Project Information

Bid Title

Lake County Consulting Water Counsel

Issuing Agency

Lake County

Location

Colorado

Published Date

Nov 14, 2025

Closing Date

Dec 1, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Lake County Consulting Water Counsel
Category:	RFPs
Status:	Open

Description: The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Colorado, by and through its Elected Officials or Employees (collectively referred to herein as Lake County), is requesting proposals to retain a responsive, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking water rights attorney who will serve as a strategic legal partner to Lake County Government. The selected attorney or firm will provide legal expertise to support the implementation and long-term success of the Lake County Water Projects Enterprise, established under the Blanket Augmentation Plan (98CW173). This includes protecting and advancing Lake County's water rights portfolio, facilitating water-related infrastructure and development, and responsibly complying with state and federal regulations. Publication Date/Time: 11/14/2025 12:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 12/1/2025 5:00 PM Related Documents: 251031 RFP Water Attorney

Attachment Preview

Lake County Government

Invitation for Bids

505 Harrison Avenue

PO BOX 964

Leadville, CO 80461

mhobbs@lakecountyco.gov

INVITATION FOR PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

Title | Lake County Consulting Water Counsel

Issue Date | 11/14/2025

Questions Email | mhobbs@lakecountyco.gov

Bid Due Date | 12/1/2025 no later than 5:00 pm

DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL PACKAGE

RFP Schedules

Schedule A | Bid Instructions

Schedule B | Scope of Work

Schedule C | Contract Obligations

Lake County Government

Schedule B – Project Overview

Purpose + Background

The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Colorado, by and through its Elected Officials or

Employees (collectively referred to herein as Lake County), is requesting proposals to retain a responsive,

knowledgeable, and forward-thinking water rights attorney who will serve as a strategic legal partner to

Lake County Government. The selected attorney or firm will provide legal expertise to support the

implementation and long-term success of the Lake County Water Projects Enterprise, established under

the Blanket Augmentation Plan (98CW173). This includes protecting and advancing Lake County’s water

rights portfolio, facilitating water-related infrastructure and development, and responsibly complying with

state and federal regulations.

Proposal Advertisement

Information concerning this request on the Lake County Government website at,

https://www.lakecountyco.gov/bids.aspx. Lake County is also a member of BidNet Direct.

Bid Submission

Email proposals to mhobbs@lakecounty.gov. Or mail to:

Lake County Government

ATTN: Matt Hobbs

505 Harrison Avenue

PO BOX 964,

Leadville, CO 80461

Introductory Information

1. Each bid must include the full business address of the Bidder and be signed by an authorized

representative.

2. Lake County reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in the bidding

process, to award the bid to multiple vendors, and to accept the bid that, in the opinion of the Board

of County Commissioners, best serves the interests of Lake County.

Request for Bid | Page 2 of 6

Lake County Government

Schedule B – Project Overview

Project Overview

Lake County Government owns and has developed a small portfolio of water rights in Lake County,

Colorado. After several years of work, in 2017 the County was awarded a decree from water court for a

Blanket Augmentation Plan (98CW173). This Blanket Augmentation Plan enables the County to administer

the Lake County Water Projects Enterprise (Water Enterprise) in line with state statute. Lake County is

currently working to fully implement the Water Enterprise so that the County can realize the revenue

potential of the blanket augmentation plan. Future Water Enterprise operations may include water storage

in existing or potential new reservoirs, acquisition of additional water rights, optimization of water supplies

to support Lake County’s development needs, and partnerships with water entities in Lake County and

beyond. Cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships is necessary for the success of the Water

Enterprise and will involve updating existing intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) and establishing new

ones.

Lake County’s Water Enterprise will enable the County to fully develop its water resources to support

economic development and maintain natural resources while remaining in compliance with legal

agreements and regulations.

Scope of Services

The successful proposer will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Legal Review and Analysis

Review and assess Lake County’s existing water rights and related documentation.

Analyze historical and current water use regarding compliance with the Water Enterprise, operating

agreements, and state and federal laws.

Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to optimize current water rights and usage.

2. Water Rights Strategy Development

Advise on acquisition, storage, transfer, exchange, or leasing of water rights.

Develop legal strategies for securing additional water rights to meet future water demands under

the Water Enterprise.

Assist in negotiations with other water providers or districts.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Representation

Guide compliance with DWR, CWCB, and other regulatory bodies.

Represent Lake County in Water Court proceedings, administrative hearings, Board of County

Commissioners meetings, or disputes.

Prepare legal filings, motions, and documentation for water rights adjudication or change-of-use

Lake County Government

Schedule B – Project Overview

applications.

4. Coordination with Engineering and Planning Teams

Collaborate with Lake County’s municipal and consulting engineers and planners to align legal

strategies with infrastructure projects and planning documents.

Review and advise on water-related components of master plans, annexations, and development

proposals.

5. Public and Interagency Engagement

Attend the Board of County Commissioners and other public meetings to present legal findings and

provide recommendations.

Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions, water districts, water providers, and state agencies on

shared water issues.

6. Documentation and Reporting

Prepare legal memoranda and reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

Maintain organized records of all legal actions, filings, and correspondence related to water rights.

Pricing Method

The Contractor will provide it’s fee for services in its bid.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Experience & Qualifications

2. Understanding of Scope & Approach

3. Cost & Value

4. Schedule & Capacity

5. Responsiveness & Compliance

6. Local & Social Considerations

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include the following sections:

1. Cover letter

2. Bidders Qualifications & Experience

a. A description of the proposers’ history, qualifications and experience with municipal

governments and specific expertise in parks and recreation and strategic planning.

b. This section should also describe work that is similar in scope and complexity that the

Bidder has undertaken in the past.

Request for Bid | Page 2 of 6

Lake County Government

Schedule B – Project Overview

c. Identify any potential conflicts of interest.

3. Project Team.

a. Identification of key personnel who will be involved in the project including their roles and

qualifications.

b. A brief summary of their experience and expertise in a municipal government environment.

c. An outline of other commitments during the process.

4. Budget.

5. Professional Liability Insurance

Coverage shall include damages or claims arising out of the rendering or failure to render

professional services.

Each Occurrence

$1,000,000

6. References.

a. Contact information for at least two (2) references from local governments or special

districts where the Bidder has provided similar services.

Request for Bid | Page 3 of 6

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541620Environmental Consulting Services
• NAICS 541690Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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