9-RFQ 265X901115.pdf

Rev. 20250124 i 2025-10-09

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

OWNER’S ADVISOR SERVICES FOR MILL CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT

PLANT DEWATERING BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

RFQ # 265X901115

Direct questions or information requests related to this RFQ to:

msd.procurement@cincinnati-oh.gov

SCHEDULE

Release Date OCTOBER 9, 2025

Pre-submittal Meeting TBD

RFQ Questions / Comments Deadline NOVEMBER 20, 2025, 1:30 P.M. (Cincinnati, Ohio Time)

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE /TIME DECEMBER 9, 2025, 1:30 P.M. (Cincinnati, Ohio Time)

Evaluation Dates DECEMBER 9, 2025 – FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Negotiation and Award BY OR BEFORE AUGUST 16, 2026 https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/

All proposals must be submitted electronically only via the City’s Bonfire website portal at the above link.

Response submitted by hard copy, mail, or e-mail will not be accepted. See “RFQ Submissions” at Section

1.10 below for details.

NOTE: Consult the information about this offer on the City of Cincinnati Internet web site at www.msdgc.org., which also includes the rules and registration information about the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise Program.

Offeror may register as a City vendor online at https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4.

mailto:msd.procurement@cincinnati-oh.gov http://www.msdgc.org/ https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4

RFQ 265X901115

Rev. 20250124 ii 2025-10-09

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

OWNER’S ADVISOR SERVICES FOR MILL CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (MCWWTP)

DEWATERING BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

Table of Contents

1. REQUEST

1.1. INTRODUCTION

1.2. GENERAL BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

1.3. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

1.4. SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.5. QUALIFICATIONS

1.6. TIMETABLE

1.7. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS CONCERNING THE RFQ

1.8. PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING

1.9. PREVENTING UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

1.10. RFQ SUBMISSIONS AND LOCATION

1.11. COMPETITION INTENDED

1.12. SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD CRITERIA

1.13. PROCESS FOR ENTERING INTO PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT

1.14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1.15. CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

1.16. VENDORS INELIGIBLE TO CONTRACT OR SUBCONTRACT WITH THE CITY

1.17. CHANGES AND ADDENDA TO RFQ DOCUMENTS

1.18. MSDGC SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

1.19. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

1.20. MSDGC EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

1.21. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

2. CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3. SUBMITTALS

3.1. AUTHORIZATION OF SUBMITTAL

3.2. CONTENT AND FORM OF SUBMITTAL; QUALIFICATIONS QUESTIONNAIRE

3.3. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY

3.4. EXCEPTIONS

Rev. 20250124 Page | 1 2025-10-09

1. REQUEST

1.1. INTRODUCTION

The City of Cincinnati, through its Department of Sewers (the “City”), as the sole management agency for the operation and maintenance of the sewer system on behalf of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (“MSDGC”) is issuing this Request for Qualifications (hereinafter “RFQ”), pursuant to the provisions of applicable Ohio law and MSDGC policy, from parties (hereinafter “Offeror”). Offeror shall provide the City with assistance for the purpose of completing the activities associated with the Scope of Services, below.

1.2. GENERAL BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

MSDGC provides wastewater collection and treatment for various municipal and unincorporated populations of Hamilton County, which has over 800,000 residents, as well as services to portions of Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties. MSDGC’s service area covers more than 400 square miles. Over 200,000 separate sewer connections tie into MSDGC’s 3,000+ miles of sanitary and combined sewers.

The Board of County Commissioners of Hamilton County, Ohio (the “Board”) created MSDGC in 1968. MSDGC is operated under a 50-year contractual agreement with the City. The agreement consolidated the City sewerage services (its own and contractual services provided to 20+ other Hamilton County political subdivisions) with those of Hamilton County’s Sewer District No. 1.

Under the agreement, the City provides exclusive management of the sewer district’s services, per the requirements as outlined in Chapter 6117 of the Revised Code of Ohio, while the Board funds its operating and capital budgets, sets rate structures, and determines its rules and regulations.

1.3. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

The Mill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (MCWWTP) is located in the City of Cincinnati's Lower Price Hill Neighborhood. The MCWWTP dewatering building was originally constructed in 1959 and was retrofitted for centrifugation in 2001. As part of the existing process, thickened sludge from the MCWWTP’s Primary and Secondary treatment processes are pumped either directly to the dewatering sludge feed wells or the sludge holding tanks to be stored until capacity is available downstream. From the dewatering feed wells, thickened sludge is pumped to six high solids centrifuges. Once inside the rotating bowl of the centrifuge, the thickened sludge, which has been treated with an emulsion polymer, is separated into a dense solid cake and a dilute liquid stream. The dewatered sludge cake falls by gravity to an inclined screw conveyor which carries the cake to a live bottom collection bin. Screw conveyors at the base of each bin carry solids to the solids feed pumps that transfer the solids to the fluidized bed incinerators (FBI).

In the current system, each FBI is connected to only three of the six solids feed pumps. This leaves the system vulnerable to outages. This configuration can lead to bottle necks in the process and has also caused the system to struggle to pass the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) testing, which requires MSD’s incinerators to operate at a minimum of 85% of the dry ton capacity. Failure to pass the MACT can lead to a reduction in the amount of solids MSD is permitted to incinerate at this treatment plant.

Rev. 20250124 Page | 2 2025-10-09

In addition to the above process bottle neck, there are several O&M issues associated with it:

• The dewatering sludge feed wells are too small which contributes to poor mixing.

• Various pieces of equipment are obsolete which means parts are difficult or impossible to obtain.

• The pipeline that carries the dewatered solids to the incinerators uses a water lubrication system. Due to the long distance between the dewatered solids pumps and the incinerator, excess watering enters the incinerator, which ultimately leads to operational issues.

• The centrifuges are old and require routine refurbishment at a cost of $160K-300K per year.

• The dewatering centrate line can build up with solids and cause the centrate sludge well to overflow to the Fitzpatrick sewer. In combination with multiple other process flows and/or wet weather the Fitzpatrick sewer capacity can be exceeded, leading to high strength waste process flows overflowing at CSO 152.

• The dewatered solids pumps 1, 3, and 5 cannot be calibrated because they are not connected to the sludge unloading area. This information is utilized for MSD’s incinerator permit.

• The majority of the dewatering equipment is nearing or beyond its estimated useful life.

Since 2018, MSD has spent over $5,000,000 on maintenance. A new system is expected to significantly reduce O&M costs.

• The sludge storage tanks are a source of odors resulting in numerous community complaints.

• The lack of mixing in the sludge storge tanks causes inconsistent feed to the dewatering process.

In 2010, plans to address solids handling at the MCWWTP were proposed in three (3) phases in the MCWWTP Solids Handling Improvements project (MSD Project ID 10240291). The plan for Phase 1 included the conversion of the Multiple Hearth Incinerator (MHI) basement, which at the time was slated for demolition, into the dewatering sludge feed wells, the construction of a new dewatering superstructure atop of the converted basement, and improvements to the sludge storage tanks. The basement conversion was completed around 2012, but the other portions of the plan were delayed and later incorporated into the 2019 Solids Handling Master Plan (SHMP) (MSD Project ID 10240715). The 2019 SHMP is intended to improve the reliability, sustainability, and resiliency of MSD solids handling and disposal across the district. MCWWTP’s dewatering system is a critical part of the districts solids handling program as the plant handles 80% of all the solids generated in the service area.

The intent of Mill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Dewatering Building Improvements project is to construct a new dewatering building on the site of the former multiple hearth incinerator building. The project will replace process equipment, improve operational flexibility, provide a more reliable feed to the Fluidized Bed Incinerators, and improve dewatering centrate conveyance. This project will address odors from the sludge storage tanks, provide adequate mixing, and ensure sufficient capacity is available.

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Alternatives for evaluation during BCE development include the following:

• Construct a new dewatering building on the site of the former MHI.

• Replace all equipment and piping including centrifuge feed pumps, centrifuges, conveyors, collector bins and other associated equipment.

• Evaluate alternatives for dewatering technologies.

• Evaluate alternatives to improve operational flexibility.

• Evaluate alternatives for centrate conveyance.

• Confirm the selected alternative for the sludge storage tanks including:

o Evaluate solids concentration design criteria.

o Sludge mixing needs.

o Verify number of tanks required.

The MCWWTP Solids Handling Improvements project (MSD Project ID 10240291) produced a Basis of Design Report focused on Phase 2 of the plan which would have addressed the dewatering building. Scope items from the report that could possibly be incorporated into this project are included below.

• Install protective coating along interior surfaces of new dewatering sludge feedwells and floor of adjacent basement area.

• Install new electric actuator for sluice gate at common wall between dewatering sludge feedwells.

• Install new dewatering sludge feedwell recirculation type mixing system and associated piping and equipment.

• Install new dewatering centrifuge feed pumps, grinders, and associated piping and equipment.

• Install new TPS/TWAS piping to/from dewatering sludge feedwells, including new valves and metering devices (magnetic flowmeter and microwave type density meter on TPS/TWAS piping into dewatering sludge feedwells and on centrifuge feed pump discharge piping).

• Perform electrical and instrumentation and control system modifications to support new Dewatering Sludge Feedwell Building.

• Install new air handling equipment and associated ductwork.

• Install new lighting fixtures.

• Construct new dewatering facility superstructure atop the dewatering sludge feedwell building basement installed under the MCWWTP Incinerator Replacement project. The new facility is expected to include four levels: EL 492 (existing suspended slab at grade), 510 (mezzanine access to adjacent buildings), 520 (mezzanine access to cake conveyor equipment), and 530 (centrifuge operating floor and access to adjacent buildings).

• Expand dewatering/incineration control room for new dewatering and cake receiving processes.

• Install six (6) new dewatering centrifuges and associated electrical/control panels.

• Install six (6) new inclined screw conveyors and two (2) cross conveyor systems.

• Install three (3) new sliding frame dewatered cake collection silos.

• Install six (6) new dewatered cake transfer pumps (two per collection silo).

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• Install six (6) and three (3) new hydraulic power units for dewatered cake transfer pumps and collection silos, respectively.

• Install new dewatered cake feed lines from cake transfer pumps to existing feed lines in Incinerator Building.

• Install 12 new lubrication pumps for new cake feed lines (one per line).

• Install new TPS/TWAS piping from new dewatering centrifuge feed pumps to new dewatering centrifuges.

• Install new odor control system, HVAC, and associated ductwork to serve the new dewatering facility.

• Install new dedicated electrical substation and power distribution to serve the new dewatering.

• Install all miscellaneous equipment, piping, valves, and appurtenances to support the above.

• Install all power, lighting, instrumentation, and controls to support the above.

This project is an integral part of the 2019 SHMP, which is intended to improve the reliability of MSD’s solids handling assets in consideration of a goal of no off-site odors, minimizing rate impacts, providing community benefits, optimizing operation, and providing system-wide resiliency.

The following additional documentation shown in Table 1 is available through the City’s Bonfire website portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/

Table 1 – Additional Documentation

Document Number

Document Name

D1 10240291 MCWWTP Solids Master Plan Summary, 2011

D2 10240291_MCWWTP Solids Handling Improvements Project Definition and Functional Requirements, 2013

D3 10240291 MCWWTP Solids Handling Improvements Basis of Design Report, D4 10280214 MCWWTP Facility Plan Update, 2014

D5 10240715 Solids Handling Master Plan, 2019

D6 10240710 Fitzpatrick Sewer and Mill Creek Drain Sewer BCE, 2019

1.4. SCOPE OF SERVICES

MSD is in its initial stage of design-build project execution and seeks an experienced practitioner to assist MSD throughout the planning, design-builder procurement, design, and construction phases of the MCWWTP Dewatering Building Improvements Project. MSD is selecting an owner’s advisor consultant with demonstrated experience and expertise to complete the planning, develop design criteria and design-builder procurement documents, and provide technical and project management support for successful execution of the Project. Selected Offeror may also provide engineering and field services during construction. Initially the selected Offeror will develop a Business Case Evaluation (BCE) and finalize the project criteria. Following approval of

Rev. 20250124 Page | 5 2025-10-09 the BCE and project criteria, the selected Offeror will assist MSD with the RFQ/RFP process to select a design-builder. Following selection of the design-builder, the selected Offeror will provide technical and project management support during the design and construction phase of the Project.

A general outline of work required is provided in this RFQ. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, as a detailed scope of work will be developed during negotiations with the selected Offeror. It is anticipated that professional engineering and related consulting services shall be provided to support the referenced project during the planning, design, and construction phases. As an Owner’s Advisor, the selected Offeror should act as an extension of the City’s staff, must work to align the project team with the City’s goals, and assist the City manage project scope, budget, schedule and risk throughout all phases of the project. The anticipated term of the contract resulting from this RFQ is ten (10) years with three (3) one-year extensions.

The general services to be provided are the necessary technical and project management support as the Owner’s Advisor for successful execution of the MCWWTP Dewatering Building Improvements Project. General scope of work includes, but shall not be limited to:

• Dedicated Owner Advisor Project Manager to serve as Owner’s advocate on behalf of MSD by supporting MSD in day-to-day management and to work with MSD Project Manager. This includes providing a dedicated, on-site deputy project manager.

• Provide alternative delivery best practices from project planning through procurement, design and project construction / implementation

• Develop conceptual project definition and performance requirements for Progressive- Design-Build (PDB) or a preliminary design in advance of the procurement process

• Support the development of procurement documents that vary in complexity depending on the alternative delivery method and support MSD in the procurement process

• Support MSD in clarifying requirements during procurement and design

• Manage and monitor project progression of scope, schedule, and budget

• Collaborate and facilitate with designers, contractors, other internal, and third-party advisors

• Assist with risk management, including implementing Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Strategies and reviewing project risks.

• Provide additional services during construction (e.g. construction management and inspections, QA/QC, testing, observation and validation of acceptance, participate in commissioning and startup, validating alternative delivery firm’s substantial and final completion certifications)

Services to be provided in the planning phase may include, but are not limited to, preparation of a Business Case Evaluation (BCE) that includes development and evaluation of alternatives and recommends an alternative that addresses the project needs and development of City’s Project Criteria for a design-build agreement that specifically meets the City’s needs and manages project risk based on outcomes of the BCE. Planning services may also include, but are not limited to, project management, data collection and review, risk assessment, development of an opinion of probable construction cost of the proposed alternatives and recommendation, environmental and ecological services, subsurface utility investigations, geotechnical investigations and report, Rev. 20250124 Page | 6 2025-10-09 topographic surveying services dependent upon the development and needs of the BCE, criteria development, preparation of an RFQ, RFP and supporting documentation for a design-build agreement that aligns with the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) standards, RFI review assistance, proposal evaluation assistance, and contract negotiation assistance.

Services to be provided in the design phase may include, but are not limited to, project management, design administration, review of equipment and material specifications, review of design drawings for all technical disciplines (architectural, civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, instrumentation and control, etc.), constructability review assistance, review project costs and cost validation, review project schedules, review of technical submittals, public relations/community outreach, interagency coordination, permit coordination and review, condition and risk assessment, environmental site assessment, geotechnical, survey, subsurface utility investigations review, and other applicable support functions and services as an Owner’s Advisor.

Services to be provided in the construction phase may include, but are not limited to, project management, construction administration, RFI review assistance, technical submittal review, commissioning support, material testing, field engineering, SCADA configuration review, training, operations manual system review, and post-construction monitoring.

Note: All finished products and documents shall be the sole property of MSDGC.

1.5. QUALIFICATIONS

The statement of qualification must contain the following information:

1. Resumes of key technical personnel who will be assigned to the project.

2. A list of similar projects completed by the firm and the firm’s personnel to be assigned to this project. The list shall include the name of the client/contact person and a telephone number for each reference project.

3. If the firm has more than one office, a statement as to the amount of work to be completed in each office, i.e., the primary location/office for each of the key technical personnel to be assigned to this project; the type of work to be completed in each office and the percentage of the total project work to be completed in each office.

4. A list of any subconsultants that are to be used on this project. Indicate the type of work to be completed by each subconsultant and the percentage of the total project work to be completed by each subconsultant.

5. A statement detailing the firm’s approach in undertaking the design of the improvements and the Owner’s Advisor role in on the project.

6. A statement detailing the firm’s approach to anticipated special design aspects/issues, such as maintenance of traffic, environmental issues, etc. The detail of this information should be relative to the complexity of the proposed project or the importance of the issue to the design and construction of the improvements.

7. A statement of the firm’s current workload and the anticipated workload for next year.

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The format of Qualifications submittals for this RFQ are provided in Section 2 of this document.

1.6. TIMETABLE

Milestones for the Process are:

Release Date OCTOBER 9, 2025

Pre-submittal Meeting TBD

RFQ Questions / Comments Deadline NOVEMBER 20, 2025, 1:30 P.M. (Cincinnati, Ohio Time)

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE /TIME DECEMBER 9, 2025, 1:30 P.M. (Cincinnati, Ohio Time)

Evaluation Dates DECEMBER 9, 2025 – FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Negotiation and Award BY OR BEFORE AUGUST 16, 2026

1.7. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS CONCERNING THE RFQ

The City will only entertain written questions or comments concerning this RFQ by the deadline provided above. These must be sent electronically to:

msd.procurement@cincinnati-oh.gov.

1.8. PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING

The City may conduct a pre-submittal meeting for the project. If a pre-submittal meeting is scheduled, the date, time and location of the pre-submittal meeting will either be identified on the project’s web page or will be identified in an addendum. A pre-submittal meeting, if one is to be held, is not a mandatory requirement.

1.9. PREVENTING UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Fairness and transparency in the procurement process require that Offerors competing for a specific project do not derive a competitive advantage from having provided services related to the project/contract/work assignment in question. To that end, pursuant to Administrative Regulation No. 62, a firm, and each of its affiliates, hired to provide services for the preparation or implementation of a project shall be disqualified from any subsequent procurement solicitation to provide goods, works, or services resulting from or directly related to the firm’s services for such preparation or implementation, unless an exception is made by the City Manager in writing.

1.10. RFQ SUBMISSIONS AND LOCATION

The Offeror shall develop a written response to this RFQ structured to comply with the Qualifications Questionnaire and its Attachments.

While each Statement of Qualifications will be considered objectively, the City assumes no obligation to accept or take action on any Statement of Qualifications. The City assumes no liability for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting any Statements of Qualifications.

An electronic Statement of Qualifications must be submitted through the City’s Bonfire website portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, or e-mail will not be accepted.

mailto:msd.procurement@cincinnati-oh.gov

Rev. 20250124 Page | 8 2025-10-09

Important notes:

• Logging in and/or uploading your file(s) does not mean your response is submitted.

Offerors must successfully upload all file(s) and must click the submit button before closing time.

• You will receive an email confirmation receipt with a unique confirmation number once you finalize your submission. This will confirm that you have successfully submitted your Statement of Qualifications.

• If a requested file is mandatory, you will not be able to complete your submission until the requirement is met.

• Uploading large documents may take time, depending on the size of the file(s) and your internet connection speed.

• Please note the type (.doc, .pdf, etc.) and number of files (one only or multiple) allowed.

The maximum file size for upload is 1,000 MB. Please do not embed any documents within your uploaded files, as they will not be accessible or evaluated.

For technical questions or issues related to your submission, please contact the Bonfire support team directly at support@gobonfire.com or 1 (800) 354-8010, ext. 2. The support team is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET.

You can also visit their help forum at https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc.

Late submittals will not be accepted.

• Any Qualifications submitted past the date and time outlined in this RFQ WILL be rendered as “non-responsive” by the City.

• Proposals/Statements of Qualifications can be withdrawn at any time until the deadline date, at which time proposals/Statements of Qualifications will be considered firm and become the property of the City and will not be returned. Offeror must login to the City’s Bonfire website portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/ to withdraw their submission through the system. If resubmitting, Offeror is responsible for submitting prior to the closing time and receiving a new email confirmation receipt.

1.11. COMPETITION INTENDED

Competition shall be generated to the maximum extent practicable, including opportunities for small business enterprises through the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program. This project shall have an 11% SBE inclusion goal.

1.12. SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD CRITERIA

The City will evaluate submittals to achieve the most qualified Offeror.

The City intends to enter into a contract for the subject matter covered under this RFQ. Selection of an Offeror or Offerors and subsequent award of a contract will comply with applicable Ohio law, and MSDGC policies.

mailto:support@gobonfire.com https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc

Rev. 20250124 Page | 9 2025-10-09

At the City's discretion, interviews may be scheduled with Offerors, as needed, to clarify qualifications for the purpose of further evaluating the Offeror's submittal prior to final selection of an Offeror. The City may choose to select an Offeror without conducting interviews.

1.12.1. The City has established the following responsiveness criteria as the basis for evaluating an Offeror’s submittal to this RFQ. If an Offeror’s submittal does not meet the criteria listed below, it may be rendered as “non-responsive” by the City.

Responsiveness of Submittals

OVERALL CRITERIA

• Was submittal received by MSDGC by specified date and time?

• Did Offeror submit one (1) original electronic version of the required submittal forms?

• Was the Affidavit of Accuracy and Signature Page properly signed and was the original notarized Affidavit and appropriate documentation of signatory authorization submitted?

REQUIREMENTS

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 0 – Offeror Corporate and Contact Information with the submittal?

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 1 – Qualification Summary Statement with the submittal?

Did Offeror submit narrative and adhere to the page limit?

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 2 – Key Personnel with the submittal?

Did Offeror submit the List of Key Personnel?

Did Offeror submit Key Personnel resumes and adhere to the two-page limit per resume?

Did Offeror submit the narrative and adhere to the page limit?

Did Offeror submit an organizational chart?

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 3 – Project Approach and Management with the submittal?

Did Offeror submit the narrative and adhere to the page limit?

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 4 – Similar Completed Projects with the submittal?

Did Offeror submit the List of Similar Completed Projects and include no more than six similar projects completed in the past five (5) years?

Did Offeror adhere to the two-page limit per project for each detailed project description?

• Did Offeror submit Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 5 – Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation and Professional Services Rating Rubric with the submittal?

Did Offeror propose to meet or exceed the advertised SBE goal?

Did Offeror provide a Statement of Intent to Contract and Perform Form for each SBE subconsultant who will be used on the project?

(The form is included in the Qualifications Questionnaire.)

Rev. 20250124 Page | 10 2025-10-09

Responsiveness of Submittals

Did Offeror provide an RFP/Q Subconsultant Utilization Plan (Statement of Intent to Utilize Firms) Form? (The form is included in the Qualifications Questionnaire.)

• Did Offeror submit an Affidavit of Accuracy and Signature Page with the submittal?

1.12.2. The City will review and rank all Offeror’s submittals that are received on or before the deadline. The City will then select the Offeror that is most qualified.

1.12.3. The following evaluation factors set forth below will be taken into consideration for the determination of which Offeror is most qualified:

Evaluation Criteria Max. Weight

Overall Qualifications of Offeror 20%

Qualifications of Key Personnel 25%

Project Approach and Management 20%

Similar Completed Projects 15%

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation 20%

Total 100%

1.12.4. Overall Qualifications of Offeror (Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 1 –

Qualification Summary Statement)

1.12.4.1. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror based on information provided in the categories of overall qualifications, applicable experience, Offeror composition and multiple offices.

1.12.4.2. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s ability to provide planning and Owner’s Advisor services for this project, specifically as related to the significant project components, and its ability to provide the required services described herein.

1.12.4.3. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s experience in providing services as an Owner’s Advisor for design-build projects, specifically as it relates to solids process design, including dewatering facilities and odor control, and its’ ability to provide the required services described herein.

1.12.5. Qualifications of Key Personnel (Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 2 – Key Personnel)

1.12.5.1. Under this section the City will evaluate the Offeror based on information provided in the categories of organizational chart, connection to submitted projects, personnel commitment and continuity of project personnel.

1.12.5.2. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s personnel; especially the training, education, and experience of the employees who would be assigned to perform the services. The Offeror shall identify the specialized skills and disciplines that will be required to complete the work, including demonstrable knowledge of and experience with design-build procurement model, providing Owner’s Advisor services, and solids process technical design, Rev. 20250124 Page | 11 2025-10-09 including dewatering facilities and odor control. The City will also evaluate the Offeror’s demonstrable ability to provide professional engineering and related consulting services to support the Project Team in each phase of the project and as defined herein.

1.12.5.3. Under this section, the Offeror shall provide resumes of key personnel from all firms that are members of the Project Team.

1.12.6. Project Approach and Management (Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 3 – Project Approach and Management)

1.12.6.1. Under this section the City will evaluate the Offeror based on information provided in the categories of general approach, project specific issues, qualified and appropriate staffing, schedule and responsiveness to owner.

1.12.6.2. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s project understanding and approach to the specific needs and complexity of the project. Additionally, the ability to complete the agreed scope and satisfy the agreed schedule will be evaluated.

1.12.6.3. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s statements of approach for the project as an Owner’s Advisor with consideration of:

1. How the Offeror will help the City build one team and foster collaboration,

2. How the Offeror will help the City make decisions during the project,

3. How the Offeror will organize and perform tasks in each phase of the project,

4. How the Offeror will identify critical milestones and ensure progress,

5. How the Offeror will address contingencies that may arise during the project,

6. How the Offeror will facilitate project risk assessment,

7. How the Offeror will manage the project budget, schedule and scope, and

8. How the Offeror will ensure quality control.

The City will also evaluate under this section the Offeror’s approach to advocate for the City while maintaining professional relationships with consultants and contractors during the project and the Offeror’s approach to help the City make important decisions during the project by collecting and interpreting technical information from the design consultant and contractor.

1.12.7. Similar Completed Projects (Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 4 – Similar Completed Projects)

1.12.7.1. Under this section, the City will evaluate the Offeror’s past work involving similar projects, for MSDGC or other sewer utilities, similar to the scope of services contained herein, specifically as it relates to representing an Owner as an Owner’s Advisor and past work involving solids process technical design, including dewatering facilities and odor control. The similar projects described

Rev. 20250124 Page | 12 2025-10-09 should include the key personnel listed in the Qualifications of Key Personnel section of the proposal.

1.12.8. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation (Qualifications Questionnaire Attachment 5 – Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation and Professional Services Rating Rubric)

1.12.8.1. This RFQ is subject to the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program.

The City is committed to increasing the participation of SBEs in all aspects of its contracting for MSDGC. This includes contracting with SBEs directly or indirectly, subcontracting and/or procurement activities.

There are many qualified SBE firms that have performed work with the City for MSDGC, but just as many qualified SBE firms that have not performed work with the City for MSDGC. A tenet of the SBE Program is economic inclusion which includes providing opportunities to firms with little or no work history on MSDGC projects, as subconsultants and/or Prime Consultants.

For this submittal, the Offeror must demonstrate how it intends to achieve or exceed the project’s established SBE goal. To be counted towards the established goal, a proposed SBE firm must be certified in the NIGP and/or NAICS code(s) for the scope of work being provided.

If the Offeror is a registered MSDGC SBE and/or certified by the City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion, this should be stated throughout the submittal. To be considered for SBE status the Offeror must be certified in the NIGP and/or NAICS code(s) for the RFQ scope of services.

1.12.8.2. A list of current SBE and MSDGC-SBE firms can be found in the City of Cincinnati’s Vendor Compliance and Certification System (VCCS) Certified Directory via the following link:

https://cincinnati.diversitycompliance.com

1.12.8.3. The SBE Participation section of the Offeror’s submittal shall include the following:

1. Statement of Intent to Contract and Perform: The Offeror shall provide one (1) form with all applicable fields completed for each SBE subconsultant that will be used on the project. Note: If an SBE Offeror is not proposing to utilize other SBE subconsultants, the SBE Offeror must still submit one (1) form and only complete the first section of the form, and sign and date it. The form is included in the Qualifications Questionnaire.

2. RFP/Q Subconsultant Utilization Plan (Statement of Intent to Utilize Firms): The Offeror shall provide a list of all proposed subconsultant firms (both SBE and non-SBE) that will be utilized on the project. The plan should demonstrate that the Offeror will achieve or exceed the https://cincinnati.diversitycompliance.com/

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The Offeror may refer to the SBE Participation Professional Services Rating Rubric included in the Qualifications Questionnaire for additional information on the SBE Participation selection criteria.

1.12.9. Each submittal will be considered objectively.

1.12.10. Submittals will be evaluated in accordance with the applicable Ohio law and MSDGC policies.

1.13. PROCESS FOR ENTERING INTO PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT

The City may award a contract to the most qualified Offeror(s) considering the total requirements for this procurement.

The Offeror determined to be the most qualified will be offered the opportunity to enter into a Professional Agreement (PA) with the City.

All work resulting from this RFQ will be based upon a PA. While work scopes and budgets may vary, no work resulting from this RFQ and resulting PA will deviate from the general scope of services as outlined to include other services not contemplated under the RFQ.

The scope, terms and conditions of that PA shall be in substantial conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications described in this RFQ and the submittal by the Offeror determined to be the most qualified.

Any PA that results from the RFQ process would be entered into by the City of Cincinnati through its Department of Sewers (the “City”), as the sole management agency for the operation and maintenance of the sewer system on behalf of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) and a single legal entity that has been properly formed at the time the Offeror delivers the submittal to the City (e.g., corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, limited liability partnership).

The successful Offeror should be prepared to begin contract negotiations upon notification of the Award. If the Offeror is not able to begin contract negotiations, the City may disqualify that Offeror.

The City reserves the right to negotiate the PA to include any portion or portions of the services covered by this RFQ.

1.14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The City assumes no obligation to accept or take action on any submittal.

Receipt of a contract through this procurement process is not a guarantee of work.

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The City reserves the right to ask for additional information and clarification from or about any or all Offerors. The City may require selected Offerors to make an oral presentation of their submittals.

The City reserves the right to perform investigations as may be deemed necessary by the City to assure that competent persons will be and are utilized in the performance of the Professional Agreement and to verify the accuracy of the contents of submittals.

All submittals are subject to the disclosure provisions of the Ohio Public Records provisions of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149.43.

• Further, by submitting this Proposal, Offeror acknowledges that the City is governed by the Ohio Public Records Laws. Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary, the City’s handling of any confidentiality obligations is subject to the limitations of this paragraph.

Offeror’s Proposal may be subject to disclosure under the Ohio Public Records Laws. The City shall have no duty to defend the rights of Offeror or any of its agents or affiliates in any records requested to be disclosed. Confidential proprietary material must be clearly identified by the Offeror as “trade secret” and easily separable from the rest of the Proposal. The Offeror recognizes and agrees that the City is not responsible or liable in any way for any losses that the Offeror may suffer from the disclosure of information or materials to third parties.

• Upon receipt of a public records request for which any document clearly marked by Offeror as “Trade Secret” is responsive, the City will notify Offeror of its intent to release records to the requestor. Offeror shall have a maximum of five (5) business days beginning with the date it receives notification to respond to the City by either accommodating the requestor or pursuing legal remedies to stop the City’s release of requested information. Said notification shall relieve the City of any further obligation under any claim of Offeror or any of its agents or affiliates in any jurisdiction in connection with the disclosure of such records. Offeror and its agents and affiliates shall have the right to pursue legal and/or equitable remedies to stop or limit disclosure at their sole expense.”

Besides the City’s Bonfire website portal, information will also be published on the internet web site https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4 (for registered vendors).

The City strongly encourages interested Offerors to frequently monitor these websites for any RFQ updates and/or addenda.

The City further reserves the right to:

1. Reject any or all submittals, to waive any technicalities, immaterial irregularities, or minor informalities in the submittal, to request clarifications or modifications during evaluation, and to select the Offeror who, in the City’s judgment, is most qualified.

2. Eliminate any Offeror who submits an incomplete or inadequate submittal or is not

Rev. 20250124 Page | 15 2025-10-09 responsive to the requirements of this RFQ.

3. Supplement, amend, or otherwise modify the RFQ through the issuance of Addenda to all Offerors, and to supplement the RFQ with information items, prior to the submission date of the submittal. Addenda issued to this RFQ may expand or cancel any portion or all Work described in this RFQ.

4. Clarify the information provided as part of the submittal, including but not limited to holding discussions or meetings with Offerors, requesting additional information from Offerors to support the information included in the submittal, and requesting clarified submittals.

5. Cancel this RFQ in whole or in part with or without substitution of another RFQ.

6. Take any action affecting the RFQ process or the project that are permissible under Ohio law.

1.15. CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

Each Offeror awarded a contract shall be a registrant under Vendor Self Service (VSS) at time of award. Go to https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4 to register.

1.16. VENDORS INELIGIBLE TO CONTRACT OR SUBCONTRACT WITH THE CITY

1.16.1. The City maintains a list of Vendors Debarred from Contracting or Subcontracting with the City, which may be accessed at: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/purchasing or may be furnished in other form upon request. The City will not contract with any firm or person on the list. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to verify that each subcontractor it proposes to use is an eligible firm or person. The City will not approve a subcontractor whose name appears on the list.

1.16.2. The City shall neither accept nor be liable for any increase in costs, or other expenses, delay, loss, or subsequent ineligibility to contract with the City, incurred by a contractor as a result of the City rejecting any proposed person, firm, partner, principal, affiliate, subcontractor or supplier that is debarred or suspended after the submission of a bid, proposal, or other communication leading to a contract, but before the approval or award of the contract.

1.17. CHANGES AND ADDENDA TO RFQ DOCUMENTS

Information on all changes or addenda issued in relation to this offer will be posted on the City’s Bonfire website portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/portal and will be on file with Sewers Procurement.

It shall be the Offeror’s responsibility to make the inquiry as to changes and addenda issued. All such changes or addenda shall become part of the RFQ and all Offerors shall be responsible for taking the contents of such changes or addenda into consideration when preparing and submitting the Submittal.

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/purchasing https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/portal

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1.18. MSDGC SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

This RFQ is subject to the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise Program. The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) is committed to increase the participation of small businesses in all aspects of MSDGC contracting. That includes contracting with SBEs directly or indirectly through contracting, subcontracting and/or procurement activities. There are many qualified SBE firms that have performed work with MSDGC, but just as many qualified SBE firms that have not performed work with MSDGC. A tenet of the SBE Program is economic inclusion which includes providing opportunities to firms with little or no work history on MSDGC projects.

The Offeror, Prime Consultant, must demonstrate an understanding of MSDGC’s SBE Program tenets and a commitment to using certified SBE firms on MSDGC work where possible and feasible. Firms submitted for SBE consideration shall be registered with the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise Program or City of Cincinnati and certified by the City of Cincinnati in the NAICS codes for the services they will provide on the project. MSDGC recognizes the following certifying agencies economic inclusion programs: City of Cincinnati SBE Program, U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Program, State of Ohio Encouraging Diversity Growth & Equity (EDGE) Program and the City of Dayton’s Procurement Enhancement Program (PEP).

Information concerning the MSDGC Small Business Enterprise Program may be found at https://msdgc.org/doing-business-with-us/sbe-program/.

1.19. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

MSDGC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. Through its submittal, the Offeror agrees:

• That, in the hiring of employees for the performance of work under the contract or any subcontract, no contractor, subcontractor, or any person acting on a contractor’s or subcontractor’s behalf, by reason of race, creed, sex, disability or military status as defined in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code, or color, shall discriminate against any citizen of the state in the employment of labor or workers who is qualified and available to perform the work to which the employment relates;

• That no contractor, subcontractor, or any person on a contractor’s or subcontractor’s behalf, in any manner, shall discriminate against or intimidate any employee hired for the performance of work under the contract on account of race, creed, sex, disability or military status as defined in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code, or color.

1.20. MSDGC EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

Prior to the award of the contract, the selected Offeror must complete and return a MSDGC Form 147; the form must be signed by a person authorized to bind the Offeror. More information on the MSDGC Equal Employment Opportunity Program can be found at the following website:

https://msdgc.org/doing-business-with-us/contract-compliance/equal-employment-opportunity-eeo-program/ https://msdgc.org/doing-business-with-us/sbe-program/ https://msdgc.org/doing-business-with-us/contract-compliance/equal-employment-opportunity-eeo-program/ https://msdgc.org/doing-business-with-us/contract-compliance/equal-employment-opportunity-eeo-program/

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1.21. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The City of Cincinnati is committed to supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact the City’s Office of Aging and Accessibility if you require any special accommodations.

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2. CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Refer to the draft Professional Agreement available for download on the City’s Bonfire website portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/portal.

These draft contract terms and conditions will apply to this RFQ once a vendor selection is made.

The City reserves the right to amend, augment, change, enhance, or delete sections of the draft contract prior to its final execution with a selected vendor.

Multipliers shall be determined in accordance with MSDGC’s Professional Services Contract Multiplier guideline:

https://prod.msdgc.org/sites/default/assets/downloads/doing_business/capital_project_resource_libra ry/Professional-Services/Contract_Multiplier.pdf

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https://prod.msdgc.org/sites/default/assets/downloads/doing_business/capital_project_resource_library/Professional-Services/Contract_Multiplier.pdf https://prod.msdgc.org/sites/default/assets/downloads/doing_business/capital_project_resource_library/Professional-Services/Contract_Multiplier.pdf

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3. SUBMITTALS

3.1. AUTHORIZATION OF SUBMITTAL

The Offeror’s statement of qualifications must be signed by a person who has legal authority to contractually bind the Offeror.

3.2. CONTENT AND FORM OF SUBMITTAL; QUALIFICATIONS QUESTIONNAIRE

Offerors shall complete the Qualifications Questionnaire and its AFFIDAVIT OF ACCURACY & SIGNATURE PAGE and provide attachments as outlined therein.

The information presented in the Offeror’s submittal shall be clear, complete, and concise.

In addition to the instructions contained in the Qualifications Questionnaire, the following are also required for the composition (format) of any offer to this RFQ:

• The Offeror’s submittal SHALL include all elements outlined in the Qualifications Questionnaire. Deviation from compliance with the Qualifications Questionnaire may render the submittal as “non-responsive” as determined by the City.

• No verbal submittals are acceptable to the City.

• Offerors MAY NOT use the MSDGC logo, City of Cincinnati logo or seal, or Hamilton County seal on their submittal package – EXCEPT when such logo or seal appears on forms or documents provided by the City for use by Offerors.

• The Offeror MUST submit one digital copy of the submittal in PDF format.

• The Offeror’s submittal MUST include an original signed and notarized affidavit, such that the notary stamp is visible on the pdf copy. Deviation from compliance with this requirement may render the submittal as “non-responsive” as determined by the City.

• NO ADVERTISING LANGUAGE, BROCHURES, PAMPHLETS, OR OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES

COMMUNICATIONS OR BUSINESS MARKETING MATERIALS SHALL SUBSTITUTE FOR OR

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