For proposals to be considered the following must be included in your submittal:A letter of interest from the prime consultant/contractor, signed by the principal professional intended to lead the project effort. The letter needs to include contact information, number of years the consultant/contractor has been in business under current or previous names or additional assumed business names. Provide similar information concerning each subcontracted contractor. Provide a comprehensive organizational chart with key personnel for your firm and potential subconsultants, clearly identifying the estimated participation of Minority, Women, and Veteran owned (MWV) businesses and estimated percentage of total work anticipated to be performed by each sub-tier partner.Your approach to this type of work and explain how you have the experience, qualifications, size, and resources to provide the services listed in the scope of work. The name and brief resume of the key individual(s) who would be assigned to this project and an individual assigned to back up the key person in their absences, together with similar information for each individual to be provided under any subcontract. A proposal that outlines your firm approach to the work, capacity and availability, as well as any additional services or procedures of benefit to the County not specifically required by this Request for Qualifications, which the Consultant offers to provide. The name and title of the person authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the firm.The caption, cause number, Court, Counsel, and general summary of any litigation pending, or judgment rendered within the past three (3) years involving the firm. (if applicable)A statement outlining any proposed exceptions to the County’s requirements or requested clarifications to the requirements, including any exceptions to the terms of the County’s standard Services Agreement, a sample of which is attached hereto as “Attachment A.” Firms should understand, however, that the County is typically unwilling to change the terms of its standard Services Agreement and a firm’s inability to agree to those standard terms may be a basis for the County to instead negotiate with one or more other firms. References listing customers with contracts for similar services.Acknowledgement (via the County's eProcurement Portal) of each addendum issued. (if applicable)Before you submit, please ensure your company profile in OpenGov and MRSC are up-to-date with your current business designations. Use the provided links below for instructions on updating your profiles. OpenGov: Updating User Profile, Company Profile, Email Address, Adding an Additional User MRSC Log In: Public Agency Membership - MRSC RostersBy submitting a proposal, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the Contractor pursuant to this proposal shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the County because of this solicitation.Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted. No hard copies, emails or fax submittals are acceptable.

PC-CSD Radio System Overview:The PC-CSD networks are comprised of the following: A Motorola 700 MHz Time Division Multiplexing Access (TDMA) Project 25 (P25), Phase II system, made up of:5 Subsystems (Core Simulcast – 7 sites/12 channels, West Simulcast 4 sites/6channels, South Simulcast – 3 sites/6 channels, Three Sisters ASR – 8 channels, Top Hat ASR – 8 channels)25 Communications sites in and around the Pierce County regionMicrowave Network:An Aviat digital microwave network that includes:96 Nodes6 spurs30 Nokia SAR-8 MPLS routersRing configuration that provides network resiliencyMotorola VHF System:A Motorola VHF Simulcast system which includes:410 VHF subsystem3 sites/4 channelsVHF Overlay subsystem10 sites/4 channels25 Communication’s Sites (See below for Site Names & Locations):CMF (Fredrickson WA, East Pierce County)Crystal Mountain (Far East Pierce County, Mtn. Range, Remote Site)DEM ( Master Site Tacoma WA, Central Pierce County)Dupont (Dupont WA, South Pierce County) Eatonville (Eatonville WA, Southeast Pierce County)Graham Hill (Graham WA, East Pierce County)Grass Mountain (Near Enumclaw WA, East Pierce County)Greenwater (Enumclaw WA, Far East Pierce County Foothills, Remote Site)Gold Mountain (Bremerton WA, Kitsap County)Hemlock (Lakewood WA, Central Pierce County)Home (Home WA, West Pierce County)Indian Hill 2 (Tacoma WA, Central Pierce County)LESA (Tacoma WA, Central Pierce County) McKenna (Roy WA, South Pierce County)Mineral Hill (Ashford/Elbe WA, Southeast Pierce County/Lewis County) Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Bridge Top Site, Central/West Pierce County)Pierce Transit Headquarters (Lakewood WA, Central Pierce County)Purdy (Purdy WA, West Pierce County)Puyallup (Puyallup WA, Central/East Pierce County) Spar Pole (Orting, East Pierce County) Spring Hill (Spring Hill, WA Northwest Pierce County)Three Sisters (Buckley WA, Far Southeast Pierce County – Mtn. Range, Remote Site w/14 miles of logging road to access) Top Hat (Seattle WA, South King County) Vaughn (Vaughn WA, West Pierce County)Wright Bliss Fire Station 45 (Gig Harbor, WA, Northwest Pierce County)Project Management and Engineering ActivitiesThe selected consultant will be expected to establish and maintain a project related “Book of Work”, documented via an agreeable project management platform such as Smartsheet. This book of work will house all project details including the general project scope, timelines, deliverables, milestones, assigned tasks, and tasking due dates. As a result, project team participants will be able to clearly identify their respective responsibilities/assigned tasks and view direct correlation of how assigned responsibilities/tasks are required, in order to accomplish/complete the overall body of project work.A detailed project schedule will be developed/maintained by the selected consultant and will be documented within the project related “Book of Work”. This will include site-by-site or project-by-project timelines. Timelines will be updated by the selected consultant on a weekly basis and shared with/made available to the Pierce County Radio team, prior to weekly project meetings, via the project “Book of Work”.The selected consultant will work collaboratively with the Pierce County Radio team and any associated supplier(s), to maintain and update project scopes and schedules. The selected consultant will integrate each of the separate project schedules into the overall project “Book of Work”. The selected consultant will participate in weekly project meetings with the Pierce County Radio team and any associated supplier(s).The selected consultant will prepare agendas, provide updates, and document project notes, during project meetings, as required by Pierce County Radio team.The selected consultant will be responsible to collect updates from project suppliers and Pierce County Radio personnel, which will facilitate the selected project consultant to be able to prepare monthly written reports to Pierce County Radio leadership.The selected consultant will be required to posses a demonstrative and historied working knowledge of Radio Communications Networks to 700MHz, 800MHz, VHF, UHF, at a minimum.The selected candidate will be required to possess a demonstrative and historied working knowledge of microwave backhaul networks, including a detailed knowledge of T1 circuitry and a detailed knowledge of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).The selected candidate will be required to make programmatic, software, hardware, and network design, maintenance, upgrade and replacement recommendations to the Pierce County Radio team. The selected candidate will provide supportive guidance on current and future infrastructure related tasks and projects. For example, the selected candidate will need a foundational understanding and working knowledge of Motorola Radio Systems and Aviat Microwave Networks, so they can identify needs and make professional and timely recommendations, with regard to projects such as infrastructure replacement planning, radio system, backhaul network and MPLS related upgrades and replacements.The selected candidate will perform Communications Network related supportive activities. This may include (but will not be limited to) auditing supplier work, to validate the Pierce County Radio System and Microwave/Backhaul Network design documents are accurate and also, ensuring critical documentation is captured and updated in a timely manner. Additionally, as-built drawings and documentation will be kept up to date, in collaboration with the selected candidate.The selected candidate will be capable of assisting and consulting on purchasing activities/decisions, including vetting project related suppliers, providing professional guidance and recommendations, prior to the Pierce County Radio team beginning the procurement process.The selected consultant will participate in project activities related to planning, designing, coordinating, implementation and leading up the effort to accomplish all project punchlists and project close-outs. The selected consultant will be able to manage projects from start to finish.The selected candidate will coordinate with the Pierce County Radio Team and any selected, involved suppliers on various project or system implementations, and any necessary site preparation activities.The selected candidate will consult with the Pierce County Radio team on a vast array of communications system/network related technical issues (including radio systems, backhaul networks, MPLS, and various system upgrades) and provide recommendations, guidance, oversight, summary reports, and ensuring finalization of any associated tasks or projects that result.Consult and assist Pierce County with the completion of governance documentation as follows:Consultant will research and recommend maintenance requirements and standards to be included in the governance documentConsultant may assist with the development of cost and maintenance model to be included in the governance documentConsultant will assist with final review of maintenance requirements and standards documentationConsultant will prepare new 700MHz duplex, simplex and FB2T license application(s) and any required engineering data needed for complete Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submittal, and any additional new VHF/UHF license applications as necessary to support the Pierce County radio communications system. Support the VHF Mutual Aid system design process with the supplier and facilitate integration of the VHF Mutual Aid system with the 700 MHz P25 system and microwave system. Support the Corrections Distributed Antenna System (DAS) system design process with the supplier and facilitate integration of the DAS system with the 700 MHz P25 system and connectivity back to the master site.Prepare UHF FCC waiver applications for channels that will remain in service during the new VHF and DAS layer network implementation and prepare required engineering showings. Coordination fees to be directly paid to coordination entity by Pierce County.Consult on Network Engineering services to verify system level (end-to-end) connectivity of the Pierce County Communications System Internet Protocol (IP) network. This will include the Pierce County Radio Customer Enterprise Network (CEN), Fiber Layer, Mux Equipment, Motorola Radio Communications Network, and Microwave Network. Evaluation of connectivity between all Routers, switches, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and firewalls will be analyzed to verify that they meet Pierce County requirements. Conceptual drawings of the system will be provided.Assist Pierce County technical personnel with the analysis and engineering of the Pierce County Juvenile Detention in-building coverage system design.Consultant will provide a flowchart showing how the existing project tasks are interrelated and will update the flowchart on a quarterly basis or as required by project changes.Consultant will provide a breakdown of Project Subtasks with assigned resources updated monthly.Consultant will attend factory staging for VHF Overlay system new system equipment/additions, as required. Consultant will facilitate documenting the site development process and apply lessons learned from the site development activities over the course of the project.Consultant will work to assist the Pierce County Communications Manager with onsite documentation, drafting and reviewing drawings, reviewing and making recommendations on other related actives associated to other public safety agencies requesting use of county communication sites.Travel is anticipated during the performance period of this agreement for Consultant to attend staging for system equipment. In addition, there may be other equipment staging events during the performance period of the agreement. Travel of a 100 mile round-trip is required

An evaluation team will review the SOQ and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The County may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. A selection may be made based on the Firms and initial evaluation criteria alone or the firms determined to be most qualified through the initial evaluation phase may be interviewed and the final determination will also consider reference checks and interviews.The County intends to select the Consultant who represents the most qualified team (or teams, as determined by the evaluation team) to Pierce County and begin the negotiation and award process based on the evaluated scores.Selected Consultant will be invited to enter contract negotiations with the County. Should the County and the selected consultant not reach a mutual agreement, the County will terminate negotiations and move to the next highest ranked consultant and proceed with negotiations. A Consultant’s inability to agree to the terms of the County’s Professional Service Agreement "Attachment B" may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Consultant.Selected Consultant(s) may be asked to provide the following for negotiationPer Employee Direct Labor RatesProvide the most recent audit of the firm received from WSDOT or a State or Federal agency that can establish the overhead rate.Subcontractors (if used) fully burdened, per-employee labor rates direct labor rates (if available). If subcontractors are on an ad hoc basis no rates needed.The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submitted SOQs, and to waive as informalities any irregularities, and to contract as the best interest of the County may require. The County also may reject SOQs that are non-responsive or that are submitted by non-responsible firms

1. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall comply with all relevant Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Listing Requirements, as amended and supplemented. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, CFDA 21.027 has the following policy requirements:1.1. 31 CFR Part 35, as amended by the Interim final rule published May 17, 2021, at 26786 FR Vol. 86, No. 93; or otherwise subsequently amended by Final Rule.1.2. 2 CFR Part 200, including Subparts B through F1.2.1. Additional Information: The following 2 CFR Policy requirements also apply to this assistance listing: 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award Management; 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information; and 2 CFR Part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement). The following 2 CFR Policy requirements are excluded from coverage under this assistance listing: For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart C, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.204 (Notices of Funding Opportunities); 2 CFR § 200.205 (Federal awarding agency review of merit of proposal); 2 CFR § 200.210 (Pre-award costs); and 2 CFR § 200.213 (Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award). For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.308 (revision of budget or program plan); 2 CFR § 200.309 (modifications to period of performance); CFR § 200.305 (b)(8) and (9) (Federal Payment). 2. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall ensure that any procurement involving funds authorized by this Agreement complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to, 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.327, as well as Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 (entitled “Agreement Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards”).

To waive any and/or all irregularities in the proposals submitted.To reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.To base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.To make the award to any vendor or combination of vendors whose proposal(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.Pierce County will not accept late proposals. Pierce County may return unopened any proposal or modification received after the hour and date specified.

Throughout the course of this contract, additional tasks, above and beyond those outlined in this Scope of Work, may be necessary on an ad-hoc basis. Pierce County reserves that right to request additional services to meet immediate project or engineering service needs. The awarded bidder can work with Pierce County to fulfill an Additional Services Request (ASR) which will secure specialty subcontractor services including but not limited to civil, structural or mechanical engineering support (as may be required for certain projects, designs, and permitting for Pierce County). ASR’s may include the following:Additional research and consulting on governance IssuesProvide additional propagation maps (as required)Facilitate development of technical specificationsPhysical inspection of radio communications facilitiesIn-building coverage design issuesSite development services for additional communications facilitiesElectrical engineering evaluations or design of communications facilitiesConsulting on physical security and access control issuesSite engineering for communications facilitiesStructural and mechanical engineering evaluation or design of communications facilitiesNetwork engineering evaluation or design of network configurationYear One Projects:This is not an all-inclusive list of every project that will occur during the contract term. The awarded bidder should be prepared to perform project management and engineering services for a multitude of other projects that are not listed here.Radio Network OperationsThe awarded bidder will assist the PC-CSD with facilitating and/or supporting future radio network enhancements, improvements, expansions etc. to address potential operational needs or requirements, as they arise. This may include coverage extensions, providing additional services, addressing customer concerns/requests, researching system interference issues, etc.LicensingThe awarded bidder will prepare new 700MHz duplex, simplex, and FB2T license application(s) and any required engineering data needed for complete Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submittal, including any additional new license applications, as necessary to support the Pierce County Radio Communications Systems/Networks.The awarded bidder will be responsible to coordinate, maintain, and renew existing licenses.Tower Inspection Coordination & Results AssessmentThe awarded bidder will coordinate and assess tower inspector work and recommendations. Any recommended repairs will be coordinated between the awarded bidder and the PC-CSD team.Radio Replacement Coordination Activities (If needed)The awarded bidder will assist in the replacement of aging/end-of-life subscriber radios to ensure any product line selected will meet the current PC-CSD communications system operating requirements. This may include researching and making product line recommendations to meet customer user needs and system compatibility.Site Infrastructure & Network Enhancements and/or Replacements (to include site towers, site re-designs/re-locations, and network re-designs)The awarded bidder will assist in the enhancement or replacement of aging/end-of-life infrastructure/equipment to ensure that product line selected will meet the current PC-CSD communications system requirements. This may include researching and making recommendations to meet system/site compatibility requirements.The awarded bidder will assist with any site re-design and/or re-location to include network associated design work, site development and engineering.Backhaul Network AdjustmentsTo continue operating our communications network in a succinct and technologically proficient manner that meets customer needs, we continually assess the way our backhaul/transport is structured/designed. The awarded bidder will be expected to participate in backhaul transport discussions (at the request of the PC-CSD), providing expert guidance on transport options and risks including analysis and recommendations.Three Sisters Shore Power GrantProject management assistance to complete phase 1 grant requirements for the engineering design services for electrical distribution to the Three-Sisters Communication facilities, associated permitting and applicable regulatory compliance requirements. No construction or ground-disturbing activities will occur during phase 1.Project management assistance for phase 2 grant requirements for the construction activities driven out for the engineering design for electrical distribution to the Three-Sisters Communication facilities.Coordinate with PC staff on grant process and support effort to complete phase 1 and 2 submission documents.OtherThe PC-CSD reserves the right to request services of the awarded bidder for work on any unforeseen operational or project requirement, that may necessitate the services of a project management or engineering firm.

The County will not reimburse proposers for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this RFQ or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.

Please use the following as a guideline to format your qualifications:Font Size: Please fonts no smaller than 11 pointsFormat: In order for Pierce County to adequately compare and evaluate qualification objectively, each response to specific requests and criteria should be clearly labeled.Page Count: Maximum qualifications length should not excess 20 pages - NOT including title page, letter of interest (cover letter), table of contents, resumes and required forms.)These requirements are in addition to any other requirements identified herein.

BIDDERS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD BID DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the FOLLOWER'S list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for bid updates, addendum and other bid information will be sent to all bidders who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.

Pierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Questions and Answer Section not later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Bidders must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software in order to submit questions, receive addenda, notifications and ultimately submit a proposal.Proposals must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services and the Finance Department before 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The proposer is responsible for submission of proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.

The initial contract period is anticipated to be for 12 months The County has the option of renewing for an additional four years after initial contract is executed. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm based on consultant and agency staff availability and finalized scope of work.

The Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFQ, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases. Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.

Proposals submitted under this Solicitation will be considered public documents and, with limited exceptions, will become public information and may be reviewed by appointment by anyone requesting to do so following the conclusion of the evaluation, negotiation, and award process. This process is concluded when a signed contract is completed between the Pierce County and the Proposer. If a firm considers any portion of its response to be protected under the law, the vendor shall clearly identify each such portion with words such as “CONFIDENTIAL,” “PROPRIETARY” or “TRADE SECRET” on each page for which the protection is sought. If a request is made for disclosure of such portion, Pierce County will notify the vendor of the request.