Grant Writer - Texas Water Supply Corp

Contract Grant Writer / Grant Consultant – Texas Small Water District Infrastructure Funding Role Type: Independent Contractor (1099) Focus: Securing grant and low-interest loan funding for water treatment plant expansion, capacity upgrades, system rehabilitation, water loss reduction, and major infrastructure improvements for small/rural Texas water utilities and districts. Priority Project Window: Immediate support for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) — a one-time $1.038 billion 100% grant program with applications due July 30, 2026. Objective Small Texas water districts and utilities (including Water Supply Corporations, Special Utility Districts, and similar entities) often lack dedicated staff to navigate complex state and federal funding programs. This contract position will identify, pursue, and secure funding to address aging infrastructure, meet TCEQ compliance requirements, expand treatment capacity for growth or drought resilience, reduce water loss, and complete major capital improvements while minimizing rate impacts on customers. Key Funding Targets • TWDB WSIG ($1.038B one-time 100% grants) — water supply/infrastructure projects, treatment improvements, system replacements, water loss reduction, and resolving TCEQ violations. • TWDB Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) — loans with principal forgiveness (especially advantageous for small/disadvantaged systems). • USDA Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program — for rural areas (pop. ≤10,000), including treatment facilities. • Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) and other TWDB programs. • Additional opportunities: EPA small/disadvantaged community programs, Texas-specific water loss or resilience funding, and related sources. Note on Eligibility: WSIG has strict rules — governmental/political subdivisions (cities, counties, MUDs/SUDs, river authorities, etc.) are generally eligible; Water Supply Corporations (WSCs) face constitutional limitations and typically require sponsorship via interlocal agreement or a qualifying public entity. DWSRF and USDA programs have different (often more flexible) eligibility for WSCs. The selected contractor must demonstrate experience navigating these distinctions and structuring successful applications. Scope of Services Phase 1 (Immediate – WSIG Focus, ~4–6 weeks) • Rapid assessment of district’s project readiness (plant expansion, major updates, supporting data such as water loss audits, conservation plans, financial audits, AMHI, engineering estimates). • Develop competitive WSIG application strategy and narrative aligned with TWDB prioritization (small population served, low-income areas, water loss/TCEQ issues, State Water Plan consistency). • Prepare full application package using required TWDB-0174 form and attachments (environmental affidavit, water rights, signatory authority, AMHI worksheet, etc.). • Coordinate with district staff, engineers, legal counsel, and board for resolutions, data, and reviews. • Submit application by July 30, 2026 deadline and handle any follow-up inquiries. Phase 2 (Ongoing – 6–18 months ) • Build a diversified 12–36 month funding pipeline and strategy. • Prepare/submit DWSRF Project Information Forms (PIFs) and full applications, USDA applications, and other opportunities. • Develop compelling needs statements, budgets, project descriptions, and impact metrics tailored to small-system challenges. • Support post-award compliance, reporting, and drawdown processes as needed. • Provide monthly progress reports and maintain a grants calendar/tracking system. Optional Add-Ons: Assistance coordinating preliminary engineering reports (PERs), rate studies, or public outreach components often required for applications. Required Qualifications & Experience • Proven success securing TWDB (DWSRF, EDAP, WSIG or equivalent), USDA Rural Development, or similar infrastructure funding for small or rural Texas water/wastewater systems. Provide specific examples with project type (e.g., treatment plant expansion/upgrade), award amount, and outcome. • Deep familiarity with TWDB application processes, WSIG-specific requirements and forms, DWSRF PIF/full application workflow, and USDA eligibility/requirements. • Strong technical writing skills with ability to translate engineering concepts, hydraulic modeling, water quality data, and compliance needs into clear, persuasive narratives. • Experience with small-system considerations: disadvantaged community scoring, water loss audits, conservation planning, limited matching funds capacity, and rate affordability analysis. • Demonstrated ability to work rapidly and accurately under tight deadlines (WSIG July 30, 2026 is critical). • Knowledge of Texas water regulations (TCEQ), environmental review processes, and federal cross-cutting requirements (Davis-Bacon, etc.) when applicable. • Experience or clear strategy for working with Water Supply Corporations (WSCs) and structuring applications through eligible governmental sponsors or interlocal arrangements where direct eligibility is restricted. • Excellent project management, communication, and collaboration skills with boards, operators, engineers, and attorneys. • References from at least two Texas water utility or district clients (preferably small/rural systems). Preferred: Existing relationships with TWDB staff, Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA), or Texas Water Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (TWICC) resources; experience with principal forgiveness maximization for small systems. Contract Terms & Compensation • Term: Initial 3–6 month contract with option to extend (phased approach strongly preferred). • Work Location: Fully remote with periodic virtual meetings; occasional in-person board/engineer coordination in Texas as needed. • Compensation Structure (): o Flat/milestone-based fee per application or phase. o Hybrid (partial upfront + success/performance component tied to award). o Retainer option for ongoing pipeline management. Respondents should clearly state proposed pricing, estimated hours for WSIG, payment schedule, and any reimbursable expenses. Proposal Submission Requirements Interested contractors should submit a concise proposal (PDF or email) including: 1. Cover letter/approach to the urgent WSIG deadline and long-term pipeline. 2. Relevant experience and specific Texas water infrastructure grant examples (with outcomes). 3. Proposed timeline and work plan for WSIG Phase 1. 4. Detailed pricing/fee structure with assumptions. 5. Two to three client references (Texas water utilities preferred) with contact info. 6. Résumé or firm profile highlighting relevant staff. 7. Proof of professional liability insurance (if available). Evaluation Criteria: Relevant Texas water infrastructure grant success (especially TWDB/USDA for small systems), demonstrated capacity for fast WSIG turnaround, strength of proposed approach and pricing, and references. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced grant professional to deliver high-impact results for underserved Texas communities facing critical water infrastructure needs. The combination of the large WSIG opportunity and ongoing DWSRF/USDA programs creates strong potential for multiple successful awards.