RFP 081126-002 Closed Wastewater Treatment Pond Sludge Removal.pdf

CITY OF RICHMOND HILL, GEORGIA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP NO. 081126-002

CLOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT POND SLUDGE

REMOVAL

ISSUED DATE: August 11th, 2026 DATE DUE: September 11th, 2026, at 11:30 AM

The purpose of this invitation is to solicit written proposals from qualified firms for sludge removal services for The City of Richmond Hill’s closed wastewater treatment pond. Sealed proposals will be received at City Hall located at 40 Richard R Davis Drive Richmond Hill, Georgia 31326 for hand or express delivery; for standard mailed documents send to P.O. Box 250, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324 by 11:30 AM, September 11th, 2026.The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive formalities.

Instructions for preparation and submission of a bid are contained in this Request for proposal package.

Please note that specific forms for submission of a bid are required. Proposals must be typed or printed in ink.

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Richmond Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility , 1701 Elbow Swamp Richmond Hill, GA 31324 at 2:00 August 21st, 2026. Any questions pertaining to this request for proposal must be made in writing and received no later than 11:30 AM, August 28th, 2026.

No responses will be given to questions received after that time. Questions may be emailed to kachtziger@eommgmt.com , or hand delivered to The City of Richmond Hill located at 40 Richard R Davis Drive Richmond Hill, GA 31324.

Any changes to the conditions and specifications must be in the form of a written addendum to be valid;

therefore, the City will issue a written addendum to document approved changes.

DOCUMENT CHECK LIST

The following documents, when marked, are contained in and made a part of this Bid Package or are required to be submitted with the bid. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to read, complete and sign, where indicated, and return these documents with his/her bid. FALURE TO DO SO MAY BE CAUSE

FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

COMPANY NAME: _______________________________________________________________

REQUIRED COMPLETED ITEM DESCRIPTION

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

X PROPOSAL FORM

SURETY REQUIREMENTS

PERFORMANCE BOND

PAYMENT BOND

X CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

X W-9

LEGAL NOTICE

X EXCEPTION SHEET

X ATTACHMENT A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

X

ATTACHMENT B PROMISE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

STATEMENT

X

ATTACHMENT C DISCLOSURE OF RESPONSIBILITY

STATEMENT

X

ATTACHMENT D CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT & AGREEMENT (E-

VERIFY)

X

ATTACHMENT E SUBCONTRACTOR AFFADAVIT &

AGREEMENT (if applicable)

X

ATTACHMENT F FIRMS CERTIFICATION REGARDING

DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY

EXCLUSION

X ATTACHMENT G AFFADAVIT REGARDING LOBBYING

X ATTACHMENT H REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF ADDENDUM(S) ______________________________

Authorized Signature Title

Print Name Date

THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED AS PART OF YOUR PROPOSAL

SECTION I

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSER

1.1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide general and specific information for use in submitting a proposal to The City of Richmond Hill for professional services as described herein. All proposals are governed by the Code of The City of Richmond Hill, local and state laws.

1.2 HOW TO PREPARE PROPOSALS:

A Proposals shall be submitted on the form enclosed and shall be typewritten or completed with pen and ink and signed by the business City or authorized representative.

B Any erasures or corrections must be initialed and dated by the official signing the Bid.

All signature spaces must be signed.

C Firms are encouraged to carefully review all provisions and attachments of this document. Each bid constitutes an offer and may not be withdrawn except as provided herein.

1.3 HOW TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS:

A Proposals must be submitted in a sealed opaque envelope, plainly marked with the bid number, bid title, bid closing date and time, and company name.

B The offeror shall submit one original (conspicuously marked “ORIGINAL”), one complete copy and one USB flash drive of their written proposal that presents their qualifications and understanding of the work to be performed.

C Mailed or delivered as follows in sufficient time to ensure receipt by the City on or before the time and date specified above.

a Mailing Address: City of Richmond Hill City Hall, PO Box 250 Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324 b Hand Delivery: City of Richmond Hill City Hall, 40 Richard R Davis Drive Richmond Hill, Georgia 31326

D Please check the City’s website http://www.richmondhill-ga.gov/ prior to submission for any addendum to the RFP.

PROPOSALS NOT RECEIVED BY THE TIME AND DATE SPECIFIED WILL NOT BE

1.4

1.5

OPENED OR CONSIDERED.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Richmond Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility, 1701 Elbow Swamp Rd Richmond Hill, GA 31324 at 2:00 August 21st, 2026.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION: Objections from Proposers to this request for proposal and/or these specifications should be brought to the attention of the City in writing. The objections contemplated may pertain to the form and/or substance of the request for proposal documents. Failure to object in accordance with the above procedure will constitute a waiver on the part of the business to protest this request for proposal.

1.6 ERRORS IN PROPOSALS: Firms or their authorized representative are expected to fully inform themselves as to the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting proposals. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer’s own risk.

1.7 STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF FIRMS FOR CONTRACT AWARD: The City of

Richmond Hill reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities or technicalities in proposals received whenever such a rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the City. The City reserves the right to reject the bid of a Proposer who has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature, whom investigation shows is not in a position to perform the contract.

1.8 PROPOSER: Whenever the term "Proposer" is used it shall encompass the "person", "business", "firm", or other party submitting a bid to The City of Richmond Hill in such capacity before a contract has been entered into between such party and the City.

1.9 RESPONSIBLE / RESPONSIVE PROPOSER: Responsible Proposer means a person or entity that has the capability in all respects to perform fully and reliably the contract requirements.

Responsive Proposer means a person or entity that has submitted a proposal that conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the invitation for proposals.

1.10 CITY: Whenever the term “City” or “Owner” is used it is to refer to the City of Richmond Hill.

1.11 CONTRACTOR: Contractor or subcontractor means any person or business having a contract with the City of Richmond Hill. The Contractor/Vendor of construction, supplies, goods, material, equipment or services certifies that they will follow equal employment opportunity practices in connection with the awarded contract as more fully specified in the contract documents.

1.12 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: Upon receipt of a proposal by the City the Proposal shall become the property of the City without compensation to the Proposer, for disposition or usage by the City at its discretion. Respondent names who submit proposals on this request for proposal and total prices will be read aloud publicly, but the details and particulars of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award of the contract / purchase order.

1.13 CONE OF SILENCE: Lobbying of Procurement Evaluation Committee members, City employees, and elected officials regarding this product or service solicitation, Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract by any member of a Proposer's staff, or those people employed by any legal entity affiliated with an organization that is responding to the solicitation is strictly prohibited. Negative campaigning through the mass media about the current service delivery is strictly prohibited. Such actions may cause your bid to be rejected.

1.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: The Proposer shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, Worker’s compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by Federal, State or City statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proposer and the City. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proposer and the City shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.15 DEBARRED FIRMS AND PENDING LITIGATION: Any potential Proposer/firm listed on the Federal or State of Georgia Parties Listing (barred from doing business) will not be considered for contract award. Firms shall disclose any record of pending criminal violations (Indictment) and/or convictions, pending lawsuits, etc., and any actions that may be a conflict of interest occurring within the past five (5) years. Any Proposer/firm previously defaulting or terminating a contract with the City will not be considered. Proposer acknowledges that in performing contract work for the City, Proposer shall not utilize any firms that have been a party to any of the above actions. If Proposer has engaged any firm to work on this contract or project that is later debarred, Proposer shall sever its relationship with the firm with respect to City contract.

** All Firms are to read and complete the Disclosure of Responsibility Statement enclosed as Attachment C to be returned with response. Failure to do so may result in your solicitation response being rejected as nonresponsive.

Proposer acknowledges that in performing contract work for the City, Proposer shall not utilize any firms that have been a party to any of the above actions. If Proposer has engaged any firm to work on this contract or project that is later debarred, Proposer shall sever its relationship with that firm with respect to City contract.

1.16 PROTECTION OF RESIDENT WORKERS: The City of Richmond Hill actively supports the

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) which includes provisions addressing employment eligibility, employment verification, and nondiscrimination. Under the INA, employers may hire only persons who may legally work in the Unites States (i.e., citizens and nationals of the U.S.)

and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. The employer must verify the identity and employment eligibility of anyone to be hired, which includes completing the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9). The Contractor shall establish appropriate procedures and controls so no services or products under the Contract Documents will be performed or manufactured by any worker who is not legally eligible to perform such services or employment.

1.17 IMMIGRATION: On 1 July 2009, the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act (SB

529, Section 2) became effective. All employers, contractors and subcontractors entering into a contract or performing work must sign an affidavit that he/she has used the E-Verify System. E- Verify is a no-cost federal employment verification system to insure employment eligibility.

Affidavits are enclosed in this solicitation. You may download M-274 Handbook for Employers at http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/employment/rules. You may go to http://www.uscis.gov to find the E-Verify information.

** All Firms are to read and complete the E-Verify affidavit enclosed as Attachment D to be returned with response. Failure to do so may result in your bid being rejected as non-responsive.

SECTION II

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

2.1 SPECIFICATIONS: Any obvious error or omission in specifications shall not inure to the benefit of the Proposer but shall put the Proposer on notice to inquire of or identify the same to the City. Whenever herein mentioned is made of any article, material or workmanship to be in accordance with laws, ordinances, building codes, underwriter’s codes, ASTM regulations or similar expressions, the requirements of these laws, ordinances, etc., shall be construed to be the minimum requirements of these specifications.

2.2 COMPLETENESS: All information required by the request for proposal must be completed and submitted to constitute a qualifying proposal.

2.3 PRICES TO BE FIRM: Proposer accepts all terms and conditions set forth in this request for proposal. This proposal will remain subject to acceptance for sixty (60) days after the proposal opening, or for such longer period of time that Proposer may agree to in writing upon request of City.

2.4 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS: No Proposer will be allowed to submit more than one offer. Any alternate bid must be brought to the City’s attention prior to the question deadline submitted in writing.

2.5 LIABILITY PROVISIONS: Where Firms are required to enter or go into The City of

Richmond Hill property to take measurements or gather other information in order to prepare the proposal as requested by the City, the Proposer shall be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by negligence of the Proposer, his agent, or any person the Proposer has designated to prepare the Offer and shall indemnify and hold harmless The City of Richmond Hill from any liability arising therefrom. The contract document specifies the liability provisions required of the successful Proposer in order to be awarded a contract with The City of Richmond Hill.

2.6 AWARD OF CONTRACT: The contract, if awarded, will be awarded to the proposer responsible whose proposal will be most advantageous to The City of Richmond Hill, price and other factors considered. The City of Richmond Hill will make the decision as to which proposal best serves the interest of the city. The successful respondent will be expected to execute a contract within 30 days of notice of award.

2.7 ASSIGNMENT: The successful Proposer shall not assign or transfer any interest of the contract without written consent of the City.

2.8 COST TO PREPARE: The City assumes no responsibility or obligation to the Firms and will make no payment for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of the proposal.

2.9 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS: Objections and protests to any portion of the procurement process or actions of the City staff may be filed with the City for review and resolution.

2.10 INSURANCE PROVISIONS: The selected Proposer shall be required to procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Proposer, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the proposal. Contract work will not proceed unless The City of Richmond Hill has in their possession a current Certificate of Insurance. The City of Richmond Hill invokes the defense of sovereign immunity. The City is not to be included as an additional insured on insurance contracts. Failure to maintain insurance as described below will result in termination of the contract.

A. General Information that shall appear on a Certificate of Insurance:

i. Name of Producer (Contractor’s insurance Broker/Agent).

ii. Companies affording coverage (there may be several).

iii. Name and address of the Insured (this should be the Company or Parent of the firm The City of Richmond Hill is contracting with).

iv. Summary of all current insurance for the insured (includes effective dates of coverage).

v. Brief description of operations to be performed, the specific job to be performed, or contract number.

vi. Certificate Holder (This is to always include The City of Richmond Hill).

B. Limits of Insurance:

i. Commercial General Liability: Provides protection against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from operations of a Contractor or Tenant. This policy coverage includes: premises and operations, use of independent contractors, products/completed operations, personal injury, contractual, broad form property damage, and underground, explosion and collapse hazards. Minimum limits: $1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and annual aggregate.

ii. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Provides statutory protection against bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by employees of the Contractor while performing within the scope of their duties. Employer's Liability coverage is usually included in Worker's Compensation policies, and insures common law claims of injured employees made in lieu of or in addition to a Worker's Compensation claim. Minimum limits: $500,000 for each accident, disease policy limit, each employee and Statutory Worker's Compensation limit.

iii. Umbrella Policy: With limits of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence covering all work performed under this Agreement.

iv. Business Automobile Liability: Coverage insures against liability claims arising out of the Contractor ' s use of automobiles. Minimum limit: $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Coverage should be written on an "Any Auto" basis

C. Special Requirements:

i. Claims-Made Coverage: The limits of liability shall remain the same as the occurrence basis, however, the Retroactive date shall be prior to the coincident with the date of any contract, and the Certificate of Insurance shall state the coverage is claims-made. The Retroactive date shall also be specifically stated on the Certificate of Insurance.

ii. Extended Reporting Periods: The Contractor shall provide the City with a notice of the election to initiate any Supplemental Extended Reporting Period and the reason(s) for invoking this option.

iii. Reporting Provisions: Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided in relation to this request.

iv. Cancellation: Each insurance policy that applies to this request shall be endorsed to state that it shall not be suspended, voided, or canceled, except after thirty (30) days prior to written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City.

v. Proof of Insurance: The City of Richmond Hill shall be furnished with certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this request.

The certificates and endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All certificates of insurance are to be submitted prior to, and approved by, the City before services are rendered. The Contractor must ensure Certificate of insurance are updated for the entire term of the City.

vi. Insurer Acceptability: Insurance is to be placed with an insurer having an A.M. Best's rating of A and a five (5) year average financial rating of not less than V. If an insurer does not qualify for averaging on a five-year basis, the current total Best's rating will be used to evaluate insurer acceptability.

vii. Lapse in Coverage: A lapse in coverage shall constitute grounds for contract termination by The City of Richmond Hill.

viii. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention: Any deductibles or self-insured retention must be declared to, and approved by, the City. At the option of the City, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention as related to the City, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Contractor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of related suits, losses, claims, and related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses.

2.11 INDEMNIFICATION: The Proposer agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless

The City of Richmond Hill, its council, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all liability, damages, claims, suits, liens, and judgments, of whatever nature, including claims for contribution and/or indemnification, for injuries to or death of any person or persons, or damage to the property or other rights of any person or persons caused by the Proposer or its sub Firms.

The Proposer’s obligation to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, as set forth herein above shall include, but not be limited to, any matter arising out of any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, trademark, copyright, or service mark, or any actual or alleged unfair competition, disparagement of product or service, or other business tort of any type whatsoever, or any actual or alleged violation of trade regulations. Proposer further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless The City of Richmond Hill, at his sole expense, and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if such claims, suits, etc., are groundless, false, or fraudulent, including any and all claims or liability for compensation under the Worker's Compensation Act arising out of injuries sustained by any employee of the PROPOSER or his subcontractors or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them.

The Proposer's obligation to indemnify The City of Richmond Hill under this Section shall not be limited in any way by the agreed-upon contract price, or to the scope and amount of coverage provided by any insurance maintained by the Proposer.

2.12 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION – TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The Request for proposal, Legal Advertisement, General Conditions and Instructions to Firms, Specifications, Special Conditions, Proposer’s Proposal, Addendum, and/or any other pertinent documents form a part of the Firms proposal or proposal and by reference are made a part hereof.

2.13 STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: All Proposers must provide a statement of disclosure which will allow the City to evaluate possible conflicts of interest.

Interests of Public Officials

The Proposer warrants for itself and any subcontractor that no elected or appointed official or employee of the City of Richmond Hill, Georgia, has any interest in their proposal or the proceeds of any contract/agreement which may result thereof. In the event that an elected or appointed official or employee acquires any interest in any contract/agreement which may result from this proposal, or the proceeds thereof, the Proposer agrees to disclose such interest to the City immediately by written notice. For breach or violation of this clause, the City may annul any contract/ agreement resulting from this proposal without liability, terminate any contract/agreement resulting from this proposal for default, or take other remedial measures.

“Interest” as used herein means direct or indirect pecuniary or material benefit accruing to an appointed official or employee as a result of a matter which is or which is expected to become the subject of an official action by or with the city, except for such actions which, by their terms and by the substance of their provisions, confer the opportunity and right to realize the accrual of similar benefits to all other persons and/or property similarly situated. The term “interest” shall not include any remote interest. For purposes of this proposal, an appointed official or employee shall be deemed to have an interest in the affairs of: (1) his or her family; (2) any business entity in which the appointed official or employee is a member, officer, director, employee, or prospective employee; and (3) any business entity as to which the stock, legal Ownership, or beneficial Ownership of an appointed official or employee is in excess of five percent of the total stock or total legal and beneficial Ownership, or which is controlled or owned directly or indirectly by the appointed official or employee. Remote interest as used herein means the interest of (1) a volunteer director, officer, or employee of a nonprofit corporation; (2) a holder of less than 5 percent of the legal or beneficial Ownership of the total shares of a business;

2.14 SIGNED RESPONSE CONSIDERED AN OFFER: The signed proposal shall be considered an offer on the part of the Proposer, which offer shall be deemed accepted upon approval by the City or their designee. In case of a default on the part of the Proposer after such acceptance, The City of Richmond Hill may take such action as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or lack of required performance.

2.15 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: The response to this request for proposal must be received by the

City Hall no later than 11:30 AM, September 11th, 2026. Any proposal received after the time stipulated will be rejected and returned unopened to the proponent. It is emphasized that late proposals will be rejected

For good and sufficient reason, up to 24 hours before the advertised deadline, the City may extend the response schedule. An addendum will be issued setting forth the new date and time.

2.16 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL: Any proposal submitted before the deadline may be withdrawn by written request received by the City before the time fixed for receipt of proposals.

Withdrawal of any proposal will not prejudice the right of a proponent to submit a new or amended proposal as long as The City of Richmond Hill receives it by the deadline as provided herein.

2.17 REJECTING PROPOSALS: The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not bound to accept any proposal if that proposal is contrary to the best interest of The City of Richmond Hill. Similarly, the City is not bound to accept the lowest dollar proposal if the offer is not considered in the City's best interest.

2.18 QUESTIONS: Any questions pertaining to this request for proposal MUST be made in writing and received no later than 11:30 AM, August 28th, 2026. No responses will be given to questions received after that time. Questions may be emailed to kachtziger@eommgmt.com or hand delivered to The City of Richmond Hill located at 40 Richard R Davis Drive Richmond Hill, GA 31326.

The only official answer or position of The City of Richmond Hill will be the one stated in writing.

2.19 QUALITY: All materials, or supplies used for the construction necessary to comply with this proposal shall be of the best quality, and of the highest standard of workmanship. Workmanship employed in any construction, repair, or installation required by this proposal shall be of the highest quality and meet recognized standards within the respective trades, crafts and of the skills employed.

2.20 GUARANTEE: Unless otherwise specified by the City, the bidder shall unconditionally guarantee the materials and workmanship on all material and/or services. If, within the guarantee period, any defects occur which are due to faulty materials and or services, the contractor at his expense, shall repair or adjust the condition, or replace the material and/or services to the complete satisfaction of the City. These repairs, replacements or adjustments shall be made only at such time as will be designated by the City as being least detrimental to the operation of City business.

2.21 GEORGIA OPEN RECORDS ACT: The responses will become part of the City’s official files without any obligation on the City’s part. Ownership of all data, materials and documentation prepared for and submitted to the City of Richmond Hill in response to a solicitation, regardless of type, shall belong exclusively to City and will be considered a record prepared and maintained or received in the course of operations of a public office or agency and subject to public inspection in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Section 50-18-70, et. Seq., unless otherwise provided by law. Responses to ITB's shall be held confidential from all parties other than the City until after the contract is awarded by the City. The Proposer and their proposal price in response to the ITB will be read aloud at public proposal openings. After Proposal Tabulations, the ITB shall be available for public viewing. The City of Richmond Hill shall not be held accountable if material from responses is obtained without the written consent of the Proposer by parties other than the City, at any time during the solicitation evaluation process.

2.22 GEORGIA TRADE SECRET ACT of 1990: In the event a Proposer/Proposer submits trade secret information to the City, the information must be clearly labeled as a Trade Secret. The City will maintain the confidentiality of such trade secrets to the extent provided by law.

2.23 METHOD OF SELECTION: The City of Richmond Hill will evaluate all proposals submitted to the RFP. Proposer must meet all technical requirements or such proposal will be disqualified as being non-responsive. Proposals deemed to be incomplete as it pertains to substance and content may be returned without further consideration. An award, if made, will be made to the responsible Proposer whose Proposal is most advantageous to The City of Richmond Hill, taking into consideration experience, qualifications, management, pricing and other factors set forth in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The City will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of the Proposals received.

2.24 CONTRACT: The successful Proposer shall not commence work under this request for proposal until a written contract is awarded by the City. If the successful Proposer does commence any work or deliver items prior to receiving executed contractor, he does so at his own risk.

2.25 TERMINATION OF CONTRACT: The City of Richmond Hill shall have the right to terminate any contract. The Proposer shall be paid for services rendered and not in question or dispute through the effective date of such termination. Further, provided a contract is awarded, if a Proposer shall fail to fulfill any of its obligations hereunder, the City may, by giving written notice to the Proposer at issue, terminate the agreement with said Proposer for such default. If this agreement is so terminated, the Proposer shall be paid only for work satisfactorily completed.

2.26 CHANGES: In the event a contract is awarded, the City may, with prior Council approval, make changes at any time during the contract period within the general scope of the contract and its technical provisions. If any such change causes any increase or decrease in the Proposer’s cost of performing any part of the contract, an equitable adjustment shall be made in the contract prices, or in the time of performance, or in both. A written memorandum of such adjustment shall be made prior to any changes in contract pricing schedules.

2.27 PAYMENTS: Payment of invoices will be made within the time frame specified in the contract resulting from this request for proposal.

A. Proposer will be paid the agreed upon compensation upon satisfactory delivery of the products or completion of the work as more fully described in the contract documents.

B. Upon completion of the work, the Proposer will provide the City with an affidavit certifying all suppliers, persons or businesses employed by the Proposer for the work performed for the City have been paid in full.

C. The City of Richmond Hill is a tax-exempt entity. Every contractor, Proposer, business or person under contract with The City of Richmond Hill is required by Georgia law to pay State sales or use taxes for products purchased in Georgia or transported into Georgia and sold to The City of Richmond Hill by contract. Please consult the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Unit in Atlanta (404) 656-4065 for additional information.

SECTION III

3.1 SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals will be evaluated initially on the basis of the written document. The proposal must be complete, concise and clear as to the intent of the respondent.

Further evaluation may include an interview or oral presentation which would be scheduled at the discretion of the City of Richmond Hill.

3.2 EVALUATION FACTORS: Factors such as proponents’ overall capability, specialized experience, reputation, past performance on similar projects, technical competence, financial stability, ability to meet program goals, delivery under the contract terms, and fee schedule will be considered in the award recommendation.

3.3 FORMAT: The offeror shall submit one original (conspicuously marked “ORIGINAL”), one complete copy and one USB flash drive of their written proposal that presents their qualifications and understanding of the work to be performed. Include all information requested, organized in tabbed sections clearly identified in a table of contents in the order of the sections listed below.

3.4 PROPOSALS MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO:

A. INTRODUCTORY / COVER LETER (SECTION A): Proposers must provide a letter of introduction no more than two (2) pages highlighting or summarizing information you deem appropriate as a cover letter. At a minimum this letter must include name, address, telephone number, fax number and one (1) contact who will serve as the authorized representative for all correspondence. This section should demonstrate the Proposer understands of the Request for Proposal and contract requirements as well as how the Proposer intends to meet those requirements.

B. QUALIFCATION (SECTION B):

1. The name, title, address, and telephone number of the person (s) who will be assigned to perform service under the proposal.

2. Resumes/credentials of the person(s) who will perform the services required as well as how long they have been with your firm. Include a resume for each key staff person that will participate in the program. Provide an organizational chart showing project team structure. Highlight key and relevant experience. Attach copies of all licenses, certificates and certifications for key personnel. Credentials may be subject to verification.

3. Provide documentation of company's financial strength and certificate of insurance.

4. Provide documentation showing knowledge and experience with wastewater sludge conditioning, dredging and dewatering.

5. Provide evidence of familiarity with applicable Georgia EPD and EPA regulations governing wastewater biosolids and sludge disposal.

6. Provide listing of current and/or pending lawsuits and indicate the status of each.

7. State if your firm has operated under a different name within the past 10 years and provide that name that your firm previously operated under.

8. Provide complete details of any contract termination within the last 5 years and state the reason(s) for the termination.

3.4 REFERENCES (SECTION D):

1. Provide a listing of five (5) comparable projects completed by the firm within the last ten (10) years with a brief narrative of each project, client, contract value, volume of sludge reduced and/or removed and current status on date of completion. Municipal or government clients are preferred. Only corporate experience as a prime contractor will be considered. Individual personnel experience with firms other than the submitting firm will not be considered.

2. Please provide at least three (3) references using the form provided in Attachment H for which the firm has performed services within the past ten (10) years that are similar to the Scope of Service requirements listed in this Request for Proposal. References must include client's name, address, phone number, name of a contact person, brief description of services provided, value of contract and completion date.

3.5 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING AND METHODOLOGY (SECTION C): Provide a description of the Proposer’s technical approach to the project to include:

A. Proposer’s site preparation, mobilization and demobilization procedures B. Bio-enhancement methodology and procedure C. Equipment to be deployed D. Sludge volume pre- and post- measurement methodology E. Environmental and safety controls throughout the project F. Approach to minimizing disruption to surrounding areas G. Documentation and reporting procedures

3.5 FEE SCHEDULE: Use fee schedule form found in Section V and submit with proposal.

Quantities are estimates based on projected needs and are for evaluation purposes only. The City reserves the right to authorize tasks to a selected contractor.

3.6 DRAFT CONTRACT: A draft contract has been included in this RFP under Attachment I.

3.7 EVALUATION:

A. STEP 1: PROPOSAL EVALUATION

PROPOSAL EVALUATION POSSIBLE POINTS

Qualifications 25

Previous Experience 25

Project Understanding / Methodology 25

Fee Schedule 25

B. STEP 2: INTERVIEWS / PRESENTATIONS: If required by The City of Richmond Hill.

30 possible points

SECTION IV

SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION

4.1 SCOPE OF WORK: The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to solicit competitive proposals from qualified firms to provide sludge removal services at the City’s closed wastewater treatment pond. The work to be done consists of furnishing all materials, equipment and labor for the labor for the sludge removal.

A. The average pond depth is 5-7 feet with an average sludge depth of 4.7 feet. The pond contains approximately 450,000 cubic feet of sludge.

B. The pond sludge shall be reduced through either dredging or degradation services to 12 inches or less in the basin.

C. Contractor shall conduct their own initial sludge depth study before pond conditioning and final sludge depth study upon completion of dredging for comparison against the initial measurements. All expenses related to the studies shall be included in the mobilization and demobilization bid price.

D. Contractor shall provide an Operations Plan within 30 days of notice of award for review and approval by City and/or their representative. The plan must include a list of all anticipated chemicals, major construction equipment (if not owned by Contractor provide the owner or lessor) and subcontractors to be used on the project. Plan must also site preparation and mobilization procedures, dredging or degradation methods, demobilization procedures, project schedule and project manager contact information. Work cannot begin until an operations plan has been approved.

E. The City’s intent is to perform a Phase II project for any further land application, hauling and disposal.

F. Contractor is responsible for obtaining any required environmental permits and regulatory approvals prior to commencement of work and must comply with applicable federal, state and local environmental regulations.

G. Contractor shall provide weekly progress reports to the City's designated project manager.

H. All water removed during dredging operations must be returned back to the pond.

I. Contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment, piping, materials, appurtenances, power, temporary facilities and any other necessary items to complete the dredging services.

J. Contractor is responsible for providing any necessary launching equipment and improvements needed to provide adequate dredging access at no additional cost to the City.

K. Contractor is responsible for utility coordination and scheduling. Should Contractor, their employees, subcontractors or any other party performing services for the Contractor, damage existing utilities and facilities during the construction, Contractor shall be solely responsible for the repair and/or replacement to the original condition and quality.

L. Contractor is responsible for any and all required soil erosion and sediment control required on-site for any disturbed area.

M. Mobilization and demobilization shall include, but is not limited to, transportation, set-up, breakdown and removal of equipment and appurtenances; sitework; safety and quality controls;

temporary facilities; electrical; soil erosion and sedimentation controls; and all other work necessary to prepare for dredging services.

N. Contractor shall clean, re-grass and restore areas disturbed to their former condition upon completion of the dredging services.

O. Any damage to the pond liner, berms, or surrounding site features shall be remediated by the contractor at no additional cost to the City.

4.2 TIME: The selected contractor must be capable of mobilizing to the project site within 60 days of execution of the signed contract agreement. Time allotted for sludge conditioning and removal is 150 consecutive days from the execution of the signed contract agreement.

END OF SCOPE

SECTION V

PROPOSAL FORM

Proposer has read and understands the requirements of this Request for Proposal and agrees to provide the required services in accordance with the required specifications, and all other attachments, exhibits, etc.

Quantities below are estimated only for the purpose of evaluating the fee schedule.

ITEM EST. QTY UOM UNIT PRICE TOTAL

Mobilization & Demobilization 1 Lump Sum $ $

Sludge Removal via Degradation 15,000 CY $ $

Sludge Removal via Dredging 15,000 CY $ $

Signature and submission of the proposal represent the Proposer’s acceptance of all terms, conditions and requirements of specifications and, if awarded, the proposal will become part of the contract agreement between the parties.

COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

TELEPHONE FAX NUMBER

EMAIL

AUTHORIZED AGENT NAME TITLE

SIGNATURE

EXCEPTION SHEET

If Commodity(s) and/or Service proposed in quote is in ANYWAY different from that contained in this proposal, the Proposer is responsible for clearly identifying all such differences in the space below.

Otherwise, it will be assumed that the Proposer’s offer is in total compliance with all aspects of the proposal.

Below are the only differences between my offer and the City’s proposal:

Signature Date

LEGAL NTOICE

RFP NO. 081126-002 CLOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT POND SLUDGE REMOVAL

The City of Richmond Hill is seeking proposals from firms interested in providing sludge removal services at the City’s closed wastewater treatment pond. Sealed proposals are due by 11:30 AM (local time) September 11th, 2026, and must be mailed or hand delivered to City Hall, 40 Richard R Davis Drive, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31326. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Richmond Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility, 1701 Elbow Swamp Richmond Hill, GA 31324 at 2:00 August 21st, 2026.

A copy of this Request for proposal is available online at https://ga-richmondhill2.civicplus.com/bids.aspx. For additional information please contact, Kristen Achtziger at

(912) 445.0050 or via email: kachtziger@eommgmt.com.

THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY/AND ALL

PROPOSALS AND TO WAIVE ALL FORMALITIES.

"THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F/H, ALL

PROPOSERS ARE TO BE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS".

ATTACHMENT A

DRUG – FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

THE UNDERSIGNED CERTIFIES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF CODE SECTIONS 50-24-1

THROUGH 50-24-6 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE TO GEORGIA ANNOTATED, RELATED TO THE

**DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE**, HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH IN FULL. THE UNDERSIGNED

FURTHER CERTIFIES THAT:

1. A Drug-Free Workplace will be provided for the employees during the performance of the contract; and

2. Each sub-contractor under the direction of the Contractor shall secure the following written certification:

_____________________________________________________________________ (CONTRACTOR) certifies to The City of Richmond Hill that a Drug-Free Workplace will be provided for the employees during the performance of this contract known as CLOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT POND SLUDGE REMOVAL FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL pursuant to paragraph (7) of subsection (B) of Code Section 50-24-3. Also, the undersigned further certifies that he/she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana during the performance of the contract.

CONTRACTOR DATE

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

ATTACHMENT B

PROMISE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Know All Men By These Presence, that I (We), _________________________________________ Name Title Company

(herein after “Company”) in consideration of the privilege to bid/or propose on the following City of Richmond Hill project for CLOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT POND SLUDGE REMOVAL hereby consent, covenant and agree as follows:

A. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of or otherwise discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin or gender in connection with the proposal submitted to The City of Richmond Hill or the performance of the contract resulting therefrom;

B. That it is and shall be the policy of this Company to provide equal opportunity to all business persons seeking to contract or otherwise interested with the Company, including those companies owned and controlled by racial minorities, and women;

C In connection herewith, I (We) acknowledge and warrant that this Company has been made aware of, understands and agrees to take affirmative action to provide minority and women owned companies with the maximum practicable opportunities to do business with this Company on this contract;

D That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be continuing throughout the duration of this contract with The City of Richmond Hill;

E That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be and are hereby deemed to be made a part of and incorporated by reference in the contract which this Company may be awarded;

F That the failure of this Company to satisfactorily discharge any of the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth above may constitute a material breach of contract entitling the City to declare the contract in default and to exercise appropriate remedies including but not limited to termination of the contract.

Signature Date

My Commission Expires: ______________________, 20 _______

ATTACHMENT C

DISCLOSURE OF RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Failure to complete and return this information will result in your bid/offer/proposal being disqualified from further competition as non-responsive.

1. List any convictions of any person, subsidiary, or affiliate of the company, arising out of obtaining, or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of such contract or subcontract.

2. List any indictments or convictions of any person, subsidiary, or affiliate of this company for offenses such as embezzlement, theft, fraudulent schemes, etc. or any other offenses indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty which affects the responsibility of the contractor.

3. List any convictions or civil judgments under states or federal antitrust statutes.

4. List any violations of contract provisions such as knowingly (without good cause) to perform, or unsatisfactory performance, in accordance with the specifications of a contract.

5. List any prior suspensions or debarments by any governmental agency.

6. List any contracts not completed on time.

7. List any penalties imposed for time delays and/or quality of materials and workmanship.

8. List any documented violations of federal or any state labor laws, regulations, or standards, occupational safety and health rules.

I, _____________________________________, as __________________________________ Name of Individual Title & Authority

Of __________________________________________________, declare under oath that Company Name the above statements, including any supplemental responses attached hereto, are true.

Signature

State of _________________

County of _______________

Subscribed and sworn to before me on this _______ day of __________________ 20 _____ by

____________________________________________ representing him/herself to be

____________________________ of the company named herein.

ATTACHMENT D

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(l)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of The City of Richmond Hill has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number

Date of Authorization

Name of Contractor Name of Project

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on _________________, ______, in ________________________(city), ________(state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME

ON THIS _______ DAY OF _______________,_____.

NOTARY PUBLIC

ATTACHMENT E

SUBCONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-9l(b)(3)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned subcontractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract with ___________________________________(name of contractor) on behalf of THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore, the undersigned subcontractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned subcontractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with sub-subcontractors who present an affidavit to the subcontractor with the information required by O.C.G.A.