Program description
When a project or program need arises, a hennepin county project manager considers prequalified consultants for the work. To become prequalified, firms must sign the county’s master agreement and submit information on qualifications related to their professional discipline. Once a firm is prequalified, it will be included on a list that county project managers can use to solicit proposals. Prequalification is not a guarantee of work.
Areas of expertise included in the program:
- Architectural and facility engineering
- Asbestos and solid waste
- Community development
- Community engagement
- Energy
- Environmental and cultural resource studies
- Landscape architecture
- Materials testing
- Right of way assistance
- Survey and mapping
- Transportation
Each area of expertise includes more specific disciplines that the consultants must meet qualification criteria for, to become prequalified.
Participating agencies
- Planning
- Transportation (roads and bridges)
- Community works
- Environment and energy
- Facility services
- Resident and real estate services
Submittal requirements
Each firm must complete and submit a master agreement, a substitute W-9 and qualification documents specific to a professional discipline. Firms that do business in more than one discipline must submit separate qualification documents for each.
Timelines
The program is open continuously. Firms can submit a master agreement and qualifications on a continuous basis. Firms maintain their prequalification status for three years and there are multiple extension options.
Evaluation process and length
County staff evaluates prequalification documents. Typically, review should take about 15 business days.
Master agreement
The master agreement establishes the terms and conditions as well as the technical provisions related to professional disciplines. The dollar amount for a specific project is defined within the work authorization for a specific project and not within the master agreement.
Alternate consultant selection methods
In addition to this prequalification program, Hennepin County will continue to use alternate solicitation methods to acquire professional consulting services. Examples include the designer selection committee and road and bridge construction projects. View current contract opportunities.
Firms prequalified by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
These firms will be deemed qualified in the same or similar disciplines of the county prequalification program. Submittal of an executed master agreement and prequalification documents is required.
Small business preference
The county gives first consideration to small businesses that are CERT certified. CERT is a small business certification program recognized by the county and several other local governments in the metro region, and certifies small minority-owned and small women-owned businesses. To be CERT certified, firms must apply. Visit the CERT website.
Sub-consultants
There is no requirement for primary consultants to use sub-consultants who have been prequalified.
Questions and comments
Send questions and comments to county staff, who continuously evaluate and seek ways to improve the program. Email pwbiz@hennepin.us.
Program updates
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