Swanton Village
Swanton Village Electric Department
Request for Qualifications
REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATION- PROPOSAL OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE
The Village of Swanton requests submissions of Qualification Statements and Salary Requirements for the position of Owner’s Representative to provide oversight into an Alternatives Analysis Project (Project) for replacement of a failed crest gate technology. This is not a construction project and this RFQ is for a Representative to provide independent opinion on the Alternatives Analysis Project (Project). If the Project goes to construction, a separate RFQ for Construction Clerk of the Works will be issued.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Village of Swanton (Village) is seeking qualification statements from experienced consulting firms to provide professional advisement for a separately advertised Alternatives Analysis Project (Project) to identify and evaluate design alternatives for replacement of the Highgate Falls Dam’s failed crest gate system. The 15’ rubber bladder ruptured and will not be replaced with the same technology. The Owner’s Representative shall act as the Village’s eyes and ears during the Project. The Owner’s Representative does not have authority to direct the Project Consultant’s means and methods, modify scope, or stop work (except in an imminent safety risk). The role is to observe, report, advise, and advocate for the Village.
The Village is a municipality in Northwestern Vermont with approximately 2,500 residents. The Village has 42 full-time employees and operates Police, Public Works, Electric, Water, and Sewer Departments and supports a volunteer Fire Department. The Village of Swanton owns and operates SVED, which has been serving customers since 1894 and currently serves approximately 3,800 customers in Swanton Village, Swanton Town, Highgate and 5 non-residential customers in St. Albans Town with low cost, safe, efficient, reliable electricity. Maintaining these valuable energy services is critical to the social and economic welfare of the rural, designated low-and moderate-income Northern Vermont communities served by SVED.
SVED's overall system includes Highgate Falls Hydropower Project and a transmission/distribution system. The Highgate Falls project provides approximately 75% of all the annual energy utilized by customers. Issues encountered with the Highgate Falls’ rubber dam crest control have significantly impacted project hydropower operations and generation. The Village is conducting the Alternatives Analysis to look at three different repair options and an additional “do-nothing option” to help the Village of Swanton determine their preferred path for Highgate Falls Hydro Facility. To see the Alternatives Assessment RFQ for further details on the facility and scope of that project, contact the Village Manager (contact information is under submission details).
PROJECT SCHEDULE
- Owners Representative RFQ issued- December 9, 2025
- Owners Representative RFQ submission Deadline- January 5, 2026
PROJECT BUDGET
The budget for this RFQ is yet to be determined. The budget for this Owner’s Representative services will be based on hourly rate.
SERVICES
The Village intends to select an Owner’s Representative to oversee the Alternatives Analysis Project (Project) progress which will identify three alternative technologies and create 15% designs with estimates for each of the alternatives. The Village will interview qualified applicants after reviewing qualifications packages and checking references.
The Owner’s Representative must be knowledgeable in the hydroelectric field, innovative technologies and approaches, and Federal and State regulatory compliance standards. The Applicant must have a proven track record of providing past clients with reliable, professional service and experience with project located in Vermont projects will be highly valued. The Owner’s Representative must be independent of the Project Consultant, the Design Engineer, and any prospective construction contractors. Applicants must disclose any past or present relationships with firms likely to work on this project and will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to award.
The Owner’s Representative shall be responsible for advising the Owner during the Project and advocating on behalf of the Village to ensure their best interests are served. This oversight and collaboration will result in the development of a practical, useful document that will assist the Village in moving forward to construct a preferred alternative.
As a part of the Clerk’s responsibilities on this project, they will:
- Attend project meetings
- Advise and assist the Project Consultant with finding and understanding information on the Hydro Facility’s infrastructure, capacity and history as requested.
- Provide pertinent information regarding the FERC licensing status, limitations and obligations.
- Attend and report to the Owner on Project progress at conferences, site visits, and meetings as directed by the Owner.
- Maintain a detailed written log of all project-related meetings, decisions, issues raised, schedules, and discussions.
- Provide weekly written updates to the Village summarizing activities, risks, schedule issues, and recommended actions.
- Consider and evaluate suggestions or recommendations which may be submitted by the Project Consultant.
- Provide insight into the project and share potential challenges and strategies to overcome those challenges.
- Be alert to the Project schedule and conditions that may cause delays in completion and report to the Owner.
- Review the applications for payment submitted by the Project Consultant and forward invoices with recommendations to the Owner for disposition.
- Review Progress on the Project and ensure work aligns with the goals and expectations of the Owner.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DETAILS
Qualification Statements should address the following:
Salary Expectation
Provide hourly rates for all work and associated expenses including travel.
Candidate should assume the fee request will be modified if the project period is increased or decreased.
Experience
Provide a list of previous projects for which applicant has served as Owner’s Representative with particular emphasis on similar types and similar sized project, ideally located within Vermont. Provide details on type, size, cost and contract info for owner of project.
Candidates should demonstrate experience in the following areas:
• Heavy civil, dam, spillway, or river-work oversight.
• Familiarity with FERC licensing, compliance reporting, or dam safety protocols.
• Experience with hydroelectric mechanical systems, pneumatic/hydraulic gates, or similar infrastructure.
• Prior work on federally funded municipal projects (e.g., FEMA, USDA RD, SRF), including documentation, reporting, and labor standards compliance.
• Ability to interpret engineering feasibility reports and assess alternative technology recommendations.
Provide resumes for all individuals assigned to this project.
Please provide any additional supporting documents that you feel best represent your abilities to meet this particular project’s challenges identified in the description of the project above.
Workload and Availability
List current employment responsibilities and their demand. Indicate your firm’s availability and capacity for the project.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Committee will review proposals and rank them based on qualifications, experience, references, availability and cost.
• Relevant hydro/civil project experience – 40%
• Qualifications of assigned personnel – 30%
• Understanding of Village goals and FERC context – 20%
• References and past municipal performance – 10%
The Village reserves the right to contact applicants to clarify proposal details, request more information, or negotiate with any applicant. The Village reserves the right to reject all proposals and not award a contract.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Proposals may be emailed to Swanton Village Manager, William Sheets, at wsheets@swanton.net by January 5, 2026 at 1 p.m. Clearly mark subject line Owner’s Representative Proposal for Swanton Village Hydro Dam Alternative’s Analysis Project. Proposals may also be delivered to Attention: Swanton Village Manager, Swanton Municipal Complex, 120 First Street, Swanton, VT 05488, or mailed to PO Box 279, Swanton, VT 05488. Questions on this RFQ can be sent to William Sheets, wsheets@swanton.net or 802-868-3397 x 208.
The Village of Swanton is an equal opportunity employer, and women and minority owned businesses are encouraged to apply.