2026-08-014T_RFQ_REV_0.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES

FOR

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT MASTERPLAN

UPGRADES

BACKGROUND:

The City of Lakeland (City) desires to obtain Design-Build Services to upgrade two of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plants. The Glendale Wastewater Reclamation Facility began operation in 1926 as a 2.5 MGD primary setting and sludge digestion facility. Glendale currently maintains a capacity of 13.7 MGD. The plant is currently discharged to a 1600-acre Wetlands Treatment System, called the Se7en Wetlands. Northside Wastewater Reclamation Facility was designed in 1986 to treat wastewater flow from the North Lakeland Service Area. This facility has a treatment capacity of 8.0 MGD. Biosolids produced at Northside are transferred to Glendale for further treatment or landfilled. This transfer is required as the ATAD treatment system was placed out of service in 2020. Treated effluent from Northside is reused as cooling water by the McIntosh power plant, with excess effluent sent for disposal at the Se7en Wetlands. These two treatment plants cover a combined 180.4 acres of land.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this RFQ is to select a Design-Build (D-B) Firm that can utilize existing information provided by the City and/or other sources, review current technology, and provide the most cost-efficient design and construction associated with preliminary and final designs, permitting, bidding, construction management. This RFQ is designed to provide the anticipated scope of work, not to define the exact scope or construction requirements. The City will utilize the Progressive Design Build Delivery method. Form of Agreement will be DBIA Progressive Design- Build Agreement for Water and Wastewater Projects #545 with supplemental conditions provided by the City. An example of the format is provided in Appendix A.

SCOPE:

The scope of the design-build contract will include:

1. Complete design of repairs/upgrades of existing processes

2. Evaluation and design of new processes to improve efficiency

3. Evaluation and advisement of methods to increase plant capacity

4. Complete permitting through all local, state and federal agencies

5. Construction of final design based upon best value for available budget

a. Proposed design build budget is approximately $174 million

The project shall include but may not be limited to improvements and the general scopes of work provided below.

1. Glendale Intermediate Pump Station Replacement/Repair

a. The intermediate pump station is in poor condition and cannot pump the same capacity as the influent pump station. This has created a point of overflow in the treatment system.

b. Improvements include repairs or replacement of wet wells, replacement of isolation valves, new grating over channels, concrete repairs and application of coatings to prevent corrosion. Increased capacity of the pump station to meet or exceed influent lift station pumping capabilities is required. Elimination of cascading wastewater that is releasing hydrogen sulfide gas causing odors and infrastructure corrosion. Improvements will require a bypass pumping system during construction work.

2. Solar Drying Facility or an equivalent biosolids facility

a. The City of Lakeland is interested in pursuing a Solar Drying facility to assist with increasing capacity and improving final products. When Glendale reaches capacity of the digestion system; biosolids cannot be transferred from Northside for treatment.

b. Improvements include construction of a Solar Drying Facility. This facility will be capable of treating both Glendale & Northside biosolids to class AA biosolids with minimal odors. Future provisions shall be included for incineration as required. City of Lakeland will consider alternative facilities that can achieve the required AA biosolids with exception of composting.

3. Northside Sludge Holding Tank Blowers and Aeration System

a. The mixing system in the tanks are past their useful life and were designed to work with the ATAD system that is no longer in service.

b. Improvements include new blowers, new diffusers, and demolition of the

ATAD system. All new processes must be compatible with Glendale biosolid processing.

4. Northside Dewatering Upgrades

a. The Northside plant is not designed to dewater biosolids. The facility was designed to thicken biosolids with gravity belt thickeners. This will require modification for pursuing a new Solar Drying facility.

b. Improvements include the installation of 2 new belt presses, polymer system to feed biosolids to the new Solar Drying Facility.

5. Glendale Digester Improvements

a. The existing 2PAD process has given many challenges from pumping, heating, and cooling biosolids to maintain environments suitable for digestion.

Additionally, the current covers are past their useful life and mixing system isn’t operating as designed.

b. The digesters will require evaluation based upon any changes to plant processes and biosolid products. Improvements in the current environment include simplifying treatment systems, replacing digester covers and replacing mixing systems.

6. Glendale Climber Screen Replacement, Parshall Flume, and Coatings

a. All equipment in this scope is past its useful life, and coatings have failed in this environment every 10 years. The channels were last coated in April 2021.

b. Improvements include Climber screen replacement, washer compactor & conveyor replacement, replacement Parshall flume with 316 stainless steel flume, new grating over channels, concrete repairs and application of coatings to prevent corrosion. Improvements will require a bypass pumping system during construction work.

7. Glendale Aeration Basin Diffuser Replacement

a. SSI diffusers are recommended to be replaced between 7-10 years. The diffusers at Glendale were most recently replaced in 2017.

b. Improvements include replacing all diffusers in aeration basins at Glendale

WWTP. Installation of new equipment will require construction work to be completed in a timely manner to maintain operations.

8. Glendale Secondary Clarifier Drive Mechanism Replacement

a. The existing clarifiers are all over 20 years old. The Secondary clarifiers have coating falling off and clear signs of deterioration due to the age of the equipment.

b. Improvements include replacing 4 pier supported spiral rake and drive mechanisms.

9. Control Systems Replacement

a. The existing SCADA system is dated and approaching end of serviceable life.

The City of Lakeland is seeking to make the changes necessary to align with current day cybersecurity framework.

b. Improvements include upgraded SCADA system to integrate all 3 WWTP and collection system.

10. Dump pad – Glendale

a. Glendale has a dumpster system for unloading vactor trucks that is inadequate when dumping 4 vactor trucks every day. We are dependent on sanitation to dump dumpsters when needed. A dump pad would allow Treatment and Collection to have more control over the material.

b. Improvements include dump pad for Vactor trucks to unload at the Glendale Plant.

11. Dump Pad – Northside

a. An additional dump pad at the Northside plant would enable less travel time back to Glendale when vactor trucks are working on the north side of Lakeland. This reduces the time required for trucks to offload and complete work.

b. Improvements include dump pad for Vactor trucks to unload at the Northside Plant.

12. Glendale Fence Replacement

a. Fence on the east side of Glendale WWTP has failed during storms many times over the last 20 years. It has become very costly to have repaired.

b. Improvements include replacing chain link fence with precast concrete wall.

13. Additional Plant Capacity

a. Improvements are to increase the capacity of Glendale WWTP. Successful design-build firm is expected to provide insight and recommendations to achieve meaningful capacity growth.

SCHEDULE:

The anticipated City of Lakeland proposed timeline is as follows:

• 1 MAR 2027 – Begin Master Planning

• 1 OCT 2027 – Begin Engineering Design

• 1 OCT 2028 – Complete Engineering Design

• 1 OCT 2031 – Construction Completion Deadline

SUB-CONSULTANTS:

The D-B Firm, without consent of the City, shall not employ sub-Consultants. The City maintains the right to disapprove any sub-Consultants selected by the D-B Firm that in the City’s opinion does not have the experience to perform the required task.

RFQ RESPONSE:

1. Response:

The response submitted should include all the information requested below within fifteen (15) pages or less plus DBIA Standard Form of Request for Qualifications.

a) Discuss your understanding of the RFQ and all considerations in determining proposed services and costs.

b) Discuss your approach to this project.

c) References: Give a minimum of three recent references of similar jobs in scope and size.

Jobs must include ones which your company had similar responsibilities. List jobs done in the last five years. References should include experience in the design and applications of wastewater treatment plants.

Include information on each reference as follows:

1. name of person(s) knowledgeable of work

2. name and address of company; including location of job

3. current phone number of person(s) to contact

4. description of job

d) Explain why your company should be considered for this job.

e) Resumes should be included in required standard forms

f) Provide Draft Scope and Schedule.

3. Do not submit pricing information with the proposal. Submittals that contain pricing information will be disqualified.

4. Selection:

The below listed rating criteria will be used to select the companies to be engaged to serve as the D-B Firm.

Respondents selected by the selection committee for the shortlist shall be judged on the basis of the written proposal by a selection committee consisting of no less than three City Employees. In accordance with Part A of the below listed evaluation, a shortlist will be developed and ranked consisting of at least three firms submitting qualifications to serve as the D-B Firm. In the event that less than three persons or firms submit qualifications to serve as the D-B Firm then all shall be shortlisted and ranked.

At the sole discretion of the selection committee, competitive negotiations can begin in accordance with Chapter 287.055 Florida Statutes beginning with the highest ranked shortlisted firm based on Part A of the evaluation; however, at the discretion of the selection committee the shortlisted firms will be required to perform oral presentations for the benefit of the selection committee and the selection committee will be able to ask questions. The City of Lakeland will provide two weeks’ notice prior to scheduling of oral presentation.

If oral presentations are received, the firms participating in the oral presentations will be ranked in accordance with Part B of this evaluation and competitive negotiations shall proceed in accordance with Chapter 287.055 Florida Statutes.

Part A Written Selection Criteria

Item Criteria Max Points

Technical Requirements

Experience and successful performance on wastewater treatment plant improvements, expansions and rehabilitation of similar size, scope, and complexity, including treatment processes, permitting, and construction within operating facilities.

Successful delivery of comparable Progressive Design Build projects, particularly water/wastewater projects, including demonstrated experience of the proposed design and construction firms working collaboratively under the Progressive Design Build delivery method.

Professional qualifications, licenses/certifications, education, demonstrated knowledge of statutes, rules, and regulations governing wastewater treatment facilities, proposed responsibilities and availability of the Project Manager, Design Manager/Engineer, Construction Manager, Superintendent, process leads and other key personnel.

Understanding of the City’s project, anticipated challenges, phasing, coordination, constructability, collaboration, risk management, and proposed approach to delivering the work.

Part A Written Selection Criteria

Item Criteria Max Points

Technical Requirements

Demonstrated approach and ability to manage the Project within the established schedule and budget, including cost estimating throughout design development, constructability reviews, value analysis, cost control, schedule management, and development of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).

6 Capacity and availability of the proposed team and resources necessary to meet the City’s schedule. 5

If Oral Presentations are received, the firm presenting shall have 15 minutes to set up any audio/video or other equipment that is necessary for the presentation. The Presentation shall not exceed 60 minutes in length, and the selection committee shall have 30 minutes to ask questions of the presenter(s), and the firm shall have 15 minutes to disassemble any equipment and leave the presentation. If the firms presenting will rely on audio/video equipment at the facility hosting the oral presentations, then it is their responsibility to make arrangements with the host facility to ensure compatibility.

Note: At the discretion of the selection committee, if the oral presentation is required, the oral presentation may be provided virtually or through communications electronic technology and depending on the presentation that the firms requests to make will determine what web-based software platform or other communications media will be employed to host the presentation.

Part B Oral Selection Criteria

Item Criteria Max

Points 1 Capability of Person or Firm as a Project Manager 20

2 Capability of the Person or Firm to Manage Large Construction Projects 20

3 Administrative and Construction Budget Control 15

4 Ability to Attend Public Meetings and to address Public Bodies and Officials 5

5 Experience Related to Similar Projects as Required by the City 15 6 Past Performance of the Person or Firm 5 7 Quality of the Presentation 10 8 Responsiveness during the Presentation 10

DESIGN CRITERIA

The City of Lakeland has prepared this package for Design-Build Services related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Masterplan Upgrades. The scope shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Phase 1 – Master Planning o Evaluation of existing processes o Definition of master plan scope

• Phase 2 - Design o Complete design of upgrades, repairs, and new processes to meet plant goals o Regulatory Permitting o Preconstruction Services with Development of Guaranteed Maximum Price for

Construction o Comprehensive Final Design

• Phase 3 - Construction o Construction of selected improvements o Start-up, testing and clearance o Scheduling of all logistics

1. Purpose

1.1 This document provides the criteria for the design and replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Masterplan Upgrades. The intent is to list the minimum design criteria necessary for achieving this replacement.

1.2 This package is not a specification or prescriptive checklist and is not intended to replace the professional judgment by a competent licensed professional engineer after coordination with the end-user and stakeholders of the City of Lakeland.

2. Design Criteria

2.1 The design is based on providing facilities that will meet the needs of the Wastewater

Department to effectively and efficiently operate the Glendale and Northside Wastewater Reclamation Facilities. These needs are based on mission and operation requirements. The design should consider existing conditions and the current and future needs of the department. It is imperative that the final designer and preparer of construction documents fully understand the operational requirements, permitting, site logistics and all related requirements to design this facility accordingly.

2.2 The Glendale Wastewater Reclamation Facility provides primary treatment for the City of Lakeland and discharges to the Se7en Wetlands for further treatment before ultimately flowing into the Alafia River. The Northside Wastewater Reclamation Facility was most recently expanded in 1996 and provides reuse water for the McIntosh power plant with any excess flow also discharging to the Se7en wetlands. This project is for revitalization of these two plants and consideration of new systems to improve function and efficiency. Appendix B provides Process Flow Diagrams for the Glendale and Northside Plants historically from 1985 to 2023.

2.3 Wastewater plant operation must be maintained throughout all phases of construction.

If the construction sequencing requires shutdown of processes, temporary bypasses must be installed to allow the plant to continue to operate.

3. Facility Development Criteria

Conduct design services that will include the following:

3.1 Evaluate current state of both wastewater treatment plants identify necessary upgrades and repairs required for continued operation.

3.2 Provide alternatives for repairs, upgrades, and/or new equipment to upgrade the wastewater treatment plants and continued operation.

3.3 Identify methods to construct selected alternatives while maintaining operation of the treatment plants.

3.4 The City will evaluate the various alternatives and will make a final selection of the required improvements that will be used for the final design.

3.5 Provide a survey of the existing treatment plants that includes location of existing utilities, elevations, and all other features required to properly design and construct any facilities that will be added to the footprint.

3.6 Create final plans and specifications for the treatment plants which will include Finalized AutoCAD and pdf drawings, technical specification and pricing proposals developed to a GMP document with all associated exhibits (scope, pricing, qualifications). Provide final design, site preparation, build schedule, survey, permits and all required approvals from regulatory agencies and local authorities.

4. Construction Management and Oversight The Design Build team will be responsible for construction management activities and general project oversight with consistent coordination with the City during the design and construction portions of the project. Construction management activities will also include identification of the designated staging location(s) with respect to project need. The Design Build Firm shall prepare an aerial map with the project boundaries and staging site(s) clearly delineated.

Accompanying the aerial maps shall be a plan of the respective staging site(s) showing fencing, screening, and if necessary, the location of trailers, parking areas and the driveway apron(s) for access.

5. Environmental Criteria The Design Build team will be responsible for all required environmental testing and permitting needed to complete the project. The scope of these requirements will be determined by the Design Build team based on the selected improvements and construction requirements.

At a minimum it is anticipated that the following tasks shall be completed:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Permitting

• NPDES Permit

• City Building Permit

• Other environmental permits may be necessary depending on the final design

6. Operations

The Design Build team shall provide start-up of all facilities constructed during the scope of the project. The design-build team will be completely responsible for any bypass systems necessary during the construction phase. The City will not take over operation of any new facilities or equipment until the project is substantially complete as determined by the City.

The Design Build team shall provide AutoCAD as-builts drawings and PDF files accurately depicting the as-built conditions of the finalized treatment plant footprint.

7. Public Relations Glendale Wastewater Reclamation Facility is located on Glendale St near a relatively dense neighborhood. Construction work is only expected on the plant property and should not disturb the surrounding area. However, communication with the neighborhood residents may be requested for transport of equipment and materials to the site during the construction of this project. Inquiries and questions about design and construction will be handled by the Design Build Firm, after coordination of the responses with the City of Lakeland.

8. Progressive Design Progressive Design of the plant upgrades will be performed in phases and remain ahead of the Progressive Construction.

1. The Engineering shall provide at a minimum, but not limited to, the following groups of drawings:

a. Site Plan

b. Process Flow Diagram(s)

c. Piping and Instrumentation Diagram(s)

d. General Arrangement(s)

e. Plan and Profile

f. Details (Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Automation)

g. Submittals

h. Maintenance of Traffic (if applicable)

2. All engineering shall conform to specifications including but not limited to:

a. Lakeland Water Utilities Wastewater Materials Specifications.

b. Lakeland Water Utilities Wastewater Operations Policies, Standards and

Specifications.

c. FDEP Recommended Standards for Wastewater Facilities

d. Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. (Domestic Wastewater Facilities)

e. Chapter 62-620, F.A.C. (Wastewater Facility and Activities Permitting)

3. Monthly status meetings

a. Schedule

i. Critical Path

ii. Tasks

iii. Assignments

b. Budget

i. Change Order Status

ii. Material Status

iii. Labor Status (Construction and Engineering)

c. Easement/Right of Way Status (if applicable)

F. Progressive Construction

The Design Build team shall be responsible for all Work associated with the construction of all plant upgrades. Work activities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Materials - procurement, receiving, offloading, storage and installation in accordance with the manufacturer’s intent and good engineering design.

a. City of Lakeland may elect to direct purchase materials directly from providers to realize tax savings in accordance with section 212-08 (6), FAC.

2. Excavation – All excavation shall be performed in accordance with the OSHA and the City’s excavation safety and policy procedures.

3. Equipment – Contractor shall provide all necessary equipment and operators required to perform the Work associated with upgrades of the wastewater treatment plants.

4. Bypass Provisions – Contractor shall provide for bypass provisions when construction work will require equipment shutdown for installation of upgrades or new equipment.

Bypass provisions shall have redundancy measures in place in case primary bypass provisions fail. Additionally, Contractor shall provide for dedicated personnel to monitor bypass provisions to ensure that no spills occur during bypass activities.

Detail submittal of bypass plans shall be provided for review by Owner.

5. Restoration – Construction of the upgrades will involve disturbing existing ground on the site footprint including some roadways. Contractor is responsible for restoring all disturbed areas to original conditions.

6. Cleanup - The Contractor shall perform final cleanup prior to Owner's acceptance of the Work. The final cleanup shall include as applicable:

a. Removal of Contractor's temporary structures, tools, equipment, supplies and surplus materials.

b. Repair of roads, walks, fences and other items damaged or deteriorated because of Contractor's operations.

c. Grading, raking, smoothing, replacing vegetation and other operations as necessary to restore to original or better condition all areas affected by Contractor's operations.

d. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposing of all waste materials and rubbish generated (paint, waste, etc.) off site in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

7. Remove/Grout Abandoned Plant Piping

Reference Documents

Document # Description Appendix A Sample Form of Agreement for Design Build Award

Appendix B Existing Flow Diagrams of City of Lakeland Plants

Appendix C DBIA Standard Form of Request for Qualifications