Request for Qualifications For

Water Storage Tank Inspection and Maintenance

Bid Number FY27-01

BIDS DUE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM

Submission Method Mail or hand deliver only. Electronic bids will be accepted.

Deliver to City of Waycross

Attn: Purchasing 417 Pendleton Street Waycross, GA 31501

Contact Mamie Jackson-Purchasing Manager mjackson@waycrossga.gov 912-287-2957

Mandatory Pre-bid Inspections

Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM Failure to attend the pre-bid inspection will result in disqualification.

Deadline for Proposals

Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Any proposal received after this time will not be considered.

Evaluation Period The City reserves up to four weeks to evaluate submissions and may interview shortlisted firms.

mailto:mjackson@waycrossga.gov

1. INTRODUCTION

The intent of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to obtain the services of an experienced water storage tank maintenance firm to enter a long-term, full-service agreement with the City of Waycross to provide a maintenance program for the water storage tanks within the City's water system. This program shall include, but is not limited to, the following: inspection, rehabilitation, as-needed repairs, recoating, washout services, and preventive maintenance. The selected firm shall enter into a long-term agreement to assume full responsibility and accountability for all maintenance issues related to the City's water storage tanks.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information, and evaluate submissions based on the criteria outlined in this RFQ.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City of Waycross currently owns, operates, and maintains seven (7) potable water storage tanks as part of the City’s water distribution system. The tank sizes and names are as follows:

# Capacity Type Tank Name 1 750,000 gal. Elevated Stephenson Street 2 500,000 gal Elevated Marion Street 3 500,000 gal Elevated Lowes 4 500,000 gal Elevated Alice Street 5 500,000 gal Elevated MLK Drive 6 500,000 gal Elevated Ware State Prison 7 500,000 gal Elevated Claxton

3. ITEMS TO BE ADDRESSED IN RFQ

The details of this proposal should include information on all the following items.

Additionally, each prospective firm may submit such other information as deemed appropriate for the proper evaluation of his or her proposal.

A. Proposal shall include an informative narrative report introducing your firm.

Additionally, a statement of qualifications and resume detailing the experience of all individuals responsible for providing service under this contract should be submitted.

Principals involved should be listed along with their names and addresses of the individuals placed in charge of the administration of the terms and conditions of the contract. All full-time employees with N.A.C.E. certifications must be listed.

B. Proposals shall include the details of appropriate work and renovation plans for each tank. This shall include but not be limited to the evaluation of the tank regarding the internal and external structural condition of the tank and any of its appurtenances, need for painting, and condition of the foundation.

C. A list of systems that are currently in your Maintenance Program should be submitted.

Include the Name of the System, contact person, telephone number, and number of tanks in the System under contract. A minimum of forty (40) total systems must be submitted.

Any company with less than forty (40) total existing systems, or less than twenty (20) existing systems in the State of Georgia under their maintenance program, will not be considered.

D. Describe your company’s expertise in performing steel component replacement, installing or servicing expansion joints, maintaining water level monitoring equipment, and repairing or replacing sway rods, manway assemblies, and gasket systems

E. Proposal shall specify the frequency and degree of visual inspection and cleanout services the Owner could expect under the terms of the maintenance contract. The provider must give the owner at least one week's notice before arriving to work on the tank.

At a minimum, a written report along with photographs shall be prepared and submitted within thirty (30) days of completion of inspections. Additionally, each prospective firm should address the requirements to assume responsibility for all corrections and repairs to the tank necessitated by acts of vandalism or through normal deterioration.

F. Provide a comprehensive 10-year work schedule outlining all proposed activities.

Include detailed specifications for each task planned within this period. For example, if an interior renovation is scheduled, describe the surface preparation methods and coating system that will be used during that renovation

G. Each bidder must provide a detailed Certificate of Insurance. This certificate should clearly outline all insurance coverage levels required by the City of Waycross for contractual eligibility. The insurance provider must hold an AM Best rating of A- or better.

Additionally, bidders must submit a certificate verifying Pollution Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000. This certificate must be attached to the final page of the RFQ submission and is mandatory for the proposal to be considered.

H. Each proposal must include a sample contract as part of the RFQ response. This contract should not specify a fixed term; instead, it must allow for indefinite extension unless the City of Waycross chooses to terminate the agreement. The contract must contain a clearly defined cancellation clause outlining the procedures the City may follow to end the contract. The contractor may not terminate the agreement for any reason other than non-payment by the City. Additionally, the contract must specify a maximum annual inflation percentage, and this rate may not be tied to the Consumer Price Index.

I. Each proposal should include a formal Safety Program stating company policy on all safety procedures. Documented procedures are to include workers' protection, confined space, fall protection, and general safety procedures.

J. Each proposal must include proof of the proposer’s State of Registration and must confirm that the firm holds a valid State of Georgia contractor’s license.

K. Each proposal must include a list of all maintenance agreement cancellations within the State of Georgia during the past 10 years. This list must include the system name, contact information, and the reason for cancellation. Failure to provide this information will result in immediate disqualification. Additionally, any firm with more than fifteen (15) maintenance agreement cancellations in Georgia during the past 10 years will be disqualified.

L. Each proposal shall include a listing of any litigations within the last 10 years, including the system name, contact information, and a brief explanation of the litigation.

N. Each proposer must climb and inspect each tank prior to submission.

4. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

• Submission Deadline:

All RFQ responses must be submitted on or before Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Late submissions will not be considered.

• Submission Method:

All submissions must be mailed or hand delivered. No electronic bids will be accepted.

Sealed proposals must be labeled Bid #FY27-01 Water Storage Tank and delivered to:

City of Waycross Attn: Purchasing 417 Pendleton Street Waycross, GA 31501

• Required Contact:

Questions and requests for clarification must be directed to:

Mamie Jackson Purchasing Manager Email: mjackson@waycrossga.gov 912-287-2957

• Addenda Acknowledgment:

All issued addenda must be acknowledged and included with the submission.

• Mandatory Tank Site Visits:

Each proposer must attend the pre-bid inspection on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM on the first floor of City Hall at 417 Pendleton Street, Waycross GA 31501 to inspect all water storage tanks. Failure to attend the pre-bid inspection will result in disqualification.

• Submission Format:

Responses must be clearly organized, typewritten, and include all required sections.

• Evaluation Period:

The City reserves up to four weeks to evaluate submissions and may interview shortlisted firms.

5. SELECTION CRITERIA MATRIX

Selection Criteria Maximum Points Allowed Technical Experience and Qualifications 20 Project Approach and Methodology 20 Staffing and Organizational Capacity 15 Past Performance and Cancellations 15 Regulatory Compliance and Insurance 10 Financial Stability 10 Cost Proposal and Inflation Structure 5 Contract Requirements 5 Total 100

The selected firm must provide:

• Annual engineering inspections (interior/exterior)

• Preventive maintenance and coatings mailto:mjackson@waycrossga.gov

• Repairs and touch-ups

• Emergency service availability

• Washout/disinfection inspections

• Use of Tnemec Series Epoxy (prime) and Tnemec Series Urethane (finish)

• Written inspection reports within 30 days

• Management of cellular carrier equipment on City towers

6. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The insurance coverage outlined below represents the minimum standards and does not limit the Firm’s liability under the Contract. The Firm is responsible for maintaining any additional insurance it deems necessary. All policies must be issued by insurers with an AM Best rating of A- or better.

If any portion of the Contract is subcontracted, the Firm must ensure all sub-firms carry insurance of the same types and limits as the prime Firm.

Certificates of insurance must provide 10 days’ written notice to the City prior to any policy change. Work may not begin until all required certificates are submitted, approved, and list the City of Waycross as an additional insured.

The Firm shall maintain, for the duration of the Contract, the following coverage:

Coverage Type Minimum Limits Key Requirements

Worker’s Compensation & Employer’s Liability

• Statutory Workers’ Comp

• $1,000,000 per accident

• $1,000,000 per employee (disease)

• $1,000,000 policy limit (disease)

Must include “all status” endorsement.

General Liability & Property Damage

• $1,000,000 per occurrence

• $2,000,000 general aggregate

Must include explosion, collapse, underground (XCU); structural

Coverage Type Minimum Limits Key Requirements

• $2,000,000 products/completed ops aggregate

• $1,000,000 personal/advertising injury

• $10,000 medical expense

• $300,000 damage to rented premises injury; and contractual liability endorsements.

Contingent/Protective Liability

• $1,000,000 per occurrence

• $2,000,000 aggregate

Required if any portion of the contract is subcontracted. Must be acceptable to the City.

Automobile Liability

• $1,000,000 combined single limit

Must cover Firm-owned, hired, and sub-firm vehicles; on and off project site.

Umbrella / Excess Liability

• $5,000,000 per occurrence

• $5,000,000 aggregate

Must follow form over General Liability, Auto Liability, and Employer’s Liability. City must be listed as additional insured.

Pollution Liability

• $5,000,000 each condition

City must be listed as additional insured.

7. CITY RIGHTS & CONDITIONS

The City of Waycross reserves the right to reject any proposal, request additional information, waive formalities, and award the contract deemed in the City’s best interest.