Special Inspection Services

Notice is hereby given that the City of Mercer Island (“City”) is announcing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified firms to perform third-party special inspection services associated with the Water Supply Pipeline Project: 2026-RFP-009 Special Inspection Services.

Successful applicants must be experienced in providing third-party special inspection and materials testing services for complex public works infrastructure projects, including large-diameter water transmission pipelines, utility installations, and associated roadway and ADA improvements, in active construction environments.

Proposal with requirements, as outlined in the RFP package, must be received no later than 1:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026. All proposals are to be submitted through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/mercerislandwa.

Background

The City currently receives water from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) through a steel cylinder 24-inch supply line.  This existing 24-inch supply line is aging infrastructure that has experienced issues recently.  In addition, the line is not considered resilient in seismically active areas, even under conditions of minor slope movement.  As a result, the City is designing and constructing a new 24-inch earth-quake resistant supply line to replace the existing SPU supply line.  The location of the new 24-inch supply line corresponds with and was combined with several previously planned projects. 

Project Details

• Reference ID: 2026-RFP-009
• Department: Public Works
• Department Head: Jason Kintner (Chief of Operations)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-04-13T20:00:00.000Z
• Answers Posted By: 2026-04-15T20:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Project Understanding and Methodology (30 pts) —

  The submittal demonstrates thorough understanding of the project; how the team plans to address the needs of the City; and the team’s unique qualities as they relate to the project. It demonstrates the ability to produce quality deliverables; and a sound approach that will meet the proposed timeline.

• Project Team Qualifications and Experience (20 pts) —

  The submittal provides a complete and comprehensive organizational chart or similar explanation of team members’ roles and responsibilities, including a summary of each firm on the team, office locations, number of staff, and area(s) of expertise. It demonstrates the team’s strengths and unique qualities as well as the team’s analysis and design meet the needs of the project.

• Relevant Project Experience (20 pts) —

  The proposal demonstrates relevant and successful experience with similar types of work.

• Project Schedule/Deadlines (20 pts) —

  Demonstrate the ability of the team to meet the proposed project schedule(s), including assigned staff availability.

• Organization and Clarity of Proposal (5 pts) —

  The submittal clearly and effectively outlines the project team’s qualifications and ability to successfully meet the needs of the City and the project as well as contains all requirements outlined in this RFP. Documents should be well written, organized coherently, and demonstrate the project team’s ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.

• Rates (5 pts) —

  Include standard and overtime rates, vehicle and travel fees, any minimum requirements and any other rates or fees used for projects of similar scope and size.

Submission Requirements

• Upload Proposal (required) —

  Please refer to the Submittal Details section for the required information to include in the proposal.

• Mandatory Pre-Submittal Meeting Attendance (required) —

  Please confirm that a representative from your firm attended the mandatory pre-submittal meeting scheduled on NO VALUE at NO VALUE at NO VALUE and signed the official sign-in sheet, acknowledging that proposals from firms not represented at the meeting will not be considered for this work.

• Mandatory Pre-Submittal Zoom Meeting (required) —

  Please confirm that a representative from your firm attended the mandatory pre-proposal zoom meeting scheduled on NO VALUE at NO VALUE, and was recorded in the official participant log, acknowledging that proposals from firms not represented at the meeting will not be considered for contract award.  

• Do you acknowledge the terms of the Agreement? (required) —

  By submitting a proposal, the vendor agrees to the terms and conditions contained in the agreement included as an ATTACHMENT. Modifications to the agreement will not be permitted. 

• What type of pre-submittal site visit is required? (required)
• Enter the dates this RFQ will be published in the Daily Journal of Commerce. (required) —

  Example: December 1 and 7, 2025