REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) & QUALIFICATIONS:
ENGINEERING & DESIGN SERVICES
New Queets Wastewater Treatment Plant to Replace Existent
Presented by:
Address:
Project Location:
Contact for questions:
Date of Issue:
Quinault Indian Nation
1214 Aalis Drive, PO Box 70
Taholah, WA 98587
Allotment 466, Hwy 101, Queets, WA
Bryan Pelach, Senior Planner at
bryan.pelach@quinault.org
April 30, 2026
PROJECT OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND
Project -
The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) seeks proposals from qualified design teams to provide
engineering and design services including, without limitation, preliminary and design
engineering, plans and specifications and stamped construction documents concerning the total
replacement of existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and integration with existing
collection system in Queets, WA. For the purposes of this RFP the term “project” means the
entirety of services listed above.
Approximately 190 people live in Queets, which is located on the Quinault Indian Reservation
(QIR) one mile from the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Erosion by adjacent waterways has
compromised the integrity of the existing wastewater treatment lagoons, failure of which would
result in discharge to Queets River and ocean. Due in part to the deteriorated condition of the
existing WWTP, the threat of spillage or seepage into the Queets River, and the viability of a
more resilient location, the Portland Area Indian Health Services issued a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the construction of a new WWTP.
This project will provide a new sewer treatment system for 5 commercial properties and 53
residences, with capacity to support growth and an anticipated volume of approximately
160,000 gallons per day. The new WWTP will be located in a more resilient location, at a
slightly higher elevation above the floodplain and outside the tsunami inundation zone, along
the western side of Highway 101. QIN is currently in the process of clearing and providing an
access road to the new location. A proposed lift station and force main will convey sewage from
the existing collection system to a new mechanical wastewater treatment plant with extended
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aeration lagoons (four cells) and construction of a distribution system for discharge of reclaimed
water to adjacent creek.
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select a consultant to provide engineering
services for QIN concerning new system design and engineering. The selected firm or
consultant will report directly to Contract Officer and Owner’s Representative.
Estimated Project Cost –
The Project is estimated to cost approximately $8,700,000.00.
Estimated Time Period –
Work on the Project is estimated to begin in 2026 and to be completed by 2027. The estimated
time period in which the Services (as defined below) will be performed will begin in the FALL
of 2026 and end in the MID 2027.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of services to be performed by the consultant pursuant to this RFP include, without
limitation, the following engineering services concerning the Project (collectively, the “Services”)
A. Location & Preliminary Engineering
• Site Survey
• Geotechnical report and Recommendations
• Complete environmental and archaeological investigations and reports
• Assist with USACE Clean Water Act
B. Design Engineering
• Complete design topographical surveys.
• Preparation of draft and final (30, 60, 90, and 100%) engineer design documents
including plans, specifications, contract documents, and cost estimates for
i. A new mechanical WWTP with a four-cell extended aeration lagoon system
1. Structural System
a. Design to meet current building codes and seismic requirements
b. Foundation system based on geotechnical recommendations
2. Mechanical Systems
a. HVAC system with individual zone control
b. Energy efficiency meeting current standards
3. Electrical Systems
a. Appropriate interior and exterior lighting
b. Occupancy sensors
c. Adequate power distribution for technology needs
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ii. Distribution system for discharge of treated water to adjacent creek
iii. Associated access and parking for utility rigs and staff (7-8 parking spots)
emphasizing natural disaster resilience and low-cost maintenance upkeep.
iv. All necessary utilities and infrastructure connections including, but not limited to,
electricity, land line phone, broadband. As well as generator and UPS backup
system with minimum 72-hour power supply.
v. Full site security to include adequate full coverage lighting; security system
including cameras with remote control and communication capabilities (e.g.
Starlink); unbroken perimeter fencing (commercial grade, security fencing, min.
8’ tall) substantive enough to reasonably ensure public safety from - and safety of
WWTP from -wildlife intrusion, trespass, vandalism, and other human activities.
• Submit final design plans, specifications, and other documents to QIN and applicable
federal agencies for review and approval.
• Coordinate with QIN Environmental Protection staff and/or environmental consultants
for any wetland delineation, cultural surveys and other QIN and Federal environmental
review support, as needed.
C. Other Items – It is anticipated that other Project-related tasks could arise during the preliminary
engineering and/or design engineering phases. QIN’s Contract Officer and Owner’s
Representative will perform the role of project managers. The Project Managers will work
closely with the consultant team and answer questions, provide information and guidance, assist
in coordination, and make decisions on behalf of QIN.
DESIGN SERVICES
As described above, the contractor shall be responsible for providing comprehensive design
services for the Queets WWTP. The design process will proceed through distinct phases
outlined below.
Design Development and Review. The initial phase requires thorough review and analysis of
existing documentation and site conditions. The contractor will evaluate the provided
background documents and conduct comprehensive analysis including site verification, project
requirements, and project outcomes.
Design Phases. The design will progress through three formal phases, with each phase building
upon previous work while incorporating QIN feedback and requirements:
Schematic Design (30%): This phase establishes fundamental decisions about the WWTP
layout, systems, and expected capacity and performance through development of:
• Site utilization and development plans showing building placement
• Design and layout of infrastructure, equipment, and overall operations
• Building elevations illustrating exterior appearance and materials
• Basic building sections showing vertical relationships
• Basic design of exterior security systems, perimeter fencing
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• Preliminary outline specifications
• Initial cost estimates based on recommended design to meet expected capacity (160,000
gallons per day)
Design Development (60%): Building on approved schematic design, this phase resolves and
documents:
• Detailed, dimensioned floor plans for all spaces
• Interior elevations of all spaces
• Detailed building sections and wall sections
• Detailed security system, infrastructure, and redundant power supply designs
• Engineering plans for all building systems
• Material and finish selections with samples
• Updated cost estimate reflecting design development
Construction Documents (100%): The final design phase delivers comprehensive documentation
for bidding and construction including:
• Complete drawing set for all disciplines with PE’s stamp
• Final technical specifications
• Detailed cost estimates
• Final Engineers estimates
Required Documentation Throughout all design phases, the contractor shall maintain thorough
documentation including:
• Design calculations for all disciplines
• Energy modeling and performance analysis
• Building technology infrastructure plans
• Material samples and specifications
• Color and finish schedules
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
The selected contractor must demonstrate comprehensive qualifications appropriate for a project
of this scope and complexity. The contractor shall be licensed in Washington State and maintain
good standing throughout the project duration. The design team must include licensed
professionals across all required disciplines to ensure complete coverage of project needs.
The lead contractor must hold all necessary Washington State licenses and demonstrate the
organizational capacity to execute all elements of design and engineering for an extended
aeration WWTP. The design team shall include licensed professionals in each required
discipline, including architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
engineering. The contractor must either hold or be able to obtain a QIN business license prior to
contract execution.
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PROJECT TEAM EXPERIENCE
The Project Lead assigned to this project must have a minimum of 10 years of experience
leading projects of similar scope and complexity. Key team members should demonstrate
substantial experience with design methods for wastewater systems, associated infrastructure,
security systems, and design of similar facilities. The team must possess or obtain cultural
sensitivity training appropriate for working within tribal communities, and be able to provide
proof of said training to the Project Managers.
The contractor shall demonstrate extensive experience through:
• Minimum of 5 years executing design of similar projects
• Verifiable experience with similar project design and engineering
• Successful completion of projects of comparable size and complexity
• Demonstrated success working with tribal nations
• Track record of successful public facility design
Project Experience Documentation
The contractor must provide detailed information on a minimum of three completed projects of
similar scope completed within the past ten years.
INSURANCE AND BONDING REQUIREMENTS
Insurance Coverage
The contractor shall maintain comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the project duration.
All policies must name QIN as additional insured and provide 30-day notice of cancellation.
Commercial General Liability
Insurance providing $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate coverage. Professional
Liability Insurance must be maintained at $2,000,000 per claim and aggregate. The contractor
shall also maintain automobile liability coverage at $1,000,000 combined single limit, statutory
workers' compensation coverage, and employer's liability coverage at $1,000,000 for accident,
disease-policy limit, and disease-each employee.
Bonding Requirements
There is no bonding requirement.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Management Systems
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.