EDC rejects RFQ for International Drive project; staff will rewrite scope to include consulting services
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Summary
The Rio Grande City EDC rejected all responses to RFQ 2025-1 for the International Drive project after staff found the advertised scope failed to define consulting services; staff said the $5 million project will require firms that can handle engineering and reimbursement paperwork tied to AFA funding.
The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation voted to reject all submittals to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) number 2025-1 for the International Drive project after staff determined the scope of services did not clearly specify the consulting work required.
Staff told directors that the RFQ's description of consulting services was too vague and could produce proposals that do not meet the project's needs. "After the RFQ was published, staff discovered that the scope of services did not adequately explain the consulting services needed for the project. This lack of detail could confuse potential respondents and result in proposals that do not meet the project's needs. To ensure fairness and compliance with procurement standards, no submittals were opened," an EDC staff member said.
Staff said three responses had been received but were not opened because of the scope problem. The board approved a motion to reject the RFQ and direct staff to revise it to specify consulting and engineering services before re-advertising. Directors discussed asking TxDOT staff to review the revised scope.
Staff described the project as a longtime priority to connect the Starr County (transcript: "Star County") Harbor Bridge area to U.S. 83 via a road behind the Walmart site, designed to reduce local congestion. Staff said the project budget is roughly $5,000,000, with about $4,000,000 expected to be reimbursable through AFA funding. Because reimbursement requires specific documentation, staff recommended hiring an engineering firm that can also provide reimbursement/consulting services or adding a separate consultant to ensure compliance and avoid tying up EDC funds.
Board members asked about deadlines and possible delays; staff said the target for beginning construction is January 2027, and added that revising and re-advertising the RFQ could add about a month to the procurement timeline if TxDOT review is timely.
The board approved rejection of the RFQ and directed staff to work with legal and TxDOT to revise and reissue the solicitation.
