1-Bid 26-33-3330 Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services.pdf

Forsyth County Procurement Department

514 West Maple Street, Suite 104 Cumming, GA 30040 | Phone 770.888.8872

Invitation to Bid

Bid # 26-33-3330

Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services

Forsyth County Cumming, GA

Closing Date and Time:

Thursday, November 20, 2025, 2:00 pm

Invitation to Bid 26-33-3330

Date Issued: Monday, October 20, 2025

For: Forsyth County is seeking bids from qualified bidders to provide Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this Invitation to Bid (“ITB”).

Deadline for Receiving Sealed Bids 2:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday, November 20, 2025

Bids will be opened at: 2:30 p.m. (EST) Thursday, November 20, 2025 Procurement Department 514 West Maple Street, Suite 104 Cumming, GA 30040

Question and Answer (Q & A) Deadline No Questions will be accepted after:

Monday, November 10, 2025 1:00 p.m. (EST)

All questions are to be asked via EUNA under Opportunity Q&A No questions are to be asked outside of EUNA

Bonds Bonds NOT Required

Sealed bids will be opened at the above time, date, and place. The bid will be awarded later, pending evaluations of all bids submitted.

https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results

Interested parties may log in to EUNA to obtain the bid tabulation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Invitation to Bid

SECTION I- Introduction and Information

SECTION II -Solicitation Terms and Conditions

SECTION III – Scope of Services

Bid Schedule

References

Non-Collusion Affidavit

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement

Solicitation Certification

Addendum Acknowledgement

SECTION I- Introduction and Information

1.1 Purpose

Forsyth County (“County”) is seeking bids from qualified, experienced, and licensed Bidders to provide Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services, in accordance with the terms, conditions, specifications, and scope of services contained in this ITB.

1.2 Pre-bid Conference and/or Site Visit

This ITB does NOT include a pre-bid conference and/or site visit.

It is the Bidder's sole responsibility to become familiar with the scope of the County's requirements before submitting a bid. No variation in price or conditions shall be permitted based upon a claim of ignorance.

1.3 Reserved

1.4 EUNA

Forsyth County uses EUNA Procurement formerly Bonfire Interactive https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results to administer the competitive solicitation process, including but not limited to soliciting bids, issuing addenda, posting results, and issuing notification of an intended decision. There is no charge to register and download the ITB from EUNA.

Bidders are strongly encouraged to read the various vendor Guides and Tutorials available in EUNA as well in advance of their intention of submitting a bid to ensure familiarity with the use of EUNA. The County shall not be responsible for a Bidder's inability to submit a bid by the end date and time for any reason, including issues arising from the use of EUNA. There is no charge to Bidders to register and participate in the solicitation process, nor will any fees be charged to the awarded Bidder.

1.5 Point of Contact

For information concerning procedures for responding to this solicitation, contact the Procurement Agent, Adrienne Trammel, at (770) 888-8872 or email at altrammel@forsythco.com. This contact is for clarification purposes only.

For questions concerning scope of services, please utilize the question/answer feature provided by EUNA at https://www.forsythco.com/Departments- Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results. Questions must be received prior to the cut-off date specified in the ITB schedule. Material changes, if any, to the scope of services or bidding procedures will only be transmitted by written addendum. (See addendum section of EUNA). Bidders, please note: No part of your bid can be submitted via fax. No variation in price or conditions shall be permitted based upon a claim of ignorance. Submission of a bid will be considered evidence that the Bidder has familiarized itself with the nature and extent of the work, equipment, materials, and labor required. The entire bid response must be submitted in accordance with all specifications contained in this solicitation. The questions and answers submitted in EUNA shall become part of this ITB.

It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that its bid is submitted electronically through EUNA at https://www.forsythco.com/Departments- Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results.

SECTION II -Solicitation Terms and Conditions

2.1 Addenda, Changes, and Interpretations

It is the sole responsibility of each Bidder to notify the Procurement Agent utilizing the question/answer feature provided by EUNA and request modification or clarification of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error discovered in this competitive solicitation. Requests for clarification, modification, interpretation, or changes must be received prior to the Question and Answer (Q & A) Deadline. Requests received after this date may not be addressed. All questions and requests for information received through EUNA will be responded to by an official written addendum issued by the County and uploaded to EUNA as an addendum to the ITB. Under no circumstances shall an oral explanation given by any County official, officer, staff, or agent be binding upon the County. Such oral explanation should be disregarded. All addenda are a part of the competitive solicitation documents, and each Bidder will be bound by such addenda. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to read and comprehend all the addenda issued.

2.2 Changes and Alterations

Bidder may change or withdraw a bid at any time prior to bid submission deadline;

however, no oral modifications will be allowed. Modifications shall not be allowed following the bid deadline.

2.3 Withdrawal of Bid

The Bidder shall give notice in writing of its claim to withdraw its bid, without penalty, due to an error within twenty-four hours (24) after the conclusion of the bid opening procedure. Bids may be withdrawn from consideration if the price was substantially lower than the other bids due solely to a mistake therein, provided the bid was submitted in good faith, the mistake was a clerical mistake as opposed to a judgment mistake, and was due to an unintentional arithmetic error or an unintentional omission of a quantity of work, labor, or material made directly in the compilation of the bid, which unintentional arithmetic error or unintentional omission can be clearly shown by objective evidence drawn from inspection of original work papers, documents and material used in the preparation of the bid sought to be withdrawn. The Bidder’s original work papers shall be the sole acceptable evidence of error and mistake if Bidder elects to withdraw its bid.

No Bidder who is permitted to withdraw a bid shall, for compensation, supply any material or labor or perform any subcontract or other work agreement for the contractor to whom the contract is awarded or otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, from the performance of the services for which the withdrawn bid was submitted.

Bid withdrawal is not automatically granted and will be allowed solely at Forsyth County’s discretion.

2.4 Bidder’s Costs

The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Bidders in responding to this ITB.

2.5 Pricing

All pricing should be identified on the Bid Schedule form provided in this ITB. No additional costs may be accepted other than the pricing and costs stated on the Bid Schedule. Failure to use the County’s Bid Schedule form and provide pricing as requested in this ITB may cause your bid to be deemed non-responsive.

Bidder shall quote a firm, fixed price for all services stated in the ITB. All costs, including travel, shall be included in the price. The County shall not accept additional costs, including any travel associated with the services.

2.6 Price Validity

Prices provided in this ITB shall be valid for at least one hundred twenty (120) days from the ITB opening unless otherwise extended and agreed upon by the County and Bidder. The County shall award the contract within this time period or request from the recommended awarded contractor an extension to hold pricing until services have been awarded.

2.7 Prices Quoted

Deduct trade discounts and quote firm net prices. Give both service prices and extended total. In the case of a discrepancy in computing the amount of the bid, the unit price quoted will govern.

2.8 Taxes

Goods and services are exempt from Federal Excise Tax and Georgia Sales and Use Tax. A certificate will be furnished upon request. Forsyth County is exempt from taxes, but the successful Bidder shall pay all taxes required by law. Forsyth County cannot exempt others from tax. State Sales tax exemption number is 58- 6000828.

2.9 Discounts

Bidders may offer discounts for prompt payment, but such discounts will not be considered when determining the award. If a Bidder provides a discount, it is understood that the discount time will be computed from the later of the date of satisfactory delivery at the place of acceptance or receipt of the correct invoice at the office specified.

2.10 Related Expenses/Travel Expenses

Your bid must include all costs, including travel. The County will not accept additional costs.

2.11 Submission and Receipt of Bids

To receive consideration, bids must be received prior to the bid opening date and time. Unless otherwise specified, Bidders shall use the Bid Schedule and other forms provided by the County. These forms may be duplicated, but failure to use the forms may cause the bid to be rejected. Any erasures or corrections on the bid must be made in ink and initialed by Bidder in ink. All information submitted by the Bidder shall be printed, typewritten, or filled in with pen and ink. Bids shall be signed in ink. Separate bids must be submitted for each ITB issued by the County.

Bids are only accepted through EUNA. No paper bids shall be considered. Bids will be publicly opened in the Procurement Department or other designated area in the presence of Bidders, the public, and County staff. Bidders and the public are invited and encouraged to attend bid openings. Bids will be tabulated and made available for review by Bidders and the public via EUNA under Public Files.

2.12 Mistakes

The Bidder shall examine this ITB carefully. Bidder’s submission of a bid shall be prima facie evidence that the Bidder has complete knowledge of the scope, nature, and quality of the work to be performed, the detailed requirements of the specifications and scope of services, and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. Ignorance of the requirements will not relieve the Bidder from liability and obligations under the any contract entered into as a result of this ITB.

Bidders are cautioned to examine all terms, conditions, specifications, drawings, exhibits, appendices, delivery instructions, and special conditions pertaining to the ITB.

2.13 Qualifications/Inspections

Bids will only be considered from Bidders normally engaged in providing the types of services specified herein. The County reserves the right to inspect the Bidder's facilities, equipment, personnel, and organization at any time or to take any other action necessary to determine the Bidder's ability to perform.

The Procurement Director reserves the right to reject bids where evidence or evaluation is determined to indicate an inability to perform.

2.14 Acceptance of Bids / Minor Irregularities

2.14.1 The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or portions of bids, and to waive minor irregularities or variances to specifications contained in bids. The County also reserves the right to reissue an ITB.

2.14.2 The County reserves the right to disqualify Bidder during any phase of the competitive solicitation process and terminate for cause any resulting contract upon evidence of collusion with intent to defraud or other illegal practices on the part of the Bidder. The Bidder will be required to execute a Non-Collusion Affidavit and submit it with the bid documents.

2.15 Verbal Instructions Procedure

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Bidder as a result of any discussions with any County employee. Only those communications in writing from an authorized County representative may be considered. Only written communications from Bidders by a person designated as authorized to bind the Bidder will be recognized by the County as duly authorized expressions on behalf of Bidders.

2.16 No Exclusive Contract

Bidder agrees and understands that any contract awarded from this ITB shall not be construed as an exclusive arrangement and further agrees that the County may, at any time, secure similar or identical services from another contractor at the County’s sole option.

2.17 Form of General Services Agreement

Attached to this ITB is a draft form of general services agreement which contains terms and conditions of the contractual arrangement for the services. Such form of agreement will be modified as appropriate, in the County’s discretion, to include any additional specific terms related to the services being provided. Any questions regarding the form of general services agreement must be submitted in writing by the deadline for questions specified in this ITB.

2.18 Background Checks

Forsyth County reserves the right to have any Bidder or potential contractor undergo a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office criminal history background check for any project at the contractor’s cost. Potential contractors must undergo background checks when working in any County-operated facility, with the associated fees falling under the contractor's responsibility.

2.19 Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for the award of a contract in response to this ITB, the Bidder must demonstrate that it has completed services, as specified in the scope of services section of this ITB, is normally and routinely engaged in performing such services, and is properly and legally licensed to perform such work. In addition, the Bidder must have no conflict of interest with respect to the County.

2.19.1 Bidders and principals shall have no record of judgments, pending lawsuits against the County, or criminal activities involving moral turpitude and shall not have any conflicts of interest that have not been waived by the County.

2.19.2 Neither Bidder nor any principal, officer, or stockholder shall be in arrears or default of any debt or contract involving the County (as a party to a contract or otherwise), nor have they failed to perform faithfully on any previous contract with the County.

2.20 Public Records/Trade Secrets

Careful consideration should be given before submitting confidential information to the County. County’s disclosure of records and documentation is governed by the Georgia’s Open Records Act, which permits public scrutiny of most materials collected as part of this process. If Bidder submits information that contains trade secret information and if Bidder wishes to keep such information confidential, Bidder must submit and attach to such information an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information constitutes trade secrets pursuant to the Georgia Trade Secrets Act of 1990, O.C.G.A. §10-1-760 et seq., and the Bidder and County will follow the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(34) related thereto.

2.21 Reservations for Award and Rejection of Bids

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, parts of bids, and to waive minor irregularities or variations to specifications contained in bids, and minor irregularities in the bidding process. The County also reserves the right to award the contract on a split order basis, lump sum basis, individual item basis, or such combination as shall best serve the interest of the County. The County reserves the right to award the responsive and responsible bidder whose service meets the ITB's terms, conditions, and specifications and whose bid is considered to best serve the County’s interest. In determining the responsiveness of the offer and the responsibility of the Bidder, the following, among other factors, may be considered when applicable: the ability, capacity, and skill of the Bidder to perform as required; whether the Bidder can perform promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference; the character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the Bidder; the quality of past performance by the Bidder; the previous and existing compliance by the Bidder with related laws and ordinances; the sufficiency of the Bidder’s financial resources; the availability, quality and adaptability of the Bidder’s supplies or services to the required use; the ability of the Bidder to provide future maintenance, service or parts; and the number and scope of conditions attached to the bid.

2.22 E-Verify Affidavit

Under state law, the County shall not enter into a contract for the physical performance of services unless the potential contractor provides an affidavit, in the form attached to this ITB, regarding contractor’s compliance with the E-Verify program. The contractor’s affidavit form shall be completed and submitted with the Bidder’s response to this ITB.

2.23 Rules and Submittals of Bids

The signer of the bid must declare that the only person(s), company, or parties interested in the bid as principals are named therein; that the bid is made without collusion with any other person(s), company, or parties submitting a bid; that it is in all respects fair and in good faith, without collusion or fraud; and that the signer of the bid has full authority to bind the Bidder.

2.24 Intent to Award

Any notice of intent to award a contract resulting from this ITB and the County’s formal solicitation process may be found on EUNA.

2.25 Bidder Solicitation Information

The County maintains automated vendor address lists generated for each commodity class item through our bid issuing service, EUNA. Notices of ITBs are sent by email notification to the bidders who have fully registered with EUNA.

Prospective Bidders may then view the bid documents online. Bidders who have been informed of an ITB's availability in any other manner are responsible for registering with EUNA to view the bid documents. There is no fee for doing so. If you wish bid notifications to be provided to another email address, please contact

EUNA.

SECTION III – Scope of Services General Information

The purpose of this contract is to establish an agreement with a qualified Contractor to provide all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary for the disposal of biosolids and alum sludge solids generated at the following Forsyth County facilities:

Facility Estimated Annual Quantity Material Type Fowler WRF 6,500 tons Biosolids James Creek WRF 2,000 tons Biosolids Shakerag WRF 600 tons Biosolids Dick Creek WRF 200 tons Biosolids Manor WRF 1,000 tons Biosolids Antioch WTP 8,400 tons Alum sludge solids

The biosolids are produced as part of wastewater treatment processes, while alum sludge solids originate from water treatment plant operations. Both waste streams require proper disposal in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) requirements.

3.2. Scope of Work

A. Disposal and Hours of Operation

Contractor shall dispose of all biosolids and alum sludge solids at properly permitted and approved facilities, such as:

o Landfills permitted to accept biosolids and alum sludge;

o Land application or composting facilities authorized by Georgia EPD; or o Other approved disposal locations meeting regulatory standards.

Contractor shall provide written documentation confirming that each disposal facility is currently authorized and permitted to accept the material by the governing state and federal agencies.

Contractor shall not dispose of material at any unapproved site or transfer to any third party.

At a minimum, Contractor’s disposal facility shall operate and be available to accept the specified waste during the following days and times:

o Monday through Friday: 6:00 am to 4:30 pm o Saturday: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm

B. Documentation and Reporting

Contractor shall maintain load tickets for all hauled material, showing:

o Date and time of pickup and delivery;

o Origination Facility name and address;

o Type of material (biosolids or alum sludge solids);

o Net weight or volume (with certified scale weight tickets);

o Disposal site name, location, and signature of receiving operator.

Contractor shall submit a monthly summary report with invoices including:

o Total quantities disposed by origination facility;

o Copies of all manifests, receipts, and scale tickets;

o Summary of any issues, rejections, or spills.

County reserves the right to audit records or visit disposal sites at any time.

C. Emergency and Contingency Response

Contractor shall maintain an emergency response plan for spills, leaks, or vehicle accidents.

Contractor is responsible for all cleanup and remediation costs resulting from its operations.

D. Contractor Qualifications

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in biosolids or residuals handling and disposal.

Must possess all necessary permits and licenses required by federal, state, and local agencies.

Shall provide:

o A list of similar contracts performed within the last three (3) years;

o Names and certifications of key personnel.

E. Safety and Environmental Compliance

Contractor shall comply with all OSHA, DOT, and Georgia EPD regulations.

Contractor shall provide appropriate PPE and enforce safety procedures at all times.

A written Spill Prevention and Response Plan shall be submitted prior to contract award.

Any spills or violations must be immediately reported to the County and appropriate regulatory agencies.

F. Term and Payment

The term of this contract shall be three (3) years beginning January 1, 2026.

Contractor shall provide unit pricing for all three years. Unit prices shall include all costs for disposal fees, documentation, and compliance.

Quantities are not guaranteed. The County reserves the right to adjust quantities or delivery schedules as operational needs require.

Payment shall be made on a per wet ton basis for materials properly disposed of, as verified by certified scale tickets.

Contractor shall submit invoices monthly, with all required documentation attached.

No payment will be made for unapproved or rejected loads.

G. County Responsibilities

Transport material to Contractor’s disposal facility unless otherwise specified.

Provide reasonable access to each facility for loading during normal hours.

Notify Contractor of anticipated quantity changes.

Conduct sampling and analysis of biosolids/alum sludge as required by regulation.

Bid Schedule

ITB # 26-33-3330

FOR: Furnishing all labor, equipment, and materials necessary for Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services. The Bidder must examine bid documents and form of services agreement before submitting a bid. Pricing is requested for each of calendar years (CY) 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Please see Excel File for the Bid Schedule in EUNA Procurement attached separately under Public Files that includes a detailed list of items the County is seeking Bids.

Bidder accepts the terms and conditions contained in the ITB document package, including, without limitation, those dealing with the County’s time for accepting the bid.

Bidder has examined the site and locality where the services are to be performed, legal requirements (federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations), and conditions affecting cost, difficulty, progress, or performance and has made independent investigations as Bidder deems necessary.

Bidder has given County written notice concerning conflicts, errors, or discrepancies discovered in the ITB document package, and the written resolution by the County is acceptable to Bidder. All services are to be completed as specified in the ITB specifications and scope of services.

Authorized Signature:

Company Name:

Printed Name and Title:

References

Please list at least three (3) references below where a Bidder has provided similar services in similar size and scope. Please do not include Forsyth County as a reference here.

1) Business Name Contact Name

Address

Phone Email

Contract Value Year

Description

2)

3)

Non-Collusion Affidavit

BID DATE: November 20, 2025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services

STATE OF _______________}

COUNTY OF _____________}

__________________________________________, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that (s)he is ___________________________________ (the sole owner, a partner, the president, secretary, etc.) of ____________________________________________________ the party making the foregoing proposal or bid (“Bidder”); that such bid is genuine and not collusive or a sham;

that said Bidder has not colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any Bidder or person, to put in a sham bid, or that such other person refrain from bidding, and has not in any manner, directly or indirectly sought by agreement or collusion, or communication or conference, with any person, to fix the bid price of the affiant or any other Bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said bid price, or that of any other Bidder, or to secure any advantage against Forsyth County, or any person interested in the proposed contract; and that all statements in said proposal or bid are true; and further, that such Bidder has not, directly or indirectly submitted this bid, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any association or to any member or agent thereof.

Affiant: Date:

Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ___________________, 20____ By , Printed name(s) of individual(s) making statement who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person who appeared before me.

Personally Known OR Produced Identification (ID)

ID Type:

ID # (last 4 digits only):

ID Expiration Date:

Notary Public My Commission Expires:

(NOTARY SEAL)

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement

STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF FORSYTH

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A.

§ 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of Forsyth County, Georgia, has registered with, is authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b).

Contractor agrees that the employee-number category designated below is applicable to the Contractor:

□ 500 or more employees □ 100 or more employees □ Fewer than 100 employees

Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

E-Verify Number

Date of Enrollment

Name of Contractor

Biosolids and Alum Sludge Disposal Services Name of Project

Forsyth County, Georgia Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on _______________, 202__ in ___________________ (city), _______ (state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME

ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF _________,

202__.

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ___________

[NOTARY SEAL]

Solicitation Certification

The undersigned agrees, if this bid is accepted within 120 calendar days after date of opening, to furnish all equipment, materials, or services in strict accordance with the provisions of this Invitation to Bid, at the price and terms and according to specifications or other provisions in this bid package.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY TAXES IN THE BID PACKAGE AS FORSYTH COUNTY IS EXEMPT BY

LAW.

Any supplier/vendor/contractor providing services to Forsyth County shall have a Forsyth County business license and a business license in the county the Bidder is located to the extent required by law, including the Forsyth County business license/occupation tax ordinance.

SEALED BIDDER’S INFORMATION

Company Full Legal Name

Company Tax I.D. #

Street Address: Mailing Address:

Person Authorized to Submit Bid: Contact Person for this bid:

Name Name

Title Telephone

Email Email

Addendum Acknowledgement Bidder acknowledges that the following addenda have been received and included in the bid or proposal:

Addendum No. Date Issued Addendum No. Date Issued Addendum No. Date Issued

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the following checked Addendum of the plans, specifications, and/or other documents pertaining to the services or project.

I understand that failure to confirm the receipt of addendum is cause for rejection of sealed bids. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure receipt of all addenda.

Variances: If you take exception or have variances to any term, condition, specification, scope of service, or requirement in this competitive solicitation, you must specify such exception or variance in the space provided below or reference in the space provided below all variances contained on other pages within your response. Additional pages may be attached if necessary. No exceptions or variances will be deemed part of the response submitted unless such is listed and contained in the space provided below. The County does not, by virtue of submitting a variance, necessarily accept any variances. If no statement is contained in the below space, it is hereby implied that your response is in full compliance with this competitive solicitation. If you do not have variances, simply mark N/A.

Authorized Signature: Date: ___________

KEY PERSONNEL (Section D. Contractor Qualifications)

The following individuals are designated as Key Personnel under this Agreement and, as such, are necessary for the successful progress of the Work:

Individual Name Certification