MORROW COUNTY
INFORMAL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Fairgrounds Flood Mitigation Engineering Services. 2026-191-PR
EMAIL TO BE SENT: 07/30/2026
Morrow County is issuing an informal request for qualifications to engineering firms
interested in assisting the County with flood-mitigation feasibility planning for the
Morrow County Fairgrounds along Hinton Creek in Heppner, Oregon.
Mapped floodplain and floodway conditions may limit future improvements at the
fairgrounds. The County is seeking an engineering firm to evaluate practical
alternatives and prepare a plan identifying a recommended path forward. The study
area is anticipated to include the Hinton Creek reach through the fairgrounds and
the adjacent school-bus parking area.
Project Summary:
The selected firm will be asked to assist with the following general services:
•Meet with County staff, review available FEMA information and background
records, and confirm the study area, objectives, data needs, and schedule.
•Conduct a site investigation and complete the topographic survey needed for a
feasibility-level evaluation, including relevant creek, floodplain, bridge, culvert,
building, utility, and infrastructure features.
•Review available FEMA hydrologic and hydraulic information and develop or
update an appropriate HEC-RAS model of existing conditions.
•Develop and model reasonable flood-mitigation alternatives. Concepts may
include channel or inset-floodplain improvements, levee or berm
improvements, drainage or conveyance improvements, and site-specific
mitigation that would allow future development while meeting floodplain
requirements.
•Compare the alternatives based on flood-risk reduction, regulatory feasibility,
constructability, property and utility impacts, permitting, long-term
maintenance, compatibility with fairgrounds development, schedule, and
planning-level construction cost.
•Prepare a draft and final feasibility report with maps, figures, modeling results,
alternative cost estimates, a recommended approach, and a clear roadmap for
future design, permitting, FEMA coordination, funding, and construction.
This request is for feasibility and planning services only. Final design, construction
documents, formal FEMA map-revision submittals, permitting, bidding support, and
construction services are not included unless separately authorized.
Qualifications Requested:
Please provide a brief response that includes:
•Your firm's understanding of the project and recommended approach;
•Relevant experience with floodplain studies, HEC-RAS modeling, FEMA
requirements, and public-sector feasibility planning;
•The proposed project manager and key team members, including applicable
Oregon licenses and the role of any subconsultants;
•Examples of up to three similar projects and three client references;
•Your availability, anticipated schedule, and ability to maintain the proposed team
through completion; and
•Any important scope issues, assumptions, data needs, or risks the County
should consider.
Qualifications-Based Selection—Do Not Include Pricing:
This is an informal architectural and engineering selection under ORS 279C.110. The
County will evaluate firms based on qualifications, relevant experience, project
approach, key personnel, availability, and past performance. Please do not include a
fee proposal, hourly rates, or other pricing information with your response. After
ranking the firms, the County will negotiate the final scope, schedule, and fair and
reasonable compensation with the highest-ranked firm. If an agreement cannot be
reached, the County may proceed to the next-ranked firm.
Timeline and Submission:
Please submit your response as one searchable PDF no later than August 10, 2026,
at 2:00 p.m.. A response of approximately five pages, excluding resumes, is
sufficient.
Email submissions to:
Sandi Pointer, Risk and Procurement Manager
spointer@morrowcountyor.gov
Subject: Fairgrounds Flood Mitigation Engineering Qualifications
Next Steps:
The County may request brief interviews or written clarification before final ranking.
Please identify your availability for an initial site visit and your earliest practical start
date. Contract award will be subject to successful negotiation, available funding,
required County approvals, and execution of the County's professional services
agreement.
We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
