SUBJECT
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Consideration to select and negotiate RFQ 2026-006 professional consulting services contract with the top two scorers, Carollo Engineers, Inc., Dallas, TX and Garver, LLC, Frisco, TX, for an assessment and optimization study of the City’s surface water treatment plants in an annual amount not to exceed $750,000. This assessment will evaluate the performance, efficiency, and condition of the Jefferson Street and El Pico Water Treatment Plants, with a focus on filter assessments, process optimization, reliability, and long-term capital planning for the Utilities Department. The contract term is for one (1) year and is contingent upon annual budget appropriations. The firms that responded to the RFQ and their consensus scores were:
1. Carollo Engineers, Inc. - 1
2. Garver, LLC - 2
3. Ardurra - 3
4. Freese and Nichols, Inc. - 4
The Selection Committee recommends proceeding to scope refinement and fee negotiations with the two highest‐ranked firms, Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Garver, LLC.
No financial Impact at this time.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None
BACKGROUND
The City received four (4) proposals in response to RFQ 2026-006, issued by the City of Laredo Utilities Department for professional consulting services to conduct a comprehensive assessment and optimization study of the City’s two surface water treatment plants (Jefferson Street WTP and El Pico WTP). The RFQ was publicly advertised and posted in accordance with the City’s procurement policies and procedures.
The scope of work contemplated under RFQ 2026-006 includes, but is not limited to:
• Detailed evaluation of plant processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and residuals management;
• Filter condition and performance assessment, including backwash optimization and media evaluation;
• Hydraulic and operational review to identify bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and efficiency opportunities;
• Assessment of staffing, operations, and maintenance practices to support sustainable performance;
• Development of prioritized recommendations, implementation sequencing, and conceptual-level costs to guide future capital investments.
A Selection Committee reviewed and scored the proposals against the published criteria: (1) Subject Matter Expertise & Key Personnel, (2) Assessment & Optimization
Approach, (3) Proven Outcomes on Similar Surface Water Assessments, (4) Familiarity with Laredo Systems, and (5) Capacity & Availability. Based on the consensus scoring, Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Garver, LLC tied for the highest score at 90 points each, followed by Ardurra at 85 and Freese and Nichols, Inc. at 80.
Consistent with the City’s best-value procurement practices, staff is requesting authorization to negotiate a professional services contract with the top two scorers, Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Garver, LLC, and return to Council for contract award once scope, fees, and terms have been finalized.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Moderate - Indirectly supports or contributes to the intent of a verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Plan.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Relevant themes from the Viva Laredo Plan that connect to this agenda item include:
• The Plan’s overarching vision that Laredo will “improve the health of its residents, improve affordability, and upgrade its quality of life” through strategic public investments and infrastructure improvements.
Relevance: Ensuring reliable, high-quality drinking water through optimized treatment plant performance directly supports public health and quality of life and can help mitigate long-term costs.
• Emphasis on “Infrastructure; Environmental and Natural Resources … Technology and Communications” as focus areas for community planning and investment.
Relevance: This agenda item addresses critical water infrastructure and leverages technical assessment and process optimization to modernize utility operations.
The comprehensive plan’s role in establishing priorities for public-sector action related to physical and economic development.
• Relevance: Evaluating and upgrading core utility infrastructure is a foundational public-sector action that underpins sustainable growth and economic resilience.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed assessment and optimization study is a forward-looking initiative that will position the City to:
• Improve the performance, reliability, and regulatory resilience of its water treatment plants;
• Identify cost-effective capital and operational improvements;
• Support long-term sustainability, environmental stewardship, and service quality for residents and businesses.
While the Viva Laredo Plan does not explicitly reference water treatment plant optimization by name, the agenda item is moderately aligned with the Plan’s broader goals around infrastructure modernization, quality of life, and strategic public-sector investment.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended that City Council authorize staff to select and negotiate a professional consulting services contract under RFQ 2026-006 with the top two scorers, Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Garver, LLC, for the surface water treatment plant assessment and optimization study, and to return to Council for final contract award upon completion of negotiations.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: 2024 Water Revenue Bond
Account #: NA
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None - The anticipated cost of the professional consulting services will be funded within the existing approved budget appropriations for the Utilities Department’s capital program.