On January 31, 2019, The Surface Water Supply Project (SWSP) hosted a second contractor outreach workshop at the Embassy Suites Hilton–Energy Corridor in Houston, Texas from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Email invitations were sent to contractors that specialize in open-cut and tunneling methods of construction. A total of 135 contractors participated in the workshop.
During the workshop, a brief overview of the SWSP was covered including the request for qualifications (RFQ), contract specifics, project standards, and additional work opportunities. The North Fort Bend Water Authority was in attendance. To promote SBE/ DBE participation for the construction of the project, the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity provided information on promoting the success of small businesses and ways for developing Houston’s workforce.
The project presentation was followed by a question & answer session where contractors were encouraged to vocalize their ideas and suggestions. Contractors were also encouraged to submit written comments during the workshop by completing a Feedback Form. To conclude the workshop, contractors were invited to participate in a networking session for potential project teaming opportunities while reviewing the proposed construction plans of each SWSP segment.
To submit procurement feedback or view the attendee sheet, presentation, and project details from the meeting, please visit the Procurement Documents page. The SWSP encourages contractors to create a CIVCAST account to view all bid documents as they become available. It is anticipated that the formal RFQ will be posted late February 2019.
On June 29, 2018, The SWSP hosted a Contractor Outreach Workshop at the Embassy Suites Hilton – Energy Corridor, Houston, Texas from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. More than 7,000 digital and physical invitations were sent to contractors using various communication methods, and more than 120 interested contractors attended the event.
During the workshop the most current information on each SWSP segment, including the long tunnel, and the two pump stations was presented. Partnering entities, The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity and the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, were also in attendance to provide detailed information to contractors about on how to register as a SBE/DBE and learn more about upcoming projects. Following a detailed presentation, attendees were invited to network as they reviewed maps of the proposed plans and large-scale project renderings of each SWSP segment.
To view the attendee sheet, presentation, project details from the meeting and to provide procurement feedback, please visit the Procurement Documents page. The WHCRWA encourages contractors to create a CIVCAST account to view all bid documents when available. It is anticipated that bid documents will be posted late 2018.
In accordance with the four-step approach to encourage inclusion, the WHCRWA and NFBWA partnered with the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity to conduct four Pre-Certification workshops in neighborhoods near the SWSP alignment. Each workshop was held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and lunch was provided from local small businesses. A summary of these workshops can be found here.
- Tuesday, March 21, 2017: Melrose Community Center
- Wednesday, March 22, 2017: Tidwell Community Center
- Wednesday, March 29, 2017: Fry Road Municipal Utility District Administration Building
- Thursday, March 30, 2017: Acres Homes Multi-Service Center