2026/27 STORMWATER CIP PROJECTS
The City's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) contains several programs related to stormwater improvements across the community. In an effort to provide the most cost effective services for infrastructure designs for projects in FY 2026/27, a single request for proposals was conducted for the Stormwater Erosion Control Program, Low Point Drainage Program, and Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program (Ada Hayden location only).
The 2026/27 Stormwater Erosion Control Program locations include: Canterbury Court and Ioway Creek at Stange Rd.
The 2026/27 Low Point Drainage Program locations include: 6th St (Duff Ave to Crawford Ave) and Crystal St (S Duff Ave to Opal Dr).
The 2026/27 Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program locations include: Ada Hayden Wetlands (included) and Ames Municipal Airport Dams (not included with this request)
Staff initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for professional services for the design and development of plans and specifications for each programmed location. Proposals for this work were received from seven engineering firms on October 1, 2026. The proposals were evaluated on their qualifications according to the following criteria: Project Understanding, Project Approach, Design Team/Key Personnel, and Previous Experience. The evaluation scores are as follows:
| Firm | Qualifications and Fee Score | Rank | Fee |
| MSA | 95.3 | 1 | $166,044.50 |
| Bolton & Menk | 93.5 | 2 | $182,223.00 |
| HR Green | 92 | 3 | $182,497.00 |
| WHKS | 91.7 | 4 | $187,180.00 |
| Eocene | 88.2 | 5 | $186,608.00 |
| RDG | 88 | 6 | $212,000.00 |
| Foth | 86.5 | 7 | $188,000.00 |
MSA scored highest based on qualifications and represents the lowest proposed fee. The firm's proposal represents the best value for the City to perform the necessary design services for these projects.
A summary of revenues and projected expenses for the projects is shown below:
| Funding Source | Revenues | Expenses |
| 2026/ 27 Stormwater Erosion Control Program | $ 550,000 | |
| 2026/27 Low Point Drainage Program | 450,000 | |
| 2026/27 Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program | 300,000 | |
| Airport Dam Drainage Study (separate project) | $ 150,000.00 | |
| Construction (Est.) | 920,000.00 | |
| Engineering (this Council Action) | 166,044.50 | |
| Administration | 123,955.50 | |
| TOTAL | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000.00 |
- Approve a professional services agreement with MSA for various 2026/27 Stormwater Capital Improvement Programs in an amount not to exceed $166,044.50.
- Direct staff to negotiate an engineering agreement with another consulting firm.
Based on the staff's evaluation using the above criteria, MSA will provide the best value to the City for professional services for various 2026/27 Stormwater CIP Programs. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No.1, as described above.