Architect-Engineering (A-E) Services procurements are regulated by DCWASA's Procurement Regulations [PDF 2.1 MB] and are addressed specifically in Section 5325 "Special Provisions Applicable to A-E Services". Please note that you will need Adobe� Acrobat� Reader� to view the Procurement Regulations. If you do not already have Adobe� Acrobat� Reader�, you can download it free.

Procurement of A-E Services by DCWASA is a qualifications-based process, utilizing evaluated qualifications statements and responses to requests for technical proposals to determine a firm with whom DCWASA will negotiate a contract. DCWASA utilizes A-E firms for the performance of studies, designs, program management, construction management, and start-up or operations and maintenance services for a wide variety of projects involving water pumping and distribution, wastewater pumping, conveyance and treatment and combined sewer overflows. Anticipated projects are approved during DCWASA's annual capital improvements program budget process, and are described in greater detail in the latest "Water and Sewer Facilities Master Plan", and in various "Facility Plans" developed for specific service areas.

A-E services procurement follows several basic steps.

• DCWASA issues a public advertisement covering the A-E services to be procured.
• The advertisement includes a general description of the scope of work, a brief description of the type of project, and instructions on how to contact the A-E Coordinator in the Department of Engineering and Technical Services (DETS) for a copy of the Request for Qualifications Statements (RFQ).
• The A-E Coordinator forwards the RFQ to interested parties. The A-E Coordinator maintains a record of firms requesting RFQs and advises them when changes to the requirements have been made.
• After reviewing qualifications statements, the A-E Evaluation Board, which is established by the contracting officer, develops a short-list of firms to be sent the Request for Technical Proposal (RFP). RFPs are then forwarded to the short-listed firms.
• The A-E Evaluation Board evaluates technical proposals and interviews the firms with the highest ranking.
• The A-E Evaluation Board makes a recommendation to the Contracting Officer, including a ranking of bidders.
• The Contracting Officer negotiates the final scope of work and cost of services with the approved firm.