December 3, 2025 News
ADDENDA
To: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
ORCHARD MESA IRRIGATION DISTRICT (OMID)
Engineering and Permitting Services
Orchard Mesa Irrigation District – Canals 1 & 2 Piping Project
Issued By: Orchard Mesa Irrigation District
Date: December 3, 2025
Question No. 1:
If known, when is this project expected to go to bid for contractors and what is the expected start date for construction?
Answer No. 1:
OMID currently anticipates initiating the procurement of a construction contractor in Summer 2027, with mobilization beginning in Fall 2027. Timelines are subject to change based on design and permitting processes.
Question No. 2:
Should Attachment B be included in the Company Information section, and will it count toward the 5-page limit?
Answer No. 2:
Please refer to Question 7 response.
Question No. 3:
Would you like us to include resumes in the submission?
Answer No. 3:
Resumes for key personnel may be included as part of the staffing section of the proposal. Any resumes included will count toward the page limits identified for the corresponding proposal sections.
Question No. 4:
Are we permitted to use 11″ x 17″ pages for any portion of the proposal?
Answer No. 4:
Proposers may include a limited number of 11″ × 17″ pages for materials such as schedules, figures, or graphics that require a larger format for clarity. Any 11″ × 17″ pages will count toward the applicable page limits for the section in which they appear, as noted in the RFP. Proposers should ensure that all required narrative content remains easily readable and compliant with the overall formatting and page-limit requirements.
Question No. 5:
Would OMID consider granting an extension to December 22nd for the proposal deadline?
Answer No. 5:
At this time, OMID does not anticipate extending the proposal deadline of 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time) on December 15, 2025, as stated in the RFP.
Question No. 6:
Section 4.8 of the Scope lists “issued permits” under deliverables. Typically the SWMP permits are obtained by the owner and contractor, not the design engineer. Is it possible to remove the “issued permits” from the deliverables?
Answer No. 6:
OMID agrees that certain construction-phase permits, such as the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) permit and contractor-specific stormwater authorizations, are typically obtained by the owner or contractor rather than the design engineer. The intent of Section 4.8 is for the Consultant to prepare complete permit applications, technical materials, and supporting documentation, and to coordinate with the applicable agencies until all required permits are ready for issuance.
The Consultant will be responsible for developing permit applications and supporting materials and for responding to agency comments, but OMID or the construction contractor will ultimately obtain and hold the permits.
Question No. 7:
Section 9.1 states that the Company overview has a 5-page limit. Please verify that this doesn’t include the pages for the Proposal Form No. 1 included in this section.
Answer No. 7:
The 5-page limit for the Company Information/Company Overview section does not include Proposal Form No. 1 (Attachment B). The Proposal Form is a required submittal but is not counted toward the page limits for the narrative sections described in Section 9.
Question No. 8:
Section 9.1 Attachment B – Proposal Form No. 1 Contract Execution
States that the proposer agrees to sign the Agreement on November 22, 2025. What date should that be updated to?
Answer No. 8:
The reference to November 22, 2025 in Attachment B is a placeholder for the date when OMID distributed the Contract Documents to firms that submitted a timely Notice of Intent. As shown in the RFP’s Estimated Timeline, contract execution is currently anticipated to occur in February 2026. Proposers should understand this statement to mean that they agree to execute the contract in substantially the form provided by OMID at the time it is issued, consistent with the procurement schedule.
Question No. 9:
The following statement seems to imply that costs are to be included in the proposal. Please confirm no costs or hourly rates are to be included in the response to the RFP.
The Proposer agrees, if their proposal is accepted, they shall accept as full payment for the Scope of Work in Attachment A, at a firm fixed price, in the amount indicated on their submitted proposal and Change Order Services at the rates and unit prices submitted with this Proposal.
Answer No. 9:
No cost information of any kind, including fixed prices, hourly rates, unit prices, or other fee details, is to be included in the proposal submitted in response to this RFP.
The referenced statement in Attachment B reflects contract language describing payment terms after selection, and will be used during contract negotiations with the highest-ranked proposer, consistent with the qualifications-based selection process outlined in the RFP.
Question No. 10:
Section 9.4 states “List up to 5 references…” Can additional projects, without references, be discussed to better describe our experience on similar projects? Assuming that this section will stay within the 5 page limit.
Answer No. 10:
Yes. Proposers may include additional project examples in Section 9.4 to further demonstrate relevant experience, even if those projects are not accompanied by full reference contact information.
Any additional projects must still fit within the 5-page limit for this section and should be concise, focusing on experience directly applicable to the scope and technical complexity of this project. The Selection Committee will evaluate all submitted experience in accordance with the criteria outlined in the RFP.
Question No. 11:
Can OMID estimate the number of turnouts in each pipe section?
Answer No. 11:
There are an estimated 89 points of delivery on Canal 1 and 35 points of delivery on Canal 2 within the project area. There are no points of delivery on the Overflow Ditch. Points of delivery include both headgate infrastructure and pumps withdrawing from the canals. The Contractor will be responsible for verifying the number of points of delivery and proposing how to incorporate these deliveries into the project. Please refer to question 24 response for details on expected turnout assembly design.
Question No. 12:
Can OMID estimate the number of stormwater/tailwater pipes enter the current system?
Answer No. 12:
There are an estimated 10-12 stormwater point-discharge sources entering the OMID system. The locations of all identified stormwater/tailwater inflows will be shared with the selected contractor. However, the Contractor will be responsible for verifying the points of inflow, identifying any previously unknown sources during field investigations, and proposing how to address these inflows in project designs. OMID and Contractor will coordinate outreach with the responsible entity.
Question No. 13:
Easement documents – have any of the existing easement documents been compiled by OMID or will all need to be obtained from the county records?
Answer No. 13:
OMID expects that many sections of the canals do not have recorded easements. There may be recorded easements where the canals are located within subdivisions. OMID will provide whatever documentation it has, but the contractor should anticipate the need to research county records.
Question No. 14:
Will the Bureau of Reclamation be reviewing the engineering design?
Answer No. 14:
Yes. As described in the RFP, the project includes Reclamation-owned features, and OMID operates as part of Reclamation’s Grand Valley Project. Accordingly, Reclamation will review design submittals at the 30%, 60%, and 100% stages, and will coordinate with OMID and FCA throughout the design and compliance process.
The selected Contractor will be expected to incorporate Reclamation comments and requirements into all design deliverables and to coordinate closely with Reclamation during permitting, environmental compliance, and preparation of the final bid package.
Question No. 15:
Are there any historical drawings for existing pipe sections?
Answer No. 15:
Bureau of Reclamation has archived a number of historical drawings for the OMID system. However, Bureau of Reclamation will need to confirm if these drawings exist and were archived or are retrievable. Contractors should develop proposals under the assumption that historical drawings will not be available for any particular infrastructure element.
Question No. 16:
Did the grant assume the replacement of all existing pipe sections?
Answer No. 16:
The grant included estimates for replacement of the entire conveyances in the project area. Proposals should assume that all existing infrastructure will be replaced with modernized materials, rehabilitated, or generally improved, as conditions warrant.
Certain features, such as the large siphon on Canal 1, may represent substantial replacement or rehabilitation costs. The Contractor should evaluate these structures during design and determine whether full replacement, lining, sleeving, or other rehabilitation measures are warranted.
Inspection of existing infrastructure, and its incorporation into project design will be addressed by the selected contractor during project design, as necessary.
Question No. 17:
Will OMID handle most of the public outreach to landowners along the canal?
Answer No. 17:
Yes. OMID will handle the majority of public outreach to landowners along the canals.
Question No. 18:
Is the selected consultant expected to hold any public comment meetings?
Answer No. 18:
The RFP and Scope of Work do not specifically require the selected consultant to organize or lead standalone public comment meetings. Public involvement requirements, if any, will be determined through the NEPA and permitting processes led in coordination with Reclamation and the relevant agencies. As part of the environmental and cultural resource compliance scope, the consultant may be asked to support OMID and Reclamation by preparing technical materials, participating in agency- or owner-led public meetings, and responding to technical questions or comments.
Question No. 19:
Can you provide the B2E grant application, or parts of it?
Answer No. 19:
OMID is not distributing the full B2E grant application as part of this solicitation.
Question No. 20:
How was the construction cost estimate determined (given no initial design was completed)?
Answer No. 20:
The construction cost estimate used for early project planning and funding purposes is a Class 5–level planning estimate, appropriate for projects that have not yet advanced into preliminary design. The estimate was developed for OMID by a qualified engineering professional familiar with large-scale irrigation piping projects and with recent construction cost trends in the region. The estimate draws on:
– Recent bid results and construction costs from comparable irrigation modernization and piping projects;
– Current market-based unit pricing for pipe materials, trenching, backfill, structures, and appurtenances;
– Typical installation and production rates for buried pressure pipeline; and
– Contingencies and allowances consistent with industry standards and federal funding program requirements for early-phase estimates.
This planning estimate is intended solely for budgeting and grant application purposes. As stated in the RFP, the selected consultant will be responsible for preparing and refining Opinions of Probable Construction Cost at the 30%, 60%, and 100% design milestones.
Question No. 21:
Can you provide an estimation of the number of turnouts/headgates/connections along the canal reaches that are proposed to be piped?
Answer No. 21:
Please refer to question 11 response.
Question No. 22:
Can you provide estimated flow rate ranges at multiple locations along the canal reaches that are to be piped?
Answer No. 22:
Flow in the canals within the project area varies throughout the irrigation season. For Canal 1, the maximum flow is typically about 20 cfs downstream of the Mutual Mesa Lateral, where the proposed piping is anticipated to begin. For Canal 2, the maximum flow is typically about 9 cfs downstream of the Wrecking Yard Spill, where the proposed piping is anticipated to begin. In the Overflow Ditch, flows typically vary daily from 0 cfs to 5 cfs, but can be up to approximately 15 cfs under certain conditions. End and operational spills for both Canal 1 and Canal 2 varies, but typically ranges from 0 cfs to 3 cfs.
These flows are based on current system operations where end and operational spills vary for both canals based on user demand and seasonal fluctuations. The Contractor will be expected to verify delivery obligations within the project area and evaluate how the project will affect conveyance and deliveries (e.g., reductions in seepage and evaporation, capture of end and operational spills, and use of the regulating reservoir in operations) when determining appropriate pipe sizing.
Question No. 23:
Are any pump stations anticipated in the design? Is part of this design a pipe/pump system from the regulating reservoir to supply Canal 1?
Answer No. 23:
Project design elements, such as whether water is pumped from the regulating reservoir back to canals, are at the discretion of the Contractor. Currently, OMID does not rely on pumping to return water to the canals from the regulating reservoir. If a proposer believes pump-back provides operational advantages or improves efficiency, the proposal should detail any proposed operational changes and consider benefits to system operation as well as any potential increases in O&M and power demands.
Question No. 24:
Where are we tying into existing turnout/lateral infrastructure? How far past the canal banks are we expected to replace/upgrade infrastructure?
Answer No. 24:
Contractors should assume metering at all operational turnouts within the project area. Design is expected to extend through the turnout assembly to the District’s established point of delivery. Infrastructure downstream of the delivery point (private irrigation systems) is not included unless explicitly requested by OMID. Please refer to question 11 for the number of points of delivery in the project area.
Specific tie-in points on existing canals are to be determined during the design process. However, tie-in locations are anticipated to be immediately downstream of the Wrecking Yard Spill on Canal 2, immediately downstream of the Wrecking Yard Spill outlet for the Overflow Ditch, and immediately downstream of the Mutual Mesa Lateral intake (downstream of the Regulating Reservoir) on Canal 1. Infrastructure design specific to each tie-in location will be evaluated during project design.
Question No. 25:
Are there any areas of known wetland delineation along the canal reaches?
Answer No. 25:
OMID is not aware of any formally delineated wetlands or approved jurisdictional determinations within the project construction limits. No project-specific wetland delineation has been completed along the existing canal reaches.
Desktop resources, including the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)/USA Wetlands layer, do show mapped wetlands near some segments of the canals. These mapped features are generalized and have not been field-verified for this project, and they should not be relied on as a formal delineation or as a determination of regulatory jurisdiction.
Contractors should assume work will generally be confined to existing alignments and easements. If project activities have potential to impact wetlands or other waters of the U.S., formal wetland delineations and jurisdictional determinations would be required under Clean Water Act Section 404 and applicable Colorado state permitting processes. Any required delineations or field investigations would be coordinated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies as needed.
Question No. 26:
Will the pipe follow the existing ditch alignment? Are there any changes to the alignment OMID wants investigated?
Answer No. 26:
In general, Contractors should assume the proposed piping will follow the existing canal alignments. Realignments may be evaluated and proposed by the selected contractor during project design where they provide a clear benefit to the project. Any proposed realignments will need to consider the existing easement status and acquisition of a new easement.
Question No. 27:
How will flow be regulated in the proposed pipe segments of Canal 1 and 2? Is there regulating storage capacity or is it controlled by the upstream main pumps, gates, and spills?
Answer No. 27:
Contractors should assume that flow in the proposed piped segments will be regulated primarily by the existing diversion and control structures, such as the Regulating Reservoir and gates. As part of design, the selected contractor will be expected to evaluate system hydraulics and operation, and recommend any new flow-control infrastructure, as well as the use of existing Regulating Reservoir storage capacity.
Question No. 28:
We understand the final 100% design and environmental/cultural compliance deadlines are firm. Are the interim milestone deadlines (30%, 60%) flexible so long as the end date is achieved?
Answer No. 28:
OMID considers the interim 30% and 60% design milestones to be important schedule checkpoints that support coordination with OMID, FCA, and Reclamation, and that ensure timely environmental and cultural resource compliance. At this time, OMID expects proposers to plan to meet the milestone dates included in the RFP schedule.
However, OMID recognizes that adjustments to interim dates may be appropriate based on project approach, staffing, or technical considerations. Proposers may propose alternative interim milestone dates if they can demonstrate that:
1. The overall project schedule, including 100% design and environmental/cultural compliance deadlines, will still be met, and
2. The revised schedule provides adequate time for agency coordination and required reviews.
Any proposed changes to interim milestone dates should be clearly identified in the proposal and will be reviewed during the evaluation process.
Question No. 29:
May additional content be included within the allotted pages for each of the evaluation criteria as deemed relevant by the Contractor if the page limitations are met?
Answer No. 29:
Yes. Proposers may include any additional information they believe is relevant to the evaluation criteria, provided that all content remains within the page limits established for each section of the proposal. Proposers are encouraged to focus on content that directly addresses the evaluation criteria and demonstrates the team’s qualifications, approach, and capacity as described in the RFP.
Question No. 30:
Would you like the Contact Information and Staffing (Section 9.2) to include all subconsultants to be potentially utilized on the project or only the prime?
Answer No. 30:
Section 9.2 should include both the prime firm and all proposed subconsultants who are expected to play a meaningful role in delivering the project. Proposers should identify key personnel from each subconsultant, along with their roles, qualifications, and anticipated level of involvement, consistent with the staffing requirements described in the RFP.
Firms are not required to identify every possible specialty resource that may be used on an as-needed basis, but all known and intended team members should be included to demonstrate the team’s overall capacity and experience.
Question No. 31:
Section 9 states, “…Page limits listed below include all exhibits, tables, and graphics”. Do staff resumes fall within the page limits?
Answer No. 31:
Yes. Staff resumes count toward the page limits for the section in which they are included. As described in Section 9, all narrative content, exhibits, tables, graphics, and resumes must fit within the specified page limits for each proposal section.
Question No. 32:
Similarly, does a cover letter fall within the 29 page limit?
Answer No. 32:
No. A brief cover letter does not count toward the 29-page limit, provided it is used only to introduce the proposal and is not used to present evaluation-related content.
Question No. 33:
Section 9.1 (Company Information) has a 5 page limit, but seems to include Attachment B. Does Attachment B count toward the limit of section 9.1.?
Answer No. 33:
Please refer to Question 7 response.
Additional information:
For an updated project map please make a request via email at info@omirrigation.com