title
Commissioner Hovis - Natural Resources - To Authorize the County Manager, or His Designee, to Execute a Professional Services Contract with KCI Associates for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Design of the Cramerton Central Park Stream Restoration Project
body
STAFF CONTACT
Will Wier, PE - Natural Resources - 704-922-2156
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
No additional County funds.
body
BACKGROUND
Within Central Park in the Town of Cramerton, there is a nearly 1000-foot tributary of the South Fork Catawba River with streambanks that are mostly stabilized with riprap. This stream is fed by an approximately 45-acre urban watershed that contributes high peak water flows due to the amount of impervious surface and backwater from the South Fork Catawba River when the river is high. The County has partnered with the Town of Cramerton to work within Central Park to help manage the stormwater runoff and flooding that occurs in the area. This project will be funded through ARPA grant funds received from NCDEQ.
When federal funds are involved, waiver of Qualification Based Selection (QBS) can only be considered when total cost is below $10,000 per Uniform Guidance. However, the design fees for this ARPA stormwater project will exceed the $10,000 cap for exemption, thereby requiring the engineer to be selected through the qualifications based process. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was publicized on the County's website, Gaston Gazette, and on the NC DOA Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) site to meet the UG's affirmative steps to solicit from minority firms.
Gaston County Natural Resources staff developed a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) packet for the project in accordance with statutory requirements, and publicly advertised the project beginning June 23, 2025. Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) submittals were received until August 8, 2025. Six firms submitted an SOQ.
• Freese and Nichols, Charlotte, North Carolina
• KCI Associates of North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Kimley-Horn, Charlotte, North Carolina
• McAdams, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Timmons Group, Charlotte, North Carolina
• WithersRavenel, Charlotte, North Carolina
After reviewing and ranking the SOQs submitted and in-person presentations and interviews, the engineering firm KCI Associates of North Carolina was deemed to be the best qualified for this project. Approval of this Board Action officially selects KCI Associates of North Carolina as the designer of record for the Cramerton Central Park Stream Restoration.
Approval of this Board Action authorizes the County Attorney to draft any necessary contract documents and the County Manager, or his designee, to execute said contract documents.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A