Request for Proposal RFP No. 212026943

Water Treatment Plant Operations

For the University System of New Hampshire

Issue Date: 3/31/2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose

1.2. About the RFP

1.3. About USNH

2. RFP PROCESS ..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.1. Key Event Dates

2.2. General Instructions

2.3. Informational Meetings

2.4. Firm Questions

2.5. Proposal Format

2.6. Addenda

2.7. Bid Opening

3. EVALUATION

3.1. Evaluation Committee

3.2. Evaluation Criteria

3.3. Public Records: Applicability of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A

3.4. Solicitation Results

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

4.1. Term

4.2. Insurance Requirements

4.3. Agreement/University’s Standard Terms and Conditions

4.4. UNH’s Rights and Responsibilities

4.5. Firm’s Rights and Responsibilities

4.6. Rights Afforded to Both Parties

4.7. Mediation

4.8. Sustainability Statement ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

ISSUE DATE: 3/31/2026

RFP No. 212026943

RFP COORDINATOR: Mike Romeo

USNH Procurement Services Farnum Hall, 28 College Drive Concord, NH 03820 E-mail: Michael.romeo@usnh.edu

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is soliciting proposals from qualified contract operators for the staffing, management, and operation of the UNH Water Treatment Plant (WTP) located at 28 Waterworks Road in Durham, NH. The WTP is a conventional surface water treatment facility serving the UNH-Durham campus and the Town of Durham, NH. The Contractor will report exclusively to and operate under the direction of UNH.

The WTP uses conventional treatment processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, granular media filtration, and disinfection. The facility has a design capacity of 1.8 MGD, a system peak demand of 1.4 MGD, and an average daily demand of approximately 0.55 MGD. Raw water sources include the Lamprey River, Oyster River, and Spruce Hole Well (groundwater under the influence of surface water). Treatment plant residuals are managed on-site using three (3) recycle and residual storage lagoons. The associated raw water pumping stations for the Lamprey and Oyster River intakes are included within the contract scope. The Lee Well and two (2) finished water storage tanks are not part of this contract scope.

1.2. About the RFP

Scope of Work A. System Assets Under Contract The following assets are included within the base operations scope of this contract:

• Water Treatment Plant, including all treatment process equipment (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, granular media filtration, disinfection, chemical dosing systems)

• Lamprey River and Oyster River raw water pumping stations and intakes

• Spruce Hole Well and associated recharge systems

• Residual lagoons (three)

• WTP production and consumption metering (flow meters at plant and raw water intakes)

• SCADA and process control systems associated with WTP operations

B. Personnel Requirements The Contractor shall provide qualified, licensed personnel sufficient to maintain continuous, compliant operations of the WTP. Minimum requirements are as follows:

• The Primary Operator-in-Responsible-Charge (ORC) shall hold a minimum NH DES Grade 3 Water Treatment license and NH DES Grade 3 Water Distribution license. Licenses must remain current for the duration of the contract.

mailto:Michael.romeo@usnh.edu

• The Contractor shall designate a named Back-up ORC with equivalent licensing, and shall notify UNH promptly of any change in ORC assignment.

• If NH DES licensing requirements change during the contract term, the Contractor is responsible for meeting updated minimum requirements at no additional cost to UNH.

• All Contractor personnel performing work on-site shall be appropriately licensed or supervised in accordance with NH DES requirements. The Contractor shall maintain 24/7 on-call coverage and response capability for emergencies.

C. Plant Operations and Process Management

The Contractor shall be responsible for all aspects of daily plant operations, including but not limited to:

• Operation of all treatment processes to produce finished water that meets all applicable NH DES and EPA drinking water standards

• Operation and routine maintenance of raw water pumping stations (Lamprey and Oyster intakes)

• Procurement, handling, and dosing of all treatment chemicals. Current annual chemical usage estimates are provided in the Proposal Format section.

• Management of treatment plant residuals, including lagoon monitoring, periodic sludge removal, and disposal in accordance with all applicable regulations (estimated once per year)

• Preventive and corrective maintenance of all process equipment within the WTP and pumping stations, including instrumentation and SCADA associated with treatment operations

• Annual calibration of WTP production and raw water flow meters

• Annual support to UNH for distribution system valve exercising and flushing activities, coordinated through and scheduled by UNH in coordination with the Town of Durham

• Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (PWS #06910150) - Inspect well water system on a weekly basis and collect samples according to NHDES mandated sampling schedule.

• Source water and wellhead protection monitoring at Spruce Hole Well (8–10 remote locations)

D. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting The Contractor shall maintain full regulatory compliance for the water system and shall be solely responsible for all sampling, testing, and reporting required by NH DES and EPA. Responsibilities include:

• All routine and special monitoring required under the NH DES Permit to Operate and applicable Safe Drinking

Water Act regulations, including treatment plant and distribution system sampling

• Annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) preparation and distribution

• Lead and copper monitoring program, including sampling coordination and reporting

• Source Water Assessment and Wellhead Protection Program reporting

• Water conservation program reporting and dam management reporting as required by NH DES

• Emergency notification and reporting to NH DES and UNH as required

• Maintenance of all operational logs, records, and chain-of-custody documentation required by regulation or requested by UNH

• Expanded campus meter management program: field testing and accuracy verification of large-diameter campus meters (3” and above), development of a risk-based meter testing schedule, and preparation of an annual campus meter accuracy report consistent with AWWA guidance.

E. Required Deliverables

The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables to UNH on the schedule indicated:

• Monthly operations report (plant performance summary, chemical usage, regulatory compliance status, equipment issues, upcoming maintenance)

• Annual capital improvement plan (prioritized equipment and infrastructure needs for UNH budget planning)

• Annual water meter accuracy report (production and raw water flow meters, per calibration records)

• All required NH DES reports submitted on time (copies to UNH concurrently)

• Annual proposed operating budget for the succeeding contract year, submitted to UNH by [DATE] for review and approval

F. UNH Responsibilities

UNH will provide the following in support of contract operations. All Contractor operational direction shall be administered through UNH.

• WTP facility access, construction drawings, and as-built documentation

• Payment of all utilities (electricity, heat, water) to the WTP facility

• Building maintenance for non-process systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing outside of treatment equipment)

• Grounds maintenance and snow removal at the WTP facility

• Distribution system repair work (water main breaks, hydrant maintenance, backflow testing) through UNH

Facilities staff

• Capital project management and funding, based on the Contractor’s annual capital improvement plan and

UNH budget priorities

G. Scope Exclusions (Base Contract) The following are excluded from base contract scope. Some items are available as Add Alternates (see Section H):

• Lee Well (operated and maintained by the Town of Durham)

• Tech Drive Booster Station (operated and maintained by the Town of Durham)

• Finished water storage tanks (maintained by others)

• UNH campus building meters (calibration and management handled separately by UNH)

• Laboratory pure water systems, ocean engineering tanks, and associated specialty filtration equipment

(available as Add Alternate)

H. Add Alternate Services Respondents shall provide separate pricing for the following optional services. UNH reserves the right to include or exclude any Add Alternate at the time of contract award or at any subsequent contract renewal:

• Add Alternate 1 – Periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of laboratory pure water systems and ocean engineering research water systems at UNH campus facilities. Pure Water systems are listed below:

Gregg Hall Parsons Hall Spaulding Hall NH Vet Lab Rudman Hall Rudman Hall Clean Steam Kendall Hall

James Hall Morse Hall

The Chase Ocean Engineering scope is as follows:

Perform include: monthly water quality testing; pump operations; back-washing (as needed); filter checks and replacement. Testing results on water quality shall include: chlorine, pH, HPC, bacteria, alkalinity, hardness and conductivity per testing protocol. Contractor shall be responsible for ordering and maintaining chemical storage and adhering to State rules for compliance

• Add Alternate 2 – Operations and maintenance support for the Lee Well and Tech Drive Booster Station, if and when authorized by UNH and the Town of Durham under a separate written agreement.

1.3. About USNH

The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State.

With approximately 32,000 enrolled students annually and more than 90,000 alumni living in state, the institutions of the University System - the University of New Hampshire - Durham, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College - have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens every year.

In concert with our commitment to teaching, our community outreach and service programs expand knowledge and have a positive impact on the state, and our research efforts add insight and understanding to subjects as varied as air quality, economic development, family health, teacher training, and ocean mapping.

It is not the expectation, that the pricing and terms provided in any proposal and the resulting agreement is available to all institutions and affiliates of the University System of New Hampshire.

Please visit the following links for detailed information relative to all University System of New Hampshire institutions:

University System of New Hampshire Keene State College Plymouth State University University of New Hampshire

2. RFP PROCESS

2.1. Key Event Dates

The key dates for the RFP process are currently as follows:

Key Milestones Dates Comments

Solicitation Release 3/31/2026 @ 8am EST

On-Site General Walkthrough (Water Plant)

04/06/2026 @ 9am EST Meet at Water Plant, 28 Waterworks Road, Durham, NH https://www.usnh.edu/ https://www.keene.edu/ https://www.plymouth.edu/ https://www.unh.edu/

Key Milestones Dates Comments

Deadline for Firm Questions 04/08/2026 @ 12pm EST

Response to Questions 04/10/2026

Submittals Due 04/22/2026 @ 12pm EST

Interviews/Oral Presentations 4/27/2026 - 5/1/2026 At the discretion of USNH

The University reserves the right to amend this schedule as it deems necessary.

2.2. General Instructions

• In order to participate in the Sourcing Event, suppliers must create an account and login credentials.

Successful bidders will be invited to provide full company and tax profile information in order to complete the registration process, using the login credentials previously established.

• Questions and answers will be submitted on the Q&A Board under Tools. It is the Firm’s responsibility to ensure that the entire solicitation package and links are reviewed prior to submittal of a response.

• Oral information provided by the evaluation committee or any other USNH personnel will not alter or change this solicitation. Changes to the solicitation will be documented by addendum.

• Revisions, Amendments, and Cancellation: The owner may extend the deadline date for submissions if, in the owner’s opinion, any revisions or amendments to this solicitation make this necessary. The owner may also cancel this solicitation, in whole or in part, or reject all submissions when this action is deemed to be in the best interest of the owner.

• Submission packages shall include all required information and documents or will be considered non-conforming and subject to disqualification.

• Submission packages should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the respondent’s ability to fulfill the requirements of this solicitation.

• Submission documents should be uploaded as a single document in pdf format unless otherwise indicated.

• Responses shall be transmitted electronically through UShopNH. The Event will close automatically at the due date and time. Each respondent is solely responsible for the timely submission of its response. Late submittals will not be accepted. Responses submitted by any other method will not be accepted.

• Responses are not final upon completion of the fields and uploading documents. In order to finalize the response, it is critical for the respondent to Review and Submit the proposal or it will not be available in UShopNH for owner consideration.

• Each submission will be reviewed to determine its completeness prior to actual evaluation. Failure to provide or adequately address all categories of information requested, may result in rejection of the Firm’s response.

• The owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions received as a result of this solicitation, to waive minor irregularities, or to negotiate with any respondent, in any manner necessary, to serve the best interests of the owner.

• USNH reserves the right to request clarification of any aspect of materials received or to request further information as might be required to adequately evaluate credentials and qualifications.

• Any costs incurred by the respondent in preparing and submitting a response to this solicitation will be the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the owner.

• USNH considers all terms and conditions, and insurance requirements, to be accepted unconditionally by a Firm unless written exceptions are made to specific clauses of this solicitation when submitting a response.

Such exceptions may, however, be used as a basis for rejection of a response.

• For technical issues, contact JAGGAER Supplier Support at 1-800-233-1121 and select option 2.

2.3. Informational Meetings

The solicitation process may include informational meetings (see event timeline). When a mandatory informational meeting is required, proposals from Firms that did not attend will not be considered. Additional meetings will not be scheduled to accommodate Firms that failed to attend the scheduled mandatory meeting.

Attendees will be required to provide a business card to verify their presence.

2.4. Firm Questions

Questions and inquiries concerning this solicitation shall be submitted through the UShopNH Event Q&A Board.

Oral questions or responses will not be recognized as confirmed information.

2.5. RFP Documents

Below is a list of all documents incorporated as part of the RFP process that are either instructions, forms to complete, or documents for reference to provide additional information about the facility and operations

• UNH Water Treatment Plant Operations RFP

• Exhibit B – Water Plant Operations Annual Pricing Table

• A.1 Part 1-B Design Plans 1 of 2

• A.1 Part 1-B Design Plans 2 of 2

• A.2 Part 1-B Specifications

• B. UDWS Emergency Response Plan

• C. UDWS Water Conservation Plan

• D. UDWS Distribution Map

• E. PWS_0691010_System Data

2.6. Proposal Format

All Firms should provide the information as specified in:

• Cover Sheet. Clearly identify the Firm submitting the response.

• Executive Summary. (i.e., cover letter) signed by an authorized officer (no more than three pages).

• Staffing & Organization. Provide a description of the Firm’s organization and staffing, including the

• names and titles of all personnel who would be assigned to the contract.

• Detailed Plan. Provide a detailed plan for fulfilling the contract per Scope/Technical Specifications. Include a description of what your Firm views as its responsibilities as well as a complete pricing structure for products and/or services to be provided. Complete Appendix B – Water Plant Operations Annual Pricing Table

• The following services will be required of awarded firm(s). Each vendor’s proposal should address all listed services in detail including fees and escalators where applicable:

o Staffing o Regulatory compliance oversight, including sampling, water use and conservation planning, dam management, emergency management o Chemicals (following are estimates based on design):

• Polyaluminum Chloride 20,280 gallons

• Sodium Hydroxide 20,040 gallons

• Potassium Permanganate 5,580 pounds

• Sodium Hypochlorite 5,580 gallons

• Liquid Polyphosphate 2,920 gallons o Metering Calibration program (Water Plant and UNH building meters) o Annual repair allowance o Subcontracts including lab services, SCADA oversight, instrumentation, etc.

o Sludge removal and disposal (1X/yr estimate) o Contract Management/Profit

• Owner Requirements. If applicable, provide complete information for any services, information, equipment, or space to be provided by Owner.

• Client References. Provide at least three references where your firm has provided a similar scope of services (preferably in higher education). For each reference, include company name, address, telephone number, fax number, email address, primary contact, and description of services provided for these clients.

• Appendix B – Water Plant Operations Annual Pricing Table in its original Excel format.

Only information received in response to this RFP will be evaluated. Reference to information previously submitted to the University will not be considered. Failure to respond in full can be reason for rejecting the proposal in whole or in part at the discretion of the University.

In submitting a proposal, Firm agrees that the proposal remains valid for one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the closing date of submission of proposals and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement.

Strict compliance with this proposal format is essential to facilitate the evaluation process. Accordingly, USNH reserves the right to reject any proposal which is either incomplete or does not conform to these instructions.

2.7. Addenda

All addenda will be posted in UShopNH under Buyer Attachments. It is the responsibility of the Firm to check UShopNH prior to the due date to verify receipt of all information and required documentation.

2.8. Bid Opening

Bid responses will be opened by USNH Procurement Services at the time and date indicated. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the time established for the opening of bids by withdrawing through UShopNH.

The Owner will not accept any written requests to withdraw. Any bid withdrawn during the bid acceptance period shall result in forfeiture of the respective Bidder’s bid security.

3. EVALUATION

3.1. Evaluation Committee

The evaluation committee expressly reserves the right to reject any and all proposals without penalty, to waive all technicalities and irregularities and deviations of proposals from this request for proposal, to decide whether a proposal does or does not substantially comply with the requirements of this request for proposal, to be the final judge as to which is the best overall proposal, and to award a contract to the Firm whose proposal it considers to be in the best interest to USNH.

In the event that a contract acceptable to the committee cannot be executed with the top Firm, the committee may eliminate that Firm from further consideration. The committee may then proceed to conduct negotiations and planning sessions with the Firm next preferred among the Firms who have not been eliminated. Such processes will be continued until either an acceptable contract is executed, or all proposals have been eliminated.

USNH reserves the right to negotiate simultaneously with more than one Firm.

3.2. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will be based on, but not necessarily limited to the following factors. Negative findings or judgments on the basis of any one of the criteria may result in elimination of a given response from further consideration.

• Key Personnel Qualifications (13.3%) – Qualifications, licensing, and demonstrated experience of the proposed Primary ORC and Back-up ORC, including NH DES Grade 3 Water Treatment and Distribution credentials. Evaluation will include depth of the proposed staffing plan and demonstrated stability of personnel.

• Relevant Firm Experience (13.3%) – Demonstrated experience operating surface water treatment facilities of comparable size and complexity, including experience with conventional treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and contract operations at university or other institutional settings. Three (3) references from comparable engagements required.

• Technical Approach and Operations Plan (13.3%) – Quality and specificity of the proposed operations and maintenance plan, including approach to regulatory compliance, chemical management, residuals handling, preventive maintenance, SCADA oversight, emergency response, and reporting. Proposals should clearly describe the Firm’s management philosophy and approach to client communication.

• Cost (60%) – Completeness and competitiveness of the proposed pricing structure, including base contract cost, chemical cost estimates, subcontract allowances, and Add Alternate pricing. Cost will be evaluated in relation to the overall value and quality of the proposal.

3.3. Public Records: Applicability of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A

• Subject to the provisions of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A, prior to the issuance of an award the evaluation committee shall treat all proposals received as confidential. After the issuance of an award all proposals shall be public records. If no award is issued and the solicitation is cancelled without intention of reissuance, all proposals shall be public at the time of cancellation. If no award is issued and USNH intends to reissue the solicitation, all proposals shall be confidential until the award is issued, or the subsequent solicitation is cancelled without intention of reissuance.

• Also subject to the provisions of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A, the working papers and any other records of the discussions or deliberations of the evaluation committee or any of its members shall be treated as confidential and entitled to either or both of the specific exemptions from public access provided for in RSA 91-A:5, VIII and IX.

• If the Firm considers any portion of a submission confidential, they shall provide a separate copy of the full and complete document, fully redacting those portions by blacking them out and shall note on the applicable page or pages of the document that the redacted portion or portions are “confidential.” Use of any other term or method, such as stating that a document or portion thereof is “proprietary”, “not for public use”, or “for client’s use only”, is not acceptable. In addition, the Firm shall provide a letter which specifically states why and under what legal authority each redaction has been made. Submissions which do not conform to these instructions may be rejected as not conforming to the requirements of the bid or proposal. USNH will generally assume that a bid or proposal submitted without an additional redacted copy contains no information which the bidder deems confidential. Applying labels to documents such as “confidential” may not keep them from becoming public records as described in the preceding paragraphs or otherwise affect the application and operation of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A.

• USNH shall have no obligation to maintain the confidentiality of any portion of a bid, proposal or related material, which is not marked in accordance with the foregoing provisions. It is specifically understood and agreed that the Firm waives any claim of confidentiality as to any portion of a response to this RFB or RFP that is not marked as indicated above.

3.4. Solicitation Results

Respondents list or bid summary are available on the USNH Procurement Services web page: Bid Results. Time frame may vary depending on the complexity and number of responses. Participants in the solicitation will also be able to track the status of the solicitation in UShopNH.

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

4.1. Term

It is USNH’s intent that any contract resulting from this solicitation will be for five (5) years with the option for two

(2) additional 5-year extensions with the mutual consent of USNH and the Supplier.

The intent to renew or not to renew the contract by either party shall be filed in writing with the Owner’s Agent by January 2 of the current contract year for the succeeding contract year. The Owner’s Agent is to be advised if that is not possible.

4.2. Insurance Requirements

USNH insurance requirements are available on the USNH Procurement Services web page under Other Forms:

USNH Insurance Requirementshttp://unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html Within ten (10) business days after the Owner delivers a Notice of Acceptance, Agreement or Purchase Order, or prior to beginning work on campus, whichever is sooner, the successful Firm shall deliver to the Owner the Certificate of Insurance as specified in the USNH Insurance Requirements. Insurance requirements for construction related events can be found under USNH Insurance Requirements for Construction Contracts.

4.3. Agreement/University’s Standard Terms and Conditions

A USNH Master Services shall be used upon award. Please review and provide your Firm’s redlines to the agreement template for our consideration.

Terms and conditions are available on the USNH Procurement Services web page: USNH Terms and Conditions.

Supplier understands that payments under any resulting Agreement may be subject to the withholding requirements of Section 3402(t) of the Internal Revenue Code.

http://www.unh.edu/purchasing/bid-results.html http://www.unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html http://unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html http://unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html http://unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html http://www.unh.edu/purchasing/forms.html

4.4. UNH’s Rights and Responsibilities

USNH reserves the right to audit those financial records of the Firm, which pertain to the contract.

USNH reserves the right not to enter into a contract if, after reviewing all responses received, it is determined such a contract would not be in the best interest of USNH.

USNH intends to meet contractual obligations and to treat all Firms fairly.

USNH reserves the right to extend contracts for supplies to all USNH institutions.

4.5. Firm’s Rights and Responsibilities

The Firm agrees to maintain records arising from the operation of this contract for a period of two (2) years following its termination or expiration date, unless permission to the contrary is given by USNH in writing. The Supplier agrees to provide access to its accounting information pertaining to this USNH contract in the event an audit is requested.

The Firm will be responsible for purchasing merchandise and services and executing contracts in its own name and at its own cost and expense and on its own credit.

4.6. Rights Afforded to Both Parties

Awarded Firm shall indemnify and hold harmless the USNH and its affiliates, trustees, officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all liabilities, claims, damages, awards, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of its negligent acts or omissions of the negligent acts or omissions of its employees, agents, s or affiliates. This section shall survive termination of the contract.

If, because of riots, war, pandemic, public emergency or calamity, fire, earthquake, Acts of God, government restriction, labor disturbance or strike, or any cause beyond the Owner’s reasonable control, the business operations at the University System of New Hampshire shall be interrupted or stopped, performance of this contract, with the exception of moneys already due and owing shall be suspended and excused to the extent commensurate with such interfering occurrence, and the expiration date of the contract may be extended for a period of time equal to the time that such default in performance is excused.

The contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire. In the event any provision of these terms and conditions shall be declared illegal or unenforceable by a competent court within this jurisdiction the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Any litigation related to this agreement will be brought and maintained in courts within the State of New Hampshire.

Neither party may assign this contract without the written consent of the other party; and any assignment attempted without such consent shall give the other party the immediate right to cancel this contract except that the Firm may assign this contract with the consent of Owner to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Firm or any corporation into which the Firm or its successor may be merged, converted or consolidated, or which may otherwise succeed to substantially all of its assets; but the Firm shall during the term hereof remain liable for its obligation hereunder.

4.7. Mediation

In the event the parties are unable to resolve a dispute, controversy or claim arising under this agreement, then either party may give written notice to the other party of its intention to mediate. Any dispute arising under this

Agreement may be settled by mediation in the State of New Hampshire in accord with such procedures as may be acceptable to the parties.

If the dispute has not been resolved through mediation within thirty (30) days after the written notice beginning the mediation process (or a longer period, if the parties agree to extend the mediation), the mediation shall terminate and the parties shall be free to litigate the matter.

In the event of any mediation or litigation arising under this Agreement, each party shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses arising therefrom, including any and all attorney’s fees. Neither party shall seek reimbursement from the other party.