SCHAWANA — The Sentinel Gap Water Association, which serves the unincorporated community of Schawana, has launched the process for expansion of the system.

According to President Alfredo Gutiérrez, the SGWA has wanted to expand for some time. Now that its finances and record keeping are in order, it’s time to seek expansion.

According to Gutiérrez, the SGWA serves a few more than 50 accounts. But there are more than 100 lots in the community. Some lots with buildings are not being served.

“Expansion would be good for the SGWA and the community,” Gutiérrez said. “All communities need to grow or run the risk of dying.”

The SGWA is inviting Statements of Qualifications and performance information from firms interested in providing professional engineering, architectural and land surveying services for the 2016 to 2017 calendar years in conjunction with water system sponsored projects.

Sentinel Gap Water Association projects for which services are sought may include: water system capacity analysis, water distribution improvements, and planning studies in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health – Office of Drinking Water (DOH) and Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).

Qualification and performance statements will be reviewed and placed on file for the 2016 to 2017 calendar years. These qualifications will be used as the source from which to select qualified firms to complete projects.

The Board of Directors of Sentinel Gap Water Association will evaluate and rate the proposals according to these criteria:

1. Project team experience with similar projects. (20%)

2. Project team experience with federally funded projects. (15%)

3. Project team member qualifications. (15%)

4. General approach to projects. (15%)

5. Capability to complete projects timely. (20%)

6. Local familiarity. (15%)

Minority- and women-owned firms are encouraged to submit statements of qualification.

The Sentinel Gap Water Association is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Questions should be directed to the Sentinel Gap Water Association, at P.O. box 182, Beverly, WA 99321. Response of interested firms is requested no later than June 21.

It is anticipated that these projects will be funded through the Association’s current reserve set-asides. However, some projects may also be funded through the Washington State Community Development Block Grant Program, DOH or with federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development.