Lake County Consulting Water Counsel
| Location: | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Due: | Dec 1, 2025 |
| Agency: | Lake County |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Title: |
Lake County Consulting Water Counsel
|
| Category: | RFPs |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
Lake County Government
Invitation for Bids
505 Harrison Avenue
PO BOX 964
Leadville, CO 80461
mhobbs@lakecountyco.gov
INVITATION FOR PROPOSAL COVER SHEET
Title | Lake County Consulting Water Counsel
Issue Date | 11/14/2025
Questions Email | mhobbs@lakecountyco.gov
Bid Due Date | 12/1/2025 no later than 5:00 pm
DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL PACKAGE
RFP Schedules
Schedule A | Bid Instructions
Schedule B | Scope of Work
Schedule C | Contract Obligations
Lake County Government
Schedule B – Project Overview
Purpose + Background
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Colorado, by and through its Elected Officials or
Employees (collectively referred to herein as Lake County), is requesting proposals to retain a responsive,
knowledgeable, and forward-thinking water rights attorney who will serve as a strategic legal partner to
Lake County Government. The selected attorney or firm will provide legal expertise to support the
implementation and long-term success of the Lake County Water Projects Enterprise, established under
the Blanket Augmentation Plan (98CW173). This includes protecting and advancing Lake County’s water
rights portfolio, facilitating water-related infrastructure and development, and responsibly complying with
state and federal regulations.
Proposal Advertisement
Information concerning this request on the Lake County Government website at,
https://www.lakecountyco.gov/bids.aspx. Lake County is also a member of BidNet Direct.
Bid Submission
Email proposals to mhobbs@lakecounty.gov. Or mail to:
Lake County Government
ATTN: Matt Hobbs
505 Harrison Avenue
PO BOX 964,
Leadville, CO 80461
Introductory Information
1. Each bid must include the full business address of the Bidder and be signed by an authorized
representative.
2. Lake County reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in the bidding
process, to award the bid to multiple vendors, and to accept the bid that, in the opinion of the Board
of County Commissioners, best serves the interests of Lake County.
Request for Bid | Page 2 of 6
Lake County Government
Schedule B – Project Overview
Project Overview
Lake County Government owns and has developed a small portfolio of water rights in Lake County,
Colorado. After several years of work, in 2017 the County was awarded a decree from water court for a
Blanket Augmentation Plan (98CW173). This Blanket Augmentation Plan enables the County to administer
the Lake County Water Projects Enterprise (Water Enterprise) in line with state statute. Lake County is
currently working to fully implement the Water Enterprise so that the County can realize the revenue
potential of the blanket augmentation plan. Future Water Enterprise operations may include water storage
in existing or potential new reservoirs, acquisition of additional water rights, optimization of water supplies
to support Lake County’s development needs, and partnerships with water entities in Lake County and
beyond. Cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships is necessary for the success of the Water
Enterprise and will involve updating existing intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) and establishing new
ones.
Lake County’s Water Enterprise will enable the County to fully develop its water resources to support
economic development and maintain natural resources while remaining in compliance with legal
agreements and regulations.
Scope of Services
The successful proposer will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Legal Review and Analysis
Review and assess Lake County’s existing water rights and related documentation.
Analyze historical and current water use regarding compliance with the Water Enterprise, operating
agreements, and state and federal laws.
Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to optimize current water rights and usage.
2. Water Rights Strategy Development
Advise on acquisition, storage, transfer, exchange, or leasing of water rights.
Develop legal strategies for securing additional water rights to meet future water demands under
the Water Enterprise.
Assist in negotiations with other water providers or districts.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Representation
Guide compliance with DWR, CWCB, and other regulatory bodies.
Represent Lake County in Water Court proceedings, administrative hearings, Board of County
Commissioners meetings, or disputes.
Prepare legal filings, motions, and documentation for water rights adjudication or change-of-use
Lake County Government
Schedule B – Project Overview
applications.
4. Coordination with Engineering and Planning Teams
Collaborate with Lake County’s municipal and consulting engineers and planners to align legal
strategies with infrastructure projects and planning documents.
Review and advise on water-related components of master plans, annexations, and development
proposals.
5. Public and Interagency Engagement
Attend the Board of County Commissioners and other public meetings to present legal findings and
provide recommendations.
Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions, water districts, water providers, and state agencies on
shared water issues.
6. Documentation and Reporting
Prepare legal memoranda and reports summarizing findings and recommendations.
Maintain organized records of all legal actions, filings, and correspondence related to water rights.
Pricing Method
The Contractor will provide it’s fee for services in its bid.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Experience & Qualifications
2. Understanding of Scope & Approach
3. Cost & Value
4. Schedule & Capacity
5. Responsiveness & Compliance
6. Local & Social Considerations
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following sections:
1. Cover letter
2. Bidders Qualifications & Experience
a. A description of the proposers’ history, qualifications and experience with municipal
governments and specific expertise in parks and recreation and strategic planning.
b. This section should also describe work that is similar in scope and complexity that the
Bidder has undertaken in the past.
Request for Bid | Page 2 of 6
Lake County Government
Schedule B – Project Overview
c. Identify any potential conflicts of interest.
3. Project Team.
a. Identification of key personnel who will be involved in the project including their roles and
qualifications.
b. A brief summary of their experience and expertise in a municipal government environment.
c. An outline of other commitments during the process.
4. Budget.
5. Professional Liability Insurance
Coverage shall include damages or claims arising out of the rendering or failure to render
professional services.
Each Occurrence
$1,000,000
6. References.
a. Contact information for at least two (2) references from local governments or special
districts where the Bidder has provided similar services.
Request for Bid | Page 3 of 6
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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* Disclaimer: Information regarding bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), or requests for qualifications (RFQs) is provided on this website only for convenience and does not constitute official public notice. Persons wishing to respond to or inquire about bids, RFPs, or RFQs should contact the appropriate government department.