The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG, pronounced ‘sim-cog’), the Greene County Public Water Supply District No. 6 (GCPWSD6), and the community of Bois D’Arc request qualifications for professional engineering services to assist in development of a preliminary engineering report and septic improvement feasibility study for the development of a centralized sanitary sewer collection system. These services are to be partially financed with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding provided through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in partnership with the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG).
Background and Purpose
GCPWSD6 covers nearly 8 square miles northwest of Springfield, Missouri between the cities of Willard and Ash Grove. The district has observed several issues over the years, particularly with the failure of on-site septic systems serving residents and businesses. Additionally, on-site septic system positioning and sinkhole proximity are other concerns for the district. The results of the completed preliminary engineering report and septic improvement feasibility study will be used for future implementation to improve the current state of failing and unknown septic and wastewater concerns in the Bois D'Arc area. In general, through the requested engineering services, the community will be prepared for the implementation of a recommended alternative for the development of a centralized sanitary sewer to move as many houses off of septic wastewater systems as feasible and therefore prevent septic system discharge from entering the local water supply and contaminating the drainage basin.
Scope of Work
The report and study will consider the feasibility of constructing a new sewer collection system in the Bois D'Arc community that will either be tied into another Greene County sewer district through the use of multiple lift stations or be treated within a new wastewater treatment facility in the Bois D'Arc area. The report and study will consider multiple alternative solutions and detailed cost analyses should be provided. The overall success of the project will be evaluated by how achievable the recommended improvements are based upon available funding and the financial state of the community of Bois D'Arc. Community involvement will be a key factor to the success of this project. The project engineer will conduct public outreach efforts to educate the public on the project and its benefits, as well as to keep the public informed of project progress and completion. At least one public hearing will be scheduled to ensure the public is informed and to provide opportunities for input.
The successful firm may provide the following services including, but not limited to:
Obtain additional studies on sources of problems within Bois D’Arc’s wastewater system through site investigations and observation of existing conditions.
Develop a septic system improvement feasibility study.
Increase public outreach in issues regarding wastewater management, failing septic tanks, and facilitate at least one public hearing.
Develop a Preliminary Engineering Report for a wastewater collection system in Bois D’Arc, providing multiple alternatives and detailed cost analyses.
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Required Information
Information provided to SMCOG and the City must include at a minimum the following items. The completeness and quality of the submitted information will form the basis for evaluation:
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A description of the firm including the company’s size, location, nature of work performed, and the company’s approach to meeting the community’s needs for the project
The specialized experience and technical competence of the firm with respect to wastewater system development or related work
The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, Â Â prior to September 1, 2026Â
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
The firm’s proximity to and familiarity with the area in which the project is located
References from previous clients of related work with the firm within the past five years
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, cost, and qualifications. Through the grant funding awarded by MDNR, $45,000 is available for the requested contractual services. Any project costs above the funding awarded, SMCOG will work with the District to determine if local funds are available.
The above information must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 via mail or parcel services to the address listed below. Physical submissions must include at least one printed copy and one digital copy provided on a USB drive.
SMCOG
c/o MSU-CRPM
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
Digital submissions will be accepted via email to KelsiBurton@MissouriState.edu. For more information, contact SMCOG’s Grant and Environmental Manager, Kelsi Burton, at 417-836-3031 or the email above.
Qualifications can be submitted via email OR parcel services.
Questions regarding this Request for Qualifications should be provided no later than 5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 2, 2025Â to SMCOG via email at KelsiBurton@MissouriState.edu or via postal mail to the SMCOG address referenced above. SMCOG responses to questions will be provided in the form of an addendum to this RFQ to be distributed via email to all solicited firms no later than Monday, July 7, 2025.
Additional Information
These services are to be administered and overseen by SMCOG on behalf of the GCPWSD6 and Bois D’Arc community. This project is financed by Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning grant funds. SMCOG, as the grant recipient, will be responsible for administering the project and procuring services for the development of the feasibility study and preliminary engineering report. SMCOG will work with the most qualified and responsible firm to finalize a cost and scope that will meet all expectations for the project objectives.
Existing planning documents will be made available at the discretion of SMCOG and the district as applicable and deemed beneficial for project completion.
SMCOG will begin evaluating responses to this request on July 14, 2025 and may conduct phone or virtual interviews with the highest-ranking firms. SMCOG will notify all respondents once a firm has been selected. SMCOG will schedule a meeting with the selected firm following the notification of selection for any applicable contract negotiations and to discuss the firm’s role and responsibilities in the overall project. SMCOG anticipates having an executed contract with the selected firm no later than July 28, 2025.
The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from minority, women, disadvantaged, and Section 3-owned firms. The selected firm is not required to be certified as one of the above entity classifications. The selected firm will be required to pass the state’s debarment check prior to contract execution.
All documents submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of SMCOG, and as such public records which may be subject to public review.