Project Information

Bid Title

Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project

Issuing Agency

City of Morgantown

Location

West Virginia

Published Date

Dec 16, 2025

Closing Date

Jan 22, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project
Category:	Engineering
Status:	Open

Description: The City of Morgantown is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms to provide professional design services for the Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative; a federally funded project aimed at designing a system to capture and remove floating debris and trash that accumulates behind the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela River. The selected firm will assist in the design of a debris removal system that addresses both natural and anthropogenic materials, with a focus on environmental sustainability and operational feasibility. Responses from prospective firms are due to the City of Morgantown by January 22, 2026, no later than 3pm. Detailed information as to the specific services requested and the requisite content of the written statement of qualifications are set forth in the related Request for Qualifications document, which can be obtained at http://morgantownwv.gov/bids.aspx .Top firms will be invited to interview with a selection committee. This RFQ is issued in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0011401. This RFQ is an invitation from the City of Morgantown (City) to qualified and experienced engineering and design firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the design of an in-river trash collection system, at the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela River. The system is intended to intercept and remove floating trash and debris from the Monongahela River before it flows further downstream. The system design may include boats or other equipment, so long as the design is acceptable to the US  Army Corps within the restricted zone of the dam. The design may also include a semi-autonomous solution that uses a combination of hydro and solar power to continuously remove litter and debris from the water. The debris is composed mostly of natural drift like trees and leaves but also very visible trash like barrels, water bottles and other man-made litter. On many dams, water flows over the dam, and most floating material passes without accumulating above the dam. However, the Morgantown Dam has gates that release water from below the upstream pool surface. The floating debris cannot be flushed or move downstream until a gate can be raised above the upper pool surface. This can only occur during significant high rainfall events upstream of Morgantown. It is also during these high-water events that more drift and trash are displaced from the shoreline and float downstream to the dam. There is not a single point-source of drift or trash originating upstream of Morgantown that could be eliminated or controlled. The Monongahela River is a vital ecological and recreational asset for Morgantown. However, debris accumulation behind the lock and dam poses environmental and aesthetic challenges and has the potential to cause operational concerns for the dam itself. The City of Morgantown (City) has secured federal funding to design a system that will mitigate these issues. Activities under this RFQ are covered by a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA. Please see related documents for full RFQ. Publication Date/Time: 12/16/2025 7:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 1/22/2026 3:00 PM Contact Person: All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted electronically. Questions shall be directed via email to: Damien Davis at ddavis@morgantownwv.gov AND Vanessa Johnson at vjohnson@morgantownwv.gov AND Emily Muzzarelli at emuzzarelli@morgantownwv.gov Special Requirements: Firms must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following sections: A.        Cover Letter and Expression of Interest: An introduction of the firm, a statement of interest in this specific project, and an acknowledgment of all addenda (if applicable). B.        Firm Qualifications and Relevant Experience o        Project history: A summary of the firm's experience with similar projects, such as aquatic structures, environmental engineering, trash collection systems, or renewable energy integration. o        Relevant projects: Details on at least three projects completed within the last 10 years that demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully execute the scope of services. For each project, include the client, project dates, and a client reference with contact information. C.        Project Team o        Key personnel: Provide résumés for all key personnel who would be assigned to this project, highlighting relevant experience and certifications (e.g., professional engineering licenses). o        Team structure: Describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member and how they would be managed. D.        Understanding of the Project o        Narrative: A narrative that demonstrates the firm's understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with designing a trash removal system at the Morgantown Lock and Dam. o        Approach: A summary of the firm's proposed approach to the design process, including any innovative or cost-saving ideas. E.        Attachment A – Response Certification (template provided) The City will evaluate potential conflicts per 2 CFR 200.318(c)(2). Related Documents: Morgantown Trash Removal RFQ

Attachment Preview

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR

Professional Engineering Design Services for

Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project

Award Number: DE-EE0011401

Issued December 16, 2025 by

Department of Engineering and Public Works

389 Spruce Street

Morgantown, WV 26505

304-291-7465

http://morgantownwv.gov/bids.aspx

Public Notice

Published: December 16th and December 23rd, 2025

City of Morgantown, West Virginia

Request for Qualifications for Professional Design Services

The City of Morgantown is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering

firms to provide professional design services for the Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative; a

federally funded project aimed at designing a system to capture and remove floating debris

and trash that accumulates behind the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela River.

The selected firm will assist in the design of a debris removal system that addresses both

natural and anthropogenic materials, with a focus on environmental sustainability and

operational feasibility.

Responses from prospective firms are due to the City of Morgantown by January 22, 2026, no

later than 3pm. Detailed information as to the specific services requested and the requisite

content of the written statement of qualifications are set forth in the related Request for

Qualifications document, which can be obtained at http://morgantownwv.gov/bids.aspx .Top

firms will be invited to interview with a selection committee. This RFQ is issued in accordance

with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0011401.

Jamie Miller

City Manager

Introduction and Project Background

This RFQ is an invitation from the City of Morgantown (City) to qualified and experienced

engineering and design firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the design of

an in-river trash collection system, at the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela

River. The system is intended to intercept and remove floating trash and debris from the

Monongahela River before it flows further downstream. The system design may include boats

or other equipment, so long as the design is acceptable to the US Army Corps within the

restricted zone of the dam. The design may also include a semi-autonomous solution that uses

a combination of hydro and solar power to continuously remove litter and debris from the water.

The debris is composed mostly of natural drift like trees and leaves but also very visible trash

like barrels, water bottles and other man-made litter. On many dams, water flows over the dam,

and most floating material passes without accumulating above the dam. However, the

Morgantown Dam has gates that release water from below the upstream pool surface. The

floating debris cannot be flushed or move downstream until a gate can be raised above the

upper pool surface. This can only occur during significant high rainfall events upstream of

Morgantown. It is also during these high-water events that more drift and trash are displaced

from the shoreline and float downstream to the dam. There is not a single point-source of drift

or trash originating upstream of Morgantown that could be eliminated or controlled.

The Monongahela River is a vital ecological and recreational asset for Morgantown. However,

debris accumulation behind the lock and dam poses environmental and aesthetic challenges

and has the potential to cause operational concerns for the dam itself. The City of Morgantown

(City) has secured federal funding to design a system that will mitigate these issues.

Activities under this RFQ are covered by a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA.

Scope of Services

The selected firm will be responsible for providing comprehensive engineering and design

services, which may include:

 Site assessment and data collection : Conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed

location to determine the optimal placement, taking into account water flow dynamics,

debris characteristics, and accessibility for maintenance.

 Feasibility study: Evaluate the project's technical, operational, and financial feasibility.

This includes identifying potential challenges and developing alternative solutions.

 Technology Evaluation : Evaluation of debris removal technologies (e.g., booms,

conveyors, skimmers, boats, water robots)

 System design: Develop conceptual plans and final design of the system resulting in

detailed engineering plans and specifications for all components of the trash and debris

removal system, including:

o Structure: The main floating platform and anchoring system.

o Containment: The use of floating booms to funnel trash toward the removal

system.

o Power: Integration of a renewable powered by the river's current,

supplemented by solar power for low-flow conditions.

o Collection: A floating dumpster or collection barge for holding the debris.

o Operation: Development of an operational plan, including maintenance

schedules and protocols.

 Permitting support: Assist the City of Morgantown with the local, state, and federal

permitting processes required for in-water construction.

 Cost estimation: Provide a detailed breakdown of design and construction costs.

 Stakeholder Coordination : Assist with coordination between the City, U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders

Additional Scope if needed:

 Public engagement support

 Preparation of bidding documents

 Construction administration

Submission Requirements

Firms must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following sections:

A. Cover Letter and Expression of Interest : An introduction of the firm, a statement of

interest in this specific project, and an acknowledgment of all addenda (if applicable).

B. Firm Qualifications and Relevant Experience

o Project history : A summary of the firm's experience with similar projects, such

as aquatic structures, environmental engineering, trash collection systems, or

renewable energy integration.

o Relevant projects : Details on at least three projects completed within the last

10 years that demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully execute the scope

of services. For each project, include the client, project dates, and a client

reference with contact information.

C. Project Team

o Key personnel: Provide résumés for all key personnel who would be assigned

to this project, highlighting relevant experience and certifications (e.g.,

professional engineering licenses).

o Team structure: Describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member

and how they would be managed.

D. Understanding of the Project

o Narrative: A narrative that demonstrates the firm's understanding of the unique

challenges and opportunities associated with designing a trash removal system

at the Morgantown Lock and Dam.

o Approach: A summary of the firm's proposed approach to the design process,

including any innovative or cost-saving ideas.

E. Attachment A – Response Certification (template provided)

The City will evaluate potential conflicts per 2 CFR 200.318(c)(2).

Submission Details

Submissions and other required documents must be enclosed in a sealed opaque envelope

that is identified as “Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative Project ” including the Engineering

firm’s name and this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) due date.

The envelope shall be addressed to:

Damien Davis, PE

Director, Engineering and Public Works

City of Morgantown

389 Spruce Street

Morgantown, WV 26505

This is an open solicitation, and submissions must be received by January 22, 2026, no later

than 3pm. Submissions received after this date and time will be returned unopened. Offerors

are responsible for ensuring submissions are received by this day and time.

Firms must provide one (1) PDF version (on a USB drive) and three (3) hard copies of the

SOQ that address all sections of the submission requirements.

All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted electronically. Questions shall be directed

via email to:

Damien Davis at ddavis@morgantownwv.gov AND

Vanessa Johnson at vjohnson@morgantownwv.gov AND

Emily Muzzarelli at emuzzarelli@morgantownwv.gov

All questions regarding this RFQ shall be submitted no later than 3 pm on January 8, 2026.

Questions will be answered by 3 pm on January 15, 2026.

The submission shall clearly provide all information that is required under this RFQ within forty

(40) pages, single sided, 8 ½ x 11 paper, font no smaller than 10 pt., which includes all

attachments and exhibits. However, the cover page, tabs, and the Attachment A – Response

Certification (item E from Submission Requirements) will not be included in the page count.

The City will not be responsible for any expenses in the preparation and/or presentation of the

written statement of qualifications submission or any subsequent interviews or for the

disclosure of any information or material received in connection with this RFQ. The City

reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received in response to this RFQ, when

determined to be in the City’s best interest, and to waive minor noncompliance in a proposal.

The City further reserves the right to make such investigations as it deems necessary as to

the qualifications of any and all firms submitting proposals in response to this RFQ.

Selection Schedule

 RFQ Published:

 Questions Due:

 Answers Posted:

 Submissions Due:

 Interviews (by invitation):

 Selection Notification:

 Contract Approval:

December 16th and December 23rd, 2025

January 8th, 2026 by 3pm

January 15th, 2026 by 3pm

January 22nd, 2026 by 3pm

Week of January 26th, 2026

February 5th, 2026

February 17th, 2026

The dates listed above are estimates as of the date of posting. Any changes to

questions due date, answers dues date, or submission due date will be posted in an

addendum. Dates for interviews, selection and contract approval will be based on staff

and firm availability and are expressly included for planning purposes.

Evaluation Criteria

The City will review properly submitted SOQs based on the following criteria, and submissions

will be rated and ranked according to the following points for consideration for shortlisting firms

to interview.

Criteria

Firm and Team Qualifications

Relevant Project Experience

Understanding of Project and Approach

Points

0-40

0-25

0-30

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 562111Solid Waste Collection

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