Title
Engineering Services contractors for Floodplain Mapping
Action
ACTION:
Authorize the County Manager to negotiate fees and execute professional services contracts in support of Floodplain Mapping between Mecklenburg County and the selected engineering firms.
Staff Contact: Mathew Hornack, LUESA- Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
In 1997, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) began countywide flood hazard data and floodplain mapping studies which became effective on February 4, 2004. The 2004 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) provided state-of-the-art technical and mapping information in Mecklenburg County at the time of issuance. Since 2007, CMSWS has been maintaining the maps as new development and redevelopment occurs. Additional remapping efforts became effective in 2014, 2015 and 2018.
CMSWS has determined that the data used to build the effective models and maps is out of date (topography, land-use, etc.). Additionally, new and improved flood model technology has gained acceptance. Staff seeks Board of County Commissioners’ approval to initiate the map update process along with updates to the associated mapping standards guidance document. This project plans to update modeling and mapping for Phase 1 watersheds as shown in Attachment A. The watershed phasing selected for remapping is based on the age of the effective study, the amount of development within the floodplain of the watershed, population growth, and other factors that could impact hydrology and hydraulics.
This project will be funded from the storm water capital budget and may be supported by federal grants pending the release and availability of FEMA funding opportunities.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Services was advertised on March 4, 2026 through North Carolina’s purchasing website (NCeVP). The RFQ was also advertised in The Charlotte Observer, The Charlotte Post, and The Greater Diversity News. Business Diversity and Inclusion Program (BDI) provided a Provisions Guide that was included in the RFQ. The qualifications-based selection of professional services performed by engineers is governed by G.S. 143-64.31, sometimes referred to as the “Mini-Brooks Act.”
A total of six (6) submittals were received by the April 1, 2026 deadline. A five-person Selection Committee was assembled in accordance with BOCC policy and included Storm Water Services staff from Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte along with a private, retired Professional Engineer.
The Selection Committee met on April 8, 2026 and selected the top four firms to interview. Interviews were held on April 23, 2026 and April 28, 2026 at the Russell S. Rozzelle Building at 2145 Suttle Avenue. The Selection Committee met twice to discuss the qualifications of the firms presented in their written submittals and demonstrated during the interview process. On May 14, 2026, the Selection Committee ranked the four firms as follows:
1. Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI)
2. AECOM Technical Services of North Carolina, Inc. (AECOM)
3. AtkinsRealis USA Inc.
4. Woolpert North Carolina, PLLC
The Selection Committee agreed to select FNI for this project and to utilize AECOM for quality assurance and quality control review. Each firm has nationwide experience with the services required. FNI was also previously selected for the 2D modeling pilot study initiated in 2023. If a contract is unable to be negotiated with either FNI or AECOM, the next qualified firm will be selected for negotiations.
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Storm Water Capital Fund (8910) currently contains $1,974,192 of unobligated funding for Mapping Engineering Studies in Unit 3195. The negotiated contract amount will not exceed this amount without additional BOCC approval.