City of Roma Announces RFQ for Mendez Avenue Engineering Design Services
The City of Roma is moving forward with a major infrastructure investment along Mendez Avenue, a critical commercial roadway that supports freight movement and economic activity near the Roma Port of Entry.
Thanks to funding awarded through the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC), the City has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a qualified engineering firm to provide planning, design, environmental review, bidding, and construction-phase services for the Mendez Avenue Project.
Why Mendez Avenue Matters
Mendez Avenue serves as the only designated commercial exit from the Roma Port of Entry, providing essential access for heavy trucks traveling between port facilities, regional roadways, and the Las Americas Roma Logistics and Industrial Park.
Years of sustained heavy truck traffic have significantly deteriorated the existing pavement, making reconstruction necessary to support current and future commercial and industrial use.
Project Scope Overview
The selected engineering firm will be responsible for guiding the project from planning through construction. Preliminary project elements include:
- Reconstruction of approximately 2,300 linear feet of roadway, including stabilized base and reinforced concrete pavement designed for heavy truck traffic
- Drainage improvements to address existing deficiencies and enhance long-term performance
- Utility coordination and improvements, including water/wastewater and other underground infrastructure as required
- Pedestrian enhancements, including sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, and crosswalk improvements
- Environmental compliance activities, including required documentation and coordination with applicable agencies
Qualifications-Based Selection Process
Procurement will follow a qualifications-based selection process consistent with federal requirements and applicable Texas law.
Firms will be evaluated on:
- Relevant experience with similar roadway/drainage projects and federal compliance
- Qualifications and availability of key personnel
- Project understanding and approach
- Past performance and references
- Local knowledge and ability to mobilize quickly
Important: Cost/price information must not be included in the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Submittals containing pricing may be deemed non-responsive.
Addendum No. 1 – Required Federal Certifications (New)
Addendum No. 1 (issued February 18, 2026) updates the SOQ submission requirements to include completed and signed federal certification forms. Failure to include them may cause an SOQ to be considered non-responsive.
Respondents must include:
- Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension
- Certification Regarding Lobbying
- Non-Collusion Affidavit
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Additionally, the highest-ranked firm will be required to provide the following prior to contract execution:
- Drug-Free Workplace Certification
- Title VI / Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity Assurance
- Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliance Acknowledgment (IIJA / domestic sourcing requirements)
The final professional services agreement will also include federally required contract clauses under 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II.
Important Dates
- RFQ Publication: February 4, 2026
- Statements of Qualifications Due: February 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CST
- Evaluation & Shortlisting: February 25 – March 2, 2026
- Selection & Contract Negotiation: March 2 – March 9, 2026
- Council Approval & Contract Award: March 11, 2026
- Notice to Proceed: March 2026, subject to SBRC’s formal notice to proceed
Questions
Questions must be submitted in writing via email to Alejandro Barrera, City Manager, no later than ten (10) days before the submission deadline: abarrera@cityofroma.net.
Encouraging Broad Participation
The City of Roma encourages participation from Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Small Business Enterprises, and Small Businesses in Rural Areas, consistent with SBRC and federal funding objectives.
Learn More
Engineering firms interested in submitting qualifications should review the full RFQ (including Addendum No. 1) for detailed submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and required federal forms.
This project represents another step forward in strengthening Roma’s infrastructure, improving safety, and supporting long-term economic growth.