Potomac_WFP_Water_Quality_PFAS_Pilot_Project_(Addendum_#3_Revision).pdf

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/wsscwater

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, MD

109582

POTOMAC WFP WATER QUALITY/PFAS PILOT PROJECT

RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: August 27, 2026, 2:00 pm

Please refer to the project timeline in this document for all important deadlines.

#109582

Title: Potomac WFP Water Quality/PFAS Pilot Project

Table Of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

3. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

4. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFFERORS

5. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS - PRELIMINARY STAGE/PHASE I

6. SCOPE OF WORK

7. EVALUATION FACTORS

8. MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MBE) AND SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE (SLBE) PROGRAMS

9. PRICING PROPOSAL

10. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

11. ATTACHMENTS

Attachments:

A - 109582 General Conditions

B - 109582 Supplementary Conditions

C - 109582 - Special Conditions

D - 109582 Agreement PDB Potomac Pilot

E - 109582 Scope of Work

F - Pilot Study Policy revised

G - 2025_WSSC_LTWQT_MP_Final_Report_redacted

H - Possible Pilot Locations

I - Contract 1959-0283 (Select Sheets)

J - 1963-1230_3901W (Select Sheets)

K - 1966-2599K (Select Sheets) Compressed

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Summary

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, MD (the "WSSC"), is soliciting sealed responses for Potomac

WFP Water Quality/PFAS Pilot Project. Responses are to be submitted via WSSC's eProcurement Portal via https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/wsscwater PRIOR TO 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Late responses will not be accepted.

Project work includes progressive design-build services for the design, construction, and operation of PFAS pilot plant at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant.

1.2. Timeline

Release Project Date: June 8, 2026

Pre-Bid Meeting (Non-Mandatory): June 30, 2026, 10:00am

Potomac Water Filtration Plant

12200 River Road

Potomac, MD 20854

Site Visit : June 30, 2026, 10:00am

Site Visit Location: Site Visit Immediately following Pre-Bid

Meeting

Question Submission Deadline: July 16, 2026, 12:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: August 27, 2026, 2:00pm

2. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

2.1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Offeror shall provide the following:

A. Engineer of Record (EOR) must have been EOR on two completed collaborative delivery projects.

B. Prime Contractor or Design-Builder, must have completed two collaborative delivery projects.

C. Offeror must have completed at least one pilot project at a water or wastewater treatment facility.

D. The Offeror shall have cumulative experience in the design and construction of at least three (3) water treatment plant upgrades with a combined contract value of $30 million or more.

E. At least one (1) project must have been completed after January 2020.

F. The Design Manager shall have a current state-issued Professional Engineer license.

3. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

3.1. COMPLIANCE WITH COMMISSION PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

The Commission's Procurement Regulations, WSSC Code of Regulations, Title 6, Chapter 6.15, are incorporated into this Solicitation and made a part of this Solicitation by reference. The Procurement

Regulations can be viewed online at https://wssc.district.codes/Code/6.15.

3.2. DEFINITIONS

Whenever the following words occur in these Instructions to Bidders/Offerors, they shall have the following meanings.

A. "Bidder" means any person submitting a bid in response to an invitation for bids ("IFB") or a request for quotations ("RFQ").

B. "Contract Documents" means all documents that are included, attached, or referenced in a Solicitation.

C. "Invitation for bids" ("IFB") means all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, utilized for soliciting bids.

D. "Invitation for prequalification" ("IFP") means all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, utilized for prequalifying potential bidders.

E. "Offeror" means any person submitting a proposal to a request for proposals ("RFP") or invitation for prequalification ("IFP").

F. "Request for proposals" ("RFP") means all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, utilized for soliciting proposals.

G. "Responsible" means a person who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the requirements stated in the invitation for bids and request for proposals, respectively, and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

H. "Responsive" means a person who has submitted a bid or a proposal that fully conforms to the invitation for bids or request for proposals.

I. "Solicitation" means an invitation for bids, a request for proposals, a request for quotations, an invitation for pre-qualification, or any other document issued by WSSC for the purpose of soliciting bids or proposals to perform a WSSC contract.

https://wssc.district.codes/Code/6.15

3.3. WSSC’S SUPPLIER PORTAL SYSTEM

Bidders/Offerors are required to register in WSSC's Supplier Portal System in accordance with WSSC Code of

Regulations, Title 6, Chapter 6.25, at the time of bid opening or proposal submission due dates. Failure to have an active supplier profile prior to this time may render the bid or proposal non-responsive. Information regarding the Supplier Portal System can be found online at https://wssc.district.codes/Code/6.25 and www.wsscwater.com.

3.4. EXPLANATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS/OFFERORS

Any prospective Bidder/Offeror must carefully examine the Solicitation. If a prospective Bidder/Offeror is unclear as to the meaning or intent of any of the Contract Documents included in the Solicitation, the prospective Bidder/Offeror shall request a clarification from the Procurement Office before its bid/proposal is submitted.

All questions pertaining to the Solicitation or Contract Documents shall only be submitted by a Bidder/Offeror to the Procurement Officer identified in the Solicitation via the Online Discussion feature in the Supplier Portal.

Questions submitted via email shall not be answered. Replies, where warranted, will be by addenda issued electronically to all parties who have downloaded the Solicitation. Questions received less than ten (10) days prior to the date for opening of bids or due date for receipt of proposals may not be answered. Only questions answered by formal written addenda will be binding. Questions received after this deadline may be addressed at the discretion of the Commission. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect.

Any information given to a prospective Bidder/Offeror by the Commission will be furnished to all prospective

Bidders/Offerors via Online Discussion in the Supplier Portal.

Any information given to a prospective Bidder/Offeror by the Commission will be furnished to all prospective

Bidders/Offerors.

3.5. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR ACCESS TO PLANS AND DRAWINGS

In order to receive plans and drawings related to the Solicitation, a prospective Bidder's/Offeror's representative must first be approved through a security background investigation. The Bidder's/Offeror's representative can obtain an application for a security clearance by contacting WSSC''s Procurement Office by phone, (301) 206-8288. Requests for plans and drawings can only be fulfilled for representatives having successfully completed the security investigation. Multiple representatives may gain security clearance to request plans and drawings.

Additionally, plans and drawings may be accessed through E-Builder® ASP software. A user name and password is issued by the Procurement Officer upon request. To obtain a user name and password for access, a

Bidder's/Offeror's representative must first obtain a security clearance.

3.6. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS (COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS)

A. Form And Content Of A Proposal The Solicitation will identify the required form and contents of a proposal. Failure to submit a proposal that meets the requirements of the Solicitation may lead to the proposal being deemed non-responsive or non-responsible.

https://wssc.district.codes/Code/6.25 https://www.wsscwater.com/

B. Proposal Delivery The Solicitation will identify the time and manner in which a proposal shall be delivered to the Commission. Any proposal received after the exact time for receipt will be deemed non-responsive. The proposal will not be considered for award and will be returned to the Offeror unopened.

However, an exception may be made when a late proposal would have been timely but for the action or inaction of the Commission. An Offeror assumes all risks for timely delivery of a bid.

3.7. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION

Each Bidder/Offeror shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the Solicitation in accordance with the instructions stated in the amendment or otherwise stated in the Solicitation. If a Bidder/Offeror fails to acknowledge the amendment prior to the deadline for submitting a bid or proposal, the bid or proposal may be deemed nonresponsive.

3.8. WITHDRAWAL OF A PROPOSAL (COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS)

An Offeror may withdraw a proposal by "Unsubmitting" their response in the eProcurement Portal. The established due date for the written notice is either the time and date stated in the Solicitation for receipt of proposals or receipt of modifications to proposals, if any; or if discussions have begun, it is the time and date by which best and final offers must be submitted.

3.9. MISTAKES IN PROPOSALS (COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS)

A. Mistakes in Proposals Discovered Before Proposal Opening A Offeror may correct mistakes discovered before the time and date set for proposal opening by withdrawing or correcting the proposal.

B. Mistakes Discovered After Receipt of Proposals But Before Award

i. During Discussions - Prior to Best and Final Offers. Once discussions are commenced with any offeror or after best and final offers are requested, any offeror may freely correct any mistake by modifying or withdrawing the proposal until the time and date set for receipt of best and final offers.

ii. After Best and Final Offers. If discussions are not held or if the best and final offers upon which award will be made have been received, mistakes may be corrected, and the intended correct offer considered only if:

1. The mistake and the intended correct offer are clearly evident on the face of the proposal, in which event the proposal may not be withdrawn; or

2. The mistake is not clearly evident on the face of the proposal, but the offeror submits objective evidence which clearly and convincingly demonstrates both the existence of a mistake and the intended correct offer, and such correction would not be contrary to the fair and equal treatment of other offerors.

iii. Withdrawal of Proposals. If discussions are not held, or if the best and final offers upon which award will be made have been received, the offeror may be permitted to withdraw the proposal if:

1. The mistake is clearly evident on the face of the proposal and the intended correct offer is not;

2. The offeror submits objective evidence which clearly and convincingly demonstrates that a mistake was made but does not demonstrate the intended correct offer; or

3. The offeror submits objective evidence which clearly and convincingly demonstrates the intended correct offer, but to allow correction would be contrary to the fair and equal treatment of the other offerors.

3.10. BIDDER/OFFEROR QUALIFICATIONS

A. Performance Capability A Bidder/Offeror shall be responsible and have the capability to properly perform the work described in the Contract Documents, and shall have the necessary expertise, manpower, equipment, capacity and sufficient financial resources to execute the work described in the Contract

Documents properly within the time specified.

The Commission, at its discretion, may make such investigations it deems necessary to determine the ability of a

Bidder/Offeror to perform the work described in the Contract Documents, and the Bidder/Offeror shall furnish to the

Commission such information and data for this purpose as the Commission may request. The Commission may visit any prospective Contractor's place of business, contracts in progress, or contact persons knowledgeable of the

Bidder/Offeror's background to determine its ability, capacity, reliability, financial stability, or other factors necessary to perform the work described in the Contract Documents in a manner satisfactory to the Commission.

The Commission may determine a Bidder/Offeror non-responsible if the Commission determines the Bidder/Offeror does not have the capability, integrity, or reliability to perform the work described in the Contract Documents.

3.11. BONDS AND INSURANCE

The Bidder/Offer to whom a contract is recommended for award shall submit any required bonds and insurance documents to the Procurement Office in accordance with the Procurement Office's instructions. Failure to submit the required documentation within the time period specified may be cause for deeming the bid or proposal non-responsible.

3.12. PROTESTS

Any protest concerning the Solicitation shall be decided by the Chief Procurement Officer in accordance with Procurement

Regulations, WSSC Code of Regulations, Title 6, Chapter 6.15.550.

A. Right To Protest Any actual or prospective Bidder or Offeror who is aggrieved in connection with a Solicitation or an award of a Contract may protest to the Chief Procurement Officer. The protest shall be in writing and filed with the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer within seven (7) days after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. A protest shall be considered untimely if it is not received by the Office of the Chief

Procurement Officer within the time period stated above. A Bidder or Offeror is aggrieved only if the Bidder or Offeror can demonstrate that, should the protest be sustained, the Bidder or Offeror may be eligible for the award.

B. Form Of Protest The written protest shall include, at a minimum, the following: (a) name and address of the protestor,

(2) Solicitation or Contract number, (3) statement of reasons for the protest, and (4) supporting exhibits, evidence, or documents to substantiate any claims.

C. Filing Fee The filing fee for a protest is ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00). The filing fee shall be paid in the form of a check payable to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. If the protest is sustained by the Chief

Procurement Officer, the protester will be entitled to a refund of the filing fee. A PROTEST SHALL BE

CONSIDERED UNTIMELY IF THE FILING FEE IS NOT RECEIVED BY THE PROCUREMENT OFFICE

WITHIN THE TIME LIMITATIONS TO FILE A PROTEST.

D. Authority To Resolve Protests The Chief Procurement Officer, after consultation with the General Counsel's Office, shall have the authority, before the commencement of an action in court concerning the controversy, to settle and resolve a protest of an aggrieved Bidder or Offeror concerning the Solicitation or award of a contract.

E. Award Of A Contract During A Protest In the event of a timely protest, the Commission shall not proceed further with a Solicitation or with the award of a contract until after a written decision on the protest has been issued by the

Chief Procurement Officer, unless the Chief Procurement Officer, after consultation with the General Counsel's Office and the appropriate using department, determines in writing that awarding a contract without delay is necessary to protect the interests of the Commission.

F. Final Decision If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the Chief Procurement Officer must adjudicate the protest on the record and issue a final written decision within twenty-one (21) days of receiving the protest. The decision must: (a) state the reasons for the action taken and (2) inform the Bidder or Offeror of its right to appeal the written decision.

G. Appeal To Court The aggrieved Bidder or Offeror may appeal the written decision of the Chief Procurement Officer to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County or the Circuit Court for Prince George's County under the Maryland Rules governing administrative mandamus actions.

H. Entitlement To Bid Preparation Costs If a protest is sustained by the Chief Procurement Officer and the protesting

Bidder or Offeror should have been, but was not, awarded the contract under the Solicitation, the aggrieved Bidder or

Offeror shall be entitled to the reasonable costs incurred in connection with the Solicitation, including bid preparation costs. The aggrieved Bidder or Offeror shall not be entitled to recover any attorneys' fees incurred in connection with the Solicitation or protest.

3.13. SOLICITATION CANCELLATION

A Solicitation may be canceled, or any or all bids or proposals may be rejected in whole or in part when the Chief Procurement

Officer deems it to be in the best interests of WSSC. Notice of such a decision must be made in writing and provided to all bidders or offerors.

3.14. CONTRACT AWARD

A. Construction Contracts or Design/Build Contracts (Competitive Sealed Bidding) Contracts for construction or design/build using a competitive sealed bidding procurement will be awarded in accordance with MD. Code Ann., Pub. Util. § 20-105(b).

B. Construction Contracts or Design/Build Contracts (Competitive Sealed Proposals) Contracts for construction or design/build using a competitive sealed proposals procurement will be awarded in accordance with MD. Code Ann., Pub. Util. § 20-105(c).

C. Other Contracts (Competitive Sealed Bidding) Contracts that are not for construction or design/build using a competitive sealed bidding procurement will be awarded in accordance with Procurement

Regulations, WSSC Code of Regulations, Title 6, Chapter 6.15.310.

D. Other Contracts (Competitive Sealed Proposals) Contracts that are not for construction or design/build using a competitive sealed proposals procurement will be awarded in accordance with

Procurement Regulations, WSSC Code of Regulations, Title 6, Chapter 6.15.320.

3.15. EXECUTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF A CONTRACT

A contract shall not be considered accepted by the Commission and binding upon the Commission until (1) a contract has been executed by the Chief Procurement Officer or an authorized designee acting within the scope of his/her authority and (2) a Notice to Proceed has been issued.

The Commission reserves the right to cancel a recommended award of a contract without liability to the Commission at any time prior to (1) a Contract being executed by the Chief Procurement Officer or an authorized designee acting within the scope of his/her authority or (2) a Notice to Proceed being issued. Upon cancelling a recommended award, a recommended award may then be made to the next ranked responsive and responsible Bidder/Offeror or the Solicitation may be cancelled and re-advertised.

Failure by a Bidder/Offeror to execute a contract, submit such other documents as required by the

Contract Documents, or file acceptable insurance and bonds within the time directed shall be just cause for canceling the recommended award. Upon cancelling a recommended award, a recommended award may then be made to the next ranked responsive and responsible Bidder/Offeror or the Solicitation may be cancelled and re-advertised.

Subcontract plans must be entered and approved in the web-based compliance system in accordance with the Commission's directives. Failure by a Bidder/Offeror to comply with such directives shall be just cause for canceling a recommended award. Upon cancelling a recommended award, a recommended award may then be made to the next ranked responsive and responsible Bidder/Offeror or the Solicitation may be cancelled and readvertised.

A Notice to Proceed will be issued after (1) a contract has been executed by the Chief Procurement Officer or an authorized designee acting within the scope of his/her authority, (2) upon receipt and acceptance by the

Commission of a Bidder's/Offeror's insurance, bonds, any other designated documents, (3) upon verification of entry and acceptance of subcontracting plans in the web-based compliance system, and (4) upon approval of background investigations of employees to work on Commission property. The Notice to Proceed represents the final document required before a contract shall be considered accepted by the Commission and binding upon the

Commission.

3.16. MARYLAND PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT NOTICE

The Commission is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act. Bidders and Offerors are strongly encouraged to specifically identify those portions of their bids or proposals, if any, which they deem to contain protected trade secrets, confidential commercial information, confidential financial information, or confidential geological or geophysical information pursuant to Md. Code Ann., General Provisions, §§ 4-335 and 4-336.

4. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFFERORS

This Solicitation shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission’s or WSSC Water Procurement

Regulations: WSSC Water Code of Regulations, Title 6 Ch. 6.15. The following instructions are in addition to those contained in the Instructions to Bidders/Offerors included in the Solicitation.

4.1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

A. Submission

1. Only one Proposal may be submitted by an Offeror.

2. The Technical and Price Proposal shall be submitted via the eProcurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/wsscwater.

3. Proposals submitted in any form other than as specified herein may be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for award. Oral and telegraphic proposals, including e-mail submissions, are considered invalid and will not be accepted or considered for award.

4. Proposals shall be concise, yet sufficiently comprehensive to set forth the Offeror’s understanding of the required services. Proposals must be organized to the structure described in these instructions to

Offerors.

4.2. EVALUATION FACTORS

All Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with WSSC Procurement Regulation §4-203, Competitive Sealed

Proposals. Accordingly, Offerors must note that a number of factors will be considered by WSSC in making an award. Price will not be the sole determining criterion.

Evaluation Factors

Project Approach 30%

Technical Experience 20%

Key Project Team Members Experience 25%

Progressive Design-Build Team Experience 20%

Pricing 05%

4.3. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

A. Technical Proposals received will be evaluated by the Evaluation Committee based on the Offeror’s qualifications as described in the proposal.

B. Proposals that do not meet the minimum requirements as stated in the Solicitation, or which are deemed non-responsive or non-responsible, will not be evaluated.

C. Shortlisting / Competitive Range – WSSC reserves the right, after the initial technical evaluation, to establish a competitive range and shortlist the highest-rated offerors for further consideration. Only shortlisted offerors’ price proposals will be opened and evaluated.

1. WSSC may conduct discussions and request Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) from shortlisted offerors and may make an award without discussions. Inclusion on a shortlist does not guarantee an award. WSSC may adjust the competitive range, reject any or all proposals, or cancel the solicitation at its sole discretion.

D. Price Proposals selected to proceed to the next phase will be opened and evaluated. Price proposals that are not selected to advance to the next phase will be unopened.

E. Once the Evaluation Committee has completed its review, the results of the Technical Proposals and the

Price Proposals will be combined for a final evaluation.

F. Offerors may be required to give an Oral Presentation to further address their Technical Proposal.

G. The proposal(s) deemed most advantageous to WSSC, taking into consideration the evaluation outlined in the Request for Proposal, will be recommended for award.

H. If two (2) or more proposals are equally ranked, WSSC reserves the right to select the proposal deemed most advantageous to WSSC by the Evaluation team.

I. The WSSC reserves the right to award this Contract based on Proposals received with or without further discussion or negotiation.

J. Offerors may be asked to submit Best and Final Offers (BAFO) after the price proposals have been opened.

K. All Offerors will be notified by the WSSC of the final awardee(s).

4.4. PROPOSAL EVALUTION SCORING RUBRIC

Scoring Scale (0–5):

• 5 – Excellent: Exceeds requirements; comprehensive, detailed, and well-documented; very low risk.

• 4 – Good: Meets requirements; minor weaknesses; low risk.

• 3 – Satisfactory: Generally, meets requirements; moderate risk.

• 2 – Marginal: Partially meets requirements; significant weaknesses; high risk.

• 1 – Poor: Does not adequately meet requirements; major weaknesses; very high risk.

• 0 – Unacceptable: Fails to meet requirements; insufficient information; not eligible for award.

4.5. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

The Technical Proposal must demonstrate the Minimum Qualifications of the Solicitation.

The Technical Proposal shall be no more than 50 single-sided pages in length (exclusive of the documentation required in Tabs

5, and 6 below) including Project Manager’s resume, exhibits, appendices, attachments, required documentation and forms required to be submitted with the Proposal. Electronic copies shall be bookmarked to enable easy navigation of the pdf documents.

The Technical Proposal must clearly demonstrate the minimum qualifications. Proposals shall be page numbered, tabbed into the specified sections. The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

TAB 1: Progressive Design-Build Team Experience

A. This factor evaluates the relevant collaborative-delivery experience of the Offeror. Offerors are required to identify example projects as described below that demonstrate the Offeror’s experience and capability in one or more of the following areas:

1. Developing and implementing progressive design-build, alternative delivery, or public-private-partnership projects of similar scale and complexity to the Project;

2. Managing design-build, alternative delivery, or public-private-partnership arrangements, including working collaboratively with local utilities to address issues as they arise to ensure problems are avoided or resolved;

3. Managing the coordination of design and supply chain suppliers for identifying and mitigating delays related to long lead items;

4. Delivering early work packages and pre-construction services for projects of similar scale and complexity to the

Project;

5. Managing the integration of all project implementation phases to ensure cost-effective life-cycle solutions;

6. Managing demolition, restoration, and handover of pilot trains and associated equipment;

7. Managing and implementing turnover and training of O&M, working collaboratively with owner for projects of similar scale and complexity to the project;

8. Performing data collection, analysis, and reporting; and

9. Managing and producing high-quality project documentation.

B. Offerors shall submit documentation for the following:

1. Offeror’s Collaborative-Delivery Experience: Experience in two (2) projects completed within the last ten (10) years. Submit experience by the lead designer, lead contractor, a key project team member (defined in Tab 3) or joint venture under collaborative delivery of the types defined below and meeting the following requirements:

a. Use a collaborative delivery method such as progressive design-build (PDB), construction management at risk

(CMAR), construction manager/ generator contractor (CM/GC), public-private partnership (P3), or integrated project delivery (IPD);

b. Have a combined total contract value of at least $3 million.

1. Include technologies to address the removal of any of the following contaminants: Mn, PFAS, DBPs, T&O, Algal Toxins, Opportunistic Pathogens/Spill Contaminants, and Lead and Copper;

2. Projects should be completed within the last (10) years; Offeror must demonstrate five (5) years of experience in the design or construction of water treatment facilities including water quality and process improvements;

3. Specific scope of work completed, including collaborative elements, should be stated for the lead contractor, lead designer, key project team members, and/or joint venture.

4. Projects should contain valid and current contact information for references.

TAB 2: Key Project Team Members Experience

A. This factor evaluates the relevant experience of Offeror’s proposed key project team members. The following roles shall be considered key project team members:

1. Project Executive

2. Collaborative-Delivery Project Manager

3. Design Manager

4. Project Superintendent

5. Senior Operator

B. Offerors shall submit a resume for each key project team member and specify each key project team member’s availability to participate through Preliminary Stage and Completion Stage of the pilot given current and anticipated commitments to other projects. For the Completion Stage, Offerors shall provide a breakdown of availability by the following activities:

1. Construction;

2. Operation and data collection,

3. Data compilation and reporting,

4. Maintenance, and

5. Demolition, restoration, and handover.

C. Offerors shall also submit documentation demonstrating the relevant experience and qualifications of each key project team member as stated below.

1. Project Executive’s Relevant Experience & Qualifications: The proposed Project Executive’s work history in respective areas of expertise, the required qualifications, and successful work experience on similar projects shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a. A narrative of two (2) completed municipal water or wastewater facility projects completed using a collaborative- project delivery method in the past 10 years, including the proposed Project Executive’s scope of work, where the individual named held the position of Project Executive or Collaborative-Delivery

Project Manager; and

2. Collaborative-Delivery Project Manager’s Relevant Experience & Qualifications: The proposed Collaborative-

Delivery Project Manager’s work history in their respective areas of expertise, the required qualifications and successful work experience on similar projects shall be evaluated based the following criteria:

a. A narrative of two (2) municipal water or wastewater facility projects in the past ten (10) years, where the individual named held the position of Project Manager.

1. Preferably one (1) of the two (2) listed projects is a collaborative delivery project with a contract value of $3 million or more;

2. Preferably, at least one (1) of the two (2) listed projects is a pilot study at an existing water treatment facility; and

3. Hold a Professional Engineering license (preferably with the State of Maryland) and provide evidence of the license. The Collaborative Delivery Project Manager or the Design Manager shall hold and provide evidence of a valid Maryland Professional Engineering license before completion of the Preliminary

Stage.

3.Design Manager’s Relevant Experience & Qualifications: The proposed Design Manager’s work history in the respective areas of expertise, the required qualifications, and successful work experience on similar projects shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a. A narrative of and valid reference for three (3) completed municipal water facility design projects in the past ten (10) years, where the individual named held the position of Design Manager.

b. Preferably, at least one (1) of the three (3) listed projects is a collaborative-delivery project with a contract value of $3 million or more;

c. Preferably, at least one (1) of the listed projects includes a pilot study at an existing water treatment facility.

d. Hold and provide evidence of a Professional Engineering license (preferably with the State of Maryland), The

Collaborative Delivery Project Manager or the Design Manager shall hold and provide evidence of a valid

Maryland Professional Engineering license before completion of the Preliminary Stage.

4.Project Superintendent’s Relevant Experience & Qualification: The proposed Project Superintendent’s work history in their respective areas of expertise, the required qualifications and successful work experience on similar projects shall be evaluated based the following criteria:

a. A narrative of and references for three (3) completed municipal water facility projects in the past ten

(10) years, where the individual named held the position of Project Superintendent.

b. At least one (1) of the three (3) listed projects must be a project with a contract value of $3 million or more.

5.Senior Operator Relevant Experience & Qualifications: The proposed Senior Operator’s work history in the respective areas of expertise, the required qualifications, and successful work experience on similar projects shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a. The individual’s active certification as water treatment operator (Class T4).

b. Demonstration of experience with the operation of water treatment plants. Preference for familiarity with plants that treat for Mn, DBPs, T&O and Algal Toxins, PFAS, or Opportunistic Pathogens/Spill

Contaminants.

c. Demonstration of familiarity with sampling for regulated and unregulated contaminants.

D. Key Personnel Replacement

1. The Offeror must provide advance 30 days written notice of any key personnel substitution.

2. Offeror must submit a written justification detailing the reason for the change (e.g., resignation, illness, termination) and the impact on project performance is required.

3. Proposed replacements must have qualifications and experience "substantially equal to or greater than" the original staff. A resume will be required.

4. WSSC reserves the right to approve or disapprove of the replacement.

5. Costs for replacing personnel, including training time, shall be borne exclusively by the Offeror.

TAB 3: Technical Experience

A. This factor evaluates the relevant technical experience of the Offeror, including the members of the Offeror’s team responsible for design and construction, with the following issues:

Offerors shall submit documentation for the following:

1. Offeror’s Relevant Experience: Provide a narrative description of and references for three (3) projects completed in the last ten (10) years that meet the following characteristics:

a. Having a total contract value of $30 million;

b. All the projects must have more than two of the water quality concerns specified in the Scope of Work; and

c. All the projects must have been completed by one or more of the lead contractor, lead designer, or a key project team member (defined in Tab 2).

TAB 4: Project Approach

This factor evaluates the Offeror’s management of and technical approach to the following issues numbered 1 to 7 below:

Offerors shall submit brief narrative discussion of the following:

A. Management Approach

1. Describe the Offeror’s organizational structure and the role and responsibility of Key Project Team Members and additional project level staff in completing the Preliminary and Completion Stages of this Project, including how the structure will promote effective and efficient management of the challenges of this Project. Include an organizational chart designed for this Project. The description of the organizational structure and the organizational chart must address the role of any subcontractors as appropriate.

2. Provide a narrative of the Offeror’s understanding of key differences, risks, and opportunities related to the various treatment trains proposed.

3. Describe the relationships between Preliminary and Completion Stages of the pilot, as well as, the process for data collection and analysis of treatment alternatives. Describe the approach to understanding WSSC’s needs during the operation, maintenance, demolition, restoration, and handover of the pilot and ensuring that the Offeror works within WSSC internal processes and regulations for equipment/facilities present on its property.

B. Preliminary Stage Approach

1. Describe Offeror’s understanding of the proposed Preliminary Stage schedule provided by WSSC Water including design periods, collaboration and coordination within the Offeror’s team and with WSSC Water. The narrative should:

a. Highlight the Offeror’s understanding of the relationships between critical milestones of the Project specified in the Agreement.

b. Demonstrate the Offeror’s understanding of the relationship between the various stages of the Project.

c. Show resource contributions to the work packages and scope refinement.

d. Explain Offeror’s approach to schedule control, quality assurance and quality control for each deliverable specified in the Agreement.

e. In addition to those outlined in the Agreement (Part IV), show and discuss other milestones the Offeror considers critical to the project schedule.

f. Discuss the types of collaborative process Offeror will employ and the value of those tools to WSSC Water as it applies specifically to this project.

2. Discuss the Offeror’s approach to collaboration on Project costs with WSSC Water’s neutral cost estimator

(NCE), including an explanation of how the Offeror will collaborate with the NCE to establish the same understanding of the basis estimate, assumptions, risks, and opportunities for each estimate.

3. Discuss the Offeror’s approach to reconciling its Project cost estimates with the NCE’s project cost estimates including how to collaborate and agree on a price for the Completion Stage services.

4. Discuss the Offeror’s approach to creating a Project risk register and agreeing upon a joint Project risk register with

WSSC Water, including its approach to risk identification, risk assignment, opinion on risk sharing, and how to most effectively manage, mitigate, and price Project risks.

5. Discuss collaboration between the Offeror’s team including its engineer, contractors, and subconsultants, to ensure coordination between disciplines and quality of designs and deliverables.

6. Given the progressive design-build delivery method, discuss how the Offeror’s team will work collaboratively and cooperatively with subcontractors, as appropriate.

7. Discuss expectations for design schedule, construction schedule, and construction cost estimates for the

Completion Stage.

a. Discuss the tools that will be used for a successful Preliminary Stage and Completion Stage.

8. Describe the Offer’s process for treatment equipment selection, recommendation and comparison.

9. Illustrate the Project’s engineering and construction challenges and the Offeror’s approach to addressing them.

10. Demonstrate utilization and coordination between design disciplines, construction disciplines, and subcontractors to control equipment selection, cost, schedule, quality, including the expected process for escalation to management.

C. Construction Approach

1. Identify and describe the key milestones for construction of pilot.

2. Identify and describe Offeror’s approach to quality assurance and quality control during construction.

3. Identify and describe Offeror's approach to maintain safety of plant personnel during construction of pilot.

4. Identify and describe Offeror’s approach to understanding WSSC Water’s site use procedures and minimizing disturbance to WSSC Water’s operations on the Project site.

D. Operating the Pilot Trains

1. Detail the complete approach to start-up of the pilot trains.

2. Discuss the initial approach to staffing, including the experience of proposed personnel.

3. Detail the complete approach to operating the pilot trains. Include expectations for disruption intervals, and approach to minimizing disruptions in pilot operation and data accumulation.

4. Detail approach to operating the pilot trains with minimal or no disruption to WSSC Water’s operations.

E. Approach to Sampling to Meet the Project Objectives

1. Describe anticipated sampling approach.

2. Describe key factors that need to be considered.

F. Approach to Data Accumulation/Compilation and Reporting

1. Describe the process for gathering and organizing data.

2. Describe the key elements needed to evaluate performance of process trains.

G. Approach to Demolition, Restoration, and Handover

1. Describe the approach to demolishing and restoring the site to its original condition.

2. Describe approach to understanding and executing WSSC Water’s needs and expectations for handover of the pilot site.

TAB 5: Appendix C forms (please refer to the vendor questionnaire).

The following forms are located in Appendix C.

• Certified Insurance Statement

• Signature Page

• Contract Certification Affidavit

• Consultant Conflict of Interest Affidavit

• Iran Investment Certification

• Statement of Offeror’s Qualification Form

• References

Tab 6: OSDI Participation (please refer to the vendor questionnaire).

Provide all forms required in Appendix A of the Solicitation:

A. Subcontracting and Supplier Certification Form - Submit one for each subcontractor with the specific description of services and NAICS code. (This is a 2-paged form required for MBE/SLBE and Majority firms.)

B. Good Faith Efforts Affidavit - List the total percentage of work to be subcontracted to MBE/SLBE firms.

C. MBE/SLBE Unavailability Form - Only required if submitting a waiver request

D. Non-Discrimination Declaration

E. All Subcontractors and Supplier Summary Contact - Optional submission

4.6. EXCEPTIONS TO CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The Contract Documents attached to this Solicitation are not subject to negotiation after award. Offerors shall carefully review all Contract Documents, including all terms, conditions, exhibits, and attachments.

Any objection to, exception to, or requested deviation from the Contract Documents must be clearly identified in the Offeror’s proposal at the time of submission. Such objections or requested deviations shall be set forth in a separate section of the proposal titled “Exceptions to Contract Documents” and shall specifically reference the applicable section number, page, and provision to which the exception is taken, along with the Offeror’s proposed alternative language.

Failure to expressly identify an objection, exception, or requested deviation in the proposal shall be deemed a waiver of such objection, exception, or deviation. By submitting a proposal without identified exceptions, the Offeror represents that it accepts the Contract Documents in their entirety and agrees to execute the Contract in the form attached to the Solicitation.

The Owner reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any proposal containing exceptions to the Contract Documents, to deem such exceptions material, or to evaluate the impact of any identified exceptions in its proposal evaluation and award determination.

No exceptions, clarifications, or modifications to the Contract Documents will be considered after the proposal due date, and the successful Offeror will not be permitted to condition execution of the Contract on the negotiation of additional or different terms.

5. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS - PRELIMINARY STAGE/PHASE I

5.1. INSURANCE

The Contractor shall be required to maintain insurance for the term of this Contract as specified in the "Insurance

Requirements" Section herein. The Certificate of Insurance and Endorsements shall be submitted to the Contract

Administrator within 10 days after receipt of the Notice of Award. All insurance required by this Appendix B must be maintained during the entire term of the contract, including any renewal or extension terms, until all work has been completed. Also, certain coverages must be continued following completion of the work as shown in the section B.

The Contractor shall instruct an insurance broker or agent to provide the Washington Suburban Sanitary

Commissiona certificate of insurance and endorsements, i.e. additional insured, waiver of subrogation, attesting to the issuance of insurance policies affording coverage as required and listed in B below. Please note that such certificate of insurance and endorsements along with any required bonds must be issued and then approved by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission prior to the issuance ofa Notice to Proceed by the Contract

Administrator. The following requirements apply to all work under the contract. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission reserves the right to adjust or waive any insurance or bonding requirements contained in this Appendix B and applicable to the contract.

The Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to start work on any subcontract until all insurance required of the subcontractor has been obtained and approved by the Contractor. The Contractor shall require all subcontractors to maintain workers compensation and employers liability, business auto liability, commercial general liability and any other applicable coverage in the same manner as specified for the Contractor.

5.2. TYPES OF COVERAGE

The Contractor shall provide and keep in full force the insurance noted in the coverage section as minimum liability limits and mandatory coverage during the term of this Contract.

5.3. ADDITIONAL INSURED

The Commission, its agents and employees shall be included as additional insured(s) in the Commercial General

Liability insurance policy. Coverage for the Commission its agents and employees shall apply for defense of claims and damages for injury to persons, including bodily injury, death or any form of personal or advertising injury, or property damage arising out of or resulting from the performance of the work or product, whether caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by any negligent act or omission of the Contractor, or any subcontractor, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or anyone for whose acts any of them or the Commission or its agents or employees may be liable. See below for acceptable forms. The multiple forms combination shown below, or their equivalent, shall be provided by Contractors performing work for the

Commission that would be considered your work as defined in ISO form CG 0001. Other contractors or vendors shall provide additional insured status per form CG 2010 or its equivalent. The additional insured endorsement(s) must be attached to the certificate of insurance in order to effectuate additional insured status in accordance with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission contractual requirements. This endorsement requirement does not apply so long as the contractor and broker/agent warrant that there isa blanket additional insured provision included in the insurance policy.

Special Note: The following combinations of ISO forms, or their equivalent, shall be acceptable:

• CG 2010 entitled "Additional Insured - Owners, Lessees or Contractors — Scheduled Person or

Organization" and CG 2037 entitled "Additional Insured - Owners, Lessees or Contractors — Completed

Operations"; OR

• CG 2033 entitled "Additional Insured - Owners, Lessees or Contractors - Automatic Status When

Required in Construction Agreement With You" and CG 2037 entitled "Additional Insured - Owners, Lessees or Contractors — Completed Operations".

5.4. SUBROGATION

The Workers Compensation and Business Auto policy must each provide for a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Commission, its agents and employees. The waiver of subrogation endorsement must be attached to the certificate of insurance in order to effectuate waiver of subrogation in accordance with the Washington Suburban

Sanitary Commission contractual requirements. This endorsement requirement does not apply so long as the contractor and broker/agent warrant that there isa blanket waiver of subrogation included in the insurance policy provisions.

5.5. PREMIUM PAYMENTS, DEDUCTIBLES/RETENTIONS, AND COMMISSION ACCEPTANCE

The premium to be expended for all of the above-referenced policies of insurance and bonds shall be paid by the

Contractor. Payment of any deductibles or self-insured retentions applying under any policies shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The policies of insurance, certificates of insurance and the insurance company or insurance companies issuing such bonds or policies of insurance must be acceptable to the Commission. All companies providing such coverage, for all contracts, regardless of size, must be allowed to conduct and transact insurance business in the State of Maryland.

5.6. DESIGNATION AS TO APPLICABILITY

All certificates of insurance and applicable endorsements must be issued indicating a specific Contract number or to all work contract numbers performed by the Contractor for the Washington Suburban Sanitary

Commission.

5.7. CLAIMS MADE LIABILITY INSURANCE

If any liability insurance purchased by the Contractor has been issued on a "claims made" basis, the Contractor must comply with the following additional conditions. The limits of liability and the extensions as described in section 1 B, remain the same. The Contractor must either:

i. Agree to provide certificates of insurance evidencing the above coverages for a period of three years after final payment for the contract. Such certificates shall evidence a retroactive date, no later than the beginning of the Contractors or subcontractors' work under this contract, or

ii. Purchase an extended (minimum three years) reporting period endorsement for the policy or policies in force during the term of this contract and evidence the purchase of this extended reporting period endorsement by means of a certificate of insurance or a copy of the endorsement itself.

5.8. NOTIFICATION OF CANCELLATION OR NON-RENEWAL

A minimum of thirty days written notification must be given by an insurer of any alteration, material change or cancellation or non-renewal of any insurance required under this Contract. Such required notification must be sent via Registered or Certified Mail to the address indicated below:

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Procurement Office, 8th Floor

14501 Sweitzer Lane

Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902.

5.9. COMPLIANCE

Contractor's failure to comply with all insurance and bonding requirements set forth in this Appendix B and applicable to the contract will not relieve the Contractor from any liability under the contract.