REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

(RFP)

RFP # 27-05-RB

Issue Date: September 21, 2026

Title: PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis

Commodity Code: 92642/92652/92672

Issuing Agency: Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Attn: Reneé Bishop, Contract Officer P. O. Box 1105 Richmond, VA 23218

Using Agency And/Or Location Department of Environmental Quality Where Work Will Be Performed: Statewide Initial Period Of Contract: One Year (1) year, with one (1), one (1) year optional renewal period.

Electronic Sealed Proposals Will Be Received Until 2:00 PM Est. on October 16, 2026, For Furnishing The Goods/Services Described Herein (Note: There is no “Public Bid Opening”; the date referenced in the Virginia Business Opportunities (VBO) refers to the due date/time for the sealed proposals).

All Inquiries For Information Should Be Directed To: Reneé Bishop, Contract Officer, Phone: (804-863-5852 and Carol Papazian, Procurement Manager, Phone: (804) 774-8002 or E-mail: renee.bishop@deq.virginia.gov/ carol.papazian@deq.virginia.gov

In Compliance With This Request For Proposals And To All The Conditions Imposed Therein And Hereby Incorporated By Reference, The Undersigned Offers And Agrees To Furnish The Goods/Services In Accordance With The Attached Signed Proposal Or As Mutually Agreed Upon By Subsequent Negotiation.

Name And Address Of Firm:

_____________________________________________ Date: ________________________________________

_____________________________________________ By: _________________________________________

_____________________________________________ (Signature In Ink)

__________________________Zip Code:________ Name: ________________________________________ eVA Vendor ID or DUNS Number: ______ (Please Print)

Fax Number: (___) ________________________ Title: _________________________________________ E-mail Address: ___________________________ Telephone Number: (___)_________________________

PREPROPOSAL CONFERENCE: An optional virtual preproposal conference will be held at 11:00 AM on October 1, 2026 (Refer to Section VIII herein). * If special ADAX accommodations are needed, please contact Reneé Bishop (804- 836-5852; renee.bishop@deq.virginia.gov) by September 29, 2026.

§ 2.2-4343.1 or against a bidder or offeror because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, veteran status, status as a military family, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment. Faith-based organizations may request that the issuing agency not include subparagraph A.(6) in General Terms and Condition 3. Such a request shall be in writing and explain why an exception should be made in that invitation to bid or request for proposal.

RFP #: 27-05-RB

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

I. PURPOSE

II. OPTIONAL USE

III. BACKGROUND

IV. STATEMENT OF NEEDS

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

VI. EVALUATION AND AWARD CRITERIA

VII. REPORTING AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

VIII. OPTIONAL PREPROPOSAL CONFERENCE

IX. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

X. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

XI. METHOD OF PAYMENT

XII. PRICE SCHEDULE

XIII. ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A / OFFEROR DATA SHEET

ATTACHMENT B / STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION FORM

ATTACHMENT C / PROPRIETARY/TRADE SECRET INFORMATION

IDENTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT D / SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

ATTACHMENT E / ANTI-DISCRIMINATION CHECKLIST……………………………………. 40

ATTACHMENT F/ PRICE SCHEDULE ........................................................... Separate Attachment

I. PURPOSE:

The intent and purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit sealed proposals to establish a term contract through competitive negotiation with a qualified source that can provide the “Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Disposal Alternatives Analysis” (Analysis), as specified herein, for the Department of Environmental Quality, an agency of the Commonwealth (“Commonwealth”) of Virginia, hereinafter referred to as the “DEQ.”

The initial contract term is one (1) year, with one (1) optional one (1)-year renewal period.

II. OPTIONAL USE CONTRACT (Ancillary Services):

The resulting contract will be an optional use, requirements-based contract for the ancillary services. The DEQ is in no way required to make purchases from the Contractor and may, in its sole discretion, purchase the identical and/or similar goods/services from other sources. Any estimates/quantities contained herein do not represent a purchase commitment by the DEQ.

III. BACKGROUND:

The DEQ requires a statewide PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis to fulfill the mandates established in the state budget, HB30, Budget Amendment 368 #2 – PFAS Disposal Alternative Analysis, hereinafter referred to as the “Analysis”. The legislation requires DEQ to engage the services of a qualified consulting engineering firm with significant experience in disposal alternatives and for DEQ to oversee the analysis with the assistance of the PFAS Expert Advisory Committee (PEAC).

Key facets/objectives of the analysis include:

Identifying and assessing the capacity of PFAS disposal and destruction alternatives statewide for landfills, monofills, incineration, and other available and innovative destruction technologies, Determining environmental impacts for each PFAS disposal alternative, individually and cumulatively, Estimating costs impacts at different levels, including to the state, to localities or utilities, and to households, Estimating the costs or value of the loss of land application (of biosolids) benefits to farmers, including quantifying, if possible, monetary loss of production, Periodic progress reporting and meetings with DEQ to track progress of the analysis, as well as submission of deliverables, Producing a final written report providing the results of the analysis, and Submission of the final report by May 31, 2027.

For reference, the text of the State Budget/Legislation is provided below. See also the following web address:

https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/HB30/Introduced/CA/368/2h/

PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis "M. The Department shall conduct a statewide PFAS disposal analysis, including consideration and estimates, as appropriate, of available landfill capacity, future landfill or monofill capacity, incineration or other available and innovate PFAS destruction technology, environmental impacts of alternatives, costs estimated at the state, locality or utility, and household levels, and loss of biosolids land applications benefits to farmers. The Department shall engage the services of a qualified consulting engineering firm with significant experience in disposal alternatives and shall oversee the analysis with the assistance of the PFAS Advisory Committee….”

Proposal Submission: Due to the extremely limited timeframe for this Analysis, Offerors are strongly encouraged to partner/subcontract, to ensure that the Offerors have sufficient resources to complete all deliverables as specified herein Section IV.

Note: In the event Offerors partner in order to submit a proposal, the proposal can only be submitted under/signed by only (1) Offeror (e.g. the “prime” Offeror).

IV. STATEMENT OF NEEDS:

A. Definitions - for the purpose of this RFP, the following definitions should apply to Section

IV:

1. Ancillary Services: Services not included in the contract “Total Fixed Price” for the PFAS

Disposal Alternatives Analysis.

2. Normal Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.

3. Overtime Hours: Monday through Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM EST., weekends and Virginia

State observed holidays.

4. Contractor’s Project Team - includes, but not limited to, the following Contractor personnel roles:

a. Principal (e.g., major deliverable review, staffing issues, project approval authority).

b. Project Manager (e.g., daily management of project Tasks, major and minor deliverable review, timeline management, primary point-of-contact for DEQ, coordination of meetings with disposal facilities and DEQ).

c. Engineer (e.g., waste disposal/destruction expertise, innovative technology expertise, biosolids, document preparation or review).

d. Environmental Specialist (e.g., document preparation/review, communication with DEQ staff and disposal facilities, meeting participation and coordination).

e. Other Project Team Members (e.g. Financial Analysts/Accountants, PFAS subject matter experts, Solid/Haz Waste experts, GIS staff, Biosolids staff, etc.).

5. DEQ Project Team - includes the following DEQ personnel roles:

a. DEQ Project Manager (“Project Manager”; DEQ Land Division staff).

b. DEQ Subject Matter Experts (Waste Disposal, Remediation, Biosolids, PFAS staff).

c. DEQ Contract Administrator (or designee; DEQ Central Office staff).

B. General Requirements – at minimum, the Contractor should:

1. Furnish (as applicable) all personnel (i.e. labor and supervision), resources (e.g., subject matter experts (SMEs}), materials, supplies, incidentals, travel / transportation, etc., necessary to provide the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis (to include the “Ancillary Services”) specified herein, and in response to, this RFP.

C. PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis (“Analysis”) – the Contractor should:

1. General Requirements:

a. Schedule, conduct and/or participate in virtual meetings with DEQ in accordance with the meeting schedule listed in Section IV.C.4. (and upon request by DEQ at no additional cost).

b. Perform an Analysis that meets the requirements and objectives of the legislation (refer to Section III, the “BACKGROUND”).

c. Address and/or resolve all comments provided by DEQ (refer to Section IV.C.3.e.) on any of the deliverables.

d. Complete and submit the Final PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis (refer to Section IV.C.3.d) to DEQ by May 31, 2027; and should provide one revision of the Final PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis if deemed necessary by DEQ, at no additional cost.

2. Tasks: Perform the following tasks for the Analysis:

a. Identify Available Landfill Capacity for PFAS Waste Disposal:

(1) Locate all landfills in the state available to accept PFAS waste including but not limited to biosolids, AFFF, GAC filters, and other treatment processes by products.

(2) Quantify the capacity (e.g. volume) available for PFAS waste disposal in each identified landfill, including consideration of how the physical characteristics of PFAS waste streams affect capacity.

(3) Calculate or estimate the lifespan that each landfill will be available to receive PFAS waste.

(4) Create a figure showing the locations of all identified landfills.

b. Identify and/or Estimate Future Landfill or Monofill Capacity for PFAS Waste

Disposal:

(1) Locate all future landfills or monofills in the state that are in any phase of planning and quantify their projected capacity.

(2) Calculate or estimate the lifespan that each future landfill will be available to receive

PFAS waste, including consideration of how the physical characteristics of PFAS waste streams affect capacity.

(3) In addition to landfills or monofills in the planning stage, provide an estimate of future capacity using reasonable criteria. Evaluate the uncertainty or margin of error of the estimate.

(4) Create a figure showing locations of future permitted landfills or monofills in any phase of planning.

c. Identify PFAS Incineration Capacity and/or Capacity of Other Innovative PFAS Destruction Technologies:

(1) Locate all facilities in the state that incinerate PFAS waste and quantify their capacity.

(2) Locate all facilities in the state that dispose of PFAS waste using other innovative PFAS destruction technologies and quantify their capacity.

(3) Create a figure showing the locations of all facilities that dispose of PFAS waste by incineration or other innovative PFAS destruction technologies.

d. Environmental Impacts of Alternatives:

(1) Evaluate the environmental impacts of each identified PFAS disposal alternative option. At a minimum, the evaluation should include:

(a) Impacts to threatened or endangered species.

(b) Air, land, and water quality impacts.

(c) Impacts to historical or cultural sites.

(d) Social and economic impacts to local communities.

(2) Develop figures, graphs or tables etc. that enhance presentation of the evaluation and support the text of the Analysis.

e. Costs of Disposal Alternatives:

(1) Estimate financial costs at different levels, including state, locality, utility, and household.

(2) Account for all costs at each level, including but not limited to; tipping or disposal fees, transportation, labor, handling, or any other identified costs.

(3) Develop tables and/or charts to present and compare the costs for each level and to support the text of the Analysis.

f. Identify the Loss of Land application benefits to farmers:

(1) Quantify the scope of biosolids land application in Virginia, providing the total amount of biosolids land applied representative of current use, including the acreage applied and comparison of these data to other forms of fertilizer.

(2) Identify any trends in biosolids land application and estimate future use of biosolids.

(3) Identify and quantify, where possible, the scope of benefits of biosolids use where land applied. The analysis should consider benefits in addition to fertilizer value.

(4) Quantify the economic value of biosolids land application, considering whether or not the economic value is realized by the farmer (e.g. excess phosphorus value in the biosolids that would not have been purchased as commercial fertilizer).

(5) The economic analysis should include discussion of benefits that may not be easily quantified, e.g. increase in drought resilience following biosolids land application, and whether other means are available to counter the loss in production, and the cost of those other means, if a substitute is available that provides similar benefits as biosolids.

3. Reports/Deliverables. Produce and submit the following Reports/Deliverables (Submit electronically via email to the DEQ Project Manager):

a. Progress Report, submitted within 30 calendar days and within 75 calendar days after the effective date of the contract, to include a BRIEF summary of the following:

(1) Activities conducted to date, including those in progress,

(2) Activities remaining to be completed,

(3) Status of the schedule,

(4) Problems encountered or foreseen; and

(5) Any other pertinent information such as staff changes, etc.

b. Preliminary Analysis, titled Preliminary PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis, submitted within 60 calendar days after the effective date of the contract. The Preliminary Analysis should be in report format and include the findings and results completed as of the submittal date and include placeholders for items not yet completed. The Analysis should include the following:

(1) Table of Contents,

(2) Executive Summary/Background,

(3) Comprehensive Discussion/Narrative for each task listed in Section IV.C.2; and at a minimum for each task, include:

(a) An overview of how the task was conducted/completed,

(b) Information and/or data sources used in the analysis,

(c) Findings and results,

(d) Discussion of uncertainties if applicable to the task.

(4) Tables/Charts: At minimum, include;

(a) Tables/Charts identified each task (as applicable) in Section IV.C.2.,

(b) Additional Tables/Charts that may be necessary to support the analysis.

(5) Figures:At minimum, include;

(a)Figures identified in each task (as applicable) in Section IV.C.2., (b)Additional Figures that may be necessary to support the analysis.

(6) References. A list of references (e.g. data sources, literature, public documents, etc.

used in the analysis.

(7) Appendices (as applicable)

c. Pre-Final Analysis, titled Pre-Final PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis, submitted within 90 calendar days after the effective date of the contract. The Pre-Final Analysis should be built upon and use the structure of the Preliminary Analysis and should be complete or near complete. Any previous DEQ comments or questions should be addressed within the Pre-Final Analysis. The Contractor should notify DEQ of any tasks/items not completed upon submittal of the Pre-Final Analysis.

d. Final Analysis, titled Final PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis, should be submitted within 120 calendar days after the effective date of the contract, or by May 31, 2027, whichever comes first. The Final Analysis should be built upon and use the structure of the Pre-Final Analysis and should be complete. The Final Analysis should address any prior DEQ comments or questions and all contract requirements, with no outstanding items remaining. The Contractor should provide one revision of the Final Analysis at no additional cost upon request of DEQ.

e. Response to DEQ Comments. DEQ may provide written comments or questions upon review of the deliverables. The Contractor should provide a written reply that addresses and/or resolves DEQ’s comments. In the event DEQ has comments, DEQ will specify a turnaround time for the Contractor’s written response upon receipt of DEQ’s comments;

the required written response time is anticipated to not be more than 10 calendar days.

4. Meetings - conduct the following meetings:

a. Kick-Off Meeting, held within five (5) business days of the effective date of the contract award to discuss the project scope and schedule. Attendees should include the Contractor’s Project Manager, key team members, and representatives of any subcontractors.

b. Preliminary Analysis Meeting, held within 10 calendar days after submission of the Preliminary Analysis deliverable listed in Section IV.C.3.b. Attendees should include the Contractor’s Project Manager and key team members.

c. Pre-Final Analysis Meeting, held within 10 calendar days after submission of the Pre- Final Analysis listed in Section IV.C.3.c. Attendees should include the Contractor’s Project Manager and key team members.

d. Other Meetings if requested by DEQ or the Contractor to resolve problems, discuss schedules/progress, or other issues.

D. Ancillary Services – Upon request by DEQ, the Contractor should provide the following services:

1, Additional public outreach or engagement, if necessary and requested by DEQ.

2. Additional technical assistance, if necessary and requested by DEQ.

D. Ownership:

1. All documentation (to include, but not limited to: files, records, data, and related records) that is collected, stored, generated, maintained, or transmitted during the performance of this contract, are the property of DEQ. The Contractor shall immediately relinquish the documentation upon request by DEQ, or at the end of the contract term. The Contractor shall have no rights, unless specifically granted to the Contractor by DEQ in writing, to any such documentation collected, stored, generated, maintained, or transmitted as part of this contract.

2. All logos, trademarks, papers, reports, creations, or inventions created or developed in the performance of this contract, to include all data, documents, forms, materials, etc., shall become the sole property of DEQ.

Upon request by DEQ, the Contractor should promptly provide an acknowledgment or assignment in a tangible form satisfactory to DEQ, to evidence DEQ’s sole ownership of the specifically identified intellectual property created or developed in the performance of the contract.

3. All copyright and patent rights to all existing DEQ logos, trademarks, papers, reports, forms, etc., and all data, documents, forms, materials, etc., originated and furnished by DEQ shall remain the sole property of DEQ.

E. Contractor Personnel Requirements - the Contractor should:

1. Qualification Requirements: Perform all PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services only with personnel who are thoroughly qualified, trained and experienced in performing the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein this RFP.

2. Staffing: Ensure that sufficient personnel are available to perform the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Services, in accordance with the contract completion period.

3. Project Manager - Assign a “Project Manager” to the DEQ contract; the “Project Manager” should:

(a) Direct the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services provided under this contract.

(b) Be available to answer discuss questions regarding PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis

Services during normal business hours and to meet virtually with the DEQ Contract Administrator when determined necessary by the Contractor, or upon request by the

DEQ.

(c) Submit the Reports/Deliverables and a copy of each invoice to the DEQ Contract Administrator; and assist the DEQ Contract Administrator with facilitating contract renewals, etc.

(d) Be accessible via telephone and e-mail:

In the event there are any changes to the “Project Manager’s” contact information, the Contractor should provide the DEQ Contract Administrator with the updated information by the time the changes are effective.

4. Assigned Personnel: DEQ reserves the right to observe the Contractor’s personnel and work product at any time, while services are being performed. If, in the sole opinion of DEQ, an employee of the Contractor is determined not to be qualified, competent, or acceptable for any other reason, the Contractor should not assign that individual for further service for

DEQ.

G. Price / Quote / Invoicing Requirements:

1. PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis:

a. The price for the Analysis shall be in accordance with “ATTACHMENT F”, the “PRICE

SCHEDULE”; and shall include all costs associated with providing the Analysis; extra charges will not be allowed.

b. The Contractor should invoice upon submission of each Reports/Deliverable listed in Section IV.C.3. Each invoice should be a percentage of the “Total Fixed Price” as follows:

(1) Progress Report (x2) 5% of “Total Fixed Price”

(2) Preliminary Analysis 15% of “Total Fixed Price”

(3) Pre-Final Analysis 25% of “Total Fixed Price”

(4) Final Analysis 50% of “Total Fixed Price”

2. Ancillary Services:

a. Price Requirements:

(1) Ancillary services should be invoiced on a ‘time and materials’ basis as an hourly rate.

(2) The hourly rate(s) shall be:

(a) In accordance with the (as applicable) “Normal Business” hourly rate /

“Overtime” hourly rate of “ATTACHMENT F,” the “PRICE SCHEDULE” .

(b) Inclusive of ALL costs associated with performing the ancillary services; extra charges will not be allowed.

b. Quote Requirements:

(1) The Contractor should submit a written quote to the DEQ Contractor Administrator that identifies the:

(a) Project team (Contractor project team), and team member responsibilities;

(b) Applicable contract job classification(s);

(c) Applicable contract hourly rate per job classification (refer to “ATTACHMENT

F,” the “PRICE SCHEDULE”);

(d) Total number of hours per contract job classification;

(e) Total fixed price for completing the ancillary services; and the

(f) “Start” and “completion” dates / timeframes for the ancillary services.

c. Terms and Conditions: The terms and conditions of RFP #27-04-RB should supersede any terms and conditions that may be included with, attached to, or incorporated by reference in, the Contractor’s quote for such services.

Note: If the DEQ determines that the quoted price is not fair and reasonable, DEQ, in its sole discretion, may request the Contractor to reevaluate the price. If the revised price is determined, by DEQ in its sole discretion, not to be fair and reasonable, DEQ reserves the right to obtain additional quotes from other vendors.

d. Prior Authorization - the Contractor shall:

(a) Obtain written authorization to proceed from DEQ, prior to performing any ancillary services.

(b) Not exceed the total fixed price without prior written approval from the DEQ Contract Administrator.

e. Invoicing Requirements – the Contractor should:

(1) In the event:

(a) Services carry over into another contract period, invoice in accordance with the rates in effect at the time services were initiated (e.g. services are initiated during the 2026 -2027 contract period and carry over into the 2027

- 2028 contract period; the Contractor should invoice for services performed during the 2027-2028 contract period, at the 2026 - 2027 contract rates).

(b) At the time the Contractor is to provide / perform the quoted services, the Contractor is unable to furnish the job classification quoted for the service, the Contractor should invoice the DEQ based upon the contract hourly rate for the job classification identified in the Contractor’s quote (e.g., if the Contractor submitted the quote based upon a “Environmental Specialist” and must use a “Project Manager” to perform the work because the Contractor did not have a “Environmental Specialist” available, the Contractor should invoice the DEQ at the contract hourly rate for the “Environmental Specialist” job classification), or invoice based upon the classification with the lowest hourly rate (e.g., if the Contractor submitted the quote based upon a “Project Manager” and must use a “Environmental Specialist” to perform the work because the “Project Manager” was not available, and the “Environmental Specialist” position has a lower contract hourly rate, the Contractor should invoice DEQ at the contract hourly rate for the “Environmental Specialist”).

H. DEQ Project Responsibilities – DEQ will:

1. Provide the Contractor with information as needed that may pertain to completing the Analysis.

2. Provide the Contractor with technical review comments and feedback on the Reports/Deliverables, as needed.

3. Be available to answer questions from the Contractor regarding unique or unusual situations they may observe regarding interpretation of legislative language or other project scope needs.

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Electronic RFP Submission Response Through eVA: In order to be considered for selection, Offerors shall submit a complete proposal response to this RFP electronically through eVA (i.e., a mailed, faxed or E-mailed proposal will not be accepted); and Offerors shall:

a. Be registered in eVA.

b. Submit their entire proposal electronically through eVA, to include all attachments.

c. Proprietary Information: If an Offeror’s proposal contains proprietary or trade secret information (“proprietary information”), the Offeror shall submit each as follows:

(1) A complete electronic version of the entire proposal, including all attachments, excluding any proprietary information, and clearly labeled as “NON- PROPRIETARY”; and

(2) A complete electronic version of the entire proposal, including all attachments, including proprietary information, and clearly labeled as “PROPRIETARY”.

Note: This electronic submission must clearly identify if it excludes or includes proprietary information; DEQ will not be responsible for the Offeror’s failure to exclude proprietary information.

d. Sign the electronic submissions(s) (i.e., the signature page shall be submitted as a “PDF” document with the electronic submission; a typewritten or stamped signature is not acceptable).

e. Submit all proposal documents in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document format:

Note: If the RFP price schedule provided to Offerors with the RFP is in an Excel format, Offerors may upload the completed price schedule on the Excel document provided by DEQ with the RFP.

f. Be solely responsible for:

(1) All efforts to submit their proposal electronically, to include obtaining any necessary assistance from eVA Customer care; eVA Customer Care requests must be submitted on a “Supplier Assistance Request Form”: eVA Supplier Assistance Request Form (virginia.gov).

(2) Assuring that their proposal is received in eVA by the time and date indicated.

Proposals submitted after the proposal submission deadline will not be accepted;

and proposals submitted elsewhere, including to other state or federal agencies will not be accepted. Refer to the cover page of this document for the proposal submission deadline:

In no event will the Agency (i.e., DEQ) be responsible for any technical issues that the Offeror may encounter with eVA; nor will DEQ accept any proposal that is received in eVA after the due date and time established for this RFP.

Note – Offerors:

https://dgs.virginia.gov/procurement/eva---virginias-eprocurement-portal/eva-customer-care-forms/supplier-hypercare-support-for-the-eva-transition/

Are strongly encouraged to submit their proposal sufficiently early to allow for any delays they may encounter with obtaining assistance from eVA Customer Care or with any technical issues.

Should:

RFP Status: Check the status of the solicitation on eVA at www.eva.virginia.gov by clicking on Business Opportunities and then click on Virginia Business Opportunities (VBO) Virginia Business Opportunities (cgieva.com) for any updates, changes, amendments, cancellations, etc.; and

Electronic submission guidance:

- Visit: eVA - eVA - Virginia's eProcurement Marketplace

- Click I Sell To Virginia - eVA (I Sell to Virginia)

- Click “eVA Supplier Training” Supplier Training Materials (virginia.gov); and

- Click “Viewing and Responding to Solicitations Video” Viewing Responding to Solicitations Video - YouTube

No other distribution of the proposal shall be made by the Offeror.

2. The version of the solicitation issued by DEQ, as amended by any addenda, is the mandatory controlling version of the document. Any modification of or additions to the solicitation by the Offeror shall not modify the official version of the solicitation issued by DEQ unless accepted in writing by DEQ. Such modifications or additions to the solicitation by the Offeror may be cause for rejection of the proposal; however, DEQ reserves the right to decide, on a case-by-case basis, in its sole discretion, whether to reject such a proposal. If the modifications or additions are not identified until after the award of the contract, the controlling version of the solicitation document shall still be the official state form issued by DEQ.

3. Communications regarding this RFP shall be formal from the date of issue for this RFP, until either a Contractor has been selected or DEQ rejects all proposals. Formal communications shall be directed to the DEQ Office of Procurement Services (OPS). Informal communications including but not limited to, request(s) for information, comments or speculations, regarding this RFP to any DEQ employee other than an OPS representative may result in the offending Offeror’s proposal being rejected.

4. Proposal Preparation:

a. Proposals shall be signed by an authorized representative of the Offeror. All information requested should be submitted. Failure to submit all information requested may result in the Purchasing Agency requiring prompt submission of missing information and/or giving a lowered evaluation of the proposal. Proposals which are substantially incomplete or lack key information may be rejected by the Purchasing Agency.

Mandatory requirements are those required by law or regulation or are such that they cannot be waived and are not subject to negotiation.

All information requested by this RFP on the ownership, utilization and planned involvement of small businesses, women-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses must be submitted. If an Offeror fails to submit all information requested, the issuing agency may require prompt submission of missing information after the receipt of Contractors’ proposals.

b. Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Emphasis should be placed on completeness and clarity of content.

http://www.eva.virginia.gov/ https://mvendor.cgieva.com/Vendor/public/AllOpportunities.jsp https://mvendor.cgieva.com/Vendor/public/AllOpportunities.jsp https://eva.virginia.gov/index.html https://eva.virginia.gov/i-sell-to-virginia.html https://eva.virginia.gov/supplier-training-materials.html https://eva.virginia.gov/supplier-training-materials.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSxcAkOekW0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSxcAkOekW0

c. Proposals should be organized in a single document (with the exception “ATTACHMENT F”, the “PRICE SCHEDULE”), with information presented in the same order in which the requirements are presented in the RFP, to include the same “TAB” headings. All pages of the proposal should be numbered. Each paragraph in the proposal should reference the paragraph number of the corresponding section of this RFP. It is also helpful to cite the paragraph number, subletter, and repeat the text of the requirement as it appears in this RFP. If a response covers more than one page, the paragraph number and subletter should be repeated at the top of the next page. The proposal should contain a table of contents which cross-references the RFP requirements. Information which the Offeror desires to present that does not fall within any of the requirements of this RFP should be inserted at an appropriate place or be attached at the end of the proposal and designated as additional material. Proposals that are not organized in this manner risk elimination from consideration if the evaluators are unable to find where the RFP requirements are specifically addressed.

d. As used in this RFP, the terms "must", "shall", "should" and “may” identify the criticality of requirements. "Must" and "shall" identify requirements whose absence will have a major negative impact on the suitability of the proposed solution. Items labeled as "should" or “may” are highly desirable, although their absence will not have a large impact and would be useful but are not necessary. Depending on the overall response to this RFP, some individual "must" and "shall" items may not be fully satisfied, but it is the intent to satisfy most, if not all, "must" and "shall" requirements. The inability of an Offeror to satisfy a "must" or "shall" requirement does not automatically remove that Offeror from consideration; however, it may seriously affect the overall rating of the Offeror’s proposal.

e. The proposal should be submitted as a single document where practical (the Excel price schedule may be a separate document). All documentation submitted with the proposal should be contained in that single volume.

f. Ownership of all data, materials, and documentation originated and prepared for the State pursuant to this RFP shall belong exclusively to the State and be subject to public inspection in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted by an Offeror shall not be subject to public disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; however, the Offeror must invoke the protections of § 2.2-4342F of the Code of Virginia, in writing, either before or at the time the data or other material is submitted and must identify the data or other materials to be protected and state the reasons why protection is necessary. If applicable, the proposal must be labeled to denote proprietary or trade secret information is contained in the document and written notice of proprietary or trade secret information must be submitted on “ATTACHMENT C / PROPRIETARY / TRADE SECRET INFORMATION IDENTIFICATION”. In addition, the specific (i.e. specific words, figures or paragraphs) proprietary or trade secret material submitted must be identified by some distinct method such as highlighting or underlining and must indicate only the specific words, figures, or paragraphs that constitute trade secret or proprietary information. The classification of an entire proposal document, line-item prices, and/or total proposal prices as proprietary or trade secrets is not acceptable. If, after being given a reasonable time, as solely determined by the Purchasing Agency, the Offeror refuses to withdraw an entire classification designation, the proposal will be rejected".

E-mail correspondence containing a ‘boilerplate’ notice stating that the correspondence and/or attached materials is proprietary and/or trade secret information will not be recognized by the Purchasing Agency; Offerors must specifically invoke the protections of § 2.2-4342F of the Code of Virginia and identify the specific proprietary or trade secret information associated with the E-mail and/or attached materials, as instructed above.

5. Oral Presentation / Demonstrations: Offerors who submit a proposal in response to this RFP may be required to give an oral presentation of their proposal to the Agency. This provides an opportunity for the Offeror to clarify or elaborate on the proposal. This is a fact-finding and explanation session only and does not include negotiation. The issuing agency will schedule the time and location of these presentations. Oral presentations are an option of the Purchasing Agency and may or may not be conducted.

DEQ expects Offerors who are invited to give an oral presentation will utilize the person or persons who will be working on the project to make the presentation so that the quality and experience of the Offeror’s staff can be evaluated. In the event DEQ requires an oral presentation, DEQ will schedule the oral presentation(s) for specific dates; these dates are critical and alternative dates may not be available.

B. SPECIFIC PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS: Proposals should be as thorough and detailed as possible so that DEQ may properly evaluate your capabilities to provide the required goods/services. Offerors are required to submit the following items as a complete proposal:

1. Return the RFP cover sheet and all addenda acknowledgments, if any, signed and filled out as required.

2. A written narrative statement specifically addressing each point under Section V.B, the “PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS,” “TAB 2” through “TAB 5.”:

a. Any reference by the Offeror to a supplemental attachment submitted by the Offeror, should identify the title of the supplemental attachment, and the specific page number of a multipage supplemental attachment, on which the response to “TAB 2” through “TAB 5” (as applicable) is located (e.g. “refer to pages 1 through 2 of Attachment A – TAB 2.A, Company Information“}.

b. Supplemental attachments should identify the title of the attachment, and the specific “TAB” / “TAB” subsection to which the supplemental attachment applies (e.g.

“ATTACHMENT A - Capacity” / “TAB 2.B”).

TAB 1

Signed RFP coversheet;

Signed addenda (as applicable); and

“ATTACHMENT C / PROPRIETARY/TRADE SECRET INFORMATION

IDENTIFICATION”.

TAB 2 Company Information:

A. Overview: Submit a brief history and description of your company’s operations, to include the following information:

1. The scope and nature of your company;

2. Years of operation;

3. The organizational structure of your company, etc.;

4. The link to your company’s website;

5. The same information requested in TAB 2.A.1 through 4 for all subcontractors, consultants, or other entities that are part of your proposed project team:

a. Describe the organizational relationship between your company and those entities; and

6. Other introductory information your company wishes to submit.

B. Capacity: For your company, and all subcontractors, consultants, or other entities that are part of your proposed project team:

1. Describe the size of the company.

2. Identify the number of full-time engineers, environmental specialists, and other project team members (e.g. Financial Analysts/Accountants, PFAS subject matter experts, Solid/Haz Waste experts, GIS staff, Biosolids staff, etc.) typically employed to perform PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis or substantially similar service.

3. Identify the company’s standard hours of operation.

4. Identify:

a. The company’s typical annual “sales” (i.e. dollar volume of workload) volume for PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis or substantially similar service.

b. What size business account the DEQ would represent in terms of the company’s typical annual “sales” (i.e. dollar volume of workload) volume for PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis or substantially similar service; for example: “Out of x many ongoing account relationships, the DEQ would be in the top x %.”

C. Offeror Data Sheet (Complete “ATTACHMENT A”).

Note: References identified on “ATTACHMENT A” may be the same as provided in response to TAB 4.A or may be in addition to those provided in response to TAB 4.A.

D. State Corporation Commission Form: Required of all Offerors pursuant to Title

13.1 or Title 50 of the Code of Virginia. (Complete “ATTACHMENT B”).

TAB 3 PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services:

A. General - submit a narrative statement in your own words, that:

1. Describes the scope of the services requested in this RFP; and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the:

a. Purpose;

b. Requirements; and

c. Deliverables requested in this RFP; and

2. Describe your company’s approach for:

a. Quality control and assurance; and

b. Ensuring timely submission of all contract deliverables.

B. Analysis– Describe in detail, your company’s approach and methodology for completing the Analysis by May 31, 2027. Include at minimum, your company’s;

1. Proposed project schedule that demonstrates your company’s ability to start work immediately upon contract award. Develop a Gantt chart/schedule) that includes a line item for the following:

a. Each analysis task (refer to Section IV.C.2.a.-f.), to include any proposed subtasks your company deems necessary for the schedule.

b. Each deliverable/report (refer to Section IV.C.3.a.-e.), including responses to DEQ comments.

c. Each meeting (refer to Section IV.C.4.a.-d.)

2. Approach and methodology for initiating, developing and executing each task of the Analysis (refer to Section IV.C.2.a.-f.), including but not limited to:

a. The means and methods proposed to complete each task, including the expected level of effort and timeframe allotted to complete each task.

b. The number and type of personnel to be assigned to complete each task.

Discuss the availability of staffing to be utilized to complete each task/ analysis.

c. The data and/or information sources to be utilized for the Analysis.

3. Contingency plan for expediting completion of the Final PFAS Analysis

(refer to Section IV.C.3.d.) by the deadline of May 31, 2027, should the effective date of the contract not allow the full 120 days to conduct the analysis tasks.

4. Samples - submit samples of the following deliverables that your company has previously produced that are similar to what is being requested in this

RFP:

a. PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis, or similar,

b. Landfill Capacity Estimates,

c. Environmental Impact Assessment,

d. Cost estimates for PFAS disposal costs at different levels (e.g. state, local, household, etc.), and monetary value of biosolids application to farmers, and

e. Progress Reports.

Note:

If the Offeror does not have a sample of the specific document(s) identified in TAB 3, B.4, the Offeror should submit a sample that is most similar to the sample document requested. If one sample contains examples of multiple types of deliverables, the Offeror should note that in the proposal.

The Offeror may submit a redacted sample, provided sufficient content is available for review.

9. Project Manager and Project Team: Identify the percentage of time the proposed project manager and the members of the proposed project team will be dedicated to any contract resulting from this RFP.

C. Ancillary Services: Describe any ancillary services associated with the PFAS

Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services your company performs that are not specified herein this RFP.

TAB 4 Experience and Qualifications:

Describe your company’s specific experience in managing and providing complex environmental or engineering studies similar to the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services; specified herein, and in response to, this RFP, for governmental and/or private entities, to include, but not limited:

A. General:

1. Identify the number of continuous years your company has provided the

PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein, or a substantially similar service, and in response to, this RFP for governmental and/or private entities.

2. Provide a list of governmental and private entities with which your company currently has a term contract for providing the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein, or a substantially similar service, and in response to, this RFP.

3. Identify the number of continuous years each of your company’s proposed subcontractors has provided the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein, or a substantially similar service, and in response to, this RFP for governmental and/or private entities.

4. Explain how your company’s experience is relevant to the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified in this RFP; and specifically address your company’s technical expertise with:

a. Developing and completing studies or analyses of a similar scope and scale;

b. Identifying and/or estimating the capacity of landfills, monofills and other disposal technology;

c. Conducting environmental impact analyses;

d. Identifying and/or estimating costs of disposal at different levels, from state level to household level; and

e. Identifying and/or estimating the monetary value of biosolids land application benefits to farmers.

5. Describe your company’s familiarity with applicable Virginia laws and regulations.

6. Identify all proposed subcontractors and describe, per “project phase”, what PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services will be assigned per subcontractor; and describe their qualifications and their specific work experience associated with the services specified herein, or a substantially similar service, and in response to, this RFP.

B. Personnel:

1. Proposed Project Team:

a. For each key Project Team member (“Principal”, “Project Manager”, “Engineer”, “Environmental Specialist”, and any other project team members e.g. Financial Analysts/Accountants, PFAS subject matter experts, Solid/Haz Waste experts, GIS staff, Biosolids staff, etc.), to be assigned:

(1) Identify the individual’s title;

(2) Describe the individual’s relevant education;

(3) Describe the individual’s qualifications and specific work experience associated with the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services, per “project phase”, as specified herein, and in response to this RFP;

(4) Submit a resume or brief biography for each individual to be assigned per “project phase”; and

(5) Identify if that individual is employed by your company or works for a subcontractor (and identify the subcontractor).

b. Provide a general definition of your company’s personnel categories (i.e.

Principal, Project Manager, Environmental Specialist, and for the other project team members (identified in “ATTACHMENT F,” the “PRICE

SCHEDULE”).

2. Principal and Project Manager:

a. Identify their name and title; tenure with your company; days / hours of availability; business address; and telephone (toll-free if available) / mobile number; and E-mail address.

b. Submit a resume.

3. General:

a. Describe your company’s methodology for ensuring that all assigned personnel are capable, qualified and experienced in performing the applicable PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein.

TAB 5 Sustainability: Provide information to demonstrate the overall environmental impact of your proposed approach; and specifically include information about your company’s recommendations to reduce any adverse environmental impact with respect to the PFAS Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services specified herein, and in response to, this RFP, and recommendations to create efficiencies.

TAB 6 Proposed Price: Identify all costs / fees associated with providing the “PFAS

Disposal Alternatives Analysis Services” specified herein, and in response to, this RFP, in accordance with “ATTACHMENT F,” the “PRICE SCHEDULE.”

TAB 7 Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Summarize the planned utilization of SBSD-certified small businesses, which include businesses owned by women and minorities, when they have received SBSD small business certification, under the contract to be awarded as a result of this solicitation. This is a requirement for all prime contracts in excess of $100,000 unless the solicitation has been set-aside for small businesses or no subcontracting opportunities exist. (Complete

“ATTACHMENT D / SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN”).

TAB 8 COMPLIANCE:

A. Utilization of the words “shall” or “must” in the “STATEMENT OF NEEDS,” subsection “IV-A” through subsection “IV-E,” to include (as applicable) any attachment referenced therein, indicates a mandatory requirement:

Does / will your company comply with mandatory requirements as presented in the “STATEMENT OF NEEDS,” subsection “IV-A” through subsection “IV-E,” to include (as applicable) any attachment referenced therein?

Yes _____ No ______

If “NO,” identify the specific requirement and the reason for non-compliance.

B. Utilization of the word “should” in the “STATEMENT OF NEEDS,” subsection “IV-A” through subsection “IV-E,” to include (as applicable) any attachment referenced therein, indicates a non-mandatory requirement.

Does / will your company comply with the non-mandatory requirements as presented in the “STATEMENT OF NEEDS,” subsection “IV-A” through subsection “IV-E,” to include (as applicable) any attachment referenced therein, as a mandatory requirement (i.e. “should” becomes “shall”)?

If “NO,” identify the specific requirement and the reason for non-compliance.

C. Does your company accept the terms and conditions as presented in Section VII, “REPORTING AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS,” Section IX, the “GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS,” in Section X, the “SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, in Section XI, the “METHOD OF PAYMENT” and in Section XII / “ATTACHMENT F,” the “PRICE SCHEDULE”?

If “NO,” identify the specific requirement and the reason for non-compliance.

VI. EVALUATION AND AWARD CRITERIA:

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Proposals shall be evaluated by DEQ using the following criteria:

POINT

VALUE

1. Approach and ability to provide the services specified in Section IV, the “STATEMENT OF NEEDS” and in response to Section V, the “PROPOSAL PREPARATION and SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS,”…