Biosolids Beneficial Use

Pierce County is requesting proposals for biosolids beneficial use and processing services under RFP 2026-RFP-189, with proposals due October 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., and questions due October 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The County intends to award a single contract, though it reserves the right to make fewer awards or no awards based on proposal quality and available funding.

The scope requires the selected contractor to receive, handle, process, and ultimately dispose of Class B biosolids generated by the County's wastewater treatment plants in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The contractor must obtain and maintain coverage under the Washington Department of Ecology Biosolids General Permit, develop and maintain spill prevention and response plans, provide comprehensive reporting and documentation throughout the contract term, and demonstrate capacity to utilize the full quantity of biosolids for the contract duration.

The estimated annual quantity is 5,000 wet tons, priced on a per-wet-ton basis. All costs for permits, registrations, documentation, employee and subcontractor payments, and freight FOB to the destination delivery point must be included in the base unit price. The initial contract value is $500,000. The initial term is four years from execution, with the County retaining the option to extend for up to four additional one-year terms at its sole discretion. Contractors may request rate adjustments not more than once every 12 months, limited to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Statistical Area, not to exceed five percent annually.

Minimum qualifications require demonstrated business, professional, and technical expertise in biosolids management; equipment and facilities in good condition; and references from at least two current biosolids generators. Evaluation allocates 20 points for experience and qualifications, 20 points for approach to work, 30 points for capacity and availability, and 30 points for pricing. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability and professional liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation, and crime insurance, with Pierce County named as additional insured. The contract is contingent on funding availability and subject to amendment or termination if funding is reduced or eliminated.