REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
FOR
Professional Engineering Design Services for
Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project
Award Number: DE-EE0011401
Issued December 16, 2025 by
Department of Engineering and Public Works
389 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304-291-7465
http://morgantownwv.gov/bids.aspx
Public Notice
Published: December 16th and December 23rd, 2025
City of Morgantown, West Virginia
Request for Qualifications for Professional Design Services
The City of Morgantown is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering
firms to provide professional design services for the Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative; a
federally funded project aimed at designing a system to capture and remove floating debris
and trash that accumulates behind the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela River.
The selected firm will assist in the design of a debris removal system that addresses both
natural and anthropogenic materials, with a focus on environmental sustainability and
operational feasibility.
Responses from prospective firms are due to the City of Morgantown by January 22, 2026, no
later than 3pm. Detailed information as to the specific services requested and the requisite
content of the written statement of qualifications are set forth in the related Request for
Qualifications document, which can be obtained at http://morgantownwv.gov/bids.aspx .Top
firms will be invited to interview with a selection committee. This RFQ is issued in accordance
with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0011401.
Jamie Miller
City Manager
Introduction and Project Background
This RFQ is an invitation from the City of Morgantown (City) to qualified and experienced
engineering and design firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the design of
an in-river trash collection system, at the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela
River. The system is intended to intercept and remove floating trash and debris from the
Monongahela River before it flows further downstream. The system design may include boats
or other equipment, so long as the design is acceptable to the US Army Corps within the
restricted zone of the dam. The design may also include a semi-autonomous solution that uses
a combination of hydro and solar power to continuously remove litter and debris from the water.
The debris is composed mostly of natural drift like trees and leaves but also very visible trash
like barrels, water bottles and other man-made litter. On many dams, water flows over the dam,
and most floating material passes without accumulating above the dam. However, the
Morgantown Dam has gates that release water from below the upstream pool surface. The
floating debris cannot be flushed or move downstream until a gate can be raised above the
upper pool surface. This can only occur during significant high rainfall events upstream of
Morgantown. It is also during these high-water events that more drift and trash are displaced
from the shoreline and float downstream to the dam. There is not a single point-source of drift
or trash originating upstream of Morgantown that could be eliminated or controlled.
The Monongahela River is a vital ecological and recreational asset for Morgantown. However,
debris accumulation behind the lock and dam poses environmental and aesthetic challenges
and has the potential to cause operational concerns for the dam itself. The City of Morgantown
(City) has secured federal funding to design a system that will mitigate these issues.
Activities under this RFQ are covered by a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA.
Scope of Services
The selected firm will be responsible for providing comprehensive engineering and design
services, which may include:
Site assessment and data collection : Conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed
location to determine the optimal placement, taking into account water flow dynamics,
debris characteristics, and accessibility for maintenance.
Feasibility study: Evaluate the project's technical, operational, and financial feasibility.
This includes identifying potential challenges and developing alternative solutions.
Technology Evaluation : Evaluation of debris removal technologies (e.g., booms,
conveyors, skimmers, boats, water robots)
System design: Develop conceptual plans and final design of the system resulting in
detailed engineering plans and specifications for all components of the trash and debris
removal system, including:
o Structure: The main floating platform and anchoring system.
o Containment: The use of floating booms to funnel trash toward the removal
system.
o Power: Integration of a renewable powered by the river's current,
supplemented by solar power for low-flow conditions.
o Collection: A floating dumpster or collection barge for holding the debris.
o Operation: Development of an operational plan, including maintenance
schedules and protocols.
Permitting support: Assist the City of Morgantown with the local, state, and federal
permitting processes required for in-water construction.
Cost estimation: Provide a detailed breakdown of design and construction costs.
Stakeholder Coordination : Assist with coordination between the City, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders
Additional Scope if needed:
Public engagement support
Preparation of bidding documents
Construction administration
Submission Requirements
Firms must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following sections:
A. Cover Letter and Expression of Interest : An introduction of the firm, a statement of
interest in this specific project, and an acknowledgment of all addenda (if applicable).
B. Firm Qualifications and Relevant Experience
o Project history : A summary of the firm's experience with similar projects, such
as aquatic structures, environmental engineering, trash collection systems, or
renewable energy integration.
o Relevant projects : Details on at least three projects completed within the last
10 years that demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully execute the scope
of services. For each project, include the client, project dates, and a client
reference with contact information.
C. Project Team
o Key personnel: Provide résumés for all key personnel who would be assigned
to this project, highlighting relevant experience and certifications (e.g.,
professional engineering licenses).
o Team structure: Describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member
and how they would be managed.
D. Understanding of the Project
o Narrative: A narrative that demonstrates the firm's understanding of the unique
challenges and opportunities associated with designing a trash removal system
at the Morgantown Lock and Dam.
o Approach: A summary of the firm's proposed approach to the design process,
including any innovative or cost-saving ideas.
E. Attachment A – Response Certification (template provided)
The City will evaluate potential conflicts per 2 CFR 200.318(c)(2).
Submission Details
Submissions and other required documents must be enclosed in a sealed opaque envelope
that is identified as “Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project ” including the Engineering
firm’s name and this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) due date.
The envelope shall be addressed to:
Damien Davis, PE
Director, Engineering and Public Works
City of Morgantown
389 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
This is an open solicitation, and submissions must be received by January 22, 2026, no later
than 3pm. Submissions received after this date and time will be returned unopened. Offerors
are responsible for ensuring submissions are received by this day and time.
Firms must provide one (1) PDF version (on a USB drive) and three (3) hard copies of the
SOQ that address all sections of the submission requirements.
All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted electronically. Questions shall be directed
via email to:
Damien Davis at ddavis@morgantownwv.gov AND
Vanessa Johnson at vjohnson@morgantownwv.gov AND
Emily Muzzarelli at emuzzarelli@morgantownwv.gov
All questions regarding this RFQ shall be submitted no later than 3 pm on January 8, 2026.
Questions will be answered by 3 pm on January 15, 2026.
The submission shall clearly provide all information that is required under this RFQ within forty
(40) pages, single sided, 8 ½ x 11 paper, font no smaller than 10 pt., which includes all
attachments and exhibits. However, the cover page, tabs, and the Attachment A – Response
Certification (item E from Submission Requirements) will not be included in the page count.
The City will not be responsible for any expenses in the preparation and/or presentation of the
written statement of qualifications submission or any subsequent interviews or for the
disclosure of any information or material received in connection with this RFQ. The City
reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received in response to this RFQ, when
determined to be in the City’s best interest, and to waive minor noncompliance in a proposal.
The City further reserves the right to make such investigations as it deems necessary as to
the qualifications of any and all firms submitting proposals in response to this RFQ.
Selection Schedule
RFQ Published:
Questions Due:
Answers Posted:
Submissions Due:
Interviews (by invitation):
Selection Notification:
Contract Approval:
December 16th and December 23rd, 2025
January 8th, 2026 by 3pm
January 15th, 2026 by 3pm
January 22nd, 2026 by 3pm
Week of January 26th, 2026
February 5th, 2026
February 17th, 2026
The dates listed above are estimates as of the date of posting. Any changes to
questions due date, answers dues date, or submission due date will be posted in an
addendum. Dates for interviews, selection and contract approval will be based on staff
and firm availability and are expressly included for planning purposes.
Evaluation Criteria
The City will review properly submitted SOQs based on the following criteria, and submissions
will be rated and ranked according to the following points for consideration for shortlisting firms
to interview.
Criteria
Firm and Team Qualifications
Relevant Project Experience
Understanding of Project and Approach
Points
0-40
0-25
0-30
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
