Project Information

Bid Title

Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)

Issuing Agency

Town of Carrboro

Location

North Carolina

Published Date

Jun 2, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 12, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

SW-2026-02

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Number:	SW-2026-02
Bid Title:	Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)
Category:	Bids, RFPs, and RFQs
Status:	Open

Description: INVITATION FOR QUALIFICATIONS BASED SELECTION (QBS) The role of the selected qualified firm will be to work with the Carrboro, NC community and Town to provide a comprehensive study of the Stormwater Utility as well as assessing data to compile rate structures that are needed to support a progressive stormwater management program. NUMBER: SW-2026-02 NAME: Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27) DUE: Statements of Qualifications due no later than 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. RETURN TO: Town of Carrboro Finance Department Attention: Chaz Offenburg, Finance Director 301 West Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Request for Qualifications and announcements may be obtained at: https://www.carrboronc.gov/bids.aspx Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference held at 11:00 AM 05/13/2026 was recorded. Please see related documents for recording. The Town of Carrboro reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities or technicalities as it may deem to be in its best interest. Publication Date/Time: 5/3/2026 8:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 6/12/2026 2:00 PM Related Documents: RFQ Stormwater Utility and Rate Study (Final) Optional Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference Meeting Recording Addendum 1 Town Responses (SW-2026-02)

Attachment Preview

TOWN OF CARRBORO

NORTH CAROLINA

TITLE: Qualifications-Based Selection for a Comprehensive Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)

OVERVIEW: The Town of Carrboro is seeking qualified professional engineering firms to submit sealed

Statements of Qualifications for a comprehensive evaluation of its Stormwater Utility. The selected firm

will provide analysis and implementation support for a stormwater utility fee structure that is fair,

equitable, legally defensible, and publicly acceptable.

In order to develop an adequate understanding of needed revenue, emphasis should focus on a deep

understanding of current and legacy municipal stormwater infrastructure, with particular attention to

system deficiencies and areas that lack conveyance connection. The study should also evaluate funding

needs that encourage and motivate management of stormwater at points of generation.

ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works

ISSUING DIVISION: Stormwater Division

TOWN CONTACT: Dylan Kirk

Stormwater Manager

dkirk@carrboronc.gov

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTALS:

Optional |Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 11:00 AM

Please email the Town Contact above to RSVP or request accommodation. A Microsoft Teams Meeting

link will be provided to join.

Sealed Statement of Qualifications must be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Deliver to the following:

Town of Carrboro Finance Department

Attention: Chaz Offenburg, Finance Director

301 West Main Street

Carrboro, NC 27510

LETTERS OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT

BE CONSIDERED. EXCEPTIONS MAY APPLY ONLY IF THE PROJECT IS RE-ADVERTISED AND THE FIRM

PROVIDES AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF ITS SUBMISSION.

PLEASE NOTE: This Request for Qualifications is being posted on the Town’s website. It will also be

advertised on the NC Department of Historically Underutilized Business’s HUB website, and other

publications. ANY ADDENDA ISSUED WILL ONLY BE POSTED ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE. ALL FIRMS ARE

RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING THE TOWN’S WEBSITE PERIODICALLY TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY

ADDENDA HAVE BEEN ISSUED. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF AN ADDENDA MAY

DISQUALIFY A PROPOSAL FROM CONSIDERATION.

SW-2026-02

Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │919-942-8541

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE

Project Overview

The Town of Carrboro is seeking qualified professional engineering firms (Firms) to submit sealed

Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for a comprehensive evaluation of its Stormwater Utility. The

selected firm will provide analysis and implementation support for a stormwater utility fee structure

that is fair, equitable, legally defensible, and publicly acceptable.

In order to develop an adequate understanding of needed revenue, emphasis should focus on a deep

understanding of current and legacy municipal stormwater infrastructure, with particular attention to

system deficiencies and areas that lack conveyance connection. The study should also evaluate funding

needs that encourage and motivate management of stormwater at points of generation.

Solicitation Schedule

Provided below is the anticipated schedule of solicitation events. The Town reserves the right to adjust

the schedule. Listed below are the dates and times by which stated actions must be taken or completed.

Should changes be required, proper notice will be provided to potential firms as applicable by law. If you

need any reasonable accommodation for any type of disability to participate in the procurement, please

contact the listed Town Contact as soon as possible. All listed times are Eastern Daylight Times (EDT).

Solicitation Schedule

RFQ Released

Optional |Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference

Deadline for Questions (written email)

Town Response to Question(s) via Addendum

Submissions of Qualifications Due

Readvertisement Period (Only If Necessary)

Notice of Award –Town Council Regular Meeting

Time

8:00 AM

11:00 AM

2:00 PM

5:00 PM

2:00 PM

2:00 PM

6:00 PM

Date

05/03/2026

05/13/2026

05/18/2026

05/20/2026

05/29/2026

06/12/2026

06/16/2026

COMMUNITY & BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Town History and General Development Pattern

The Town of Carrboro is a progressive community of approximately 20,000–21,000 residents and is

located in Orange County, North Carolina. The Town is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity,

community engagement, racial equity, climate action, and a diverse, creative culture.

Carrboro’s incorporation origins date to the late 19th century with the extension of the North Carolina

Railroad and the establishment of a local textile mill. For much of its early history, it remained a small

mill town with gradual growth. In 1956, construction began on the NC 54 bypass around Carrboro’s

SW-2026-02

Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 1

downtown, expanding transportation infrastructure and establishing a key mobility route within the

community. By 1960, the Town’s population was approximately 2,000 residents. In the late 1960s, the

population began to increase driven by growth at UNC–Chapel Hill and surrounding businesses.

In the 1970s, a group of Carrboro residents advocated for changes that prioritize meaningful

involvement of all residents. Today, Carrboro maintains its working-class roots while advancing policies

focused on social equity and environmental sustainability.

Stormwater Utility History

On June 6, 2017, the Town of Carrboro’s Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance to establish a

stormwater management utility (Utility). A dedicated enterprise fund was established for stormwater

management activities and to help ensure compliance with the Town’s National Pollution Discharge

Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit and North Carolina's Jordan Lake Rules.

Mission

Our mission is to remain at the forefront of water resource protection by employing effective,

innovative, and lawful practices that serve our community and residents, and safeguard one of

our most precious natural resources.

Vision

Our vision is of a vibrant and resilient Carrboro where residents enjoy and benefit from healthy

waterways, stormwater is managed and conveyed efficiently, nature-based solutions are

integrated with development, and groundwater, wetlands, streams, lakes, and coastal waters

are restored and reconnected with their natural ecological patterns.

Most recently, on February 27, 2024, Town Council approved an adjustment to the residential fee

structure from $90 per year to $100 per year to support green stormwater infrastructure within the

community. More information on current fee implementation can be found in Resources.

REQUESTED SERVICES

The role of the selected firm will be to work with the Carrboro community and Town to provide a

comprehensive study of the Stormwater Utility as well as assessing data to compile rate structures that

are needed to support a progressive stormwater management program.

Initial Scope of Services

Phase 1: Baseline Utility Assessment and Vision Implementation Strategy

Preliminary Timeline: July 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026

 Program Assessment and Cost Evaluation

o Review, compile, and analyze utility and municipal data and information

 Conditional assessment information for above ground infrastructure Phases I and II

by third-party engineering firm (2022 -2025)

 Conditional assessment information for below ground infrastructure (Ongoing) using

NASSCO PACP standards (2022 – Current)

 Stormwater utility geospatial system and associated information

SW-2026-02

Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 2

 Review of current services, identification of gaps, and potential future services

 Alignment with a strategic pivot minimizing grey infrastructure (when possible)

 Revenue Assessment

o Review of all sources of revenue (e.g. stormwater fees, permits, review/inspection fees)

o Review opportunities for infrastructure special assessments

 Strategies for neighborhoods that lack conveyance connectivity

 Strategies where municipal acceptance of drainage infrastructure never occurred or

lacks proper recorded documentation

o Non-fee-based funding strategies for larger capital projects

 Fee Structure Basis

o Review of the currently implemented residential and commercial fee structures

o Options and implications of alternative fee models

 A fee more reflective of built-upon area is of interest

o A mechanism that addresses inflation costs

o A mechanism that addresses billing collection administrative costs

o Identification of fee credit opportunities

 Community Outreach for Findings

o Mass communication strategies

o Targeted dialogues and stakeholder engagement:

 Residents of historically underrepresented groups

 Residents facing hardship given tax and other recent household utility increases

 Community residents that serve on the Stormwater Advisory Commission (SWAC)

 A Town Council Work Session for information and elected official reflections

 Presentation and facilitation at official meetings

o Town Council Business Meeting for draft report and recommendations

Phase 2: Fee Structure Adoption and Implementation Strategy

Preliminary Timeline: November 30, 2026 – September 30, 2027

 Presentation and facilitation at official meetings

o Public hearing / council meeting for utility ordinance and fee adoption (February 2027)

 On-call implementation assistance through September 2027

The scope of services may be adjusted based on needs and priorities. Detailed deliverables,

expectations, and schedule will be established at the first meeting between the Town staff and the

selected firm.

Project Milestones

ASAP 1. Final project scope/budget/timeline

FALL 2026 2. Review, analysis, and stakeholder engagement

NOV 2026 3. Draft utility ordinance and fee schedule

FEB 2027 4. Public hearing / Council meeting for utility ordinance and fee adoption

MAR 2027 5. Billing review

SW-2026-02

Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 3

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Clearly mark the outside of all envelopes and all transmittals, both physical and electronic, with the

following subject line:

“SW-2026-02: Stormwater and Utility Rate Study (FY27)”

Due Date

Sealed SOQs must be received no later than by 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. Submissions after

this deadline will not be considered. Deliver to the following:

Town of Carrboro Finance Department

Attention: Chaz Offenburg, Finance Director

301 West Main Street

Carrboro, NC 27510

Delivery Methods

Qualification packages may be hand-delivered or mailed. If the submittal is sent by mail or commercial

express, the Firm shall be responsible for actual delivery to the Town’s designated official before the

deadline. A copy of SOQs can be sent electronically to Dylan Kirk at dkirk@carrboronc.gov.

Right to Reject

The Town of Carrboro reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submittals in whole or in part, with

or without cause; to waive technicalities; or to accept submittals or portions thereof which, in the

Town’s judgment, best serve the interest of the Town. The Town reserves the right to allow alterations,

modifications, or revisions to individual elements of the Scope of Services at any time during the period

of the contract which results from this RFQ.

Withdrawal

Qualification packages may be withdrawn by written request.

RFQ Questions and Town Responses

Questions regarding this RFQ may be emailed to the listed Town Contact no later than 2:00 P.M. on

Monday, May 18, 2026 by 2:00PM. Responses will be provided via Addendum(s) posted on the Town’s

website at: Bid Postings • Carrboro, NC • CivicEngage.

SOQ Preparation

Nothing herein is intended to exclude any responsibilities or in any way restrain or restrict competition.

All qualified firms/individuals are encouraged to submit responses.

Format

The SOQ body text shall be a minimum of 11-point font and packages should be limited to no more than

20 single-sided pages (8½ x 11). Resumes, section dividers, cover sheet, and any addenda will not count

toward the page limit. Submittals that exceed the page limit may be deemed nonresponsive.

SW-2026-02

Town of Carrboro │ 301 W. Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 │ Page 4

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541620Environmental Consulting Services

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