Consulting Services for Stormwater Enterprise Utility Development and Implementation

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire (City) issues this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional consulting services to firms to provide engineering, financial, and strategic communications consulting services. The City of Portsmouth manages stormwater infrastructure that receives roughly 50 inches of annual precipitation and includes 84 miles of piping and 205 regulated outfalls. Currently, stormwater funding is drawn equally from the General Fund (50%) and the Sewer Fund (50%). To meet strict EPA MS4 permit requirements and Great Bay Total Nitrogen regulations in an equitable manner, the City requires a dedicated, fee-based funding source. Significant foundational work has already been completed, including technical components, impervious area calculations, pro forma development, and rate projections. If implemented, this utility will be the first of its kind in the State of New Hampshire. While other regional municipalities have explored or attempted to pass on similar utilities, those efforts have faced significant public opposition. The selected consultant must demonstrate a strong understanding of New Hampshire specific challenges, statues regarding municipal fee-based services, and the region's unique regulatory framework, including MS4 requirements, Great Bay nitrogen regulations, and the CLF Residual Designation issue. The consultant must produce deliverables tailored to the City of Portsmouth's existing infrastructure, funding structure, and previous feasibility work. Given recent public opposition to similar utilities, the selected consultant shall demonstrate the ability to navigate public concerns and adapt outreach strategies based on stakeholder feedback. Proposals are to be submitted via the City's e-Procurement Portal via https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cityofportsmouth .