October 19, 2023, by 4:00 pm

NOTICE OF RFP AND PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

THE CITY OF SEATTLE
SEATTLE CITY LIGHT DEPARTMENT

Request for Proposal #SCL-767037354
for
Boundary Dam Upstream Passage Fishway Development Plan, Design and Construction Plan, Bidding Assistance and Construction Oversight

The Boundary Hydroelectric Project (herein referred to as the “Project”, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] Project #2144) was originally licensed in 1961. Construction was completed in 1967. The initial license for the project expired in 2011 and City Light obtained a new, 42-year license for the Project in 2013. The relicensing process included a Settlement Agreement (SA) which was signed by state and federal agencies, the Kalispel Tribe and several Non-Governmental Organizations. Implementation of the new license follows the SA and City Light implements fish and aquatic protection, mitigation and enhancement measures (PM&Es) in coordination with a Fish and Aquatic Work Group (FAWG). The FAWG is comprised of signatories to the SA and follows the PM&Es identified in the Fish and Aquatic Management Plan (FAMP 2010).

During the relicensing process, it was agreed that upstream fish passage would be addressed with a trap and haul fishway. A trap and haul facility was considered most appropriate due to comparatively low population sizes of native salmonids and physical site constraints in the tailrace. While the preferred alternative was agreed upon in concept, there is uncertainty regarding an appropriate site within the tailrace for a fixed trap and haul facility. In addition there is little information regarding movement patterns of native salmonids in tailrace area. Consistent with the Boundary SA, the process for developing a trap and haul facility included a number of years for planning, research and design. A detailed description of the upstream fish passage program can be found in the FAMP (FAMP 2010).

Due to a number of regulatory and planning activities, efforts for the upstream fishway program have been delayed since issuance of the Project’s license in 2013. Details of the planning, research and design phases remain to be confirmed in consultation with the FAWG. A conceptual plan was developed during the relicensing process; however it is unclear if this plan and approach is appropriate or in need of refinement or revision. The Fishway Development Plan, which was to be filed with the FERC in 2014, according to the 2013 Boundary License is now due to be filed with the FERC by March 2027.

City Light is soliciting proposals and qualifications from consultants to work as an extension of City Light staff to accomplish all phases of the planning, study, design and construction of an upstream fishway at the Project. Generally the services required will address the following objectives: (a) evaluate options, alternatives and an overall schedule for all studies necessary to design the fishway, (b) develop a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and coordinate with the TAC and FAWG to develop a Fishway Development Plan, (c) conduct engineering, hydrological, biological, engineering and dam safety studies necessary for fishway design, (d) develop 30, 50 and 90 percent designs in consultation with the TAC and FAWG, (e) assist City Light in the construction bidding and construction oversight process, and (f) perform a hydraulic evaluation of the facility and oversee any necessary modifications or adjustments.

Under this RFP, City Light is seeking Consultant services for Phases 1 and 2 as described in the Statement of Work (SOW) in Section 5 of the RFP. Future phases of the SOW shall be negotiated between the City Light and the Consultant and released via executed amendments. City Light may at its discretion, and subject to continuing appropriation authority by the Seattle City Council, amend the contract at any time for scope, time and funding, or may terminate subject to the contract provisions. The contract will be maintained by City Light and staff and project managers from City Light will partner in all phases of the SOW.

This contract is a multi-year contract with a phased approach to work through 2038. City Light’s estimated cost is $710,250 for Phases 1 & 2. Future phases (phases 3 through 6) of the Scope of Work shall be negotiated between City Light and the Consultant and released via executed amendments. It is preferred that the Consultant have a regional presence and regional experience, however, it is not mandatory. October 19, 2023, by 4:00 pm is the deadline to submit proposals.

OBTAINING THE RFQ DOCUMENTS: Documents will be available online September 11, 2023, at https://cityofseattle.bonfirehub.com. Consultants must complete a free registration prior to viewing, printing, and saving to their own equipment at no cost or ordering full or partial document sets and/or CDs through the Web site. For help using this site, please contact Bonfire at Support@GoBonfire.com for technical questions. You can also visit their help forum at https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc.Free internet access to obtain these documents is available at Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers and most public libraries.

Seattle City Light is hosting a Pre-submittal Conference virtually via Webex on
September 15, 2023, from 10:00 pm -11:30 am (PDT). Details are provided in the RFP.
The City’s proposed schedule is outlined in the RFP.

The contract(s) awarded as a result of this RFQ will be awarded in a manner that will comply with all applicable laws of the United States, State of Washington, the City Charter, and Ordinances of the City of Seattle.

“WOMEN AND MINORITY AFFIRMATIVE EFFORTS REQUIREMENTS: All proposals are required to meet the Affirmative Efforts requirements as specified in the RFQ. An Outreach Plan will be required for the top-rated consultant(s).”

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