RFP #965 — 2027 Structural Engineering Support

A single as-needed contract (not to exceed $600,000 over four years) for structural analysis and design, bridge and culvert hydraulics, inspections, load ratings and grant support for Clark County's bridge and structure programs.

Solicitation	Request for Proposal #965 (Architectural and Engineering Services)
Agency	Clark County, Washington — Public Works Department
Released	Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Proposals due	Wednesday, October 14, 2026 by 11:00 am (Pacific time, at the Purchasing office in Vancouver, WA). LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED – NO EXCEPTIONS (cover page).
Anticipated value	Not to exceed $600,000 across multiple task assignments; no federal funds; four-year contract intended to run January 25, 2027 – December 31, 2030; There is no guarantee of any expenditure on this contract (Sections IA-6, IA-7, IB-5, PDF pp.5–8)
County contact	Elizabeth Gregg, Engineer III, Elizabeth.Gregg@clark.wa.gov, 360-524-1308 (cover page)
Addenda & Q&A published at	Clark County RFP page (clark.wa.gov/internal-services/request-proposal-1). Addenda are also issued to all recorded plan holders.

Prepared by Deadline Bid Desk from the published RFP. Verify every row against the RFP and addenda before submitting; the county's documents govern.

Addenda and Q&A status — window still open

Checked on the county RFP page on September 25, 2026: only the RFP document and the Plan Holder List are posted — no Q&A and no addendum yet. The question window for this RFP is still open: questions close September 30, 2026 (11:00 am PST) and an addendum, if needed, will be issued by October 2, 2026 (Sections IA-9 and IIA-2, PDF pp.7 and 12). A Q&A document or addendum may therefore still appear — check the county page in early October and again before you submit. The cover sheet requires you to acknowledge any addenda issued (row 11 below).

Compliance matrix

Every mandatory submission requirement we could extract from the RFP, with the place it appears and the exact language that makes it mandatory. Page numbers are PDF pages of the RFP document as published. Print this, work down the checkboxes.

RFP #965 — mandatory requirements
#	Requirement	Where it appears (verbatim key phrase)	Format rule / consequence	Done
1	Eligibility gate: have a nationally certified bridge inspector (per 23 CFR 650.305) on staff, identify that person in the proposal, and list their qualifications.	Section IA-1 (PDF p.5): Firms must have a nationally certified bridge inspector (per 23 CFR 650.305) on staff in order to qualify. Repeated at Section IB-1 (PDF p.8): Consultant must have a certified bridge inspector (team leader) to qualify.	Proposals must identify this staff member and list their qualifications. No inspector named = not qualified.	☐
2	Submit one original and two complete copies. (No USB or electronic copy is requested for this RFP.)	Cover page (PDF p.1): One (1) Original, Two (2) Complete Copies.	Proposals with insufficient copies may not be accepted (Section IIB-1, PDF p.12).	☐
3	Deliver by UPS, FedEx or hand delivery to Clark County, ATTN: Office of Purchasing, 1300 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Suite 650, Vancouver WA 98660. USPS delivery is listed as Not Available.	Cover page (PDF p.1). Office hours 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday – Friday, except Legal Holidays.	No electronic mail submissions. Do not mail via the US Postal Service.	☐
4	Sealed proposal received by 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 14, 2026.	Cover page (PDF p.1); Section IIB-1 (PDF p.12): Sealed proposals must be received no later than the date, time and location specified on the cover.	Responses received after submittal time will not be considered and will be returned to the Proposer - unopened.	☐
5	Mark the outside of the envelope/package with (1) the RFP number, (2) the title, (3) your name and address.	Section IIB-1 (PDF p.12): The outside of the envelope/package shall clearly identify the three items.	Label: "RFP #965 — 2027 Structural Engineering Support" plus proposer name and address.	☐
6	Proposal body limited to four (4) pages, excluding resumes, coversheet and debarment form.	Section IIB-2 (PDF p.12): Proposals must be clear, succinct and not exceed four (4 ) pages, excluding resumes, coversheet and debarment form.	Extra pages may not have the additional pages of the proposal read or considered. Double-sided sheets count as two pages (PDF p.13). Four pages for five content sections — plan the word budget before writing.	☐
7	Register with the MRSC Rosters (select Clark County).	Section IA-2 (PDF p.5): your business must be registered with the MRSC Rosters.	Failure to register may result in your proposal being marked non-responsive.	☐
8	Be on the Plan Holders List before submitting; if not listed, email Attachment B (Letter of Interest) to Koni.Odell@clark.wa.gov and Misty.Davis@clark.wa.gov.	Section IB-10 (PDF p.11): All proposers are required to be listed on the plan holders list. Attachment B (PDF p.17).	Proposals received by Clark County by proposers not included on the Plan Holders List may be considered non-responsive. The Letter of Interest is emailed beforehand, not submitted with the proposal.	☐
9	Do not include cost or pricing. This is a qualifications-based selection under 39.80 RCW.	Section IA-1 (PDF p.5): This is a qualifications-based selection process, do not submit costs with proposal. Repeated at Section IIC-6 (PDF p.13).	Submitting pricing contradicts an explicit instruction in a process where The ability to follow these instructions demonstrates attention to detail (PDF p.13).	☐
10	Respond to every section of the RFP; use Attachment A as the signed proposal cover sheet.	Section IA-1 (PDF p.5): Proposers shall respond to all sections to be considered. Section IIC-1 (PDF p.13); Attachment A (PDF p.16) carries the certification and signature block.	Complete all cover sheet fields including Tax Identification Number; authorized signature and date.	☐
11	Acknowledge receipt of addenda by checking the box(es) on the Attachment A cover sheet ("None" if none were issued).	Attachment A (PDF p.16): Proposer shall acknowledge receipt of Addenda by checking the appropriate box(es).	Failure to do so, shall render the proposer non-responsive and therefore be rejected. The addendum window runs to October 2, 2026 — check before submitting.	☐
12	Complete, sign and submit Attachment C — Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters.	Section IB-6 (PDF p.9): All proposers must fill out, sign and submit the certification with their proposal to be eligible to participate. Form at PDF p.18.	Debarred or suspended (federal or WA State) suppliers may not participate.	☐
13	Content — Project Team: for each individual available for county work, provide name, title, years of experience, office location, relevant certifications, and expertise in one or more Section IB-1 areas.	Section IIC-2 (PDF p.13): Provide information on the individuals that will be available to work on county projects.	Resumes are excluded from the 4-page limit (row 6) — put depth there.	☐
14	Content — Management Approach: describe the firm's approach to, and provide references for past performance in: quality of work, responsiveness, cost effectiveness, control of budget.	Section IIC-3 (PDF p.13): Describe firm’s approach to, and provide references for past performance in, the following areas (four bullets).	References are required for this section, not just narrative.	☐
15	Content — Respondent's Capabilities: projects demonstrating the firm's capabilities in the Section IB-1 areas (feasibility studies, TS&L, scour, inspections, load ratings, grant applications).	Section IIC-4 (PDF p.13): Provide information on projects the firm or team members have worked on that demonstrate the firm’s capabilities in the areas listed in Section IB.1.	Worth 25 of 100 points, tied with Project Team for the largest weight.	☐
16	Content — Project Approach and Understanding: projects demonstrating understanding of WSDOT, AASHTO and FHWA design standards, WSDOT inspection procedures and reporting, and WSDOT/AASHTO load rating procedures.	Section IIC-5 (PDF p.13): demonstrate the firm’s understanding of Washington State Department of Transportation ( WSDOT), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ( AASHTO), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) design standards.	Evidence via projects, not assertions.	☐
17	Include a conflict-of-interest statement disclosing or denying any interest a Clark County employee/official or Advisory Board member may have in your firm or the project.	General Terms and Conditions (PDF p.2): All proposals submitted must contain a statement disclosing or denying any interest, financial or otherwise.	Applies even if the answer is "none" — say so in writing.	☐
18	Identify any outside assistance used in preparing the proposal (Authorship clause); consortium members must certify each member can meet the RFP requirements. Read the sample contract (Exhibit A) before submitting.	General Terms and Conditions (PDF p.2); Section IIIB-2 (PDF p.15): the sample agreement should be read carefully before submitting a proposal.	The proposal may become part of the final contract.	☐
19	Post-award (not in the proposal): E-Verify MOU before contract execution (sole proprietors submit a letter stating such); proof of insurance before performance — CGL $1M/$2M, professional liability $1M/$3M, auto $1M (or a letterhead statement that no vehicles are used), $1M umbrella, waiver of subrogation, Clark County as additional insured, insurers rated A-VII or better.	Section IA-10 (PDF p.7); Section IB-9 (PDF pp.9–10): Proof of Insurance shall be provided prior to the starting of the contract performance.	Not scored, but line up certificates for the November–December 2026 negotiation window.	☐

Evaluation breakdown

Two 100-point stages (Section IIIA, PDF p.14). The county intends to interview a minimum of three teams, and — read this twice — The interview alone will determine the final consultant selection, with proposal scores used only to break an interview tie. The written proposal's whole job is to get you shortlisted.

Written proposal (100 points — determines the shortlist)
Criterion	Points	What an evaluator can actually reward
Project Team (education and experience with Section IB-1 areas)	25	Named individuals with certifications — starting with the 23 CFR 650.305 bridge inspector — mapped to the task types the county will actually assign.
Management Approach (past performance: quality, responsiveness, cost effectiveness, budget control)	20	References who will confirm you turn small task assignments around fast and on budget; on-call work is bought on trust.
Respondent's Capabilities (experience with the requested capabilities)	25	Projects spanning the breadth of Section IB-1 — inspection, load rating, scour, TS&L, grant support — not depth in one specialty only.
Project understanding (WSDOT, AASHTO, FHWA standards; WSDOT inspection procedures and reporting; load rating procedures)	15	Work delivered under WSDOT procedures specifically — Washington local-agency experience reads differently from generic DOT work.
Proposal Quality (concise, well-organized, accurate)	15	Fifteen points effectively awarded for how well you use four pages.
Total	100

Interview (100 points — decides the selection)
Criterion	Points
Approach to evaluating bridges and culverts for replacement or retrofit; experience with scour mitigation, seismic upgrades, strengthening	15
Experience evaluating maintenance needs and designing repairs; maintenance recommendations/plans; emphasis on preservation (deck repairs, guardrail/bridge rail, overlays, joints)	15
Experience providing grant application support including cost estimating	15
Experience providing routine and specialty inspections (underwater, rope access, emergency)	20
Experience providing scour evaluation and hydraulic analysis for bridges and culverts	15
Approach to control of budget and schedule	10
Quality of presentation — how well the firm demonstrated ability to meet the scope	10
Total	100

The heaviest interview weight (20 points) is specialty inspection capability — underwater, rope access and emergency response. If that capacity lives with a subconsultant, bring that subconsultant to the interview.

Submission logistics

Due: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 11:00 am Pacific — received, not postmarked.
Method: UPS / FedEx / hand delivery only. USPS: not available. Email: not accepted.
Address: Clark County, ATTN: Office of Purchasing, 1300 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Suite 650, Vancouver WA 98660. Office hours 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Mon–Fri except legal holidays.
Package: 1 original + 2 complete copies, sealed, envelope marked with RFP number, title, proposer name and address.
Forms in the package: Attachment A cover sheet (signed, addenda boxes checked) and Attachment C debarment certification (signed). Attachment B (Letter of Interest) is emailed beforehand only if you are not on the plan holders list.
No pricing anywhere — qualifications-based selection.
Questions close September 30, 2026, 11:00 am PST; an addendum, if needed, will be issued by October 2, 2026. Check the county page after those dates.

Sample: project approach and understanding — an opening

Every bidder has to write Section IIC-5 inside a four-page limit, so it has to work hard. Here is how we would open it. Firm facts are placeholders; the project facts are from the RFP.

An on-call structural contract is judged by a different clock than a capital project. Clark County's bridge and structure programs will hand [FIRM] task assignments that arrive without warning — a scour question after a storm, a load rating for an overweight haul, an emergency inspection — alongside planned work like TS&L development, retrofit feasibility studies and grant applications. The RFP is explicit that there is no guaranteed expenditure and that every task's scope, schedule and fee is fixed in writing before work begins; our approach is built around making those task assignments fast to scope, cheap to administer and predictable to close out. For each request, [FIRM] returns a short written scope with assumptions, deliverables, schedule and a not-to-exceed fee within [N] business days, so the county's contract administrator can issue the assignment — or redirect us — without burning program time.

The technical breadth the county lists is the breadth we would staff. Our certified bridge inspector and proposed team leader, [NAME], holds [CERTIFICATION DETAILS] and meets 23 CFR 650.305; behind that role sit engineers with [WSDOT/AASHTO LRFD design, load rating using WSDOT and AASHTO procedures, and hydraulic analysis] experience, with specialty access — underwater and rope access — provided by [TEAM MEMBER OR SUBCONSULTANT]. Scour evaluation and countermeasure design follow HEC-18 and HEC-23, as the RFP specifies, and inspection deliverables follow WSDOT inspection procedures and reporting so that county records stay consistent with the state inventory.

Because most tasks begin with what the county already knows, we start every assignment by working from the county's own file — as-built plans, inspection reports, existing load ratings and scour appraisals — before proposing new field work. That discipline keeps small tasks small: a maintenance evaluation should not grow into a design contract unless the structure genuinely warrants it, and when it does, our concept plans and cost estimates are written so the county can carry them straight into a grant application. On budget control, our record is simple to check: on [REFERENCE CONTRACT], [N] task assignments were delivered over [PERIOD] with [OUTCOME — e.g., every task closed at or under its written fee]; the reference contacts in Section [X] will confirm it.

[FIRM] treats a four-year, task-order contract as a standing promise of availability. Our commitment: an acknowledged response to any county request within [N] hours, and honest advice when a task is better done by county staff.

This page is free

If you want your response written: Compliance Pack USD 595, full narrative sections USD 1,950 (50% deposit). Charged in ZAR equivalent via card (Yoco). ruben@deadlinebiddesk.com. All work in writing.