If you’re a mechanical, electrical, or plumbing (MEP) engineering firm looking to work on public infrastructure projects, the Airport RFP RFQ Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Engineering CA 2019 October opportunity may still hold valuable lessons—even years later. Many firms missed critical details or misunderstood submission requirements, costing them potential contracts. This guide breaks down exactly what that solicitation entailed, why it matters, and how similar bids can be approached with confidence today.
What Was the 2019 October California Airport MEP RFP/RFQ?
In October 2019, several California airports—including Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and San Diego International Airport—issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for MEP engineering services. These documents sought qualified firms to support terminal modernization, HVAC upgrades, electrical system overhauls, and plumbing infrastructure improvements.
These projects were part of broader infrastructure modernization programs, often funded by federal grants, state bonds, or airport revenue bonds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, California airports received over $2.1 billion in federal funding between 2018–2022 for capital improvements—many requiring advanced MEP engineering input.
Pro Tip: While the exact 2019 solicitation is closed, understanding its structure helps firms prepare for future airport RFPs/RFQs in California and nationwide.
Why Do Airport MEP Engineering RFPs/RFQs Matter?
Airports are among the most complex public facilities—requiring 24/7 operational reliability, stringent safety standards, and scalable systems. MEP engineers play a pivotal role in:
- Designing energy-efficient HVAC systems that handle high occupant loads
- Ensuring electrical redundancy for critical operations (e.g., air traffic control, security)
- Implementing sustainable plumbing solutions with water reclamation and leak detection
According to a 2020 study by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), MEP scope accounts for 30–40% of total engineering costs in airport terminal projects.
Key Components of the 2019 CA Airport MEP RFP/RFQ
While exact requirements varied by airport authority, common elements included:
1. Prequalification Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of airport or transportation facility experience
- Valid California professional engineering (PE) licenses
- Proof of past projects valued over $5 million
2. Technical Proposal Criteria
- Project approach and methodology
- Team resumes with relevant airport experience
- QA/QC and safety plans
3. Submission Deadlines & Format
- Most October 2019 RFPs had 30–45 day response windows
- Required digital submission via portals like BidSync or DemandStar
- Strict formatting (e.g., page limits, font size, labeled exhibits)
4. Evaluation Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Technical Approach | 40% |
| Relevant Experience | 30% |
| Team Qualifications | 20% |
| Cost Proposal | 10% |
Note: Unlike private bids, public-sector RFPs often prioritize technical merit over price—especially for engineering services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Responding to Airport MEP RFPs
Even though the 2019 opportunity has passed, this framework applies to current and future bids:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility Early
Check if your firm meets all mandatory criteria (e.g., state licenses, bonding capacity). Missing one checkbox = automatic disqualification.
Step 2: Download Full Solicitation Documents
Never rely on summaries. Visit official portals like:
Step 3: Conduct a Compliance Checklist
Create a table matching each RFP requirement to your response section. Example:
| RFP Section | Requirement | Your Response Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2 | Provide 3 airport MEP projects | Page 8, Exhibit B |
| 4.1 | Include PE license numbers | Page 3, Team Bios |
Step 4: Highlight Differentiators
Did your team design a LEED Gold terminal? Reduce energy use by 25% in a prior airport? Quantify results—this builds E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), a Google ranking factor.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline—Twice
Upload early. Technical glitches happen. Many firms lost bids in 2019 due to last-minute portal crashes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Based on 2019 Submissions)
- ❌ Generic proposals not tailored to the specific airport
- ❌ Missing mandatory forms (e.g., Conflict of Interest disclosures)
- ❌ Overlooking minority business enterprise (MBE) participation requirements—many CA airport RFPs require 15–25% MBE/WBE involvement
- ❌ Failing to reference California Building Code (CBC) and Title 24 energy standards
Insider Insight: One San Diego RFP in 2019 received 27 submissions—only 12 passed the compliance review. Most were rejected for incomplete team resumes or missing licenses.
How This Relates to Today’s Airport Bidding Landscape
Though the Airport RFP RFQ Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Engineering CA 2019 October is historical, its structure mirrors current practices. In fact, with the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, over $25 billion is allocated to U.S. airports through 2026—much of it for MEP-related upgrades.
According to the FAA, California alone will receive $1.8 billion for airport infrastructure by 2026. Firms that mastered the 2019 process are now winning new contracts.
For more on public procurement, see the Wikipedia entry on Government Procurement.
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the difference between an RFP and an RFQ for airport engineering?
A: An RFQ (Request for Qualifications) evaluates your firm’s experience and capability before a project is fully scoped. An RFP (Request for Proposal) asks for a detailed technical and cost proposal for a defined project. RFQs often lead to shortlists; RFPs lead to contracts.
Q2: Do I need a California PE license to bid on airport MEP work?
A: Yes. All engineering work in California requires a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Some RFPs also require the lead engineer to be a California resident or registered with the California Board for Professional Engineers.
Q3: Can small firms compete with large engineering companies?
A: Absolutely. Many airport authorities split projects into phases or set aside scopes for small businesses. In 2019, LAWA awarded 35% of MEP subcontracts to firms with fewer than 50 employees.
Q4: Where can I find upcoming airport RFPs in California?
A: Monitor:
- LAWA Business Opportunities
- Caltrans Letting Schedule
- SAM.gov (for federally funded work)
Q5: Are past performance references required?
A: Yes—typically 3–5 projects of similar size and complexity, completed within the last 7 years. Include client contact info; authorities will call to verify.
Q6: How long does the selection process take?
A: Usually 60–120 days after submission. Complex MEP bids may include interviews or site visits as part of final evaluation.
Conclusion
The Airport RFP RFQ Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Engineering CA 2019 October may be in the rearview mirror, but it remains a goldmine of lessons for engineering firms targeting public infrastructure work. By mastering compliance, showcasing relevant experience, and understanding evaluation criteria, your firm can win its share of the billions flowing into U.S. airport upgrades.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on LinkedIn or Twitter—your fellow engineers will thank you! And bookmark this page; we’ll keep it updated with new California airport RFP alerts.
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