RFEOI Conceptual Roadmap for Regional Water Utility Planning, Capacity Governance, Rate Modelling and Water Licence Renewal

The North Red Deer River Water Services Commission (NRDRWSC) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified firms and advisors to provide market feedback on a proposed multi-stage program focused on regional water utility planning, water demand forecasting, capacity-allocation governance, cost-of-service analysis, water rate modelling, long-term financial planning, water licence renewal, regulatory support, and utility governance.
This RFEOI is a non-binding market consultation intended to inform future procurement strategies and project development. It is not a Request for Proposals (RFP), prequalification process, or contract award opportunity. The Commission is seeking practical industry input on the proposed roadmap, sequencing, scope, procurement approach, disciplines required, indicative budgets, and potential consultant roles.
The contemplated program is intended to modernize the Commission’s long-term water planning framework, update capacity allocation and governance approaches, review cost-sharing and rate-setting methodologies, strengthen long-term financial forecasting, and prepare for renewal of the Commission’s provincial water licence, which expires in 2031.
The Commission is particularly interested in feedback related to the following potential work packages:
1.        Future Water Demand Assessment and Water Licence Renewal Foundation
Development of updated demand forecasts, capacity planning assumptions, and technical information required to support future water licence renewal activities.
2.        Capacity-Allocation Governance
Review of existing member capacity interests, historical investments, growth expectations, allocation methodologies, governance models, policies, bylaws, and potential agreement updates.
3.        Cost-of-Service, Water Rate Modelling and Long-Term Financial Planning
Review and development of utility cost allocation methodologies, wholesale utility rates, financial forecasting, asset funding strategies, cost recovery approaches, and utility rate models consistent with current industry practices.
4.        Water Licence Renewal Application and Regulatory Support
Preparation of a comprehensive and defensible provincial water licence renewal application and provision of regulatory support throughout the review process.
Respondents may express interest in one or more work packages and are not required to assemble a complete multidisciplinary team at this stage. The Commission is interested in understanding whether firms would participate as a prime consultant, specialist subconsultant, independent advisor, or other capacity.
The RFEOI requests feedback regarding project sequencing, procurement strategy, required disciplines, risk-reduction investigations, schedule considerations, order-of-magnitude fee ranges, and availability for potential ongoing advisory services related to annual utility rate and financial model updates.
Submission Requirements (see Sections 6 and 7):
•        Submit one PDF response by email.
•        Include a brief firm profile, relevant experience, comments on the conceptual roadmap, and examples of comparable projects.
•        Responses should generally be limited to six pages, excluding project sheets and resumes.
•        Clearly identify any confidential information.
•        Use the specified email subject line identified in the RFEOI document.
Following review of submissions, the Commission may invite selected respondents to participate in optional follow-up discussions to clarify feedback and explore alternative approaches. Participation in those discussions will not constitute a competitive interview or create any preferred status for future procurements.
This opportunity may be of interest to consulting engineering firms, water utility consultants, regulatory specialists, municipal financial advisors, infrastructure strategists, governance experts, utility economists, water resource planners, rate modelling specialists, and multidisciplinary teams with experience in regional utility systems and public-sector infrastructure planning.

This RFEOI is a non-binding market consultation and will not result directly in a contract award, prequalified supplier list, or shortlist. Respondents may participate in future procurements whether or not they submit a response to this RFEOI. The Commission is seeking high-level market feedback and industry expertise rather than detailed methodologies or fee proposals.
No specific professional certifications, licenses, or mandatory qualifications are prescribed in this RFEOI. However, the Commission is seeking input from firms with relevant experience.
Respondents should disclose any actual or potential conflicts involving the Commission, its member municipalities, the City of Red Deer, or Ermineskin Cree Nation. Responses must be submitted in PDF format by email and clearly identify any information considered confidential.

Responses must be submitted in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 of the RFEOI. Respondents are asked to provide concise, high-level market feedback rather than detailed technical proposals, methodologies, or binding fee submissions.
Submission Requirements:
•        Submit one PDF document by email to the contact identified in the RFEOI (Jordan Thompson, CAO, North Red Deer River Water Services Commission).
•        Use the mandatory email subject line: "NRDRWSC RFI/EOI - Conceptual Water Utility Program Roadmap".
•        Responses should generally be limited to six (6) pages, excluding brief project sheets, resumes, or supporting qualifications.
•        Submit the response by 2:00:00 PM MST on September 29, 2026.
•        Clearly identify any information considered confidential by the respondent.
Response Content:
•        Brief firm profile and description of relevant disciplines, services, and expertise.
•        Comments and recommendations regarding the conceptual program roadmap, sequencing, procurement strategy, required disciplines, work package structure, schedule, and budget considerations.
•        Two or three examples of comparable projects or assignments demonstrating relevant experience.
•        Disclosure of any actual or potential conflicts involving the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission, its member municipalities, the City of Red Deer, or Ermineskin Cree Nation.
•        Indication of the respondent's expected role (e.g., lead consultant, specialist consultant, subconsultant, independent advisor) and the work packages in which the firm may be interested.
Respondents may express interest in one or multiple work packages and are not required to assemble a complete multidisciplinary team for this RFEOI. Participation is optional and will not create preferred status in any future procurement process.

Questions regarding this RFEOI should be submitted in writing to Jordan Thompson, CAO, North Red Deer River Water Services Commission at the following email address: CAO@nrdrwsc.ca

No bid security, bid bond, deposit, financial security, insurance submission, security clearance, RCMP review, or mandatory certification requirements are specified in this RFEOI.
This is a non-binding Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) intended solely as a market consultation and information-gathering exercise. No contract will be awarded through this process, and respondents are not required to submit pricing, fee proposals, or other bid securities. Firms are responsible for their own participation costs.