RFQ- Thurston PUD Water Systems Acquisition Feasibility Study

Lewis County Public Works (County) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified consulting firms to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the potential acquisition, ownership, operation, and long-term management of 54 water systems currently owned and operated by Thurston Public Utility District No. 1 (Thurston PUD) within Lewis County. The study will provide independent technical, financial, regulatory, operational, and risk-based due diligence for consideration by the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Thurston PUD has expressed its intent to divest water systems located outside Thurston County and has provided Lewis County the first opportunity to evaluate purchase of these systems. Current information identifies 7 Group A and 47 Group B systems. System counts, connections, assets, financial assumptions, and acquisition terms shall be independently verified as part of the study. This project is funded through Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Contract GVL32753-0 for the Lewis County Feasibility Study for Consolidation of Thurston PUD Water Systems (Application No. 2025-4651), administered through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The executed agreement provides up to $150,000 in federal funding for the approved scope of work. The consultant contract and all work performed under it must remain within the executed DOH agreement, approved scope, available grant funding, and written Notice to Proceed.