1-3566-9 Districtwide Water Treatment RFP.pdf

MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #3566-9

District-wide Cooling Tower and Closed-Loop Water Treatment Services

Proposal Due Date

May 11, 2026 (local time)

MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

RFP # 3566-9

District-wide Cooling Tower and Closed-Loop Water Treatment Services

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

ACTIVITY DATE

Release RFP April 15, 2026 Questions Due April 27, 2026 Proposals Due May 11, 2026 Proposed Contract Award July 1, 2026

Table of Contents

GENERAL

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

EVALUATION CRITERIA

PRICING SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SIGNATURE PAGE

ATTACHMENT A

RFP# 3566-9

Section One: GENERAL Rev 090817

GENERAL

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is soliciting proposals and qualifications from experienced, qualified Vendors to provide performance-based cooling tower and closed-loop chemical treatment programs and related services for multiple campuses, facilities, and cooling tower systems located throughout Maricopa County, Arizona.

This combined Request for Proposal (RFP) is intended to:

• Establish a pool of one or more qualified Vendors

• Develop, implement, and document water quality control parameters that meet MCCCD performance requirements and industry best practices, without restriction to a specific chemistry platform and consistent with the performance standards established in Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.14 of this RFP.

• Enable competitive pricing among awarded Vendors

• Ensure environmentally responsible, corrosion-controlled, and scale-free cooling tower operation appropriate for Phoenix-area water chemistry and climate

MCCCD reserves the right to award one or more contracts resulting from this solicitation, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities and minor irregularities, and to award contracts in the best interest of the District in accordance with MCCCD procurement policies.

In the event of conflict between qualitative language and numeric limits, numeric limits shall control unless explicitly modified by written addendum.

These requirements reflect MCCCD’s operational experience with cooling tower systems across multiple campuses and are intended to balance water efficiency (Section 3.4), equipment protection, and long-term reliability, and to align with the scope of services defined in Section 3.2 and the performance standards established in Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.14.

1.2 MCCCD DISTRICT MAKE-UP

MCCCD comprised of ten colleges, and numerous education centers dedicated to educational excellence by meeting the needs of the businesses and the citizens of Maricopa County. Each college is individually accredited, yet part of a larger system, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD or District). The MCCCD is one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. As the largest provider of health care workers and job training in Arizona, it is a major resource for business and industry and for individuals seeking education and job training. More than 140,000 students attend the Maricopa Community Colleges each year taking credit and non-credit courses. MCCCD employs nearly 4,800 full-time faculty and staff and more than 6,800 part-time faculty and staff.

1.3 HISTORY

MCCCD ranks as one of the nation’s largest systems of its kind and is the largest single provider of higher education in Arizona. MCCCD educates and trains thousands of students year-round. What’s more, thousands of employees from both local and relocating businesses and industries are enrolled in customized workforce training programs with the MCCCD system. MCCCD’s administration, faculty and staff are committed to working collectively and responsibly to meet the life-long learning needs of our diverse students and communities.

A seven-member governing board governs MCCCD. Five members are elected from geographical districts within Maricopa County, while two are elected on a countywide basis. The chief executive officer of MCCCD is the Chancellor; and a president heads each of the colleges. MCCCD is a political subdivision of the State, and the elected governing board has the power to levy taxes. Funding comes from property taxes, student tuition, and federal, state and private grants.

1.4 CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

The Maricopa County Community College District, along with most educational entities in the State of Arizona, has been dealing with decreased funding support from the State for many years. In 2015, the State of Arizona eliminated all of the funding it was providing to help support MCCCD’s operations. In addition to the loss of all funding from the State, MCCCD has experienced a decrease in student enrollment, which is a typical trend for all community colleges during strong economic times.

It is the philosophy of MCCCD that this loss of funding and decreased enrollment should not be bridged by raising student tuitions or by burdening the public with increases in their taxes. The result of these funding reductions has created a need to rethink the traditional model of customer and vendor so that MCCCD can continue to provide the best learning environment for our student population as well as practice good stewardship of the public support we receive.

It is the District’s desire to move towards a model that is being utilized by many other higher learning institutions throughout the country which is to evolve the previous customer/supplier relationships associated with our contractors to that of becoming our Strategic Partners. By cultivating strategic partnerships, it will enable MCCCD and the awarded contractor to help identify potential cost reductions, maximize efficiencies, and tap unexplored value-added opportunities to maximize resources and support to the benefit of both parties. Any potential strategic initiatives can be established during negotiations.

1.5 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

In addition to providing the services listed in this Request for Proposal, MCCCD is continually seeking to expand its relationships with contractors who can evolve into a strategic partner. We are seeking companies that can help expand the boundaries of what has been thought of as traditional consulting contracts by infusing the program with new concepts, out-of-the box thinking, and value-added offerings that may not have existed before.

1.6 VALUE-ADDED OFFERINGS:

MCCCD would be interested in receiving any suggestions that would bring added value to this contract.

As stated in section 1.4, the previous sources of State revenue support have been cut and in order to continue to provide the quality of education our students deserve MCCCD is open to considering new resources and ideas to help alleviate these short-falls. These proposals may be a one-time occurrence or recurring in nature, revenue producing (such as incentives or rebates) or other offerings that would bring added value to our organization. Provide details how leveraging a strategic partnership with your company can assist MCCCD in achieving our goals. Creative solutions are encouraged and should be clearly labeled in the proposal as an attachment.

Potential value-added offerings may be proposed in general in the attachment but will not be reviewed and considered until after the competitive evaluation process has been completed. Once a susceptibility of award is determined by the evaluation team further negotiations regarding these added value offerings may occur and must be completed prior to a final contract award.

The negotiation of any of these offerings is separate from the evaluation process. Changes / additions to these offerings may be made if agreed upon in writing by both parties and included as a signed contract amendment.

MCCCD reserves the right to exclude items offered under this section from co-operative use unless also agreed upon by the awardee.

Section Two: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

All questions regarding this Request for Proposal should be submitted online via the MCCCD Procurement Portal. The deadline to submit questions is: April 27, 2026, 5:00 PM (local time).

We will not respond directly to the company asking the question. All questions received within the question period will be acknowledged even if an answer cannot be provided. Responses to the questions received by the deadline will be answered in the form of an addendum. The addendum will be posted on the MCCCD Procurement Portal, and an email notification sent to all known potential respondents who have answered “Yes” to the Intent to Bid question or anyone who has downloaded documents from the portal. The addendum will be made available on/about May 1, 2026.

2.2 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

MCCCD uses a portal hosted by Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) for accepting and evaluating proposals. Registration for a Euna Procurement account will be necessary to view and respond to the RFP. It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to confirm that proposals contain all required documents and are submitted electronically through the MCCCD Procurement Portal located here:

https://maricopa.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Upon upload, proposals are automatically timestamped and will remain secure and sealed until after the submission deadline has passed. Your proposal should include all items listed in Section 4.6: Format and Submittal Requirements. Your proposal is available for you to edit or change any time up to the RFP submission deadline.

Please contact Euna Procurement at support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com for technical questions related to your submission or difficulties in accessing the RFP documents. You can also visit their help forum at:

https://maricopa.bonfirehub.com/portal/support

Your proposal must be completed and uploaded to our site no later than 3:00 P.M. (local time), May 11, 2026. Submissions after this date and time will automatically be rejected by the system. The time on the MCCCD Procurement Portal shall be the official submittal time of record.

It is the proposer’s responsibility to be aware of the submission deadline and allow sufficient time to complete any uploads needed to finalize your submission. Any technical or internet-related issues that may arise during your submission are not grounds to extend the deadline. It is strongly recommended you begin your submission upload process at least one (1) day prior to the deadline.

https://maricopa.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities https://maricopa.bonfirehub.com/portal/support

2.3 AWARD DETERMINATION

This Request for Proposal does not constitute a commitment by the District to award a contract. The District reserves the right to waive any informalities and to reject any or all proposals and/or to cancel the Request For Proposal. The award shall be made on the proposal(s) that serves the best interest of the District and will not be evaluated solely on a monetary basis. The District reserves the right to negotiate a contract with the selected awardee. Even after the execution of a contract document or Notice of Award, the selected vendor may not initiate contract performance or incur any contract costs until it receives a District-issued purchase order or Procurement card.

2.4 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

All materials submitted as part of a response to a solicitation are subject to Arizona public records law and will be disclosed if there is an appropriate public records request at the time of or after the award of the contract.

In the event any Proposer shall include in the Proposal any information deemed "proprietary" or "protected", such information shall be separately packaged from the balance of the proposal and clearly marked as to any proprietary claim. A “Confidential Information” section is included in the solicitation’s Requested Information. See section 4.6.

If a Proposer wants to assert that a proposal contains a trade secret or other proprietary information, a Proposer shall include with the submission a statement supporting this assertion. A Proposer shall clearly designate any trade secret and other proprietary information, using the term “confidential” and include it in the “Confidential Information” submittal section. Contract terms and conditions, pricing, and information generally available to the public are not considered confidential information.

The District discourages the submission of such information and undertakes to provide no more than reasonable efforts to protect the proprietary nature of such information. The District, as a public entity, cannot and does not warrant that proprietary information will not be disclosed. The District shall have the right to use any or all information included in the proposals submitted unless the information is expressly restricted by the Proposer. The District reserves the right to make its own determination of Proposer’s proprietary materials.

Requests to deem the entire proposal or price as confidential will not be considered.

When submitting a response containing “Confidential” information, Proposer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the District, its officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney’s fees, arising out of or resulting from the District withholding information that offeror marked as “Confidential”.

2.5 PROPOSAL FORM

All proposals must be submitted in writing, using the accepted file formats listed. Each proposal shall be prepared simply, providing the straightforward, concise description of the proposer's ability to meet the requirements of the RFP. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of contents. No proposal shall exceed forty (40) typewritten pages in length plus any pricing schedule(s), exhibits, resumes, proposed draft revenue sharing agreement, or attachments. Please refer to Section 4.6 Format and Submittal Requirements. Proposals that do not follow the Format and Submittal Requirements outlined in Section 4.6 may be disqualified.

2.6 PROPOSER MODIFICATIONS TO PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified after submittal to the MCCCD Procurement Portal by accessing your Euna Procurement account. Any modifications must be made and the files re-uploaded to the MCCCD Procurement Portal by the published opening date and time. No modifications to proposals are permitted by the proposer after the published RFP opening date and time.

2.7 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL

Any Proposer may withdraw their proposal by accessing their Euna Procurement account prior to the deadline set for receipt of proposals. No proposal may be withdrawn or modified after that deadline and shall be binding upon Proposer for a period of ninety (90) days after due date. Withdrawn Proposals may be resubmitted up to the time designated for the receipt of Proposals provided that they are then fully in conformance with the general terms and conditions of the RFP.

2.8 PROPOSAL COSTS

Any and all costs associated with the preparation of responses to this Request for Proposal, including site visits, oral presentations and any other costs shall be entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be reimbursable in any manner.

2.9 ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Proposers may, after opening and prior to award, be required to make oral and visual presentations at the request of the MCCCD. The MCCCD will schedule the time and location for any presentations as requested. Oral presentations will be evaluated.

2.10 AWARD WITHOUT DISCUSSION

The MCCCD reserves the right to make an award(s) without further discussion of the proposals received.

It is therefore critical that all proposals be submitted initially in the most favorable terms possible, both economically and technically.

2.11 CONTRACT COMMENCEMENT/TERM

It is the intent of the District to award a 1-year contract for a total potential contract term of five (5) years. The District may also award a contract for a term shorter as deemed necessary. This RFP will result in a multi-award, as-needed contract. As MCCCD determines services are necessary, a scope of work will be developed with an anticipated length of time each assignment is expected to require. A PO will be issued to the awarded Vendor who MCCCD identifies as the best fit. No billable work is to be done without a signed PO and scope of work.

Best fit is the awarded Vendor identified by MCCCD as providing the best value for the specific assignment consistent with the multiple-award and competition framework established in Section 3.9 Assignment of work among awarded Vendors shall be based on pricing, demonstrated technical performance, responsiveness, and campus-specific operational needs. MCCCD reserves the right to request quotes or proposals from awarded Vendors for individual assignments and to select the Vendor providing the best value based on these factors.

A written Notice of Award with a specific contract start date will be made prior to commencement of performance. MCCCD may at its discretion and with the concurrence of the successful proposer, exercise up to 4 one-year option periods for a total contract period not to exceed five years, subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, and mutual agreement. However, if a mutually beneficial strategic agreement can be reached that would benefit from a longer term, those terms will also be considered.

Continuation of the contract beyond the current fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. In the event funds are not appropriated, MCCCD may terminate the contract without penalty.

Continued performance eligibility under any renewal or option period shall be contingent upon satisfactory performance in accordance with the requirements of this RFP, including but not limited to the performance standards and verification provisions defined in Section 3.14.

2.12 MCCCD MODIFICATIONS TO PROPOSALS

Any interpretation, correction, or change of this RFP will be made by written Addendum.

Interpretations, corrections, or changes of this RFP made in any other manner will not be binding, and Proposers shall not rely upon such interpretations, corrections, and changes. Any changes or corrections will be issued by MCCCD Purchasing. Addenda notification will be e-mailed to all known potential respondents who have answered “Yes” to the Intent to Bid question on the portal or anyone who has downloaded documents from the portal. Addenda will also be posted to the proposal documents on the MCCCD Procurement Portal located at:

https://maricopa.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

2.13 NON-COLLUSION

The MCCCD encourages free and open competition. Whenever possible, specifications, proposal invitations and conditions are designed to accomplish this objective, consistent with the necessity to satisfy the MCCCD’s needs and the accomplishment of a sound economical operation. The Proposer's signature on its proposal guarantees that any prices offered have been established without collusion with other eligible Proposers and without effort to preclude the MCCCD from obtaining the most advantageous proposal.

Section Three: SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

This RFP includes multiple cooling towers and systems, which may include:

• Open recirculating cooling towers

• Closed-circuit fluid coolers with evaporative spray systems (hybrid systems)

For purposes of this solicitation, closed-circuit fluid coolers with evaporative spray or evaporative assist features are considered hybrid in operation, requiring separate and distinct treatment of the closed internal condenser loop and the open evaporative spray water system in accordance with Section 3.3.

The Vendor shall provide separate chemical programs, monitoring, and reporting for each portion of the system.

Systems are located across multiple MCCCD campuses and facilities, with varying:

• Tower sizes and loads

• Metallurgy

• Operating schedules

• Makeup water sources (municipal and SRP suppliers typical of Maricopa County)

Vendors shall assume high hardness, high alkalinity, elevated silica, high-mineral-content water and high summer heat loads consistent with Central Arizona conditions. Representative makeup water analyses typical of MCCCD campuses may be provided for informational purposes; however, the Vendor shall validate actual site-specific water chemistry conditions during program implementation and adjust treatment programs accordingly. Treatment programs shall demonstrate ability to maintain compliance across these variable conditions and water quality characteristics in accordance with Section 3.3 (Required Water Quality Control Limits) and Section 3.4 (Cycles of Concentration Requirements), and in alignment with responsibilities defined in Section 3.2.

3.1. Closed Hydronic Systems

In addition to open recirculating cooling towers and closed-circuit fluid coolers with evaporative spray systems, this RFP may include the following closed hydronic systems:

• Closed chilled water (CHW) systems

• Closed hydronic hot water (HHW) systems

• Closed-loop condenser water systems not exposed to atmospheric evaporation

For purposes of this solicitation:

Closed hydronic systems are defined as non-evaporative, closed recirculating piping systems not subject to continuous concentration of dissolved solids through evaporation.

These systems may include:

• Air-handling unit coils

• Heat exchangers

• Boilers (non-steam, closed-loop hydronic systems only; steam boilers are not included in this solicitation)

• Chillers

• Plate-and-frame exchangers

• Distribution piping

Closed hydronic systems shall be treated separately from open cooling tower systems and from evaporative spray systems associated with closed-circuit fluid coolers. Water chemistry control for these systems shall comply with Section 3.3.4.

3.2 SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected Vendor(s) shall provide comprehensive performance-based chemical treatment and support services for all applicable cooling tower and closed-loop hydronic systems at MCCCD campuses, including system-specific monitoring, reporting, emergency response, and compliance with the requirements outlined in this RFP.

The selected Vendor(s) shall provide:

3.2.1 Scope of Required Services

• Chemical treatment programs for scale, corrosion, fouling, and microbiological control

• Supply of chemicals, site specific testing equipment, and monitoring devices

• Water chemistry control and monitoring for open recirculating cooling towers shall use existing

MCCCD-standard tower water chemistry controllers (Walchem Intuition 9). Vendors shall demonstrate compatibility with existing MCCCD control platforms.

• Routine service visits and water analysis

• Corrosion coupon installation, monitoring, and reporting

• Microbiological control programs compliant with ASHRAE Standard 188

• Technical support, reporting, and corrective action plans

• Emergency response as required

• Chemical treatment programs for closed chilled water (CHW), closed hydronic hot water (HHW), and closed-loop condenser water systems in accordance with Section 3.3.4.

All systems shall be subject to acceptance testing per Section 3.14. All chemical treatment, monitoring, and corrective actions performed under this Section shall support and maintain compliance with the water quality limits defined in Section 3.3 and operational cycles requirements defined in Section 3.4, and shall be documented in accordance with Section 3.5. Any deviations from numeric or operational limits, treatment strategies, or system modifications shall require prior written approval as defined in Section 3.12.

3.2.2 Responsibility for Service Performance

The Vendor shall provide all labor, supervision, technical services, testing, inspection, reporting, chemical supply, controller configuration, monitoring, and emergency response necessary to maintain cooling tower systems in accordance with this RFP and any resulting contract.

If Subcontractors are utilized:

• The Prime Vendor shall maintain direct supervisory control over Subcontractor activities

• Subcontractor personnel shall meet the same qualification and training standards as Vendor employees

• The Prime Vendor shall ensure uniform reporting, performance standards, and regulatory compliance across all campuses

• The Prime Vendor shall ensure Subcontractors comply with OSHA, EPA, ADEQ, and all applicable water management regulations

The Prime Vendor shall remain fully responsible and liable for the acts, omissions, negligence, and performance of any Subcontractor. MCCCD shall have no contractual relationship with any Subcontractor. MCCCD reserves the right to require removal of any Subcontractor personnel deemed unsatisfactory. Subcontractors shall not be substituted after contract award without prior written approval of MCCCD as defined in Section 3.12.

Demonstration of technical capability, experience, staffing, or program design within the proposal submission does not relieve the Vendor of ongoing performance obligations. All operational, water quality, monitoring, reporting, and performance requirements stated in this RFP constitute continuous performance requirements for the full duration of the contract term.

3.2.3 Closed Hydronic System Responsibilities

For closed hydronic systems, the Vendor shall provide:

• Corrosion inhibitor program design appropriate for system metallurgy

• Nitrite, molybdate, azole, or alternative inhibitor monitoring

• Annual full closed-loop water analysis

• Documentation or reasonable estimation of system volume. Where volume is not documented, the Vendor shall assist MCCCD in estimating system volume for proper inhibitor dosing and treatment control.

• System passivation following cleaning or repair

Closed hydronic systems shall not be treated using evaporative system chemistry.

Any proposed adjustments to inhibitor dosing, chemical formulations, or system passivation procedures that deviate from Section 3.3 water quality requirements shall require prior written approval as defined in Section 3.12.

3.2.4 Hazard Communication and Safety Documentation

The awarded Vendor shall maintain full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local hazard communication regulations, including OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

The Vendor shall:

• Maintain a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every chemical product supplied, stored, or fed on MCCCD property.

• Ensure all chemical containers are properly labeled in accordance with OSHA requirements.

• Review and update SDS documentation whenever chemical formulations change or regulatory updates are issued.

• Provide updated SDS documentation to MCCCD within five (5) business days of any revision.

• Maintain a complete and accessible SDS binder or approved electronic equivalent at each site where chemicals are stored or fed.

Any substitution of chemical products or modifications to treatment programs that could affect compliance with Section 3.3 water quality limits shall require prior written approval as defined in Section 3.12.

3.2.4.1 On-Site Accessibility Requirement

Safety Data Sheets shall be maintained on site and readily accessible to MCCCD personnel, facilities staff, and emergency responders at all times.

SDS documentation shall be located:

• Within twenty-five (25) feet of the cooling tower water chemistry controller; or

• At a location required by applicable fire, building, or safety code, whichever requirement is more restrictive.

Failure to maintain current and accessible SDS documentation may be considered a material performance deficiency under the Contract (see Section 3.5 for documentation and reporting requirements). All costs associated with hazard communication compliance, documentation maintenance, and updates shall be included in the Proposer’s pricing and shall not be billed separately.

3.2.3 New System Additions and Piping Modifications

When new piping, equipment, heat exchangers, coils, or other system components are introduced into an existing open recirculating cooling tower, closed-circuit cooling tower, evaporative fluid cooler, or closed-loop hydronic system, the Vendor shall submit a written Method of Procedure (MOP) for MCCCD review and prior written approval as defined in Section 3.12 before placing the system into service.

All services associated with new system additions or piping modifications shall be considered post-award and shall be performed in accordance with the unit pricing and service rates provided in Section

6.6 Service and Labor Pricing, which represent maximum allowable (not-to-exceed) pricing. The Vendor may be required to provide a post-award proposal or pricing confirmation for these services upon MCCCD request.

The MOP shall detail flushing, cleaning, passivation (if applicable), initial chemical treatment, and verification testing procedures necessary to ensure protection of system materials and compliance with Section 3.3 water quality limits.

The MOP shall include, at minimum:

• Pre-cleaning water quality testing

• Flushing procedure and target velocity criteria

• Cleaning chemical selection and target concentrations

• Required contact time

• Post-cleaning validation testing

• Corrosion inhibitor establishment targets

• Initial chemistry stabilization targets

• Confirmation of conformance with Section 3.3 required limits

Where the Vendor is responsible for treatment startup, no new piping or system modification shall be placed into service without documented cleaning completion and chemistry conformance verification, and prior written approval as defined in Section 3.12.

Following completion of cleaning and initial stabilization, the modified or newly introduced system components shall be subject to acceptance testing and performance validation in accordance with Section 3.14. The acceptance period shall begin only after stabilization and verification testing demonstrate compliance with Section 3.3 limits.

3.3 REQUIRED WATER QUALITY CONTROL LIMITS

For purposes of this RFP, all numeric limits stated as maximum, minimum, range, target, or operating condition are contractual performance standards. Maximum and minimum values shall not be exceeded except for brief, documented temporary deviations promptly corrected by the Vendor. Repeated deviations may be considered non-compliant performance. Target values represent performance objectives, and sustained failure to achieve target values may require corrective action as determined by MCCCD even if absolute maximums are not exceeded.

Interpretation, verification, and enforcement of cycles of concentration and related water chemistry limits shall be governed by the calculation, monitoring, and authority provisions defined in Section 3.4.

Vendors may propose alternative technical approaches or treatment strategies, provided the proposed approach quantifiably achieves the performance limits, operational objectives, and monitoring requirements defined in this Section. Acceptance of any alternative approach remains at the sole discretion of MCCCD and must be formally approved in writing in accordance with Section 3.12. This RFP is performance-based, not prescriptive; all proposed methods will be evaluated on their ability to meet the performance standards defined herein.

Compliance with the water quality limits established in this Section shall be determined using the monitoring, calculation, and verification methodologies defined in Section 3.4 and shall be documented through the reporting requirements defined in Section 3.5.

3.3.1 Applicability and System Classification

The chemistry requirements contained in this Section correspond directly to the system categories defined in Section 6.5 (Pricing Schedule Template). Vendors shall design and operate treatment programs specific to each system type and shall not apply blended or uniform treatment strategies across system categories unless expressly approved in writing in accordance with Section 3.12.

For purposes of this RFP, systems are classified as follows:

1. Open Recirculating Cooling Towers

2. Closed-Circuit Cooling Towers and Evaporative Fluid Coolers (Spray Water Systems)

3. Closed-Loop Hydronic Systems (Non-Evaporative Chilled Water and Heating Hot Water

Systems)

Vendors shall design and implement water treatment programs developed to meet the unique requirements of each system type defined in this section. A single, uniform treatment program may not be applied across multiple system categories unless expressly approved in writing in accordance with Section 3.12.

3.3.2 General Requirement

All cooling tower and fluid cooler treatment programs shall comply with the water quality limits, ranges, and operational requirements defined in this Section. No deviation from these requirements shall be permitted unless prior written approval is obtained in accordance with Section 3.12. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Compliance with the limits in this Section shall be verified through reporting requirements defined in Section 3.5 and acceptance testing in accordance with Section 3.14.

Where industry standards, manufacturer recommendations, or external guidance conflict with the numeric limits established in this RFP, the numeric limits defined herein shall govern unless expressly modified in writing by MCCCD.

Selection of oxidizing biocide chemistry for open recirculating cooling towers and evaporative spray water systems, including but not limited to chlorine-based programs (e.g., sodium hypochlorite), bromide-activated programs (e.g., sodium bromide with oxidant), stabilized bromine products (e.g., BCDMH), or alternative oxidizers, shall require prior written approval in accordance with Section 3.12.

The oxidizing biocide program shall not be modified, substituted, or restructured without prior written authorization in accordance with Section 3.12. Any proposed change shall include technical justification, compatibility review with existing materials and control systems, and updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Vendor technical guidance, internal standards, modeling assumptions, or chemical program limitations shall not supersede or modify the numeric performance limits established in this Section unless explicitly approved in writing by MCCCD.

3.3.3 Open Recirculating Cooling Towers

Parameter Required Limit / Range

Operating pH 7.2 - 9.0

Absolute pH Limits 6.8 minimum / 9.1 maximum

Operating pH (Galvanized) 7.2 – 8.0

Cycles of Concentration Vendor-proposed; typically, 3.5 - 6.5

Calcium Hardness (circulating) ≤ 1,000 ppm as CaCO₃

Total Alkalinity (circulating) ≤ 600 ppm as CaCO₃

Reactive Silica ≤ 150 ppm

Carbon Steel Corrosion Target ≤ 2.0 mpy, Maximum 5.0 mpy

Copper Corrosion Target ≤ 0.2 mpy, Maximum 0.5 mpy

Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) / Bacteria Count Operational Target: < 10⁴ CFU/mL

Bacteria Action Level ≥10⁴ CFU/mL and <10⁵ CFU/mL

Bacteria Failure Level ≥ 10⁵ CFU/mL

Legionella Bacteria Level ≥ 10 CFU/mL

3.3.3.1 Cycles of Concentration - Open Cooling Towers

The cooling towers are open, evaporative systems located in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, Maricopa County and operate with high-mineral-content makeup water. The chemical treatment program shall be designed to optimize water use by maximizing cycles of concentration while maintaining effective control of scale, minimizing corrosion, and controlling microbiological activity. For purposes of compliance with this Section, cycles of concentration shall be determined and verified using the calculation and verification methodologies defined in Section 3.4.

For operational control purposes, open cooling tower systems shall operate within two defined phases:

1. Stabilization Operating Range - used during initial program startup, including newly installed or replaced cooling towers, vendor transition, or following major chemistry modification to confirm stable system performance.

2. Post-Stabilization Operating Range - the normal operating range used following successful completion of the stabilization period and MCCCD approval.

Operating Range Summary – Open Recirculating Cooling Towers

Operating Phase Required Cycles Duration / Approval Stabilization 3.5 - 3.7 cycles Minimum six (6) months

Post-Stabilization 3.5 - 6.5 cycles MCCCD written approval required in accordance with Section 3.12

Stabilization and Normal Operating Range - Open Cooling Towers

Newly assigned systems, systems undergoing Vendor transition, or systems placed into service following cleaning, passivation, recommissioning, or significant chemistry modification shall be required to operate within an initial stabilization operating range of 3.5 to 3.7 cycles of concentration for a minimum period of six (6) consecutive months, unless otherwise approved by MCCCD.

The following requirements apply during the stabilization period:

• Establish baseline system performance

• Verify corrosion control effectiveness

• Confirm microbiological stability

• Validate controller programming and blowdown control accuracy

• Prevent premature scaling during program transition

• Confirm scale-free operation prior to implementation of higher operating cycles

Operation during the stabilization period shall remain fully subject to all limiting chemistry values defined in Section 3.3.3 and verification requirements defined in Sections 3.4 and 3.5.

Post-Stabilization Normal Operating Range

Following successful completion of at least six (6) consecutive months of compliant operation within the stabilization range, and upon written approval by MCCCD Procurement Services, campus or site Facilities Director, or an authorized MCCCD Facilities representative in accordance with Section 3.12, the normal operating range may be adjusted.

MCCCD’s desired post-stabilization operating range is:

3.5 to 6.5 cycles of concentration, consistent with control and monitoring requirements in Section 3.4.

The post-stabilization operating range of 3.5 to 6.5 cycles of concentration defines the allowable operating envelope, not a required or expected performance target. Due to the high alkalinity, hardness, and silica content of Phoenix-area makeup water, and restrictions on acid feed and certain treatment chemistries, sustained operation near the upper end of this range is not typically achievable under normal conditions. Vendors shall propose and operate at the highest sustainable cycles of concentration achievable within the limiting chemistry parameters defined in this Section. Proposals that assume operation near the upper limit of the range without clear, technically justified, and permissible means of achieving and sustaining such performance may be subject to reduced evaluation scoring or determination of non-responsiveness. MCCCD reserves the right to require supporting water chemistry modeling, scaling indices, and historical performance data to substantiate proposed operating cycles.

Adjustment above the stabilization range (3.5 - 3.7) shall require:

1. Documented compliance history during the stabilization period

2. Corrosion rates within target values defined in Section 3.3

3. Demonstrated scale-free operation

4. Acceptable microbiological control

5. Prior written MCCCD approval in accordance with Section 3.12

MCCCD reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

• Maintain the stabilization range beyond the initial six (6) month period

• Authorize phased increases in cycles

• Reduce cycles at any time if scaling, fouling, corrosion risk, or operational concerns are observed

Operation shall be maintained within the following control parameters. Maximum allowable limits shall not be exceeded regardless of cycles of concentration:

• Reactive Silica: ≤ 150 mg/L as SiO₂

• Calcium Hardness (circulating): ≤ 1,000 mg/L as CaCO₃

• Corrosion Rates: Within CTI and equipment manufacturer recommended limits

Langelier Saturation Index (LSI - hot return): The target operating range shall generally be +2.0 to +3.0 at hot return. Alternative operating ranges may be proposed, provided the Vendor submits documented technical justification demonstrating effective scale control under site-specific operating conditions.

Regardless of LSI range, the treatment program shall prevent scale formation and maintain heat transfer efficiency.

The Vendor shall:

• Maintain cycles of concentration within the post-stabilization range. Operation outside this range shall require documented technical justification demonstrating that limiting chemistry parameters, system metallurgy constraints, or verified scaling risk necessitate the adjustment, and shall require prior written approval in accordance with Section 3.12. Deviations for operational convenience, chemical consumption management, or vendor program preference are not permitted.

• Identify the constituent that limits the maximum achievable cycles of concentration for the system (typically silica, but may include M-alkalinity, conductivity, or other scaling or corrosion-related parameters depending on seasonal and operating conditions) and provide supporting water chemistry analysis and calculations demonstrating the limiting condition.

• Describe the proposed scale inhibition and dispersion strategy

• Explain how seasonal variation in makeup water quality will be managed

• Describe the blowdown control methodology (conductivity-based, modeled, or hybrid)

• Identify the expected annual average cycles of concentration

• Identify the limiting water chemistry parameters for the proposed treatment program and disclose the operational limitations of all sequestering agents, inhibitors, dispersants, and scale-control chemistries included in the program. This shall include, at a minimum, maximum allowable calcium hardness, silica, alkalinity, conductivity, LSI range, temperature limits, and oxidant compatibility. Supporting technical documentation shall be provided upon request

Cycles of concentration reported by the Vendor shall be determined using the verification methodologies defined in Section 3.4.2.3. Where totalized makeup and blowdown flow measurement is available, cycles shall be verified using a mass-balance calculation based on totalized volumetric flow.

Chemistry-based ratios (including conductivity, chloride, or silica ratios) may be used only as supplemental operational indicators and shall not be used as the sole basis for reporting cycles of concentration, water savings, or contractual performance metrics where totalized volumetric flow data is available.

Where chemistry-based ratios are used for operational monitoring or supplemental verification, the same constituent parameter shall be used consistently for both makeup and circulating water measurements, and samples shall be collected from representative system locations. Sampling locations shall be upstream of chemical feed points where practicable and representative of bulk system water.

Sample collection practices that selectively avoid treatment residuals, suspended solids, or other circulating water constituents for the purpose of artificially increasing calculated cycles of concentration or reported water savings shall not be permitted.

The awarded Vendor shall be responsible for operating within the disclosed chemical limitations and for preventing scale formation and loss of heat transfer efficiency under the defined operating conditions.

Operation above the stated cycles range or chemistry limits shall require prior written approval from MCCCD in accordance with Section 3.12.

3.3.3.1.1 Performance-Based Exit from Stabilization Period

Transition from the stabilization operating range to the post-stabilization operating range may be considered prior to the completion of six (6) months, at MCCCD’s sole discretion, based on demonstrated performance.

Minimum performance criteria shall include:

• At least ninety (90) consecutive days of compliant corrosion monitoring results

• Stable microbiological control within required thresholds

• No evidence of active scale deposition

• Compliance with all limiting chemistry parameters defined in Section 3.3

Written MCCCD approval in accordance with Section 3.12 is required prior to increasing cycles above the stabilization range. Successful completion of the ninety-day performance period does not obligate MCCCD to authorize increased cycles.

3.3.3.2 Corrosion Monitoring and Metallurgy Verification – Open Systems

Corrosion monitoring for open recirculating cooling towers shall utilize industry-standard corrosion coupons with a nominal exposure duration of ninety (90) days, representative of system metallurgy, including:

• Carbon steel

• Copper alloy

• Galvanized steel (where present)

• Additional metallurgy as applicable to the specific system

Coupons shall be installed in representative high-flow side-stream locations.

Target Corrosion Rates (Open Systems):

• Carbon Steel: Target ≤ 2.0 mpy

• Copper: Target ≤ 0.2 mpy

Maximum corrosion rates shall not exceed the limits established in the water quality limits table in Section 3.3.3.

Results shall be trended and retained for program optimization and shall be included in required reporting under Section 3.5.

3.3.4 Closed-Circuit Cooling Systems

Closed-circuit cooling systems include both:

(a) the internal closed process loop, and

(b) the external evaporative spray water system.

These components shall be treated, monitored, and controlled as distinct hydraulic systems, each with different chemistry objectives. Pricing, monitoring, and reporting shall distinguish between the internal closed-loop and the external spray water system in accordance with Section 4.6.

The internal closed process loop of a closed-circuit cooling tower shall comply with the chemistry limits established in this Section 3.3.4 and shall not be interpreted as a Closed Hydronic System under Section 3.3.5.

Internal Closed-Loop - Required Limits

Operating pH 8.0 - 9.5

Operating pH (Galvanized) 7-2 – 8.0

Total Hardness ≤ 350 ppm as CaCO₃

Conductivity As required to maintain low-solids operation

Corrosion (Carbon Steel) ≤ 1.0 mpy

Corrosion (Copper) ≤ 0.1 mpy

Microbiological Activity No measurable growth

The 8.0 - 9.5 pH applies specifically to the internal closed-circuit cooling towers (fluid coolers) to mitigate scaling risk on heat exchange surfaces. This limit does not apply to closed hydronic systems (see Section 3.3.5). Vendors must operate within these limits unless prior written approval is obtained in accordance with Section 3.12. For stainless steel closed-circuit fluid coolers, vendors may propose alternative pH operating ranges where supported by system design (e.g., low-hardness or treated loops) and documented ability to control corrosion, scaling, and fouling under site-specific water chemistry conditions, subject to written MCCCD approval.

Corrosion Inhibitor Disclosure Requirement

Where nitrite, molybdate, azole, or other corrosion inhibitor programs are utilized in the internal closed-loop, the Vendor shall maintain inhibitor residual concentrations within manufacturer-recommended operating ranges sufficient to achieve the corrosion performance limits established in this Section.

Residual targets shall be disclosed in the Vendor’s technical submittal and are subject to MCCCD approval in accordance with Section 3.12.

3.3.4.1 Cycles of Concentration - Closed-Circuit Towers (Spray Water System)

The spray water system shall be operated at stable and conservative cycles of concentration appropriate for protecting coil heat-transfer surfaces from scaling, fouling, and thermal efficiency loss.

The stated spray water limits recognize the increased heat transfer sensitivity of coil surfaces relative to open cooling tower fill media and are intended to preserve equipment reliability.

Desired operating range for the evaporative spray water system is:

3.0 to 5.0 cycles of concentration

Subject to the following maximum allowable limits:

• Reactive Silica: ≤ 130 mg/L as SiO₂

• Langelier Saturation Index (spray water): +2.0 to +3.0

• Calcium Hardness: ≤ 800 mg/L as CaCO₃

Vendors shall clearly distinguish between:

• Treatment of the closed internal loop

• Treatment of the open evaporative spray water loop

For each system, the Vendor shall:

• Identify the expected normal operating cycles

• The limiting water quality parameter (controlling constituent)

• Measures used to protect coil surfaces from scale and deposition

• Describe scale inhibition and dispersion strategy

• Explain seasonal makeup water variation management

• Describe blowdown control methodology (conductivity-based, modeled, or hybrid)

• Identify the limiting water chemistry parameters for the proposed treatment program and disclose the operational limitations of all sequestering agents, inhibitors, dispersants, and scale-control chemistries included in the program. This shall include, at a minimum, maximum allowable calcium hardness, silica, alkalinity, conductivity, LSI range, temperature limits, and oxidant compatibility.

• Provide supporting technical documentation upon request

The awarded Vendor shall be responsible for operating within the disclosed chemical limitations and for preventing scale formation and loss of heat transfer efficiency under the defined operating conditions.

Operation outside the stated cycles or limits shall require prior written approval in accordance with

Transitional Control Requirement - Spray Systems

For systems newly assigned to a Vendor, placed into service following cleaning, passivation, or recommissioning, or undergoing material chemistry modification, MCCCD may require conservative operational setpoints for a transition period not to exceed six (6) months. MCCCD reserves the right to extend this transitional control period beyond the initial six (6) months if system performance, water chemistry stability, or operational conditions warrant continued conservative control.

During the transitional control period, the following requirements apply:

• Conductivity control targets may be temporarily reduced

• Biocide frequency may be increased

• Corrosion monitoring frequency may be increased

• Operating concentration shall remain within Section 3.3 limiting chemistry values

Adjustment to optimized operating setpoints shall require documented compliance and written MCCCD

3.3.5 Closed Hydronic Systems (CHW, HHW, Closed Condenser Loops)

Closed…