The Preliminary and Final Design Engineering sought is for a full range of services and will build off work from the 2023 TS&L Study (KPFF). The objective of the scope of work will be to build from and advance the previously completed effort to complete preliminary and final engineering design, contract plans, special provisions, and engineer’s estimate, in accordance with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 10th Edition, WSDOT Bridge Design Manual (BDM), WSDOT Geotechnical Design Manual (GDM), WSDOT Hydraulic Manual, WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines (LAG), the Pierce County Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual (2026) and other applicable design standards. The services are expected to include, but are not limited to, the following:Project management,Coordination and collaboration with teams working on other stages of the larger estuary restoration project,Civil and structural engineering design,Mitigation, restoration, and/or enhancement design for shorelines, wetlands and fish and wildlife conservation areas,Hydraulic design including supplementing the previously completed model/investigations and hydraulic design to account for future conditions following dam removal resulting in new geomorphology and tidal influence,Applicable engineering studies and design reports,Development of final contract plans, specifications and estimate (PSE) package for project advertisement,Traffic engineering for channelization, illumination, signals and signing required for new pedestrian crossings and parking accommodations adjacent to the Chambers Creek Canyon trail system,Geotechnical engineering as needed to supplement previously completed geotechnical investigations,On-Site wastewater treatment system research, field location, and re-design for existing systems that are impacted by the project,Assistance with organizing, coordinating, and staffing public meetings, including preparation of public outreach materials,Assistance with preparing documents needed to seek bridge replacement funding from the WSDOT Local Bridge Program or similar federal/state grant programs,Development of environmental permitting application materials for federal, state and local permits to construct the project,Assistance with communication, coordination and engagement with tribes, interested parties, surrounding jurisdictions (City of University Place, Town of Steilacoom and City of Lakewood) and the community,Development of stakeholder agreements related to bridge replacement cost, maintenance and inspection,Development of a comprehensive constructability plan for implementing construction including but not limited to utility relocation and addition of new utilities, reduction in service disruptions, and future stages of the estuary restoration project, to include:Town of Steilacoom 18-inch-diameter force main:This force main is located downstream of the bridge and is currently supported on a pile bent structure. This utility will need to be temporarily relocated during construction and then permanently relocated and supported on the new bridge structure.Pierce County 4-inch and 6-inch sanitary sewer siphon:These siphons are adjacent to the existing bridge and will need to be relocated with a single new sewer line attached to the new bridge structure. Two existing vaults are located at either end of the proposed bridge and will serve as tie-in points for the new sewer line.Puget Sound Energy 6-inch, high-pressure gas line:Currently located underneath the southbound shoulder of Chambers Creek Road at the bridge crossing. This line will be protected in place during construction. The line will be permanently relocated to and supported on the new bridge structure.Tacoma Public Utilities 15 kV overhead power:Medium voltage (15kV) lines run across the existing bridge alignment. The finished grade elevation of the proposed structure is required to remain 30 feet clear of these wires. Design alternatives will seek to avoid conflict with this utility.Pierce County owned 8-inch water main, reclaimed water lines, and buried fiber optic lines that serve the County wastewater treatment plan:All located to the north of the existing bridge.Pierce County storm drainage infrastructure:All drain infrastructure and lines will need to be evaluated, and protection measures addressed to ensure runoff treatment options are outlined in design. A piped conveyance system directs runoff from the treatment facility’s parking and access roads to the intersection near Chambers Creek Road. The runoff is collected at the southern corner of the intersection and discharged via an 18-inch stormwater conveyance pipe heading down the South Service Road with its own outfall. Roadway runoff from Chambers Creek Road is collected in a separate underground system north of the existing bridge. This runoff is conveyed to a 12-inch metal outfall pipe and discharged into Chambers Creek at the southwest corner of the intersection.The County will furnish, conduct, or secure the following:Horizontal and vertical survey control and topographic surveying,Previously completed project documents,Previously completed mapping, plans, profiles, cross sections, aerial photos, and related project information,Public meetings,Assembling and printing the final contract bid package,Environmental resource agency coordination and permitting activities, andRight-of-Way easements and acquisition, rights of entry and preparation of legal descriptions.

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.

For proposals to be considered, the following must be included in your submittal:A letter of interest from the prime consultant, signed by the principal professional intended to lead the project effort. The letter needs to include contact information, the number of years the consultant has been in business under current or previous names, or additional assumed business names. Provide similar information concerning each subconsultant. 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 the 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 absence, together with similar information for each individual to be provided under any subcontract. A proposal that outlines your firm's 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 is 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, the Consultant agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the Consultant pursuant to this proposal shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the Consultant. The Consultant 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.

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.The 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 A" may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Consultants.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

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.

CONSULTANTS 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, April 15, 2026. Consultants 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 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The Consultant is responsible for the submission of the proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.

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.

It is the policy of Pierce County to foster an environment that encourages economic growth and diversification, business development and retention, increases competition and reduces unemployment. In support of that policy, Pierce County reaffirms its commitment to maximize opportunities in public contracting for all contractors including minority and women owned business enterprises.Proposers are encouraged to utilize qualified, local businesses in Pierce County and Washington State where cost effectiveness is deemed competitive. In addition, Proposers are encouraged to subcontract with firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (MWBE).MWBE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCEA directory of MWBE firms is published quarterly by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Copies of the directory are available from the State OMWBE (360-753-9693) or may be viewed at the Public Works Department, 2702 S 42nd St Suite 201, Tacoma 98409, and the Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, 98402. Contact the Contract Compliance Office for additional information at (253) 798-7250.