Biosolids Management Contract Research and Solicitation Development Consulting Services

Charlotte Water, a department of the City of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is seeking professional consulting services to research, evaluate, and develop a new biosolids and residuals management contract. The project is structured in two primary phases: Phase 1 requires comprehensive research and benchmarking of biosolids contract models used by comparable municipalities, documentation of key contract terms and performance metrics, and analysis of pricing structures and marketing scopes; Phase 2 involves assisting Charlotte Water staff in drafting a comprehensive Request for Proposals with recommendations for scope of work, technical specifications, contractor qualification criteria, and evaluation methodology. Deliverables include research findings, best practice recommendations, and a complete RFP document designed to procure biosolids handling, marketing, hauling, and disposal/reuse services for Class A biosolids, Class B biosolids, and water residuals, with emphasis on maximizing beneficial reuse of all products. Key qualification requirements include demonstrated experience in municipal contract evaluation, biosolids management research, and RFP development, supported by three professional references preferably from similarly-sized organizations. Evaluation criteria include the number and extent of exceptions to the City's sample contract terms, assigned personnel qualifications and experience, estimated hours and hourly rates separated by phase, and demonstrated commitment to Minority, Woman-owned, and Small Business Enterprise participation. Critical dates include an Intent to Bid deadline of January 28, 2026, a questions submission deadline of February 11, 2026, a proposal submission deadline of February 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via the City's Bonfire e-Procurement Portal, a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on February 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams, and an anticipated evaluation period of February 23 through March 6, 2026, with final contract award subject to City Manager approval.

The City of Charlotte strongly encourages participation by Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) certified with significant business presence in the Charlotte Combined Statistical Area, and submission of a completed MWSBE Utilization Form is mandatory for proposal responsiveness. All vendors must be registered in the City's vendor registration system prior to contract execution and payment. The sample contract provided by the City establishes an initial two-year term with the City holding the option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms; the engagement is indefinite in quantity with no minimum purchase requirement, meaning the City has no obligation to make purchases. Compensation is structured through a Price Schedule with firm rates for the initial contract term, with price adjustments considered only during renewal periods when justified by legitimate cost increases and approved in writing by the City. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability coverage of $1,000,000, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Errors & Omissions coverage of $3,000,000, along with compliance with North Carolina E-Verify requirements and the City's Charlotte Business Inclusion Policy. The RFP document does not specify a total contract award value or budget range; however, vendors must submit separated pricing for Phase 1 and Phase 2, including detailed identification of assigned personnel, qualifications, estimated hours per phase, hourly rates, and a budgetary estimate for anticipated Phase 3 activities involving proposals evaluation and contract negotiation support.