiations, or Contract execution. All such expenses are the sole responsibility of the Proposer.
3.11 NONDISCRIMINATION
Thurston County hereby notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that all will be afforded full
opportunity to submit a Proposal in response to this solicitation and will not be discriminated against because of
race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, sexual
orientation, or the presence of any disability. Implementation of this policy shall be consistent with
RCW 49.60.400.
3.12 PRIME CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The prime Contractor is solely responsible for fulfillment of any Contract with the County awarded under this RFP
and for all performance whether or not subcontractors are used. The County will make Contract payments to the
prime Contractor only.
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RFP NO. 2026-LMD-LLW-1
Lake Lawrence Lake Management District Phosphorus Mitigation for Algae Control