Request for Qualifications (RFQ)On-Call Engineering Services and Architectural Services
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Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 4th Street NW
Hickory, NC 28601
Date: August 12, 2026
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
On-Call Engineering and Architectural Services for Disaster Recovery
1. Program Overview
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has released the FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Funding Opportunity to support construction and non-construction initiatives in areas with federally declared major disasters under the Robert T. Stafford Act (2023–2024). Individual grant awards range from $250,000 to $20 million for eligible government entities.
Due to the significant impact of Tropical Storm Helene in 2024 (DR-4827-NC), several North Carolina counties are eligible for this federal aid. To assist local governments with their application packages, the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is coordinating the preparation of Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) and Building Construction Cost Estimates. Up to $250,000 in funding is available for these reports.
Note: The WPCOG reserves the right to withhold project awards if anticipated federal funding is reduced or cancelled.
2. Scope of Services & Target Area
The WPCOG seeks qualified engineering and architectural firms on an as-needed basis to develop PERs and building cost estimates for eligible storm-recovery projects. Priority will be given to projects in the most heavily impacted areas within the following North Carolina counties:
Allegany
Alexander
Ashe
Burke
Caldwell
Catawba
Watauga
Wilkes
Required Scope of Work
Selected firms will be expected to:
Prepare complete PERs and Building Construction Cost Estimates that comply with standard EDA application requirements, including federal form ED-900C.
Coordinate directly with local government leaders and WPCOG staff throughout the planning and drafting process.
3. Eligible Project Types & Compliance
Because Disaster Supplemental applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline, timely delivery of reports is vital to project readiness and funding success. Potential infrastructure and recovery projects include:
Public water and sewer system upgrades or construction
Roadway and bridge infrastructure improvements
Rail and freight network upgrades
Industrial park development or expansion
Broadband and telecommunication expansion
Workforce development and job training facilities
Other public infrastructure initiatives promoting long-term economic resilience
Regulatory & Contractual Requirements
2 CFR 200 Compliance: All PERs and architectural cost estimates must adhere to federal procurement standards under 2 CFR 200 for activities linked to proposed federal awards.
Subcontracting: Any intended subcontracting must be disclosed in writing within the proposal.
Multiple Awards: WPCOG reserves the right to award multiple service contracts, choose the best-qualified applicant, or reject any or all submittals.
Addenda: Any addenda will be published on the WPCOG website. Submitting firms are responsible for monitoring the website for updates.
4. Submission Instructions
Deadline: September 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST
Submission Contact: Email responses directly to Ben Willis at ben.willis@wpcog.org
Required Subject Line:
RFQ for On-Call Engineering Services Response OR
RFQ for On-Call Architectural Services Response
5. Submittal Requirements
Proposals must include the following distinct sections:
A. References
Provide three (3) professional client references from within the last five (5) years verifying the quality of your firm’s work. Each reference must include:
Contact person name, email address, phone number, and nature of the relationship
Description of services regularly performed for the client
Name and location of two (2) projects where your firm's engineering/architectural work is clearly observable and foundational
B. Narrative
Concisely address the following information within the proposal narrative:
Firm History: A brief overview of your organization.
Qualifications & Staffing: Summary of staff skills and qualifications relevant to this scope. Identify key personnel and principal engineer(s) assigned to WPCOG projects, including their credentials.
Relevant Experience: Summary of public-sector experience aligned with this RFQ, emphasizing North Carolina-specific expertise.
Speed of Delivery: Demonstrated capacity to draft and deliver complete PERs or cost estimates within tight timeframes.
Primary Location: Specify the office location(s) that will primarily serve WPCOG.
Litigation History: A brief statement detailing any history of performance or professional liability litigation.
Rate Schedule: Provide standard personnel hourly rate schedules.
⚠️CRITICAL: DO NOT INCLUDE A PRICED PROPOSAL OR COST ESTIMATE FOR SERVICES. Submit hourly billing rates only.
6. Evaluation and Selection Process
An impartial selection committee appointed by the WPCOG will review all proposals. While interviews are possible, final selections may be made strictly on submittal evaluations.
Selection Criteria (In No Particular Order):
Relevant qualifications, experience, and expertise of the firm and proposed team.
Credentials and track record of the designated Project Manager(s).
Past performance and feedback from reference checks on similar public projects.
Proposed project management approach, particularly speed and efficiency in generating PERs and cost estimates.
Team location, with preference given to firms with strong local presence and quick responsiveness.
The WPCOG reserves the right to request proposal clarifications, reject any or all responses, re-advertise this solicitation, waive technicalities or informalities, and award contracts strictly based on the best interests and needs of the region.
Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Paloma Garcia Serrano al 828-485-4281 o en Western Piedmont Council of Governments, 1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28801.
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