2026 - GA0002 RFQ for Engineering/Architectural Services

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering/Architectural Services - Cover Letter
October 5, 2026
Re: Proposed Funding for the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP)
Dear Engineering/Architecture Service Providers:
Attached is a copy of Jim Wells County Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") for engineering/architectural services. These services are
being solicited to assist Jim Wells County in its application and project implementation of a contract, if awarded from the Disaster
Recovery Reallocation Program of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Jim Wells County is considering applying for such funding to
support activities in Jim Wells County.
Multiple contracts may be awarded as a result of this solicitation.
The submission requirements for this SOQ are also included on the attached Request for Qualifications (RFQ) form. Please submit a
Statement of Qualifications ("SOQ") to:
Norma C. Salas
200 N. Almond St, Ste. 101
Alice, TX 78332
The deadline for submission of SOQs is October 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. It is the responsibility of the submitting entity to ensure that
the SOQ is received in a timely manner. SOQs received after the deadline will not be considered for award, regardless of whether or
not the delay was outside the control of the submitting provider. Jim Wells County reserves the right to negotiate with any and all
service providers submitting timely SOQs.
Jim Wells County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Section 3 Residents, Minority Business Enterprises, Small
Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Area firms are encouraged to submit SOQs.
Sincerely,
Norma C. Salas

RFQ for Engineering/Architectural Services
Jim Wells County is seeking to enter into an [engineering/architectural] services contract with a state registered [engineer/architect].
The following outlines this request for qualifications.
1. Scope of Work
A sample detailed Scope of Work provided by GLO for DRRP engineering/architectural services is enclosed in this packet. The
[engineering/architectural] contract will encompass all application and project related [engineering/architectural] services to
Jim Wells County under its DRRP program project(s), including but not limited to:
2. Statement of Qualifications - Jim Wells County is seeking to contract with a competent engineering/architectural firm, registered
to practice in the State of Texas.
Public works construction including but not limited to mitigation projects;
Federally funded construction projects; and
Projects located in this general region of the state
Transmittal letter including:
Brief statement of the firm's understanding of the scope of the work to be performed;
o
Confirmation that the firm meets the appropriate state licensing requirements to practice as an
o
Architect/Engineer in Texas
Confirmation that the firm has not had a record of substandard work within the last five years;
o
Confirmation that the firm has not engaged in any unethical practices within the last five years;
o
Any other information that the firm feels appropriate to support their understanding;
o
Company Profile
Experience and Qualifications. Set forth your experience and qualifications as they relate to the proposed project in
terms of technical scope, tasks involved, deliverable products, and other elements of the work as they relate to the
evaluation criteria and all requirements of this RFQ including the following:
Experience with public works construction including but not limited to mitigation projects;
o
Experience with federally funded construction projects;
o
A list of past local government clients, as well as resumes of all engineers/architects that will or may be
o
assigned to this project if you receive the engineering/architectural services contract award.
SAM.gov Registration. Firms must have an active registration with the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov)
AND have been cleared (not suspended or debarred). Provide proof of SAM.gov registration along with your Statement
of Qualifications. See next page.
References. Each firm must furnish a minimum of five (5) references.
3. Evaluation Criteria - The SOQ received will be evaluated and ranked according to the following criteria and using the rating sheet
enclosed:
DRRP Suggested Scoring
Criteria Maximum Points
Experience of the Firm 60
Prior Work Performance 25
Capacity to Perform 15
Total 100
4. For this RFQ, Respondent's qualifications will be evaluated and the most qualified Respondent will be selected, subject to
negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation.
Upon the award of this contract, profit (either %/actual cost) must be identified and negotiated as a separate
element of the price for any contract in excess of $50,000.00.
5. Submission Requirements- the following documents must be included in your SOQ:

Statement of Conflicts of Interest (if any) the service provider or key employees may have regarding these services,
and a plan for mitigating the conflict(s). Note that Jim Wells County may in its sole discretion determine whether or
not a conflict disqualifies a firm, and/or whether or not a conflict mitigation plan is acceptable.
System for Award Management. Service Providers must have an active registration in the System for Award
Management (https://www.sam.gov/SAM/). Service provider and its Principals may not be debarred or suspended
nor otherwise on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM). Include
verification that the service provider as well as its principals are not listed (are not debarred) through the System for
Award Management (www.SAM.gov). This clearance information should be included in the service provider's
Proposal. The clearance in the Service Provider's proposal must be re-verified prior to award. Enclose a printout of
the search results that includes the record date.
Form Conflict of Interest Questionnaire, (enclosed). Texas Local Government Code chapter 176 requires that any
vendor or person who enters or seeks to enter into a contract with a local government entity disclose in the
Questionnaire Form CIQ the vendor or person's employment, affiliation, business relationship, family relationship
or provision of gifts that might cause a conflict of interest with a local government entity. Questionnaire form CIQ is
included in the RFQ and must be submitted with the response.
Certification Regarding Lobbying- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (enclosed). Certification for Contracts, Grants,
Loans, and Cooperative Agreements is included in the RFQ and must be submitted with the response.
Form 1295, (enclosed). Effective January 1,2018, all contracts and contract amendments, extensions, or renewals
executed by the Commissioners Court will require the completion of Form 1295 "Certificate of Interested Parties"
pursuant to Government Code 2252.908. Form 1295 must be completed by the awarded vendor at time of signed
contract submission. Form 1295 is included in this RFQ for your information. Form 1295 requires the inclusion of an
"unsworn declaration" which includes, among other things, the date of birth and address of the authorized
representative signing the form.
Required Contract Provisions (enclosed). Applicable provisions (enclosed) must be included in all contracts executed
as a result of this RFQ.
6. Contracting with small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses and labor surplus area
firms. Small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms must be solicited in this RFP. If
the awarded vendor is a prime contractor and may use subcontractors, the following affirmative steps are required of the prime
contractor:
1) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;
2) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are
potential sources;
3) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum
participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises;
4) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and
minority businesses, and women's business enterprises;
5) To ensure a wide distribution and potential participation to as many administrator firms as possible, refer
to https://lsadata.org/ when you develop your administrator email list.
7. Deadline for Submission -It is the responsibility of the submitting entity to ensure that the SOQ is received in a timely manner.
SOQs received after the deadline will not be considered for award, regardless of whether or not the delay was outside the control
of the submitting firm.
Please submit your SOQ to the address below on a thumb drive AND submit 5 copies of your statement of qualifications for the
proposed services to the following address: Attn: Norma C. Salas, 200 N. Almond St., Ste. 101, Alice, TX 78332. Proposals must be
received by Jim Wells County no later than 3:00 p.m. on October 20, 2026, to be considered.
Failure to comply with these instructions or the submission requirements may result in disqualification of the response.

Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP)
Engineering/Architectural Services - Program Description
[The Texas General Land Office (GLO)] Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP) is designed to utilize de-obligated and unutilized
Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to provide the opportunity for communities with
outstanding unmet need to access remaining. The funds are allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) and therefore must adhere to federally mandated deadlines, policies, [and with the applicable program
requirements, such as proper procurement of all services, including but not limited to grant administration, environmental,
engineering services, and construction].
The Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP) will utilize remaining program funds from six action plans:
Disaster Budget Minimum Allocation Maximum Allocation
Hurricanes Ike and Dolly 2008 $20,500,000 $500,000 $20,000,000
2015 Floods and Storms $4,000,000 $500,000 $2,000,000
2016 Floods and Storms $5,500,000 $500,000 $2,000,000
Hurricane Harvey $5.6B 2017 $84,500,000 $500,000 $20,000,000
2018 South Texas Floods $6,000,000 $500,000 $2,000,000
2019 Disasters $14,500,000 $500,000 $2,000,000
Eligible entities are: Units Of Local Government (Cities And Counties); Indian Tribes; and Public Housing Authorities. Project eligibility
evaluation criteria will include the financial management of the applying entity and the feasibility of completing the proposed project
within the two-year time frame.
Eligible activities will be limited to: Flood And Drainage Improvements; Water And Wastewater Improvements; Street Improvements;
Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, And New Construction Of Affordable Multifamily Projects; and Permanently Affixed Emergency
Communication Equipment.
Recipient: Jim Wells County
Anticipated Program Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP)

SCOPE OF WORK
The Contractor shall provide the following scope of services:
SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUESTED
Providers will help the GLO fulfill State and Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery ("CDBG-DR") statutory
responsibilities related to disaster recovery for presidentially declared disasters in Texas. Providers will assist the GLO and grant
recipients in the completion of CDBG qualified housing or non-housing projects. Respondents may be qualified to provide Engineering
services for housing projects, non-housing projects, or both. Engineering services must be performed in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and guidelines issued by the GLO. Providers will be bound to specific terms
and conditions found in the sample general terms and conditions.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below. Respondent shall then
provide a detailed description of how they meet the requirement, describing their knowledge and experience, as well as providing
discrete examples of previous work where applicable.
General Requirements
a) Coordinate, as necessary, between subrecipient and its service providers (i.e., Engineer, Environmental, Contracted
Construction Company, Grant Administrator, etc.) and GLO regarding project design services.
b) Provide monthly project status updates.
c) Funding release will be based on deliverables identified in the contract.
Initial Engineering and Design Support
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below:
1. Assist with the development of grant applications, including, but not limited to cost estimates, preparation of project
justification, project maps and accurate project descriptions.
2. To address needed design in a timely manner for the start of the environmental process. (Milestones and keeping with
them must be established to keep in line with The General Land Office contract schedule of 30% plans and design must be
submitted to move forward with the start of the environmental review process and to keep with the invoicing in a timely
manner).
3. Provide preliminary engineering, investigations, and drawings sufficient to achieve the preliminary design milestone,
including at a minimum:
a. Cross sections/elevations
b. Project layout/staging areas
c. General notes
d. Special notes
e. Design details
f. Specifications
g. Utility relocation designs
h. Construction limits, including environmentally sensitive areas that should be avoided during construction
i. Required permits
j. Quantities
k. Estimate of construction costs to within +/- 25%
l. Schedules for design, permitting, acquisition and construction
4. Design surveying, topographic and utility mapping.
5. Perform subsurface explorations for project sites, as necessary.
6. Prepare horizontal alignments/layouts for all proposed project alternatives necessary to fully describe the project scope,
anticipated limitations, and potential project impacts.
7. Recommend value engineering options (alternative design, construction methods, procurement, etc.) that may improve
efficiency, expedite the schedule, or reduce project costs for the subrecipient.
8. Identify, acquire and submit all necessary permits and approvals required for design approval and construction.

9. Submit all necessary deliverables to the appropriate entity for review and comment. Adjust project and/or design to
satisfactorily address any comments, as necessary.
10. Prepare plans and profiles, including vertical design information for the selected alternative.
11. Identify and address potential obstacles to project implementation (i.e., pipelines, easements, permitting, environmental,
etc.) prior to moving forward with the final design.
12. Support subrecipient with acquisition or property/servitudes/right-of- way documentation as required by the Entity to
facilitate the project, preparing right-of-way surveys and/or property boundary maps and legal descriptions of parcels to
be acquired.
13. For scheduling purposes in the application and then again post-award inclusion of the United States Army Corp of Engineer
(USACE) permits needed and all the associated studies to complete these (i.e. wetland determinations, Section 7 ESA
review, Historic Preservation-Archeological surveys, etc.) with possible timelines. This has been amended here as a result
of the necessity for engineering to handle more complex and in-depth environmental reviews, and that the engineering
firm will need these completed before the project moves forward.
Engineering and Final Design Support
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below as they relate to final design
support:
1. Prepare plans and profiles, including necessary design information for the selected alternative sufficient to achieve all
detailed design milestones. Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Cross sections/elevations
b. Project layout/staging areas
c. General notes
d. Special notes
e. Design details
f. Specifications
g. Utility relocation designs
h. Construction limits, including environmentally sensitive areas that should be avoided during construction
i. Required permits
j. Quantities
k. Estimate of construction costs to within +/- 20%
l. Schedules for design, permitting, acquisition and construction
2. Provide information to appropriate individuals for the development of environmental fund release reports and to ensure
all activities will be eligible for reimbursement. The engineer must provide within three (3) business days' written
notification to the Grant Manager and the local government client any proposed changes or revisions to the construction
contractor plans or specifications for review by the Grant Manager for conformance with the environmental review record.
No changes may be approved and no work may proceed until the changes have been considered, and, if required, a new
environmental review or reevaluation has been completed. This includes minor and field change orders.
3. Identify, acquire and submit all necessary permits and approvals required for design approval and construction.
4. Provide hard copy, if necessary, reproducible plan drawings and bid documents, in addition to electronic copies to the
subrecipient, upon design completion, and as requested during design. Electronic copies should be in the native format
(AutoCAD DWG) along with PDF packages and should contain all corresponding references, databases, or files associated
with the completed design documents.
5. Assist the subrecipient and any service provider related to the project with all necessary documentation to ensure
compliance with all Program requirements and regulations.
Bid and Award Support
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below as they relate to bid and
award support.
1. Submit appropriate items and support subrecipient in the development of a complete bid package.
2. Prepare and assist subrecipient in the advertisements for bid solicitation.
3. Support development and issuance of bid-related documents necessary to complete bid process (e.g., bid proposal form,
bid addenda and supporting documentation).
4. Attend and support subrecipient at pre-bid conference and bid opening.

5. Support subrecipient with ongoing communication during bid process.
6. Support subrecipient to complete bid tabulation and evaluation of responses and provide recommendations for award.
7. Support subrecipient to negotiate and finalize contract documents, including issuance of the Notice to Proceed, in
accordance with program and subrecipient requirements.
8. Support subrecipient in the conducting of a preconstruction conference.
Contract Management and Construction Oversight
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below as they relate to contract
management and construction oversight.
1. Ensure delivery of subrecipient project in accordance with contract.
2. Provide ongoing Construction Oversight Reports detailing the status of construction for subrecipient project.
3. Review all service provider submittals to ensure compliance with construction contract documents and provide
recommendations to subrecipient.
4. Provide periodic and final inspections and tests reports, as required for the project.
5. Provide on-site supervision and oversight of construction activities at a minimum on a bi-weekly basis or as directed by the
GLO or subrecipient.
6. Review Construction Change Orders and provide recommendation to subrecipient as to appropriate action.
7. Review invoice/draw requests and provide recommendation to subrecipient as to appropriate action, in compliance with
the construction contract documents.
8. Obtain independent cost estimates for validation purposes, as required.
9. Review and respond to requests for information/clarification.
10. Support subrecipient with issue identification and claims resolutions.
11. Enter all requisite information into the GLO system of record in accordance with established policies and procedures.
12. Develop a final "as built" report of quantities, drawings, and specifications.
13. Issue to the subrecipient, for execution, a Certificate of Construction Completion within 30 days of final inspection approval.
14. Deliver "as-built" drawings to the subrecipient within 30 days of project completion.
15. Host and/or attend project coordination meetings in person, by phone, or by video conference, which may or may not fall
during normal business hours.
16. Perform other contract management and construction oversight duties as required to ensure success of the subrecipient
project.
17. Engineer must provide written notification to the Grant Manager and the local government client of any proposed changes
or revisions to the construction contractor plans or specifications so that their conformance with the environmental review
record may be evaluated. No changes may be approved, and no work may proceed until the changes have been considered,
and, if required, a new environmental review or reevaluation has been completed. This includes minor and field change
orders. Emergency changes may be approved on a case-by-case basis with the Engineer providing within two (2) business
days written justification(s) for declaring and issuing an emergency change order to the Grant Manager and the local
government client. It is paramount that any emergency change order issued by the engineer takes into consideration any
change in beneficiaries or environmental review status as a substantial part of the justification(s).
18. Submit all final invoices within 60 days after contract or work order expiration.
Specialized Services
Respondents will be required to show the ability to provide all the Engineering services described below as they relate to specialized
services.
1. Provide Geotechnical Investigations as may be required for a project.
2. Provide Detailed Surveying as may be required for a project.
3. Provide Site Specific Testing as may be required for a project.
4. Provide Archeological Studies as may be required for a project.
5. Provide Planning Studies as may be required for a project.
6. Provide Feasibility Studies as may be required for a project.
7. Provide Legal documentation for property and/or easements to be acquired (i.e., field notes, etc.).
8. Provide Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments as requested.

Engineer/Architect Rating Sheet
Grant Recipient _______ DRRP
Name of Respondent __
Evaluator's Name _______ Date of Rating __________
Rate the Respondent of the Request For Qualifications (RFQ) by awarding points up to the maximum listed for each factor. Information necessary
to assess the Respondent on these criteria may be gathered either from past experience with the Respondent and/or by contacting past/current
clients of the Respondent. Respondents proposing to offer specific services (environmental or buyout only) will be scored only on those services.
Experience -- Rate the respondent for experience in the following areas: Comments
Factor Max.Pts. Score
1. Has previously designed ___________ type of projects 20
2. Has worked on federally funded construction projects 15
3. Has worked on projects that were located in this general 10
region.
Note: Location for A/E (Architect/Engineer) may be a selection
criterion provided its application leaves an appropriate number
of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to
compete for the contract. 2 CFR 200.321(b)(3)
4. Extent of experience in project construction management 15
Subtotal, Experience 60
Work Performance
Factor Max.Pts. Score
1. Past projects completed on schedule 10
2. Manages projects within budgetary constraints 5
3. Work product is of high quality 10
Subtotal, Performance 25
Capacity to Perform
Factor Max.Pts. Score
1. Staff Level / Experience of Staff 5
2. Adequacy of Resources 5
3. Professional liability insurance is in force 5
Subtotal, Capacity to Perform 15
TOTAL SCORE
Factor Max.Pts. Score
Experience 60
Work Performance 25

Capacity to Perform 15


Total Score 100

Insert Certificate of Insurance

Insert System for Award Management (SAM) record
search for company name and company principal