This study will provide preliminary engineering information for projects to expand the interconnection with Durham by replacing an existing 12-inch asbestos cement (AC) pipe with 16-inch pipe (initial estimated size) along U.S. 70A and replacing the pre-1935 Hasell Street Water Tank with a larger tank of a current material and size that is necessary to make the interconnection fully optimized and to improve tank operations throughout the town. The Town of Hillsborough, the seat of Orange County, has a population of about 9,700 people. It is a small town with a big history. The downtown historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features more than 100 homes, churches and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The distribution system and Water Treatment Plant are owned and operated by the town. The town distribution system, in parts, is extremely old, dating to before the 1930s. The water distribution system consists of approximately 153 miles of water lines, five water storage tanks and three water distribution booster pump stations. The town serves out-of-town customers. It has approximately 7,000 water connections. Water main materials include cast iron, asbestos cement, ductile iron, plastic, galvanized and copper ranging from 1.5 to 16 inches. Current average daily flow is between 1.5 and 1.6 million gallons per day (mgd) with peak day sometimes over 2 mgd. There are three pressure zones. The central pressure zone hydraulic grade line (HGL) is at 737 feet. The north pressure zone HGL is at 814 feet. The south pressure zone HGL is at 831.5 feet. There are interconnections with three neighboring utility systems. In the central pressure zone exists an interconnection with the City of Durham water system near U.S. 70 and Interstate 85. Also in the central pressure zone is an interconnection with the Orange-Alamance Water System water plant near U.S. 70 and the Eno River crossing. In the south pressure zone, an interconnection with Orange Water and Sewere Authority exists but is not active to receive from OWASA due to the pending construction of a new booster pumping station in this zone. The town can provide via gravity to OWASA through this interconnection The Town of Hillsborough is requesting statements of qualifications for conceptual planning to replace a water tank and about 2 miles of water main. The study will provide preliminary engineering information for increasing storage capacity, improving pressure and flow and improving the existing interconnection with the City of Durham through the following projects: Replacing a 12-inch asbestos cement pipe with 16-inch pipe (initial estimated size) along U.S. 70A from South Churton Street to approximately Meadowlands Drive. Replacing the Hasell Street Water Tank, built before 1935, with a larger tank of a current material and size that is necessary to fully optimize the interconnection and to improve tank operations throughout the town. The study will be paid for with funds the town has received from the state Asset Inventory and Assessment Grants Program. Questions Due Date: Aug. 21, 2023 Utilities Director K. Marie Strandwitz, PE marie.strandwitz@hillsboroughnc.gov. 1. Review available data and conduct a discussion with town staff about historical knowledge and needs regarding the Hasell Street tank and U.S. 70A water main. 2. View and assess sites of current tank and water mains and identify proposed replacement locations/ alignments. At the proposed tank site, preliminary geotechnical work may be needed. Note the town has not yet approached the parcel owner of the anticipated site to discuss this project. 3. Using current needs and planned growth, size the necessary replacement of the Hasell Street tank considering daily and peak uses, fire protection storage, unusable volume, etc. Identify the sizing, HGL recommendation, siting of the replacement water tank, alternatives for style of tank, proposed control and operation features, if the existing tank should remain or be demolished, construction challenges, necessary land acquisition and estimated cost, operational impacts/necessary changes in plant operation for a larger tank, necessary permits, anticipated schedule and cost in a Basis of Design memorandum. 4. Prepare a separate technical memorandum of at least two, preferably three, potential alignments of a larger water main along U.S. 70A or elsewhere if more feasible. Identify pros and cons of each alignment regarding location, conflicts, cost, customer and environmental impacts, permits, etc. Indicate necessary easement acquisition for each alignment presented in a figure and as square footage. Discuss construction techniques, pipe material, additional interconnections with existing town mains, necessary permits and encroachments, anticipated timeline for construction, if the replacement can be phased, and anticipated cost. The report shall be accompanied by digital information, such as GIS shapefiles of improvements, Excelbased capital improvement plan that can be integrated into the town's existing capital improvement plan, and the model with all scenarios in an open-source format. Deliverables will be identified in the project contract. The selected firm will also need to provide monthly progress reports with invoices that will be forwarded to the state as part of the grant requirements. Part of the contract will also include presenting the results to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners.