BIG SISTER CREEK WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY EFFLUENT SYSTEM UPGRADES Engineering Services

NOTICE OF INVITATION
TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Proposals are requested by the Erie County Department of Environment and
Planning, Division of Sewerage Management (DEP/DSM) for consultant services related
to the Big Sister Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility Effluent System Upgrades in
Erie County Sewer District No. 2. The top-rated respondent will be selected to enter into
an agreement for engineering design and/or construction phase services to implement the
improvements.
In accordance with Erie County Local Law No. 6-1983, proposals are hereby
invited for the subject project. Proposals are to be submitted in the exact format detailed
in the request for proposals (RFP). Proposals will be due on Thursday August 13, 2026
by 2:00 P.M. An optional online pre-proposal meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on
Tuesday July 14, 2026.
The DEP/DSM emphasizes that declining to respond at any step of the
procurement process prior to selection will not hinder firms from being solicited for
future jobs.
To obtain a copy of the RFP guidelines, please visit the following website on or
after June 23, 2026: https://www3.erie.gov/purchasing/requests-proposals-construction-
bids. Alternatively, you may call 716-858-8383 or email beth.pfalzer@erie.gov if you
would like to request a hardcopy.
This invitation does not commit Erie County Sewer District No. 2, Erie County,
or its DEP to accept any price proposal, nor does it obligate Erie County for any costs
associated with preparing or submitting proposals.
By: Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE
Deputy Commissioner
Erie County DEP/DSM
Dated:6/17/26
Published:6/23/26

ERIE COUNTY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
BIG SISTER CREEK
WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
EFFLUENT SYSTEM UPGRADES
Engineering Services
Erie County Sewer District No. 2
RFP# 2.3.2.BSCWRRF Effluent
June 2026
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & PLANNING
DIVISION OF SEWERAGE MANAGEMENT
EDWARD A. RATH COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
95 FRANKLIN STREET - ROOM 1034
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ("RFP")
File No. 2.3.2.BSCWRRF Effluent
TO PROVIDE Engineering Services for the Big Sister Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility
(WRRF) Effluent System Upgrades in Erie County / Erie County Sewer District (ECSD) No. 2
I. INTRODUCTION
The County of Erie, New York (the "County") is currently seeking Proposal Statements from
qualified Engineering Firms interested in providing design and/or construction phase services for
the Big Sister Creek WRRF Effluent System Upgrades project. Proposers interested in providing
these engineering services are invited to respond to this request.
It is the County's intent to select the Proposer(s) that provide(s) the best solution for the County's
needs.
The County reserves the right to amend this RFP. The County reserves the right to reject any or
all of the proposals, or any part thereof, submitted in response to this RFP, and reserves the right
to waive informalities, if such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the County. The County
reserves the right to request additional information from any proposer. The County reserves the
right to award negotiated contracts to one or more proposers.
This RFP is not intended and shall not be construed to commit the County to pay any costs incurred
in connection with any proposal or to procure or contract with any firm.
The County will only contract with firms that do not discriminate against employees or applicants
for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status,
sexual orientation, citizenship status or any other status protected by New York State and Federal
laws.
II. PROPOSAL PROCEDURES
A. ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE OF PROPOSAL
The following schedule is for informational purposes only. The County reserves the right to
amend this schedule at any time.
Issue RFP: Tuesday June 23, 2026
Optional Pre-Proposal Meeting Tuesday July 14, 2026
Proposals Due: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Recommendation Made: Approximately 30 days following due date
Firms Notified: Following all necessary County approvals
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B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Each proposal shall be prepared simply and economically avoiding the use of elaborate
promotional materials beyond what is sufficient to provide a complete, accurate and
reliable presentation.
2. One (1) original and five (5) copies shall be submitted. Proposals MUST include a
signed Proposer Certification (Exhibit "A"). Proposals without a signed certification
will be rejected.
3. Submission of the proposals shall be directed to:
Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Environment & Planning
Division of Sewerage Management
95 Franklin Street - Room 1034
Buffalo, New York 14202
All proposals must be delivered to the above office on or before Thursday, August 13,
2026 at 2:00 p.m. Proposals received after the above date and time will not be
considered. The County is under no obligation to return proposals.
4. Requests for clarification of this RFP must be written and submitted to David Millar,
P.E. at david.millar@erie.gov no later than Thursday July 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Formal
written responses will be distributed by the County on or before Thursday August 6,
2026. NO COMMUNICATIONS OF ANY KIND WILL BE BINDING AGAINST
THE COUNTY, EXCEPT FOR THE FORMAL WRITTEN RESPONSES TO ANY
REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION.
5. Proposers may be required to give an oral presentation to the County to clarify or
elaborate on the written proposal. Those proposers will be notified to arrange specific
times.
6. No proposal will be accepted from nor any agreement awarded to any proposer that is in
arrears upon any debt or in default of any obligation owed to the County. Additionally,
no agreement will be awarded to any proposer that has failed to satisfactorily perform
pursuant to any prior agreement with the County.
7. Proposers are encouraged to attend the optional pre-proposal meeting which will be held
online at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday July 14, 2026. Please see the access information below:
Join from the meeting link
https://erie.webex.com/erie/j.php?MTID=mbafb07ef20567b4ca098484ae8905116
Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 2498 030 7804
Meeting password: KAsvVVJp754
Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1716-858-2250,,24980307804 ## United States Toll (Buffalo)
+1-415-655-0003,,24980307804 ## United States Toll
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Join by phone
+1 716-858-2250 United States Toll (Buffalo)
+1-415-655-0003 United States Toll
Join from a video system or application
Dial 24980307804@webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
8. All proposers submitting proposals must include a cost proposal in a separate sealed
envelope clearly labeled with the proposer name, due date of proposal, and proposal
name ("Big Sister Creek WRRF Effluent System Upgrades - Engineering
Services").
III. SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED
See Exhibit "D" (Schedule "A" and Schedule A-1of the Agreement).
IV. STATEMENT OF RIGHTS
UNDERSTANDINGS
Please take notice, by submission of a proposal in response to this request for proposals, the
proposer agrees to and understands:
* that any proposal, attachments, additional information, etc. submitted pursuant to this
Request for Proposals constitute merely a suggestion to negotiate with the County of Erie
and is not a bid under Section 103 of the New York State General Municipal Law.
* submission of a proposal, attachments, and additional information shall not entitle the
proposer to enter into an agreement with the County of Erie for the required services.
* by submitting a proposal, the proposer agrees and understands that the County of Erie is
not obligated to respond to the proposal, nor is it legally bound in any manner whatsoever
by submission of same.
* that any and all counter-proposals, negotiations or any communications received by a
proposing entity, its officers, employees or agents from the County, its elected officials,
officers, employees or agents, shall not be binding against the County of Erie, its elected
officials, officers, employees or agents unless and until a formal written agreement for
the services sought by this RFP is duly executed by both parties and approved by the Erie
County Legislature, the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority (if required), and the
Office of the Erie County Attorney.
In addition to the foregoing, by submitting a proposal, the proposer also understands and
agrees that the County of Erie reserves the right, and may at its sole discretion exercise, the
following rights and options with respect to this Request for Proposals:
* To reject any or all proposals.
* To issue amendments to this RFP.
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* To issue additional solicitations for proposals.
* To waive any irregularities in proposals received after notification to proposers affected.
* To select any proposal as the basis for negotiations of a contract, and to negotiate with
one or more of the proposers for amendments or other modifications to their proposals.
* To conduct investigations with respect to the qualifications of each proposer.
* To exercise its discretion and apply its judgment with respect to any aspect of this RFP,
the evaluation of proposals, and the negotiations and award of any contract.
* To enter into an agreement for only portions (or not to enter into an agreement for any) of
the services contemplated by the proposals with one or more of the proposers.
* To select the proposal that best satisfies the interests of the County and not necessarily on
the basis of price or any other single factor.
* To interview the proposer(s).
* To request or obtain additional information the County deems it necessary to determine
the ability of the proposer.
* To modify dates.
* All proposals prepared in response to this RFP are at the sole expense of the proposer,
and with the express understanding that there will be no claim whatsoever, for
reimbursement from the County for the expenses of preparation. The County assumes no
responsibility or liability of any kind for costs incurred in the preparation or submission
of any proposal.
* While this is a RFP and not a bid, the County reserves the right to apply the case law
under General Municipal Law 103 regarding bidder responsibility in determining
whether a proposer is a responsible vendor for the purpose of this RFP process.
* The County is not responsible for any internal or external delivery delays which may
cause any proposal to arrive beyond the deadline stated. To be considered, proposals
MUST arrive at the place specified herein and be time-stamped prior to the deadline.
EVALUATION
The following criteria, not necessarily listed in order of importance, will be used to
review the proposals. The County reserves the right to weigh its evaluation criteria in any
manner it deems appropriate:
* Proposer's demonstrated the capability to provide the services.
* Evaluation of the professional qualifications, personal background and resume(s) of
individuals involved in providing services.
* Proposer's experience to perform the proposed services.
* Evaluation of the proposer's fee submission. It should be noted that while price is not the
only consideration, it is an important one.
* A determination that the proposer has submitted a complete and responsive proposal as
required by this RFP.
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* An evaluation of the proposer's projected approach and plans to meet the requirements of
this RFP.
* The proposer's presentation at and the overall results of any interview conducted with the
proposer.
* Proposers MUST sign the Proposal Certification attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
Unsigned proposals will be rejected.
* Proposers may be required to give an oral presentation to the County to clarify or
elaborate on the written proposal.
* No proposal will be accepted from nor any agreement awarded to any proposer that is in
arrears for any debt or in default of any obligation owed to the County. Additionally, no
agreement will be awarded to any proposer that has failed to satisfactorily perform
pursuant to any prior agreement with the County.
WRITTEN PROPOSALS
In one envelope, submit one (1) original and five (5) copies of your written proposal to include
answers to the questions listed below.
Proposals will be evaluated, generally on your firm's response to the following questions, (Score
sheet is shown in Exhibit "B"). Note - even those items that are listed as "NNR" (no numerical
rating) are important and must be addressed in your proposal. NNR items that are unanswered
may adversely impact your overall ranking.
A. Qualifications
1) State clearly whether your main office/parent firm is currently authorized to
perform professional engineering in New York State.
Indicate if this would be a joint venture proposal with another professional
organization. The reasons for a joint venture should be presented. (Please
provide documentation for all firms for compliance with New York State
Education Law).
2) State any potential conflicts of interest. Include any employment or other
relationship your firm has with regulating agencies, or any other entity which
may be perceived as a conflict of interest. Explain why any such potential
conflicts of interest would not impact on this project.
3) State the number of Employees in the Firm - If a branch office will perform
work, indicate the size of the branch office. Also indicate, in relation to this
project, how size of firm would relate to performance.
4) State the location (municipality) of the design team you would assign to this
project. If more than one design team is proposed or if design team support is to
be provided by another office, please explain.
5) Indicate the workforce demographics at the firm level and on the project team,
using the job categories, race/ethnicity, and male/female data presented in
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Federal EEOC Standard Form 100 (EEO-1).
6) List any current or anticipated obligations which may affect the project or use of
the identified personnel proposed for this project.
B. Expertise/Experience
1) Present your special expertise for the project and show how your firm's
qualifications would best serve the County on this Project. (Resumes should be
attached at the end of the proposal.). Also, indicate what professional or
technical subcontractors you would utilize for the project. Indicate where the
subcontractors are located and what services they would provide. Recite any
experience or familiarity of the subcontractors which is pertinent to the specific
requirements of this project and the basis of your confidence in their ability to
perform. If your firm possesses specialty capabilities which allow work normally
subcontracted to be performed in-house, present this information here.
2) Recite a list of no more than five similar projects within the last five years giving
the size of the project in dollars, the client, including the name and phone number
of the person to whom you were accountable, whether DEC and/or EPA were
involved and if the project was constructed or otherwise completed.
3) Recite current and past work experience within the last five years, if any, your
firm has had with the County of Erie outside of the Department of Environment
and Planning. Please note, the Erie County Water Authority is not part of the
County of Erie's government. Identify the other Department(s) for which the
services were provided and the project title.
4) Disclosure of any Past County Employees - Indicate any personnel (either as an
employee or through a contractual relationship) who, within the last year prior to
the date of this proposal, had been employed by the County of Erie. Also,
indicate that person's County work title and the Department for which he/she
worked. If there is any, an explanation of the significance of the employee on the
project should be presented.
C. Project
1) Provide a written evaluation of the "Scope of Services" which indicates your
unique approach to performing this project.
2) Based on the Scope of Services, Form of Contract, these Guidelines and the
expected job duration, indicate the total number of labor hours for each of the
various employee types (job classification) who will be assigned to the project.
The hours should be listed and totaled by Job Classification and Engineering
Phase. If subcontractors are to be utilized on any phase of the project, provide
separate breakdowns which display the number of hours for each of their
employee types who will assist on this project. All labor hours, including those
for subcontractors, must be shown in this part of the proposal.
The above information is to be presented in a format as shown on the enclosed
table labeled "Labor Summary Sheet" (Exhibit "C"). You may substitute your
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own layout (i.e. spreadsheet printouts) in lieu of using the enclosed form. (Please
note the DEP Summary Form, ECDEP-CS-1, is to be utilized in the breakdown
of costs in sealed price proposal). Resident engineering is to be assumed for the
duration of construction for this project as noted in Schedule "C". Insofar as you
propose utilizing County personnel for this project, state clearly the level of
effort or task you would expect the County to provide.
3) Indicate which MBE/WBE/SDVOB subcontractors you would propose to use on
this project and why. Show what percentage of work is proposed to be assigned
to MBE/WBE/SDVOB subcontractors. If your firm is a certified MBE, WBE,
and/or SDVOB firm, please state here and include self-performed work in the
calculation of utilization. Please refer to funding and MBE/WBE/SDVOB
discussions in Schedule "A".
4) State the length of time necessary to complete each engineering phase (Exhibit
"D" - Agreement, Schedule A - Items I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, IIID). Indicate the
minimum time required. Please indicate any strategies that may be employed to
more expeditiously complete the project.
D. Proposer Certification:
Proposals without a signed Proposer Certification will be rejected.
PRICE PROPOSAL
In a separately sealed envelope identifying your firm and the project and marked
"CONFIDENTIAL - Pricing Information - To be Opened by the Deputy Commissioner, Joseph
Fiegl, P.E., BCEE" submit one (1) copy of your price proposal for each of the project tasks
(Items I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, IIID), along with a summary providing a total for the whole
project.
The price proposal is to be for the entire project as described in these Instructions, the Form of
Agreement and the Scope of Services attached. Exceptions or limitations in your proposal shall
not be placed in the sealed price proposal unless clearly described in the written proposal.
Respondents are advised that all price proposals are subject to negotiation at the discretion of the
DEP.
The proposed costs and fees are to be presented on the Erie County Division of Sewerage
Management form entitled "Cost Summary Format for Engineering Sub agreements" (ECDEP-
CS-1). See Schedule "E" in Exhibit "D". The overhead and profit percentages used for each part
of the project should be clearly distinguishable in the information provided.
SELECTION
All Proposals, timely received and complete, will be evaluated and ranked by a selection
committee. The evaluation is based on the Written Proposals using a numerical score sheet
related to the questions posed in the Proposal Guidelines. Interviews may be called where
determined to be appropriate for the evaluation.
When the evaluation of the written proposals are complete, all price proposals will be
opened. Total cost will be part of the final selection criteria.
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CONTRACT
After selection of the successful proposer, a formal written contract (see Exhibit "D") will be
prepared by the County of Erie and will not be binding until signed by both parties and, if
necessary, approved by the Erie County Legislature, the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority
and the Office of the County Attorney. NO RIGHTS SHALL ACCRUE TO ANY PROPOSER
BY THE FACT THAT A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE COUNTY FOR
SUBMISSION TO THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AND/OR THE ERIE COUNTY
FISCAL STABILITY AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL. THE APPROVAL OF SAID
LEGISLATURE AND/OR AUTHORITY MAY BE NECESSARY BEFORE A VALID AND
BINDING CONTRACT MAY BE EXECUTED BY THE COUNTY.
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
The proposer accepts and agrees that language in substantially the following form will be
included in the contract between the proposer and the County:
"In addition to, and not in limitation of the insurance requirements contained
herein the Consultant agrees:
The Consultant agrees: that except for the amount, if any, of damage
contributed to, caused by, or resulting from the negligence of the County,
the Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the County, its
officers, employees, and agents from and against the Consultant's
proportional share of liability, damage, claim, demand, cost, judgment, fee,
attorneys' fees, or loss which the County may sustain, be subject to, or be
caused to incur because of or as a result of (a) any wrongful act, error, or
omission of the Consultant or third-parties under the direction or control of
the Consultant; or (b) any willful misconduct of the Consultant or third
parties under the direction or control of the Consultant; or (c) any
infringement of any claimed copyright or patent right of designs, plans,
drawings, or specifications furnished by the Consultant or its
subconsultant. Nothing contained herein shall create or give to third
parties any claim or right of action against the County or the Consultant
beyond such as may legally exist without regard to this provision.
Upon execution of any contract between the proposer and the County, the proposer will be
required to provide proof of the insurance coverage described in Schedule "B" of the attached
Agreement (Exhibit "D").
Insurance coverage in amount and form shall not be deemed acceptable until approved by the
County Attorney.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The proposer accepts and agrees that language in substantially the following form will be
included in the contract between the proposer and the County:
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