Specifications include, but are not limited to: Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Wastewater Rate Study Consulting. The intent of this solicitation is to seek highly qualified consultants to assist and advise LRWRA on rate adjustments. 1. Developing a comprehensive financial plan for a ten (10) year planning period. The financial plan must include forecasts of revenues under LRWRA’s existing schedule of rates and charges, LRWRA’s revenue requirements to operate, maintain and administer LRWRA, as well as finance LRWRA’s major capital improvement program (CIP). The capital improvement financing plan must include forecasts of future debt issues and internally generated funds necessary to finance the CIP. 2. Conducting a detailed review of the existing rates and making recommendations which will provide sufficient revenue to fund all projected costs. a. The rates must be equitable in nature, reflect cost of service, have minimal annual impact on rate payers, take into account all rate related policies, and follow generally accepted wastewater rate practices. b. The rates must address and reduce the impact water conservation and customer growth has on revenues. 3. Developing proposed rates that will be adequate to pay LRWRA’s costs for the next ten (10) years and be fairly structured for the rate payers. 4. Reviewing current policies including debt, reserves, rate stabilization, conservation, and affordability and to provide recommended revisions to policies. 5. Calculating cost of service and associated fees for activities not covered by rates (ancillary fees). 6. Providing an easy-to-use electronic rate model in Microsoft Excel format which may be readily updated to review alternative scenarios. Providing training to staff in the use of the rate model. Upon delivery by the consultant the rate model will be owned by LRWRA. 7. Preparing a report that demonstrates how the analysis was performed.
