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Notice of Request for Statement of Qualifications

For Design, Construction and Commissioning of McNary Fishway Elevator and Stairway

Issued: August 19, 2019

Response Deadline: 4 P.M. October 23, 2019

SUMMARY

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (“NWCPUD”) is requesting Statements

of Qualification (“SOQ”) from qualified engineering consultants to provide professional

engineering services for a turn-key solution for the redundant ingress/egress to the

McNary Fishway Hydroelectric Project in the form of an elevator and stairway.

This document describes the Project, process and content for responses to this Request for

Qualifications (“RFQ”). No cost proposals, only a fee schedule, should be included with

proposals in response to this SOQ. NWCPUD may elect to use the EJCDC contract series

D-990 Design/Build templates for this project. An Agreement Between Owner and

Design/Builder For Preliminary Services (D-510) may be developed following the

selection process. Selection of Consultant will be pursuant to OAR 137-048.

The ideal timeframe for the Permitting, Design, Procurement and Construction of the

Project is from November 2019 through December 2020. An opportunity for a job walk

prior to the SOQ submittal deadline will be provided on 10 A.M. PST, September 6, 2019.

Intent to participate in the job walk must be provided by 4 P.M. PST, September 3, 2019.

Consultants must submit questions regarding this SOQ no later than 4 P.M. PST,

September 25, 2019. Additional instructions can be found herein or at:

https://www.nwascopud.org/operations-safety/bids/

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REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

TITLE: McNary Fishway Elevator Installation and Stairway Replacement

Issued: August 19, 2019

Response Deadline: 4 P.M. PST, October 23, 2019

1. Introduction:

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) is a customer-owned utility that

provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with electricity in Wasco County, Oregon. A

“People’s Utility District” is a not-for-profit, customer owned utility. The utility is governed by a

five-member Board of Directors that is elected by our Customer-Owners.

The District operates two renewable energy, fish friendly hydroelectric power plants on the

Columbia River using fish attraction water provided for fish passage at United States Army

Corps of Engineers (The Corps) Projects at The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam. The McNary

Fishway Hydroelectric Project (The Project) is a 10 MW project that is co-owned by NWCPUD

with Klickitat PUD. Both utilities work together to support the on-going efforts of improving

operations of The Project.

2. Project Description:

2.1 Background

Access to NWCPUD’s project is from the lower deck of The Corps Project,

approximately 63 feet below The Corp’s upper deck. NWCPUD personnel use a set of

Corps owned concrete stairs to access their project. However, the stairs present a slipping

hazard during inclement weather, and are beginning to fall into disrepair. Historically, a

Corps elevator has also been available for ease of access to NWCPUD’s project but is

currently not functioning and is no longer used. The purpose of this project is to provide

redundant paths of ingress/egress to NWCPUD’s Project via a new elevator and staircase

for convenience and safety of personnel and visitors to the Project.

2.2 Proposed Project Solution

NWCPUD has conceptually determined potential solutions for providing redundant

ingress/egress to the NWCPUD project. These solutions have been vetted on a cursory

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level with The Corps but NWCPUD is exploring other options should the successful

Consultant have a different approach that is acceptable to all parties.

1. Stairs – NWCPUD envisions that the current stairway will be abandoned or

demolished, and a new set of stairs made from steel will be prefabricated and provide

access as required. Currently there are six flights of stairs leading from The Corps

upper deck (348’ ASL) to the lower deck (285’ ASL) where the entrance to the

NWCPUD’s project is located. An interim landing area on the roof of the valve

house provides a landing area between the first four flights of stairs from the upper

deck to the valve roof top, and two more flights of stairs from the valve house roof to

the lower Corps deck. See Figures 1-3 at the end of this document.

2. Elevator – Elevators currently exist on the US Army Corps project and have been

accessible to NWCPUD staff in the past, however NWCPUD desires an elevator

owned and operated by the NWCPUD and whose operation and maintenance is

dedicated to the NWCPUD project. As such, no existing structure currently exists to

support a new elevator and locating a new shaft in the existing space has proven

problematic. The initial scoping of an adequate and acceptable location for the

elevator is one that spans the elevation change in two separate shaft segments, i.e.

requiring the passenger to go from The Corp’s upper deck, get out at a landing on the

valve house roof and move to a second elevator shaft to get down to the lower deck.

See images at the end of this document for the area in which the two elevator shafts

are currently envisioned. Other approaches may be possible in areas where vertical

clearance is available (for example see figure 2. below).

2.3 Services Required

Engineering services are required to provide a turn-key solution for the project including

but not limited to the following tasks:

1. Development of project scope.

2. Development and maintenance of project schedule.

3. Development of 3D surveys of proposed project features with overlaid

solution.

4. Preparation of preliminary and final project budget.

5. Upon approval of project scope by District staff, complete plans and

specifications.

6. Update project budget and schedule as necessary based on district approved

plans and specifications.

7. Obtain all government approvals on plans and specifications as required

including but not limited to the United States Army Corp of Engineers

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(USACE), Fishery Agencies and any other required State and/or local

governmental agency.

8. Development of the bid package including general conditions, plans and

specifications District approved contracts, etc.

9. Oversight of the construction project.

10. Oversight of the “close-out” of the construction project.

11. Oversee the process of gaining approval and sign-off of the construction

project from all required State and local government agencies.

12. Other services as necessary to complete the project and agreed to by both

parties.

2.4 Project Timing

The ideal timeframe for the Permitting, Design, Procurement and Construction of the Project is from

November 2019 through December 2020. The timeframe for the SOQ submittal process follows.

NWCPUD reserves the right to alter this timeline as needed.

Description Time/Date

RFQ Release August 19, 2019

RSVP for Job Walk 4 P.M. PST, September 3, 2019

Job Walk 10 A.M. PST, September 6, 2019

Consultant Questions Due 4 P.M. PST, September 25, 2019

Responses to Questions Provided 4 P.M. PST, October 8, 2019

Deadline for Notice of Intent to Submit SOQ 4 P.M. PST, October 11, 2019

SOQs Due 4 P.M. PST, October 23, 2019

Final Selection of Consultant November 6, 2019

3. General Information:

3.1 ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDANCE

The information provided herein is intended to assist Consultants in the preparation of proposals

necessary to properly respond to this RFQ. It is designed to provide interested Consultants with

enough basic information to submit relevant SOQs to meet the minimum stated requirements.

But it is not intended to limit a proposal's content or to exclude any relevant or essential data

therefrom. Consultants are at liberty and are encouraged to expand upon the specifications to

give additional evidence of their ability to provide the services requested in this RFQ. No cost

proposals should be included with proposals in response to this SOQ. Selection of Consultant

will be pursuant to OAR 137-048.

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3.2 JOB WALK

An opportunity to visit the project site on 10 A.M. PST, September 6, 2019, will be provided for

potential Consultants to get a full understanding of the project scope and potential objectives

and challenges. It is highly recommended that Consultants interested in submitting SOQs

participate in this event due to numerous space constraints associated with the project solution

and the difficulty in conveying these constraints via photographs or other means. Since access

to the NWCPUD project site is via the Corp’s McNary Hydroelectric Dam, advance notice of

participation in the job walk must be provided to NWCPUD for federal security clearance by 4

P.M. PST, September 3, 2019. All participants must be U.S. Citizens, and provide their name

and date of birth. A valid form of government identification must be shown on the day of the

job walk.

3.3 PROPOSAL RESPONSE OUTLINE

Proposals must be concise and in outline format. Pertinent supplemental information should be

referenced and included as attachments. All proposals must be organized and tabbed to comply

with the following sections:

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

The transmittal letter should include an introduction of the Consultant, including the name,

address, telephone number and fax number of the person to be contacted, along with others who

are authorized to represent the Consultant in dealing with the SOQ. Any other information not

appropriately contained in the body of the proposal should also be included in the letter of

transmittal.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An executive summary should briefly introduce the Consultant. It should also indicate any major

requirements that cannot be met by the Consultant.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal and must contain an acceptance

of the requirements stated in each section of this RFQ and describe why the Consultant is able to

provide the Services sought by NWCPUD. Failure to address the provisions requested in this

document will be interpreted by NWCPUD as an inability by the Consultant to provide the

requested Services.

Detailed discussion should address each item described in Section 4, Contents of SOQ. Outline

numbers should correspond, in order, to the section numbers contained in this outline and

subsections of Section 4.

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FINANCIAL REPORT

The Consultant should furnish a current financial report (audited, if available) for the company's

most recent fiscal year.

The financial report should include the size of consultant as measured by:

A. Number of personnel;

B. Number of clients; and

C. Annual sales.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Consultant should provide any supplemental information and attachments relevant to the

proposal, including company literature and catalogs.

3.4 REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICES

During the RFQ process (from the date of issue through the date of final decision) the Purchasing

Agent is the sole source of official information regarding this RFQ. The designated Purchasing

Agent is:

Kurt J. Conger

Assistant General Manager, Director of Power Supply

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District

2345 River Road

The Dalles, Oregon 97058-3551

Direct (541) 506-3813

Office (541) 296-2226

All communications, both spoken and written, which are received by any representative of the

Consultant from other sources (such as employees in other departments) should be corroborated

by the Consultant with the Purchasing Agent as being true and accurate prior to incorporating

such information into their response. This refers to both formal and informal conversations and

communications. Please remember that significant changes to the RFQ will always be issued as a

formal, written addendum.

3.5 SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS

The SOQ must be received no later than 4 P.M. PST, October 23, 2019. Ideally responses

should be emailed to PRD@nwascopud.org. Alternatively, responses, including a

copy in an electronic format, may be delivered to:

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SOQ: McNary Fishway Elevator Installation and Stairway Replacement

Attention: Kurt Conger

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District

2345 River Road

The Dalles, Oregon 97058-3551

Consultant shall be responsible for actual delivery of the proposal to the email address or proper

office address before the deadline. Proposals received after this deadline will be late and

ineligible for consideration. All other information will remain confidential, if designated as such.

Unless specifically authorized by the Purchasing Agent, faxed SOQs will not be considered.

However, modifications by email or hardcopy of SOQ’s already submitted will be considered if

received prior to the deadline for SOQs.

3.6 INQUIRIES

Questions arising subsequent to the issuance of this RFQ shall be submitted in writing to

PRD@nwascopud.org. All questions should be received by 4 P.M. PST, September 25, 2019.

Responses will be provided to individual inquiries by 4 P.M. PST, October 8, 2019.

3.7 CONSULTANT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOQ COSTS

NWCPUD is not liable for any cost incurred by the consultant associated with the preparation of

the SOQ or the negotiation of a contract for services prior to the issuing of the contract.

3.8 EVALUATION OF SUBMITTALS

Specific proposal evaluation criteria and methods are included under Section 5, Consultant

Evaluation Criteria, below. The successful Consultant may be chosen without discussion

with consultants.

3.9 ORAL PRESENTATION

NWCPUD may require an oral presentation by Consultant to supplement a written proposal.

These presentations will be scheduled, if required, by the Purchasing Agent after proposals are

received and prior to the award of the contract.

3.10 AWARD OF THE CONTRACT

Upon completion of the evaluation process, NWCPUD may negotiate with and award the

contract to the Consultant whose SOQ is determined to be most advantageous to NWCPUD. An

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Agreement Between Owner and Design/Builder For Preliminary Services (D-510) may be

developed following the selection process. NWCPUD may elect to use the EJCDC contract

series D-990 Design/Build templates for this project. The contract must be executed by the

parties prior to commencement of performance. The contract will incorporate the provisions of

this RFQ (including any addenda), and general terms and conditions as negotiated by NWCPUD

with the Consultant.

3.11 PROTECTED INFORMATION

Certain information in the proposal submitted may be open for public inspection. If Consultant

desires to have information contained in its proposal protected from such disclosure, the

Consultant may request such treatment by providing a written claim of business confidentiality

and a concise statement of reasons supporting the claim of business confidentiality with the

proposal. All material contained in and/or submitted with the proposal becomes the property of

the NWCPUD and may be returned only at the NWCPUD’s option.

3.12 ADDENDUM TO RFQ

In the event that it becomes necessary to revise this RFQ in whole or in part, an addendum will

be provided to all Consultants that have provided NWCPUD with a notice of their intent to

respond as described in Section 6 below.

3.13 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

The RFQ must contain within the “Transmittal Letter” the signature of a duly authorized officer

or agent of the Consultant’s company empowered with the right to bind the Consultant for the

amounts estimated and terms proposed. The Consultant must also provide evidence of the

authority of the officer or agent to bind the Consultant. NWCPUD shall have the option to

change Consultant’s contact person if it is in the best interest of NWCPUD.

3.14 ANTI-COLLUSION

The submission of a proposal constitutes agreement that the Contractor has not divulged its

proposal to, or colluded with, any other Consultant or party to a proposal whatsoever.

3.15 DISQUALIFICATION

Factors, such as, but not limited to, any of the following, may disqualify a submittal without

further consideration:

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• Evidence of collusion, directly or indirectly, among Consultants in regard to the amount,

terms or conditions of this RFQ;

• Any attempt to improperly influence any member of the evaluation team;

• Existence of any lawsuit, unresolved contractual claim or dispute between Consultant and

NWCPUD;

• Evidence of incorrect information submitted as part of the SOQ;

• Evidence of Consultant’s inability to successfully complete the responsibilities and

obligations; and

• Consultant’s default under any previous agreement with NWCPUD.

3.16 RESTRICTIONS

All proposals must clearly set forth any restrictions or provisions deemed necessary by the

Consultant to effectively service the proposed Contract.

3.17 RIGHT TO REJECT

NWCPUD reserves the right to reject any or all submittals and to waive any informality or

technicality in any SOQ in the interest of NWCPUD.

4. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Each SOQ must address all the following to be considered for acceptance by NWCPUD:

1. Consultant Qualifications and Experience

a. Outline the Consultant’s design and construction experience for turn-key projects

in the last five years. Include: location, size and other pertinent project attributes

as well as budget vs. total project costs.

b. Describe in detail, Consultant’s experience with a project similar purpose, scope

and size as that described here. Include descriptions of project attributes in item

1.a.

c. Describe experience working with governmental agencies, regulations and

compliance. Experience working on US Army Corps of Engineers facilities

should be explicitly described with references provided.

d. Provide a list of previous clients associated with the items above that may be used

as references.

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2. Project Scope and Management

a. Provide a general Scope of Work that itemizes the tasks and resources required to

complete design, procurement, permitting, construction and commissioning of

this Project. The final, detailed Scope of Work will be developed in the contract

negotiation process.

b. Describe the Consultant’s project management techniques, including software and

milestone tracking process. Such tool should also provide for the start dates,

durations and end dates of each task such that each task can be identified as either

critical to COD or not.

c. Include the name, address and telephone number of the primary person from the

Consultant who will coordinate the consulting services with NWCPUD.

d. Identify each team member that will be working on Project in the form of a

proposed organizational chart to be used by the Consultant in the performance of

the services described in the Scope of Work. Include the names and qualifications

(including professional training, licenses, experience, awards, etc.) of personnel to

be assigned to this project.

e. Provide a statement about the Consultant’s ability to commit the technical and

administrative resources required to complete the Project within the timeframe

described above.

f. Identify the work location of project personnel who will be committed to this

project.

3. Project Design Techniques

a. Describe Consultant’s ability to provide images and schematics of project features

(ideally in 3D and overlaid on photographs of existing features) including the

software tools used to do this. Include examples of images used on other projects.

b. Indicate how the Consultant will address design analysis associated with Corp’s

structures that the Project will be supported by, attached to, or have any other

dependence on.

5. CONSULTANT EVALUATION CRITERIA

NWCPUD staff will form an Evaluation Committee to review and rank the proposals provided

in response to this RFQ based on the following qualitative elements:

- Quality and completeness of proposal;

- Quality, performance and effectiveness of services to be provided;

- Engineering experience, including project team assigned, with engagements

of similar scope and complexity;

- Examples that demonstrate Consultant’s ability to provide 3D renderings of

project features;

- Ability to provide project management expertise/turn-key solution for The

District;

- Completion of projects similar in size and scope;

- The Firm’s financial stability and length of time in business;

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- Proximity of Firm’s staff to District Project site;

- Ability to perform the work in a timely and efficient manner;

- Prior record of performance with the District, Corps, regional utilities or

government agencies;

- Proposed fee schedule; and

- References.

Scoring elements for proposals will be based on the following factors:

PERSONNEL EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstration of proposed project team:

• Professional qualifications to perform work in applicable discipline(s), including required

licenses and certifications.

• Knowledge of technical criteria and administrative requirements for projects of similar

scope.

• Past performance level in completing projects of similar size and scope.

CONSULTANT EXPERIENCE

Demonstration of Consultant’s understanding of the Project and Services:

• Qualifications to perform work in applicable disciplines.

• Past performance level in completing projects of similar size and scope.

• Past performance in meeting deadlines and cost benchmarks in project execution.

• Project team’s interview with Evaluation Committee.

References and recommendations from past clients.

GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE

• Demonstration of experience in providing consulting services to governmental agencies

by both the Consultant and the project team.

AVAILABILITY AND COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES

• Demonstration of the Consultant’s ability to commit qualified technical and

administrative resources required to complete projects.

• Proximity of committed resources to project site.

COST OF SERVICES

• Fee Schedule for personnel at Consulting firm

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EVALUATION PROCESS

The Evaluation Committee will evaluate all the SOQ’s based upon the criteria listed above. The

Committee may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. A selection may be

based on the Evaluation Criteria alone or any combination of the Evaluation Criteria, references,

and interviews.

6. DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTAL OF RELATED INQUIRIES AND PROPOSALS Submit your Consultant’s notice of intent to respond no later than 4 P.M. PST, October 11, 2019

via email to PRD@nwascopud.org.

SOQs are due no later than 4 P.M. PST, October 23, 2019. Proposals submitted after that time

will not be accepted or opened.

NWCPUD reserves the right to:

• Reject any and all proposals;

• Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals;

• Postpone opening proposals for its own convenience;

• Remedy errors in the Request for Proposals process;

• Approve or disapprove the use of subconsultants;

• Negotiate with any, all or none of the Consultants;

• Waive informalities and irregularities in the SOQs; and/or

• Enter into an agreement with another Consultant in the event the originally selected

Consultant defaults or fails to execute an agreement with NWCPUD.

An agreement shall not be binding or valid with the NWCPUD unless and until it is approved by

the NWCPUD Board and executed by authorized representatives of NWCPUD and of the

Consultant.

Once a submittal is selected using the evaluation criteria described above, NWCPUD will

determine if they desire to enter into negotiations for a final Contract with the highest scoring

Consultant. The price, cost and other related matters will be negotiated during this period to the

satisfaction of NWCPUD. Any entity responding to this RFQ shall do so at its sole expense;

Consultant is wholly responsible for any costs it incurs in responding to this RFQ.

Copies of this RFQ can be found at https://www.nwascopud.org/operations-safety/bids/

NWCPUD may elect to use the EJCDC contract series D-990 Design/Build templates for this

project.

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Images of Existing Infrastructure and Project Site Area Existing Stairway

The existing stairway consists of six flights of stairs; the first set of stairs (see below) consists of

four flights from The Corp’s Upper Deck to the roof of the valve room.

Figure 1. Existing stair from Upper Deck to Valve house roof.

The second set of stairs consists of two flights and goes from the roof of the valve room to the

lower 285’ deck (and the entrance to NWCPUD’s project).

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Figure 2. Vertical clearance area for possible alternative elevator/stair location.

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Figure 3. Possible two shaft option for elevator/stairway assembly.

One proposed plan for an elevator/stairway installation is for two separate shafts – shown in blue

and green. This photo is taken from the roof of the valve house; the first shaft will go from The

Corp’s upper deck to the roof of the valve house (Blue). The second shaft will go from the roof

of the valve house to the lower 285’ deck (Green).