The City of Yakima is inviting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from firms interested in providing professional engineering services for the following SIED funded project:  Ahtanum – Wiley City Sewer Study. Services provided will include examining the feasibility of expanding sewer services within Wiley City’s Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRD) and the broader Wiley City/Ahtanum area, where aging septic systems are failing.

SOQs shall be limited to 20 pages including the cover and shall include the following information:

• Project Proposal – Summarize the unique qualities of your team and the services included in your proposal.
• Key Personnel –Demonstrate that you have personnel available to perform this work that have significant experience with similar projects.  Describe how your team will be organized and able to accomplish the project.
• Familiarity with sewer system analysis and feasibility studies – Demonstrate an understanding of the elements needed to manage and deliver sewer study projects.  Provide examples.
• Familiarity with local wastewater treatment facility design and feasibility
• Experience with Stakeholder Engagement and Public Outreach
• References – Please provide the names and contact information of at least three persons, and their organizations with which the City of Yakima may discuss previous project experience with your firm.

Statement of Qualifications will be evaluated on a competitive basis using the above criteria. The City will score the received Statements of Qualifications and may conduct interviews.

SOQs shall be received by 10:00 a.m., June 24th, 2025, by email to engineering@yakimawa.gov. Questions regarding the RFQ should be directed to Trevor Martin by email at trevor.martin@yakimawa.gov or at (509) 575-6042.

A more detailed scope of work for the project is listed below:

1. Project Overview

This scope of work aims to examine the feasibility of expanding sewer services within Wiley City’s Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRD) and the broader Wiley City/Ahtanum area, where aging septic systems are failing. The study will explore alternatives for establishing a comprehensive wastewater management system, including:

• Connection to the existing City of Yakima Sewer System
• The feasibility of constructing a new wastewater treatment facility in Wiley City
• Regulatory, financial, and environmental considerations related to both approaches

2. Tasks and Methodology

    Task 1: Assessment of Connecting to the Existing City of Yakima Sewer System

• Infrastructure Analysis: Evaluate the current capacity of the City of Yakima Sewer System and its ability to accommodate additional wastewater flows. Identify compacity concerns and added costs to final cost estimate.
• Connection Alternatives: Explore different options for integrating Wiley City/Ahtanum’s wastewater flows into Yakima’s system:
  • Gravity Sewer System: Direct connection to Yakima’s existing sewer main.
  • Force Main Collection System: Utilizing pump stations to aggregate wastewater and discharge into the Yakima WWTP.
• Cost Evaluation: Develop preliminary cost estimates for pipeline extensions, pump station installations, and long-term operations and maintenance.
• Regulatory Review: Examine policies, agreements, and permitting requirements for intergovernmental collaboration.

    Task 2: Evaluation of a Local Wastewater Treatment System

• Site Selection & Feasibility: Identify potential sites for a wastewater treatment facility and assess land use compatibility.
• Treatment Technology Options: Explore viable treatment solutions, including:
  • Conventional activated sludge systems
  • Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for producing high-quality reuse water
• Reuse Water Production: Investigate wastewater treatment processes that could support:
  • Drought mitigation
  • Groundwater recharge
  • Stream augmentation, benefiting both residents and wildlife
• Environmental Impact Analysis: Conduct preliminary studies on water quality, soil conditions, and ecological impact.
• Capital & Operational Cost Estimates: Develop financial projections for facility construction, operations, and maintenance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Review state and federal permitting requirements, including discharge standards and environmental regulations.

       Task 3: Stakeholder Engagement & Public Outreach

• Coordination with Local & Regional Authorities: Engage with Yakima County officials, the City of Yakima, and other stakeholders.
• Community Outreach: Hold informational sessions to gather input from Wiley City/Ahtanum residents and affected businesses.
• Funding Opportunities & Grant Analysis: Identify potential funding sources, including state and federal infrastructure grants.

3. Deliverables

• Technical reports on infrastructure feasibility
• Cost estimates and financial models
• Regulatory and policy analysis
• Public outreach summary and recommendations
• Final feasibility study report with next steps

4. Timeline

A phased approach will be developed based on project milestones, with initial assessments completed within 6-12 months.

The City of Yakima in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing or calling Trevor Martin at the information provided above.

The City of Yakima, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair 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.

Qualified disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned consultants are encouraged to respond. The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer.