Request for Qualifications: 26-0227 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Addendum 1

Town of Holly Springs
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
RFQ 26-0227 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford
Waterline
ISSUE DATE: February 27, 2026
DUE DATE and TIME: April 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm (ET)
Prepared by:
Holly Springs Utilities & Infrastructure Department
Holly Springs, North Carolina
February 2026

I. PURPOSE
The Town of Holly Springs is seeking a Statement of Qualifications from Engineering firms
licensed in North Carolina for preliminary design and routing; final design and permitting; and
construction administration services for the Elevated Tank (New Hill Rd) & GB Alford
Waterline Connection project. This new transmission main and tank will provide additional
water supply and storage to meet increased demands on the west side of Town. This RFQ and
selection shall comply with qualified based selection as outlined in North Carolina General
Statutes (N.C.G.S.) 143-64.31. For the purposes of this RFQ, the Town is soliciting only a
statement of qualifications. No preliminary design work, site specific work proposals, or other
task-specific work shall be done or submitted at this time.
II. BACKGROUND
Holly Springs is a global biomanufacturing hub located in Wake County, NC, the third fastest
growing county in the country. Located approximately 10 miles from Raleigh and Research
Triangle Park, minutes from the RDU airport and three tier one research universities, Holly
Springs boasts an ecosystem encompassing infrastructure, diverse talent, affordability, and
quality of life.
A hydraulic study was recently completed utilizing the Town's water distribution system model.
The analysis updated the model for waterlines that provide additional conveyance capacity to the
northwest portion of the Holly Springs service area, calibrated existing transmission lines based
on recent field work, added known industrial growth demands, and evaluated potential phasing
options by establishing the prioritization of needed improvements and demand triggers for capital
projects. The evaluation concluded that extending the existing 30-inch transmission main on
Avent Ferry Road to the Holly Springs Business Park provides the conveyance capacity needed to
meet planned system demands. Elevated storage at the end of the proposed transmission main is
necessary to meet the 2030 demands projected.
This project includes professional services for the preliminary engineering and routing of
approximately 9,000 linear feet of 30-inch water transmission extending from Avent Ferry Road,
along the west side of Highway 55, and proposed elevated tank, associated infrastructure
improvements including foundation, tank structure and tank appurtenances. The planned tank
location is in the vicinity of Thomas Mill Road and Irving Parkway, See Figure 1.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 2 of 11

Figure 1. Transmission Main and Proposed Tank Location for Northwest Service Area
(Friendship Hydraulic Modeling Technical Memo, Hazen, 2025)
III. SCOPE OF WORK AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Town of Holly Springs is seeking a qualified NC licensed professional engineering firm to
provide the services listed below for a new potable water transmission main and elevated storage
tank to serve the northwest area of Town.
These services are expected to be awarded in three phases; (1) Preliminary Engineering Report
and Routing, (2) Final Design and Permitting; and (3) Construction Administration and
Inspections. Upon successful completion of Phase 1 of this RFQ, the Town intends to retain the
successful consultant to provide additional professional engineering services to complete Phases
2 and 3. The Town reserves the right to re-advertise between phases.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 3 of 11

The successful firm will provide the following services:
Phase 1: Preliminary Engineering Report and Routing.
Routing - A route extending from Avent Ferry Road, along the west side of Highway
55, to the proposed elevated tank location (potentially near the intersection of Thomas
Mill Road and Irving Parkway) is previously defined as a possible route for delivery of
additional water from the east side of Town to the west. The selected consultant will
build upon this work with more detailed engineering study of the potential routes and
make a recommendation for a final route selection. The work under this contract will
take into account obstacles such as surface water crossings, switching sides of roads to
avoid conflicts with existing utilities, a general estimate of easements required outside
of road rights-of- way, and other considerations that would influence the final design of
the required facilities. The route study will be generally based on publicly available
GIS data.
Tank siting - The Town's Public Works site located at the corner of Thomas Mill Road
and Irving Parkway has been identified as a potential location of the proposed elevated
storage tank. The selected consultant will conduct a more detailed engineering study of
this parcel and those undeveloped parcels in the vicinity with the appropriate elevation
(435+ feet above mean sea level) and make a recommendation for a final tank siting.
Limited survey and utility location services to support the route study, tank siting
evaluation, and recommendations for final design may be necessary at some locations
to support the preliminary engineering efforts such as major stream crossings, NCDOT
roadway crossings, urbanized area obstructions, etc.
Water modeling is required to determine the transmission, main size and entry points
for distribution into the Town's current water system and future system, and other
required improvements within the Town's system. The modeling effort should include
building the transmission main and tank at the same time and a scenario that includes
building the tank at a later date (as funding is available).
Provide detailed project costs for the improvements incorporated into the preliminary
engineering work as part of this project.
Develop preliminary project packaging and sequencing and associated detailed project
schedules for implementation from final design through construction completion.
Define the permits and approvals required for the design and develop an overall
schedule for the project.
Define the stakeholders for the recommended alignment and develop an outreach plan
to successfully convey project information to those affected by the project elements.
Phase 2: Final Design and Permitting.
Conduct necessary site visits, meetings, and engineering analysis to prepare preliminary
30%, 60%, 90%, and Final design packages and with opinion of probable cost (OPC) at
each phase.
Conduct client review meetings and address comments at each phase.
Topographic and Property Survey to complete detailed designs.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 4 of 11

Support the Town's Land Acquisition Agent by generating exhibits, plats, and legal
descriptions for easement and land acquisition purposes. The plats and legal descriptions
must be developed by an NC licensed Land Surveyor.
Geotechnical Engineering investigation and design services.
Environmental Services to identify and delineate, design and permit as needed to address
impacts to environmental features.
Obtain necessary permits through the Town and the state of NC for construction of the
transmission main and tank.
Support the Town with Bid Advertisement and contractor selection.
Phase 3: Construction Administration and Inspection
Pre-construction meeting.
Part-time construction administration and inspection services.
Review, track, and approve the Contractor's equipment submittals and shop drawings
for compliance with Construction Documents.
Required Construction Material testing and Special Inspections, daily reports, etc.
Coordination of utility relocations with private and public entities.
Weekly or bi-weekly construction meetings (combination of virtual and in-person);
monthly on-site, meeting minutes, and progress reports.
Assist Town staff with door hangers, social media, HOA notifications, etc. as needed.
Punchlist and project closeout.
As-built survey and record drawings.
Process, submit, and track all necessary public utility post-construction certifications
required by the Town and the State.
The following services will be done by Town staff, if they are applicable:
Right of way, easement, and land acquisition appraisals and negotiations
In case a consultant chooses to work with subconsultants, which is permitted under this contract,
the percentage of the work to be done by the primary and the subconsultant firms needs to be
included in the submittal.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 5 of 11

IV. SCHEDULE
The following table shows the schedule of events for the conduct of this solicitation. Details for
some of the events are described in subsequent sections. All dates are subject to change.
DATE / TIME EVENT
February 27, 2026 Issuance of Solicitation
March 11, 2026 Deadline to Submit Written Questions
March 18, 2026 Town to Post Answers to Questions (if any)
April 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm (ET) Submission Deadline
April 2026 Selection Committee Review of Submittals
Interviews conducted with selected consultants, if
May 2026
necessary
June 2026 Contract Award
July to November 2026 Phase 1: Preliminary Engineering Report and Routing
December 2026 to May 2027 Phase 2: Final Design and Permitting.
June to February 2028 Easement Acquistion
April to June 2028 Construction Bidding & Award
July 2028 to June 2029 Phase 3: Construction Admin & Testing
July to September 2029 Project Closeout
V. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Format
Responses shall be submitted in a single, digital PDF file and contain the content described
below. The file should be a maximum of 15 pages in length, not including the cover letter or
authorized appendices detailed in the content section. Please use size 11 point or larger font for
readability.
Content
Responses must satisfy the criteria outlined below to be responsive to this solicitation. Any
modifications or enhancements proposed beyond the identified scope of work outlined in this
document must be clearly identified. The successful consultant must demonstrate previous
similar project expertise, working knowledge of the Town, technical capabilities of the proposed
staff, and a solid understanding of the proposed scope of work and issues. The consultant must
also possess sufficient technical and staff availability to complete the project within the expected
timeline.
Cover Letter [no more than one (1) page]
Provide the legal name, address, and telephone number of the firm along with the
designated contact's name, title, email address and telephone number. Provide with the
type of business entity (Corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, etc.) and the year the
business was established. Provide the location in which most of the work will be
executed and managed. Provide the same information for each subconsultant or each
member of a joint venture, if possible).
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 6 of 11

Include a statement attesting to the submittal's accuracy and signed by an individual
authorized to execute binding legal documents for the firm. Communicate your
understanding of the scope and a brief description of your approach to performing the
requested services.
Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant Firm(s)
Please describe the prime consultant's recent experience relevant to this project. Provide
three similar projects completed by the proposed project team within the past five years.
Include brief project profiles with project reference contact information for each profile.
Place emphasis on projects managed by the key personnel proposed for this project.
Qualifications and Experience of Key Staff
Identify key individuals (task leaders) to be assigned to this project and include the
qualifications and expected responsibilities of each of the identified individuals. Provide
experience summaries of key individuals, placing emphasis on previous experience with
similar projects in similar roles. Resumes of key individuals, including licensure
information if applicable, should be included and will not be counted in the response page
limitation.
For each subconsultant or each member of a joint venture, please include a brief
description of relevant experience and qualifications. Describe what work and the
percentage of work will be shared with a subconsultant or other business entity
Project Approach/Work Plan
This section should include a detailed description of the proposer's understanding of the
intent, objectives, and overall approach to the project to deliver services in an effective,
timely, and professional manner. Describe the firm's project management, coordination,
and quality control procedures. The project approach must identify whether
subconsultants/firms will be utilized and the subconsultants to be used. The proposer
should identify the level of assistance required from the Town and/or project partners to
complete each task.
Schedule
The schedule should show all milestones, critical stakeholder/public meetings, and
deliverables to maintain project progress by the project end date.
Appendices
Appendices to include the following (pages will not be counted in the response page
limitation):
Copy of engineering firm license to practice in North Carolina
Certificate of insurance evidencing that all coverages, limits, and endorsements
required herein are maintained and in effect:
o Professional Liability Insurance greater $5M per occurrence, and per
aggregate. OR an umbrella policy of $5M plus general commercial
liability of $2M aggregate/$1M per occurrence
o Commercial General Liability
o Automobile Liability
o Worker's Compensation within statutory limits
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 7 of 11

o Employer's Liability
(Optional) Standard contract language or general conditions that the firm seeks
to incorporate.
No work product, design, or costs/fees specific to this project may be submitted. Failure to
meet the requirements listed in this section may deem the submission as non-responsive and
be removed from consideration.
Submittal Instructions:
Firms should submit one (1) navigable PDF file electronically via email to the contact listed below
by the response due date. Please reference the solicitation name and number in the email's subject
line. Upon receipt, all responses and supporting materials become the property of the Town and
are subject to public record. Responses received after this deadline will not be considered.
To: Purchasing Division, purchasing@hollyspringsnc.gov
Subject: RFQ 26-0227 Elevated Tank & Waterline
Contact Information for Questions:
Respondents shall submit all questions, in writing, to the contacts listed below. When submitting
questions, please reference the solicitation name and number, as well as the page and section, if
applicable.
Question submissions via email to Carrie Kennedy must be received by 2:00 pm (ET) on
Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Carrie Kennedy, Water Resources Engineering Manager, carrie.kennedy@hollyspringsnc.gov
Questions submitted after the deadline do not require a response, though the Town will make
reasonable efforts to provide clarification before the response deadline, if possible. Apart from
question submissions, respondents should refrain from contacting Town staff prior to the
response deadline.
Addenda
Responses to question submissions and addenda (if applicable) will be posted on the Town of
Holly Springs website at the following hyperlink: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/2456/Bids-
Requests-for-Proposals.
It is suggested that you sign up for email updates at the bottom of this page to ensure you receive
all relevant information, as it is posted. It is the respondent's responsibility to ensure they have
received, reviewed, and understand all posted addenda.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 8 of 11

VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Responses will be reviewed by a Selection Committee designated by the Town and per the
evaluation criteria defined below:
Relative Experience (35%)
Demonstrated relative experience in creating similar planning studies working
with a diverse group of stakeholders and the ability to prepare user-friendly
planning products.
Qualifications (30%)
Qualifications of the firm and personnel assigned to this project, demonstrating the
consultant's capacity to complete requested services, experience completing similar
projects, and experience with data collection and analysis related to the scope of work
elements.
Overall Project Understanding (30%)
Demonstrated overall project understanding and regional work
experience/familiarity. The outlined project approach demonstrates the ability
and commitment to ensuring a successful project.
References (5%)
References to previous similar work.
VII. SELECTION
Firms will be selected on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the services
required and in accordance with Chapter 143, Article 3D of the North Carolina General Statutes.
The Town encourages minority firm participation. A resident firm, defined as a firm that has
paid unemployment taxes or income taxes and whose principal place of business is located in
the state of North Carolina, shall be granted a preference over a nonresident firm. No project-
specific work product, design, or costs/fees, with the exception of unit price information, will be
considered as part of the selection process.
VIII. CONTRACT AWARD
Upon completion of response evaluations, if the Town has determined a suitable candidate, a
contract will then be negotiated, for a fair and reasonable fee, with the most qualified firm. If a
contract cannot be negotiated with the most qualified firm, negotiations with that firm shall be
terminated and initiated with the next best qualified firm. All respondents will be notified of the
contract award decision via email.
It is anticipated that a recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for a contract
award in June 2026. The awarded firm is expected to begin work upon receipt of the notice to
proceed shortly after.
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 9 of 11

IX. TOWN'S RIGHTS AND OPTIONS
The Town reserves the right, at the Town's sole discretion, to take any action affecting this
solicitation, this solicitation process, or the services or facilities subject to this solicitation, that
would be in the best interests of the Town, including:
To supplement, amend, substitute, or otherwise modify this solicitation, including the
schedule, or to cancel this RFQ, at any time;
To require any respondent to supplement or clarify its submission or provide additional
information relating to its response;
To investigate the qualifications, experience, capabilities, and financial standing of each
respondent submitting a response;
To waive any defect or irregularity in any response received;
To reject any or all responses;
To share the responses with Town employees, as deemed necessary by the Town;
To award all, none, or any part of the services and enter into contracts with one or more
of the respondents deemed by the Town to be in the best interest of the Town, which
may be done with or without re-solicitation;
To discuss and negotiate with any respondents their response terms and conditions,
including but not limited to financial terms; and
To terminate discussions and negotiations with any respondent at any time and for any
reason.
Accuracy of Solicitation and Related Documents
Each respondent must independently evaluate all information provided by the Town. The Town
makes no representations or warranties regarding any information presented in, or otherwise
made available during this procurement process, and assumes no responsibility for conclusions
or interpretations derived from such information. Additionally, the Town will not be bound by or
responsible for any explanations or conclusions regarding this or any related documents other
than those provided by an addendum issued by the Town. Respondents may not rely on any oral
statement by the Town or its agents, advisors, or consultants.
If a respondent identifies potential errors or omissions in this or any other related documents, the
respondent should immediately notify the Purchasing Manager of such potential discrepancy, in
writing. The Town may issue a written addendum if it determines correction is necessary.
Expense of Solicitation Process
The Town accepts no liability, and respondents will have no actionable claims for reimbursement
of any costs or expenses incurred while participating in this solicitation process. This includes
expenses and costs related to response submission, submission of written questions, interview
attendance, contract negotiations, or activities required for contract execution.
X. DISCLOSURES
Confidentiality
Responses to the solicitation will become public records and, therefore, will be subject to public
disclosure. However, North Carolina General Statutes Section 132-1.2 provides a method for
protecting some documents from public disclosure. If the respondent follows the procedures
prescribed by those statutes and designates a document confidential or trade secret, the Town will
TOHS Project #26-006 Elevated Tank NH Rd and GB Alford Waterline Page 10 of 11