REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES: CHRISTIAN COUNTY MS4 COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE PROJECT

The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) and the County of Christian, Missouri (Christian County) request qualifications for professional engineering services to assist in updating Christian County’s stormwater management plan and improving its MS4 program. Primarily, the firm will be responsible for conducting research and analysis, updating the stormwater management plan, public involvement, and updating County policy and procedure regarding stormwater management. These services are to be partially financed with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) money provided through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) in partnership with the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG).

Background and Purpose

Based on the 2020 census data, Christian County's population is 88,842 with eight incorporated municipalities: Billings, Clever, Fremont Hills, Highlandville, Nixa, Ozark, Sparta, and Saddlebrook. Christian County features rolling hills as well as steep bluffs and valleys. It is also home to creeks, caves, and sinkholes. The variances of elevation throughout the county create steep slopes that can pose potential stormwater and flooding hazards. Much of Christian County is considered a sensitive karst region, with approximately 661 sinkholes recorded to-date. The four watersheds within Christian County are the Sac River, Spring River, James River, and Bulls Shoals Lake watersheds. The current Christian County Stormwater Management Plan identifies the need to coordinate the requirements of the TMDLs established for James River, though it does not specify strategies to address impaired waters in the County which may impact the James River. It is crucial to preserve and monitor watersheds to ensure that the groundwater and comprising bodies of water are not contaminated by harmful pollutants. The requested updates to the Christian County Stormwater Management Plan will include actionable strategies and specific best management practices for the County to address and prevent impaired water bodies, thereby enhancing or preserving the quality of the County's watersheds and groundwater. 

The project's overall goal is to improve the plan utilized for stormwater management and to provide better staff and community resources, providing a long-term benefit to protect the key James River and White River basins. This project will allow the County to accelerate its MS4 program to identify sources of stormwater pollution, raise public awareness of the problems associated with stormwater, reduce illicit discharges and obtain tools such as GIS and enhanced mapping to help mitigate many existing stormwater issues.

Scope of Work

The selected engineering firm shall aid the County in development of an updated comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for the area to inform their efforts to address and prevent impaired waters as well as ensuring maintained compliance with the County's MS4 Permit. In general, the updated plan shall allow the County to implement identified best management practices to reduce stormwater and sediment runoff in disturbed or impacted stream habitats. The plan will feature a feasibility study for proposed water quality improvements and preliminary engineering designs may be prepared by the selected firm to assist in future plan implementation. The updated Christian County Stormwater Management Plan will specifically address Woods Fork Creek in south central Christian County, which has been identified on Missouri's 303(d) list of impaired water bodies.  The proposed project will also aid in updating the County's stormwater system mapping, procedures for reporting and enforcing the County's stormwater ordinance, and training for staff for illicit discharge reduction. At least one public engagement event will be held to gather community feedback and input on identified areas of concern and proposed plan solutions.

The short term benefits of this project will include the development of a more comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan which will identify measures necessary to reduce the level of pollution in Woods Fork Creek and maintain Christian County's compliance with their MS4 Permit. The Plan will also provide updated data and stormwater system mapping which will support the County's stormwater management efforts for years to come. The long term benefits of this project include the removal of Woods Fork Creek from Missouri's 303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies and increased ability of the County to address other impaired water bodies located within their jurisdiction in the future. Overall, the completed project will significantly improve Christian County's ability to manage stormwater issues and maintain MS4 compliance.

The successful firm may provide the following services including, but not limited to:

Update the existing plan:

• Analyze previous studies on sources of problems within Christian County’s stormwater systems through site investigations and observation of existing conditions.

• Develop feasibility study utilizing site investigations and field observations to identify areas of poor water quality and deficient stormwater infrastructure

• Update and enhance stormwater system mapping via aerial maps, USGS maps, and provide GIS for crucial stormwater system elements

• Identification of strategies, best management practices, and/or infrastructure improvements to address known impairments (e.g. Woods Fork Creek)

• Identification of best management practices for point and nonpoint source pollution

• Recommendations and alternative solutions (with cost estimates)

• Identification of future funding mechanisms for implementation

• Preliminary engineering design (if necessary) to be used for implementation

Additional project components and MS4 compliance:

• Community engagement, including at least one public hearing

• Staff training for illicit discharge reduction

• Updating procedures for reporting and enforcing the County's stormwater ordinance

• Increase public outreach in issues regarding stormwater quality and facilitate at least one public hearing to ensure the public is informed and to provide opportunities for input. Public outreach will include efforts to educate citizens, developers, students, and contractors of the impact of stormwater pollution on the environment and how the public can help to mitigate these issues.

• Potentially reduce illicit discharges to the stormwater system through staff training, updating procedures for reporting and enforcing Christian County’s stormwater ordinance, and assist in establishing penalties for offenders

In general, through the requested engineering services, the County will be able to rewrite and expand its stormwater management plan and resources. Better mapping, documented staff training and other evidence should be notable. Completion of this project should accelerate Christian County’s MS4 program to identify sources of stormwater pollution, maintain compliance with the County’s MS4 permit, raise public awareness of the problems associated with stormwater, reduce illicit discharges and obtain tools such as GIS and enhanced mapping to help mitigate many existing stormwater issues.

Required Information

Information provided to SMCOG and the County must include at a minimum:

1. A description of the firm including the company’s size, location, nature of work performed, and the company’s approach to meeting the County’s needs for the project

2. The specialized experience and technical competence of the firm with respect to stormwater system management improvements or related work

3. The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, prior to September 30, 2027 

4. The past record of performance of the firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules

5. The firm’s proximity to and familiarity with the area in which the project is located

6. References from previous clients of related work with the firm within the past five years

7. Documentation of compliance with E-Verify requirements

Submissions

The firm will be selected based on the above qualifications. SMCOG may negotiate a contract rate with the selected firm based on experience and qualifications. Through the grant funding awarded by MoDNR, $45,000 is available for the requested contractual services. Any project costs above the funding awarded, Christian County will determine if local funds are available.

The above information must be submitted to the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments no later than April 6, 2026 by 5:00 PM via email or parcel services to the addresses listed below. Physical submissions must include at least one printed copy and one digital copy provided on a USB drive.

Southwest Missouri Council of Governments

c/o MSU-CRPM                                                            

901 S. National Ave.

Springfield, MO 65897

or via email to:  KelsiWalker@MissouriState.edu 

For more information, please contact SMCOG’s Grants and Environmental Manager, Kelsi Walker, at 417-836-3031 or KelsiWalker@MissouriState.edu

The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from all qualified entities, including minority, women, and Section 3-owned firms.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES: ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICESVILLAGE OF BULL CREEK WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The Village of Bull Creek, Missouri requests qualifications for main engineering design services and construction inspection services, to assist in a water infrastructure project to be fully financed with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Background and Purpose

The Village of Bull Creek is located in the beautiful, rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri. Based on the 2020 Decennial Census, the Village is home to 426 residents and is located roughly six miles from the City of Branson which sees nearly 10 million in visiting tourists each year. The predominant land uses in Bull Creek are primarily residential development and wilderness areas. The Village has an apartment complex located in the northeast, an RV Park to the south, and single-family homes to the central-southwest. Due to the Village of Bull Creek’s close proximity to several waterways, small creeks, and notably the nearby Bull Creek and intersecting Lake Taneycomo, the Village experiences increased environmental risks of flooding, stormwater management, and water quality concerns.

In 2005, the Village installed a new potable water system consisting of a new well, standpipe, and distribution system. Because this new system consisted of only one well, the Village did not (and does not) have any firm well capacity. Water system improvements, particularly the addition of a secondary well, are needed throughout the Village to ensure Village maintained potable water is accessible and safe for all. In July 2025, the Village was notified of its selection to receive CDBG funding to support the identified need for water system improvements. This project will consist of the installation of a new well in the southeast corner of town. This will include the construction of approximately 1,800 linear feet of 6-inch main to connect the proposed well to the existing standpipe.

Scope of Work

The successful firm is expected to provide the following services, including but not limited to:

·         Development of final engineering design

·         Bidding documents preparation, including field surveys and measurements, construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.

·         Construction inspection services

Disclosure Statement

A preliminary engineering report was prepared by Toth and Associates as part of the application process and as result, the firm has familiarity with the project. The preliminary report is owned by the Village and will be shared with the most qualified engineer upon contract award. All submissions will be evaluated solely on the information outlined below.

Required Information

Information provided to the village must include at a minimum:

1.    The specialized experience and technical competence of the firm with respect to water system improvements or related work

2.    The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, within a period of twelve months beginning April 15, 2026

3.    The past record of performance of the firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules

4.    The firm’s proximity to and familiarity with the area in which the project is located

5.    References from previous clients of related work with the firm within the past five years

6.    Documentation of compliance with E-Verify requirements

Submissions

The firm will be selected based on the above qualifications, with Items # 1, 2, and 3 having the most weight. Firms will be evaluated on an individual basis and will be ranked using a weighted evaluation matrix. The top firm(s) may be invited to participate in interviews. Once the most qualified firm is selected, a cost for main engineering design and construction inspection will be negotiated.

The above information should be submitted no later than April 3, 2026 by 3:00 PM via email or physical mail to the address listed below. Physical submissions must include at least one printed copy and one digital copy provided on a USB drive.

Village of Bull Creek

1886 State Hwy F                                              

Bull Creek, MO 65616      

or via email to:  aaron@bullcreekmo.com 

For more information, please contact village clerk, Aaron Durso, at (417) 561-1111 or aaron@bullcreekmo.com

The Village of Bull Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from all qualified entities, including minority, women, and Section 3-owned firms.