Review and Discussion of Upcoming Solicitations and the Scopes of Work for Professional Services Associated with the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group Technical Engineering Consultant (Region L) (RFQ 360), Casa Vieja Design and Constructio

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) staff will review with the Board of Directors the proposed scopes of work and evaluation criteria for the following professional services: 1) Request for Qualifications Associated with the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group Technical Engineering Consultant (Region L) (RFQ 360) The River Authority will request statements of qualifications for engineering firms to provide professional services for regional water plans. The scope of work would include serving as the primary technical lead supporting the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group (SCTRWPG/Region L) in developing the region's Regional Water Plan (RWP). Core responsibilities include executing all contract scope tasks as defined by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), working under the direction of the SCTRWPG and sponsoring entity (River Authority), and participating in SCTRWPG meetings, committees, and subcommittees. Key deliverables include developing a complete RWP, populating required data into the state water planning database, producing all final contract deliverables for TWDB submission, and presenting technical work products at SCTRWPG meetings throughout the planning cycle. The procurement of a qualified Technical Consultant is necessary to fulfill the region's obligations under its TWDB planning contract and to ensure the timely and compliant completion of the regional water planning process. The solicitation is planned to be released in June 2026. Firms will be evaluated on criteria to include, but not limited to, experience and qualifications of the respondent and key personnel, innovation, and local understanding. 2) Request for Qualifications Associated Casa Vieja Design and Construction Engineering Services (RFQ 357-0860) The River Authority will request statements of qualifications from experienced architectural and engineering consulting firms to provide professional services for the evaluation, planning, design, and construction support associated with the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of a historic structure for future rental occupancy and related operational use. Services are anticipated to include, but are not limited to, the following: Project kickoff, stakeholder coordination, and review of applicable regulatory and historic preservation requirements. Documentation of existing conditions, including field verification, LiDAR/3D scanning, and preparation of as-built drawings. Structural assessment and analysis of the existing facility, including identification of deficiencies, repair recommendations, and evaluation of occupancy-related improvements. Development of conceptual architectural design alternatives that balance operational needs, life safety requirements, accessibility considerations, and historic preservation standards. Coordination of architectural, structural, and applicable MEP system modifications necessary to support the proposed use of the facility. Preparation of design development documents, construction documents, technical specifications, and permit-ready submittal packages. Assistance with regulatory coordination and historic preservation review processes, including support for permitting and applicable historic commission approvals. Construction phase support services, including review of contractor submittals, responses to requests for information, periodic site observations, and project closeout assistance. The selected consultant shall demonstrate experience with historic structures, adaptive reuse projects, and coordination with applicable preservation standards and regulatory agencies. Deliverables may include reports, assessments, conceptual designs, cost opinions, construction documents, specifications, and related supporting documentation in both PDF and editable electronic formats.The RFQ is expected to request qualifications, project approach, relevant experience, key personnel, proposed subconsultants, project schedule, and fee structure information for the anticipated services. The solicitation is planned to be released in July 2026. Firms will be evaluated on criteria to include, but not limited to, experience and qualifications of the respondent and key personnel, local understanding, and schedule. 3) Request for Qualifications Associated with Otilla Dam Design and Construction Services (RFQ 359-0708) The River Authority will request statements of qualifications from firms experienced in river engineering, dam modification, aquatic habitat restoration, and recreational design to provide professional engineering and related consulting services associated with the evaluation, design, permitting, and construction support for the modification of Otilla Dam. The project is intended to evaluate and develop innovative alternatives to transform the existing Otilla Dam into a safe, functional, and community-focused river feature that enhances aquatic connectivity, improves fish passage and stream stability, restores habitat, and creates recreational destination and educational opportunities aligned with the future vision for Trueheart Ranch Nature Park. Services are anticipated to include, but are not limited to: Evaluation of existing site, hydraulic, environmental, and geomorphic conditions associated with Otilla Dam and the surrounding river corridor. Development and assessment of conceptual alternatives for dam modification, fish passage improvements, bank stabilization, recreational access, and related site enhancements. Hydraulic and engineering analysis to support fish passage, stream function, and overall project feasibility. Preparation of preliminary and final engineering designs, technical specifications, construction documents, cost estimates, and project schedules. Identification and coordination of required local, state, and federal permitting and regulatory approvals. Coordination with River Authority staff and stakeholders through workshops, presentations, and design review meetings. Assistance during procurement and bidding phases, including responses to contractor questions and preparation of addenda, as needed. Construction phase support services, including submittal review, responses to requests for information, construction observation, and project closeout support. The selected consultant shall demonstrate experience in recreational and river-focused engineering projects, including dam rehabilitation or modification, stream restoration, fish passage design, hydraulic analysis, permitting coordination, and ecological enhancement initiatives. Deliverables may include engineering evaluations, conceptual design alternatives, hydraulic and environmental analysis, permitting documentation, construction plans and specifications, cost estimates, and other supporting technical documentation necessary to advance the project from concept through implementation. The solicitation is planned to be released in August 2026. Firms will be evaluated on criteria to include, but not limited to, experience and qualifications of the respondent and key personnel, project approach and management, local understanding and schedule.