13-RFP-26-00156 Contract Terms and Conditions.pdf

Request for Proposals Membrane Based Landfill Leachate Treatment

Services

RFP-26-00156

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION TYPE: Competitive Sealed Proposals

SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP-26-00156

SOLICITATION TITLE: Membrane Based Landfill Leachate Treatment Services

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking competitive sealed proposals from reliable firms to provide consistently high quality and cost-effective leachate treatment service via a leachate treatment system for leachate generated at the County’s Southeast County Landfill (aka SELF) at 15960 County Road 672, Lithia, Florida, 33547. The Contract resulting from this proposal document will be in effect for a five (5)-year period.

DUE DATE & TIME: April 15, 2026, 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (our clock)

ISSUING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:

The Director of Procurement is considered the issuing department director for the purpose of Section 2-567(c) of the Hillsborough County Procurement Protest Policy and Procedures Ordinance.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: The County will only accept proposals submitted through its electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement). Proposals that are submitted or delivered by non-electronic means (hard-copy paper), facsimile, electronic mail (e-mail), electronic file, or means other than through the County's electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement) will not be accepted or considered. Please visit our vendors webpage (hcfl.gov/vendors) for information regarding vendor registration, electronic bid submission, procurement opportunities, and other important resources.

TIMELINESS: To preserve the integrity of the competitive sealed proposal process, proposals submitted after the due date and time listed above, unless otherwise amended, cannot and will not be accepted. Please do not wait until the last minute, hour, or day to submit your proposal, as you may encounter technical difficulties or issues that cannot be resolved before the due date and time. When preparing to submit your proposal, please read and follow all instructions regarding formatting and other details related to the form(s) to be used. Again, please do not wait until it’s too late for assistance. We value and need your participation, so the last thing we want is for you to miss this opportunity.

QUESTIONS: ● Questions regarding technical difficulties or errors encountered while submitting proposals through Euna Procurement must be directed to

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Euna Procurement Support at 1-844-226-3862 or support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com.

● Questions regarding the specifications or solicitation document must be directed to Procurement Services using the “messages” section in Euna Procurement for this particular procurement.

● To be given consideration, such requests must be received no later than 14 calendar days after the date of Solicitation issuance in Euna Procurement, site visit, or pre-proposal conference, whichever is later.

● Questions regarding vendor registration, training, or general questions must be directed to the Supplier Engagement Team at (813) 272-5790 or iSupplier@HCFL.gov.

CONE OF SILENCE: A Cone of Silence is in effect for this procurement; therefore, no proposer, interested party and/or their principals, officers, employees, attorneys, or agents shall communicate with County employees, the Hearing Master assigned to hear the applicable protest appeal and/or members of the Board of County Commissioners, including their aides and employees regarding this procurement and/or a related protest, except as otherwise provided in the Hillsborough County Procurement Protest Policy and Procedures Ordinance. The Cone of Silence does not prohibit a proposer from communicating with the Director of Procurement, staff in the Procurement Services Department, or the County’s attorney assigned to this procurement. Violating the Cone of Silence may disqualify the proposer from consideration for award. Please refer to the Instructions for complete details about the Cone of Silence.

INSURANCE: Insurance coverage is required for this procurement. Please see RFP-26-00156 Insurance Requirements Attachment and Special Terms and Conditions.

SURETY (BONDS): Proposal, performance, and/or payment surety are not required for this procurement.

E-VERIFY: The Department of Homeland Security's Image Program and E-Verify apply to this procurement. Please see General Terms and Conditions for complete details and requirements.

mailto:support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com https://library.municode.com/fl/hillsborough_county/codes/code_of_ordinances,_part_a?nodeId=HICOCOORLA_CH2AD_ARTVIPR_DIV3HICOPRPRPOPR_S2-562TI https://library.municode.com/fl/hillsborough_county/codes/code_of_ordinances,_part_a?nodeId=HICOCOORLA_CH2AD_ARTVIPR_DIV3HICOPRPRPOPR_S2-562TI

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1. SPECIFICATIONS

1.1. Scope

1.1.1 The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking competitive sealed proposals from reliable firms to provide consistently high quality and cost-effective leachate treatment service via a leachate treatment system for leachate generated at the County’s Southeast County Landfill (aka SELF) at 15960 County Road 672, Lithia, Florida, 33547.

1.1.2 The Contractor shall provide all equipment and personnel necessary to design, install, commission/startup, operate, and maintain the Leachate Treatment System (LTS).

The Contractor’s LTS should be capable of processing all leachate generated at the SELF, an average of 101,000 gallons per day (GPD), and scale as needed. The LTS shall allow for an estimated maximum of 360,000 GPD within 60 days of the notification from the County.

1.1.3 Refer to following Appendices:

1.1.3.1 Appendix A - Leachate Composition (January 2020 through May 2025)

1.1.3.2 Appendix B - Leachate Generation (July 2022 through July 2025)

1.1.3.3 Appendix C - Southeast County Landfill Site Layout

1.1.3.4 Appendix D - Industrial Pretreatment Permit

1.2. Applicable Terminology

The following terminology forms a part of this specification:

1.2.1 Brine (aka Reject or Concentrate) shall mean the residual liquid stream generated by the leachate treatment system that contains the majority of the dissolved salts, organics, metals, ammonia, and other constituents removed from the leachate. The concentrate represents the fraction of influent leachate that does not pass through the membrane and is therefore separated from the Permeate.

1.2.2 Brine Disposal System shall mean the discharge of Brine for final disposal to the Leachate Evaporator. The infrastructure of the Brine Disposal System, including connections, will be owned, maintained, and operated by the County.

1.2.3 Condensate shall mean the liquid byproduct after the evaporation process from the Leachate Evaporator.

1.2.4 Demobilization refers to the removal and site restoration activities performed by the Contractor following completion, leachate treatment system (LTS) placement change, termination, or expiration of the project or contract term.

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1.2.5 Demonstration Period shall mean the timeframe when the awarded Contractor will operate their LTS to obtain sufficient data on Permeate quality and Permeate disposal system operations to apply for an Industrial Wastewater permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This period will also include review of data Brine quality and Brine disposal system operations. Once the FDEP permitting is obtained, the full agreement will begin.

1.2.6 Effluent shall mean any liquid discharged from the leachate treatment system.

Both Permeate and Brine are considered effluent.

1.2.7 EPA shall mean the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

1.2.8 Final Disposal shall mean the permitted and regulatory-compliant management of treated effluent (Permeate and Brine) following treatment.

1.2.9 FDEP shall mean the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

1.2.10 Gallons Per Day (GDP) shall mean a unit of measure for the rate of flow over a 24-hour period.

1.2.11 Groundwater Discharge shall mean permitted authorization to dispose of industrial wastewater to groundwater.

1.2.12 Industrial Wastewater shall mean all wastewater that is not defined as domestic wastewater. Sources include landfill leachate.

1.2.13 Industrial Wastewater Permit shall mean the permit authorized by the FDEP to collect, treat, and discharge industrial wastewater.

1.2.14 Influent shall mean the raw landfill leachate collected and pumped to the Leachate Treatment System (LTS).

1.2.15 Leachate shall mean any liquid, including precipitation, groundwater, surface water, and liquid constituents of waste, that has percolated through or drained from solid waste placed in a landfill and may contain soluble, suspended or miscible materials.

1.2.16 Leachate Evaporator” shall mean the Heartland Concentrator Unit, which is operated by the County, capable of treating at least 39,000 gallons per day.

1.2.17 Leachate Treatment System (LTS) shall mean the system that utilizes semi-permeable membranes to separate contaminants from landfill leachate through physical filtration and pressure-driven separation technologies, chemical agents, and other methods. These systems are designed to reduce concentrations of dissolved solids, organic compounds, metals, and other pollutants. LTS may include one or more of the following technologies: Reverse Osmosis, Nanofiltration, and Ultrafiltration.

1.2.18 Membrane-Based Landfill Leachate Treatment (MBLLT) Services shall mean the operation and maintenance of the LTS.

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1.2.19 Membrane Fouling shall mean the accumulation of suspended solids, organics, biological matter, or scale on the membrane surface, reducing performance.

1.2.20 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Combustor Ash shall mean the non-burnable and non-recyclable end byproduct of the waste-to-energy process at the Resource Recovery Facility.

1.2.21 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)” is defined in 403.706, Florida Statutes, https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400- 0499/0403/Sections/0403.706.html, and includes any solid waste, except for sludge, resulting from the operation of residential, commercial, governmental, or institutional establishments that would normally be collected, processed, and disposed of through a public or private solid waste management service. The term includes yard trash but does not include solid waste from industrial, mining, or agricultural operations.

1.2.22 NAVD shall mean the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), https://geodesy.noaa.gov/datums/vertical/north-american-vertical-datum-1988.shtml,, a reference system for measuring elevations across North America.

1.2.23 Non-processable MSW shall mean solid waste that is not capable of being processed through the Resource Recovery Facility.

1.2.24 Permeate shall mean the treated liquid stream that passes through membrane(s) during the filtration process with the majority of dissolved salts, organic compounds, metals, and other contaminants removed.

1.2.25 Permeate Disposal System shall mean the discharge of Permeate for final disposal to the sod farm. The infrastructure of the Permeate Disposal System, including connections, will be owned, maintained, and operated by the County.

1.2.26 Processable MSW shall mean solid waste that is capable of being processed through the Resource Recovery Facility including, but not limited to, household, commercial and light industrial solid waste, and combustible agricultural waste.

1.2.27 Raw Leachate shall mean the leachate collected from the SELF prior to any treatment.

1.2.28 Resource Recovery Facility shall mean the County’s waste-to-energy facility.

1.2.29 Residuals shall mean any solid or semi-solid by products generated by the LTS process, requiring management and disposal. Residuals include but not limited to sludge, filter cake, spent cartridges, and membranes.

1.2.30 Sod Farm shall refer to the sod farm located adjacent to the SELF. This property is the intended disposal location of the Permeate.

1.2.31 Solid Waste System shall mean the County’s disposal and transfer facilities for the management of MSW.

https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0403/Sections/0403.706.html https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0403/Sections/0403.706.html https://geodesy.noaa.gov/datums/vertical/north-american-vertical-datum-1988.shtml

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1.2.32 SWMD shall mean the Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Department.

1.2.33 Southeast County Landfill (aka SELF) shall refer to the landfill located at 15960 County Road 672, Lithia, FL 33547, owned by Hillsborough County and operated by the County’s Contractor. The landfill receives processable and non-processable MSW.

1.2.34 TECO shall mean the electric utility company, the Tampa Electric Company.

1.3. Minimum Requirements

The proposed Membrane-Based Landfill Leachate Treatment (MBLLT) Services shall meet the following requirements

1.3.1 A membrane-based LTS capable of processing all leachate generated at the SELF, an average of 101,000 GPD. Any downtime shall not interfere with the system’s ability to meet all leachate treatment demands of the site.

1.3.2 Expandable, scalable, and flexible to allow for an increase in future capacity and to accommodate the day-to-day and seasonal variations of leachate volume and composition.

1.3.3 Capable of treating leachate with the general composition shown in Appendix A – Leachate Composition (January 2020 through May 2025) to produce a Permeate that can meet on-site discharge.

1.3.4 Mobile to remove LTS at completion of the contract.

1.3.5 Table 1 - Leachate Generation Needs

1.4 Background

The SWMD has one landfill, the SELF, located at 15960 County Road 672, Lithia, FL. The SELF is a Class I sanitary landfill owned by the County, operated by a contractor, and serves as the final depository for waste-to-energy ash from the Resource Recovery Facility, non-processable waste, and processable Municipal Solid Waste not burned at the Resource Recovery Facility generated from the County's Solid Waste System. These three (3) waste streams in the landfill contribute to the leachate composition as provided in Appendix A.

Leachate Generation

Gallons Per Day

Gallons Per Month

Gallons Per Year

Minimum 88,000 2,100,000 26,000,000

Average 101,000 3,100,000 37,000,000

Maximum (Historical) 360,000 -- --

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1.5 Leachate Generation

Appendix B presents three (3)-year leachate generation rate data. From July 2022 through July 2025, the SELF generated approximately 32 million to 44 million gallons of leachate per year. During the same period, the average monthly leachate generation was approximately 3,100,000 gallons, or 101,000 gallons per day (GPD), with a max daily load of 363,000 GPD on August 24, 2024 (260% above average) due to the intense rainy season. Leachate monthly generation ranged from approximately 2,200,000 gallons (May 2023) to 5,800,000 gallons (October 2022 – Hurricane Ian). The County does not guarantee any minimum leachate generation rate.

1.6 Leachate Collection

1.6.1 A site layout is presented in Appendix C. The SELF consists of six (6) contiguous lined cells (Phases I-VI) with an area of approximately 162.4 acres and three contiguous lined cells (Sections 7-9) with an area of 34.5 acres. Phases I-VI liner system consists of in-place phosphatic clay with a single 36-mil Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene liner. The leachate collection and removal system for Phases I-VI consists of crushed granite rock and tire chip-filled trenches, 8-inch diameter perforated Schedule 80 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes in granite rock-filled trenches, and 8-inch diameter perforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in granite rock-filled trenches. The gravel and tire-filled trenches drain to the eight (8)-inch pipes, which then drain to Pump Station B (PS-B) located in the Phase VI disposal area.

PS-B was designed to be the ultimate low point for the entire footprint of Phases I-VI. Phases I-VI have been filled to an elevation of 210-240 feet NAVD 1988 (as of December 2024). The final closure elevation for these cells is designed to be 281 feet NAVD 1988. The county plans to close Phases I-VI in the near future.

1.6.2 Leachate is collected from the lined cells and pumped into a leachate storage pond with a storage capacity of 236,000 gallons. In the near future, the lined effluent storage pond (Pond A) will be replaced by two (2) one-million-gallon leachate storage tanks within a concrete secondary containment, as well as the related expansion of an existing roadway that will facilitate the simultaneous loading of two (2) leachate hauling vehicles. These tanks will replace the decommissioned Leachate Treatment & Reclamation Facility that will be demolished to construct the next phase of disposal cells (Section 10), referred into the Appendix C). Construction of the new tanks will facilitate the continuation of permit-required leachate collection and disposal activities. Also, two (2) tanks are located near the decommissioned onsite Leachate Treatment and Reclamation Facility. One (1) is a 500,000-gallon glass-fused steel storage tank and is used for storing leachate. The other one (1) is a 575,000-gallon welded-steel tank with chemical-resistant interior coating and was used for storing treated effluent.

1.7 Leachate Management

1.7.1 Leachate is currently evaporated to the maximum capacity by an on-site Leachate Evaporator. The County installed the leachate evaporator in 2021 and evaporated on average approximately 39,000 GPD or 1,100,000 gallons per month of leachate between July 2022 through July 2025. When operating at optimal efficiency, the Leachate Evaporator can process up to 53,000 GPD. About 4-5% of what the Leachate Evaporator processes comes back as liquid condensate and is reintroduced into the working face of the landfill. The remaining leachate generated from the SELF is trucked off site to a private wastewater treatment plant

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(WWTP). From January 2022 through July 2025, about 38% of the leachate was managed through evaporation and 62% through hauling for disposal at WWTP. Table 2 breaks down leachate management by method.

1.7.2 There is no existing force main connection to a WWTP at the SELF. The County maintains an Industrial Pretreatment Permit for leachate disposal via hauling to the County’s WWTP, which is presented in Appendix D.

1.7.3 Table 2. Leachate Management

1.8 Brine Management Plan

1.8.1 The Leachate Evaporator is the County’s intended disposal option for Brine

1.8.2 Brine disposal will be managed by the County.

1.9 Alternative Brine Management Plan

1.9.1 During contract negotiations, the awarded Contractor may elect to propose an alternative Brine disposal approach as part of their design, provided it meets all regulatory requirements and achieves cost-effective and environmentally sound disposal.

1.9.2 Alternative Brine disposal methods from the LTS will be considered if proposed by the Contractor and accepted by the County in writing. Recirculation of Brine and Permeate or liquid Residuals in the active landfill cells for final disposal is not an option.

1.9.3 Contractor shall assist the County during the design and permitting if the alternative Brine disposal method requires additional infrastructure and systems required. The County will be responsible for the costs and construction associated with providing the infrastructure for the alternative disposal system(s). The Contractor will be responsible for the system(s) supplying the alternative Brine disposal (i.e., pumps, tanks etc.)

infrastructure.

Leachate Evaporated

(Gallons)

Leachate Hauled to WWTP

(Gallons)

2022 14,711,099 15,948,905

2023 14,427,310 18,274,509

2024 13,553,805 25,298,563

2025* 9,284,979 24,506,995

Total 51,977,193 84,028,972

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1.10 Permeate Disposal System

1.10.1 Permeate will be disposed of through land application on the County-owned Sod Farm adject to the SELF. The Contractor’s Permeate must be able to pass regulatory thresholds to allow for this planned Permeate management.

1.10.2 Permeate disposal will be managed by the County.

1.11 Alternative Permeate Disposal System

1.11.1 During contract negotiations, the awarded Contractor may elect to propose an alternative Permeate Disposal System method, provided it meets all regulatory requirements and achieves cost-effective and environmentally sound disposal.

1.12 LTS Location

1.12.1 The designated location of the LTS is adjacent to the “LFG BLOWER AND FLARE STATION” in Appendix C.

1.13 Statement of Preference

1.13.1 The County prefers proposals that reduce dependence on external leachate disposal contracts and provide more control over leachate management on site. The County’s objective of this solicitation is to implement a management approach that minimizes long-term leachate disposal costs while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

1.13.2 The County will consider all options, including and up to purchasing LTS at the end of the agreement.

1.13.3 The County will review the viability of responses relative, but not limited to:

1.13.3.1 Cost efficiency based on price per gallon

1.13.3.2 Beginning operation of the LTS in the shortest time reasonable.

1.13.3.3 Additional services/approaches that could reduce proposals and leachate management costs further.

1.13.3.4 Minimized risk to the County, including regulatory compliance.

1.13.3.5 Ability to treat Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), where required by current or future regulatory standards.

1.14 Primary Responsibilities of the Proposers/Contractors

The County requires a qualified Contractor to provide continuous MBLLT services that meet the requirements of this solicitation. The proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with

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Specifically, the Contractor shall be responsible for the following:

1.14.1 Demonstration Period:

Before the Contract Period begins, the County requires the awarded Contractor to conduct a Demonstration Period to validate the performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance of the proposed LTS prior to long-term authorization. The Demonstration Period will allow the County to collect operational and water-quality data necessary to support the County’s permit for Permeate disposal. For the purposes of this RFP, the Demonstration Period is estimated to be a year but depending on regulatory agency review and approval of Permeate disposal the Demonstration Period may end early.

1.14.1.1 The Contractor shall install, commission/startup, operate, and maintain the LTS to demonstrate that the resulting parameters in the Permeate meet all applicable standards to obtain an FDEP Industrial Wastewater Permit.

1.14.1.2 The County will assess the Permeate Disposal System, including but not limited to water quality of groundwater monitoring results.

1.14.1.3 The County will evaluate the effects of the Brine on the County’s Leachate Evaporator, including but not limited to scaling or fouling potential, evaporator efficiency, chemical consumption, and maintenance frequency. The Contractor and County will communicate to maximize Brine disposal efficiency.

1.14.1.4 The Demonstration Period will end as specified by the County and may be extended if necessary. This timeframe will allow the LTS to operate in various seasonal conditions (dry vs wet) and handle variable leachate and MSW compositions.

1.14.1.5 The Demonstration Period will be considered successful when permit approval is obtained. Then, the Contract Period will begin.

1.14.1.6 The Demonstration Period will end, and the Agreement is terminated if the requirements to obtain a permit cannot be met for Permeate that does not meet regulatory discharge standards.

1.14.2 Permitting and Regulatory Compliance

1.14.2.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and permits.

1.14.2.2 The Contractor shall be familiar with all permit conditions, maximum concentration limits, monitoring requirements, and discharge limitations contained in the permit, and shall ensure that the LTS design and operation fully comply with permit conditions at all times.

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1.14.2.3 The Contractor shall provide the County with verification of regulatory compliance.

1.14.2.4 The Contractor shall notify the County of any potential issues that could affect compliance.

1.14.2.5 The Contractor shall assist in supporting County reporting requirements per permitting requirements, including but not limited to providing any treatment monitoring information.

1.14.2.6 The Contractor will assist in the review of potential Solid Waste permit modifications to ensure compliance with permits.

1.14.3 LTS Design, Install, and Operation

1.14.3.1 The Contractor’s LTS shall be capable of managing fluctuations in leachate quantities and quality generated for treatment dependent upon various factors, including, but not limited to, rainfall, waste composition, and location of waste filling in the landfill cell.

1.14.3.2 The Contractor shall analyze the data and take responsibility for their assumptions and projections of leachate quantity and quality to determine if their equipment will perform as anticipated. The County makes no guarantees or warranties regarding the accuracy of the data provided or the quantity or quality of leachate generated by SELF. Refer to Appendices A and B for leachate data.

1.14.3.3 The Contractor shall cause minimal disruption to SELF operations during the LTS install, startup, and operation.

1.14.3.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for the design and install of drainage and foundation requirements, working with the County for approval.

1.14.3.5 The Contractor shall be required to pay electric bill for LTS by obtaining their own meter from TECO.

1.14.3.6 The Contractor shall be required to participate in performance or project report meetings as deemed necessary by the County. The Contractor shall be available for meetings and inspections of the LTS with the FDEP as deemed necessary.

1.14.3.7 The Contractor shall provide a written contingency all-hazards, emergency response plan which shall identify pre-event and post-event preparations for their on-site equipment and their continuity of operations program when requested by the County and within ten (10) business days of request. The Contractor shall address reliability in their all-hazards emergency plan to show how their continuity of operations in adverse situations will meet the reliability expectations of the Scope of Work.

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1.14.3.8 The Contractor shall submit a copy of their safety plan for operations after the award when requested by the County and within ten (10) business days of the request.

1.14.3.9 The Contractor shall clearly identify the needed improvements to the site, utilities, or facilities for LTS.

1.14.3.10 The Contractor shall provide 24 hours per day/seven days a week remote watch of LTS and be able to make minor adjustments remotely. The Contractor shall submit a plan for assurance and operational continuity for LTS failure, such as loss of pressure, power, increase in pressure that negatively impacts LTS performance, etc.

1.14.3.11 The Contractor shall have an operator available to troubleshoot and resolve LTS performance issues and return to regular operations either remotely or in person within one (1) business day.

1.14.4 Permeate Management

1.14.4.1 The Contractor shall coordinate with the County to ensure system compatibility, flow capacity, and safe transfer of Permeate in accordance with all applicable design and operational standards.

1.14.4.2 The Contractor shall notify the County immediately of any operational impacts, change in Permeate quality, or system malfunction that could affect the suitability of the Permeate Disposal System or regulatory compliance.

1.14.4.3 The Contractor will support the operation of the Permeate Disposal System in accordance with applicable permits and best management practices to ensure uniform distribution, avoid runoff, and protect surrounding surface waters and groundwater.

1.14.4.4 The Contractor shall provide upon request data reporting and system operational records necessary to demonstrate compliance with permit requirements and other regulations.

1.14.4.5 The Contractor shall produce Permeate for acceptable discharge to land or reuse application that complies with permitting as well as any applicable requirements contained in the County’s solid waste permit. Failure to produce Permeate that meets these standards, or failure to comply with permit requirements shall constitute non-compliance and may trigger responses as outlined in the Corrective Actions for Non-Compliance with Industrial Wastewater Permit section.

1.14.5 Brine Management

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1.14.5.1 Coordinating with the County to ensure system compatibility, flow capacity, and safe transfer of Brine in accordance with all applicable design and operational standards.

1.14.5.2 Working and communicating with the County to adjust the LTS as needed to optimize Brine suitable for evaporation. Minimize Brine impacts that negatively impact the performance or operation of the Leachate Evaporator, which may include, but not limited to further pretreatment at no additional cost to the County.

Negative impacts may include, but are not limited to:

1.14.5.2.1 Accelerated scaling, fouling, or corrosion within the evaporator system.

1.14.5.2.2 Increased frequency or intensity of required chemical cleaning.

1.14.5.2.3 Adverse chemical reactions, foaming, or residue buildup.

1.14.5.2.4 Decreased evaporation efficiency or throughput.

1.14.5.3 Complying with all applicable regulations pertaining to storage, transfer, and handling of the Brine.

1.14.5.4 Providing notification to the County of any anticipated major changes in Brine composition or volume that may impact Leachate Evaporator operations.

1.14.5.5 Ensuring accurate flow measurement, monitoring, and reporting of Brine volumes generated.

1.14.5.6 Submitting an approved corrective action plan of alternative Brine disposal, to the County if:

1.14.5.6.1 The Contractor’s LTS produces more Brine than the Leachate Evaporator can process daily.

1.14.5.6.2 The Brine from the LTS produces conditions that negatively impact the Leachate Evaporator and cannot be reasonably mitigated through additional treatment by the Contractor.

1.14.6 Demobilization

1.14.6.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for demobilization of the LTS and associated equipment, unless otherwise directed by the County, at the conclusion of the Contract Period, upon termination for convenience, circumstances under Demonstration Period, or upon written notice of termination for default.

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1.14.6.2 The Contractor shall complete demobilization and site restoration activities shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days following contract termination or expiration, unless otherwise approved in writing by the County.

1.14.6.3 The Contractor shall conduct demobilization in a safe and orderly manner that minimizes impacts on County operations, adjacent land uses, and the environment.

1.14.6.4 The Contractor shall restore the site to a clean, stable, and operable condition acceptable to the County. The County may require the Contractor to leave in place specific improvements, piping, or infrastructure if deemed beneficial for future operations.

1.14.6.5 To ensure completion of demobilization and site restoration, the County shall withhold final payment until all demobilization activities are completed to the County’s satisfaction.

1.14.7 Lease Agreement

The Contractor shall execute a Lease Agreement for County property used for the LTS. The term of the Lease Agreement is anticipated to be five (5) years. The Contractor shall be required to pay a base lease payment to the County in the amount of $1,760.00 per acre/per year representing the fair market lease value of the County’s property used for the Proposer’s LTS. Such lease payment amount will be escalated by 3% annually on January 1st of each year during the term of the lease. Further details regarding the Lease Agreement and lease payment process will be included in the subsequent, negotiated Service Agreement (see example, Attachment A)

1.15 Primary Responsibility of the County

1.15.1 Site Preparation

1.15.1.1 The County will provide a prepared site for the LTS to include, if necessary, land clearing, geotechnical investigation, excavation of unsuitable soils, structural fill, drainage, access road, and parking area within reasonable limitations.

1.15.1.2 The Contractor will provide any foundation changes, and drainage requirements for the LTS, and the County will review and provide accommodations as necessary during negotiations. The County will provide the land, and storage to return drainage to leachate storage tank/pond. The County will work with Contractor to approve the final design.

1.15.1.3 The County will provide a pond after the LTS stores Permeate before pumping to for the Permeate Disposal System. The County will provide a force main from the LTS to dispose of Permeate.

1.15.1.4 The County or its designee will monitor the Contractor’s LTS installation and assist with Raw Leachate, Permeate, and Brine transfer connections. The SELF

RFP-26-00156 Page 15 is a public property with access to the public from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday and maintains security infrastructure, including staff on site, cameras, and fencing.

1.15.2 Leachate Management

1.15.2.1 The County will provide storage of Influent Leachate.

1.15.2.2 The County will deliver Raw Leachate to LTS.

1.15.2.3 The County will retain contracted hauling agreements for leachate disposal in the event of or unforeseen outages that cannot be mitigated or major storms that produce outsized leachate generation.

1.15.2.4 The County will provide 24-hour site access for the Contractor for operational, maintenance, and emergency services of the LTS.

1.15.2.5 The County will make periodic progress payments to the Contractor as the operation is performed.

1.15.3 Permitting and Regulatory Compliance

1.15.3.1 The County shall provide copies of operations data, design, and as-built drawings of the SELF to the Contractor.

1.15.3.2 The County shall apply, pay, and maintain the required permits, including any modifications to existing permits to allow MBLLT Services on site.

1.15.3.3 The County will pay for the permit application fees and the County will be the permit designee.

1.15.3.4 The County will accept only non-hazardous solid residuals from the LTS, if any.

1.15.3.5 The County will pay costs for laboratory sampling necessary for compliance with any federal, state, or local regulations including sampling and analysis of leachate Permeate and groundwater samples for permit compliance.

1.15.3.6 The County will install, maintain, and sample groundwater monitoring wells in compliance with permitting.

1.15.4 Permeate Management

1.15.4.1 The County will provide and maintain all infrastructure necessary for Permeate transfer, including the piping, fittings, valves, storage ponds/tanks, and force main connections between the LTS and the sod farm.

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1.15.4.2 The County will be responsible for the management, conveyance, and final disposal of the Permeate produced by the LTS to the adjacent sod farm. Refer to Appendix C.

1.15.5 Brine Management

1.15.5.1 The County will provide and maintain the necessary infrastructure connections between the Contractor’s LTS and the Leachate Evaporator, including any required piping, valves, storage ponds/tanks, and interface points.

1.15.5.2 The County will be responsible for the management and disposal of the Brine effluent from the LTS via the Leachate Evaporator.

1.15.5.3 The County will communicate with the Contractor about Leachate Evaporator operations to ensure minimal negative impacts for Brine disposal.

1.16 Preparation for Delivery

Delivery of the goods and/or performance of the Services and/or Work must be no later than five

(5) Days after Contractor's receipt of a Purchase Order from the County. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all freight charges. Offers that propose delivery timelines that do not fall within the aforementioned delivery time frame will be subject to rejection.

2. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.1 Bonds

2.1.1 Proposal Bond

The Proposer is required to submit a Proposal Bond for this procurement, in the amount provided for in Section 2.1.2 via either a certified check, a cashier’s check, an irrevocable letter of credit or, in the alternative, a submission of a Proposal Bond completed and signed by all required parties and submitted in the format detailed by the Proposal Bond page (included in the Euna Supporting Documentation Section), and which shall be required to accompany each Offer in the dollar amount set forth within the Solicitation Document.

2.1.1.1 A copy of the Proposal Bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be electronically attached to the Proposer’s Offer. The original Proposal Bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be delivered to the Procurement Services Department no later than five (5) Business Days after the Close Date. Please be advised that the original Proposal Bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be the same as (i.e. the original of) the copy of the Proposal Bond or letter of credit electronically attached to the Offer and cannot deviate from or be different from the copy attached to the electronic Proposal in any way.

2.1.1.2 Original documents of certified checks and cashier’s checks must be delivered to the Procurement Services Department no later than the Close Date.

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The address for the Procurement Services Department is: 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 25th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602.

2.1.1.3 Any submitted certified check or irrevocable letter of credit shall be drawn on a solvent bank or trust company to the order of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and shall have all necessary documentary revenue stamps attached, if required by law.

2.1.1.4 Surety on Proposal Bonds shall be authorized to do business in the State of Florida.

2.1.1.5 All Proposal Bonds shall be issued or countersigned by an authorized agent, with satisfactory evidence of the authority of the person or persons executing such bonds.

2.1.1.6 Personal Checks, business checks and cash deposits are not acceptable.

2.1.2 Earnest Money Deposit/Bid Bonds and Other Bid Securities

2.1.2.1 An Earnest Money Deposit/Proposal Bond or other security is required with this Proposal. Either a certified check, a cashier's check, treasurer’s check, or a bank draft drawn on any national or state licensed financial institution or, in the alternative, an Earnest Money Deposit completed and signed by all required parties and submitted in the format detailed in the Bonfire Supporting Documentation Section, shall be required to accompany each Proposal in a stated dollar amount which equals Twenty-Five Thousand dollars ($25,000.00).

2.1.2.2 Any submitted certified check, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, or bank draft shall be drawn on a solvent bank or trust company authorized to do business in Florida, payable to the order of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and shall have all necessary documentary revenue stamps attached, if required by law.

2.1.2.3 Sureties on Earnest Money Deposits shall be companies authorized to do business in the State of Florida and satisfactory evidence of the authority of the person or persons executing such Proposal Bonds shall be submitted with the Proposal Bond.

2.1.2.4 Proposal Bonds must be submitted on the form provided (see Bonfire Supporting Documentation Section).

2.1.2.5 Personal checks, business checks, and cash deposits are not acceptable to Hillsborough County and will render your Proposal nonresponsive.

2.1.3 Evidence of Power-of-Attorney on Surety Instruments

Attorneys-in-fact who sign Bonds or other surety instruments must attach with each Bond or surety instrument a certified and effectively dated copy of their power-of-attorney.

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2.2 Passthrough Cost

It is the intent of the Contract to ensure the Contractor provides reliable, consistently high quality, and cost-effective MBLLT Services. The County may levy costs for improper and insufficient actions related to the services required by this Contract. Costs incurred by the County from regulatory agencies will be passed onto the Contractor for failure to meet permitting compliance.

These amounts may be deducted from any payments due to the Contractor.

2.3 Corrective Actions for Non-Compliance

The Contractor shall at all times comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and standards. A Corrective Action Plan shall be submitted as part of the executed Service Agreement in the event of non-compliance.

2.3.1 In the event that Permeate fails to meet applicable Industrial Wastewater Permit standards:

2.3.1.1 Notification

2.3.1.1.1 The County shall immediately notify the Contractor of any actual or suspected non-compliance with permit conditions, water quality standards, or system performance requirements. The County shall also notify the appropriate regulatory authority (if required by permit).

2.3.1.1.2 Written notice shall be provided to the County from the Contractor within three (3) business days, including a description of the incident, potential impacts, and proposed corrective measures.

2.3.1.2 Corrective Action

2.3.1.2.1 The Contractor shall implement corrective measures at no additional cost to the County to restore compliance.

2.3.1.2.2 The Contractor shall implement corrective measures to restore compliance following timelines required by law or permit conditions.

2.3.1.2.3 The Contractor shall submit a Corrective Action Plan to the County for approval, detailing interim measures and a final compliance schedule not to exceed any regulatory requirements.

2.3.1.3 County Remedies

2.3.1.3.1 Suspend Contractor operations until compliance is restored.

2.3.1.3.2 Seek reimbursement for any charges placed on the County.

2.3.1.3.3 Terminate the Contract.

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2.4 Proposal Requirements

2.4.1 Qualifications, Experience, and References (1 to 35 Points)

2.4.1.1 Qualifications and Experience

Information demonstrating the Contractor’s qualifications must be included. The Contractor must outline the proposed project team that will be used for the project, including all subcontractors. An organizational chart must be included showing this structure along with key personnel. In addition to other information, the Contractor shall provide information that will be useful to the County in its evaluation, which shall include:

2.4.1.1.1 Proposers shall provide years and summary of experience operating the proposed project in the United States (can provide a separate summary for international operations, as applicable). Proposers shall provide evidence of having successfully provided substantially similar services to those described within these specifications. If similar processing capacity services are not in operation, Proposers can demonstrate their ability to treat an average of 101,000 GPD of leachate per year.

2.4.1.1.2 Identify projects with landfills that accept a combination of MSW, non-processable waste, and combustor ash from waste-to-energy or similar leachate composition as provided in Appendix B.

2.4.1.1.3 Describe any directly relevant experience for the proposed project outside of the referenced projects.

2.4.1.1.4 Provide years and summary of experience in operation and maintaining MBLLT projects.

2.4.1.1.5 Provide summaries of experience of relevant key personnel.

2.4.1.1.6 Provide summaries and qualifications of subcontractors included on the project team.

2.4.1.1.7 Identify employees at referenced projects that would be involved with this project, and what their roles would be.

2.4.1.1.8 Summary demonstrating the ability to obtain Industrial Wastewater Permits to discharge treated leachate with the FDEP.

Provide a list of leachate treatment projects where Proposer has applied for and received Industrial Wastewater Permit to discharge Permeate.

2.4.1.1.9 Demonstrate permitting experience with the Tallahassee and/or the Southwest District offices of the FDEP.

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2.4.1.1.10 Provide a list of services the Contractor currently offers to the waste industry and particularly to public entities. Provide a list of public entities:

2.4.1.1.10.1 Who are current clients, and

2.4.1.1.10.2 Who have been clients for any of the firm’s services in the last five (5) years.

2.4.1.2 References

The Proposer shall provide up to three (3) references that can verify the Proposer has provided or is currently providing MBLLT Services in substantially similar services, in size and scope, with the type of approach as set forth within the Proposal requirements. The Contractor must include a minimum of one (1) reference and maximum of three (3) references in their Proposal. The written submittal should fully describe these projects and include the following information:

2.4.1.2.1 Identify the amount of land needed for the project (in acres).

2.4.1.2.2 Describe the business relationship between the Contractor and client in the referenced projects.

2.4.1.2.3 Describe any change orders.

2.4.1.2.4 Identify the leachate processing capacity of project (GPD).

Overall facility up-time (processing availability).

2.4.1.2.5 Explain the water quality standards needed for Permeate and Brine disposal.

2.4.1.2.6 Explain how Permeate and Brine are disposed.

2.4.1.2.7 Describe how long the project has been operational.

2.4.1.2.8 Provide contact information for the owner of the facility where the project is located.

2.4.1.2.9 Explain any projects in operation during major storms in Florida and how LTS and disposal system withstood the elements and how spikes in leachate generation were managed.

2.4.2 Project Approach and Schedule (1 to 20 Points)

2.4.2.1 For this portion of the Proposal, the Contractor should provide a detailed discussion on the permitting, design, construction, operation, technology, and maintenance for the proposed MBLLT Services. The Contractor should discuss

RFP-26-00156 Page 21 the LTS selected for the project, why that method was selected, and provide a table that demonstrates LTS results to meet regulatory standards for Permeate disposal on-site. A sufficient description must be included to convey an understanding of the project, including the proposed technology. The feasibility of the proposed project will be factored into the scoring analysis, including both the viability and history of the proposed technology, and examples of functioning technology.

2.4.2.2 The approach must include sufficient detail of the proposed process. A process flow diagram shall be provided to illustrate the proposed process, as well as a schedule that shows development milestones for the proposed project.

Preference will be given to proposals that can initiate startup the soonest. Details to be included in the project approach that will impact the County directly should include the following:

2.4.2.2.1 Specific challenges to the project based on Contractor’s review of the information provided.

2.4.2.2.2 How the Contractor will address potential environmental impacts, including, but not limited to, stormwater, air quality, ambient noise and odor levels, traffic conditions, surrounding areas, and visual screening.

2.4.2.2.3 Specify what safety and security measures will be

implemented. Include hardening or resiliency techniques for major storms to protect systems.

2.4.2.2.4 Identify where membranes, parts, etc, originate from. Explain approach to address any anticipated impacts related to supply chain interruptions for these materials to ensure continuity of operations.

Identify all Residual and waste products from the process and how they will be managed.

2.4.2.2.5 How the Contractor will maintain a working relationship and communicate with the County.

2.4.2.2.6 How the Contractor proposes to manage issues of non-compliance and corrective actions.

2.4.2.3 Technical Specifications should include but not limited to:

2.4.2.3.1 Provide throughput of technology, process, flow, inputs and outputs, scale, and how its use will competitively meet County goals, objectives, and preferences.

2.4.2.3.2 What are the anticipated utility draws (e.g., potable water, electricity, specific water treatment, air pollution control and

RFP-26-00156 Page 22 management, noise or odor mitigation, and/or other resources impacted, etc.)?

2.4.2.3.3 What is the estimated area required for the project at the SELF?

2.4.2.3.4 How will operations be maintained in the event of an outage, pressure build up, etc.?

2.3.2.4 Schedule

2.3.2.4.1 A proposed project schedule identifying major milestones. The County requests a summary Gantt Chart that describes the project schedule from project award through installation and start-up, to acquisition of staff and full commissioning. The Gantt Chart should consider timelines for the demonstration period, equipment manufacture, and mobilization.

2.3.2.4.2 Include a demobilization plan, including timelines and site restoration.

2.3.2 Leachate Treatment Fee (LTF) Total Project Cost (TPC) (1 to 45 points)

2.3.3.1 The maximum number of points will be awarded to the Proposer with the lowest Total Project Cost (TPC) ($ per gallon). Points awarded to the other Proposers for TPC will be calculated by using the following formula:

Lowest Proposed TPC/Other Proposers’ TPC X Maximum Points = Score

2.3.3.2 The County reserves the right not to award the contract to the Proposer with the lowest TPC if deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

2.3.3.3 A Proposer must submit unequivocal, non-contingent pricing in the form of the Unit Costs on the Bid Table.