City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC
RELEASE OF RFQ NO. 07.25 - PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PLANNING,
DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES
OF DRINKING WATER, SEWER, STORM SEWER,
AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 24, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization and approval for the public release of Request for Qualifications No. 07.25 - Professional Engineering Services for the planning, design, and construction phase services related to drinking water, sewer, storm sewer, and infrastructure improvements across the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is currently subject to a Consent Decree issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to resolve longstanding violations of the Clean Water Act; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is leading the City’s efforts to achieve full compliance with the Consent Decree and address critical infrastructure needs; and
Whereas, the timely procurement of specialized engineering expertise is essential to implement required improvements to the City’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems and to meet regulatory deadlines; and
Whereas, the City seeks to issue Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 07.25 to identify and engage qualified professional engineering firms to support these urgent infrastructure projects, including design, construction oversight, flood mitigation, MS4 compliance, and asset management; and
Whereas, the proposed RFQ will promote equitable contracting opportunities by establishing a goal of 20% participation by certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs); and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the release of RFQ No. 07.25 is in the public interest and necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment by ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Release RFQ No. 07.25. The City Council hereby authorizes and approves the public release of Request for Qualifications No. 07.25 - Professional Engineering Services for the planning, design, and construction phase services related to drinking water, sewer, storm sewer, and infrastructure improvements across the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 2. Purpose of RFQ. The RFQ seeks to solicit qualifications from engineering firms to support the Department of Public Works in:
• Engineering design and construction oversight
• Sewer system rehabilitation and flood mitigation
• Lead service line replacement and program implementation
• MS4 permit compliance and public education
• Regulatory agency coordination and reporting
• Infrastructure asset management and long-term planning
Section 3. Commitment to MWBE Inclusion. The City affirms its commitment to equity and inclusion in public contracting. The RFQ shall encourage participation of certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and shall establish a target goal of 20% MWBE engagement in awarded contracts.
Section 4. Consent Decree Compliance. All services procured through RFQ No. 07.25 shall directly support the City’s compliance with the Consent Decree issued by the EPA and DEC and shall be coordinated with ongoing regulatory obligations and infrastructure improvement initiatives.
Section 5. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or section of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.