Specifications include, but are not limited to: The SWC is requesting proposals from qualified firmsto perform a comprehensive study regarding the long-term governance and financeof regional watersystemsin North Dakota.Final Report is required by December 31, 2020 for consideration during the 2021 North Dakota Legislative Session.The firm will be selected based on qualifications and previous experience. Thequalified firm must have a comprehensive understanding of the background of existing regional water systems in North Dakota. Additionally,they must have experience with financial modeling, the implementation of alternative project delivery methods,and registration with theMunicipalSecurities Rulemaking Board.The primaryfocus of the study is to perform a comparative analysis ofalternative frameworks forthe governance and financeof regional water systems. Additionally, the study is expectedto provideguidance for a recommended governance and finance frameworkforfuture regional water systems. The alternatives must be evaluatedby metrics which seek to identifythe most cost-effectiveuse of limited state financial resourcesand the alternatives considered should not be boundby historic constraints.Several factors, including, but not limited, to the following must be considered for a thorough review of alternatives:-Industrial Organization-Finance of Public Infrastructure-Operational Research-Public Economics-Business Analytics-Decision, Rate, and Taxing Authority-Staffing and Licensure-Existing SWC Cost-Share Policy-Insurance-Law