Capacity Development for Public Water & Wastewater Systems

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is seeking qualified contractors to provide capacity development services for public water and wastewater systems through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on October 2, 2023. The procurement specifically targets technical, managerial, and financial assistance for water and wastewater systems, with a focus on helping these systems operate more cost-efficiently and effectively. Key deliverables include conducting on-site visits, reviewing system deficiencies, identifying capacity gaps, and providing targeted assistance such as board training, rate structure reviews, water loss studies, vulnerability assessments, financial training, and policy/procedure development. The contract will cover work to be completed during calendar years 2024 through 2026, with the potential for up to three additional years of renewal based on Board approval. Proposals are due by November 17, 2023, and the Board of Water and Natural Resources will make the final contractor selection after reviewing submissions that demonstrate background, experience, capability, and the best approach to capacity development activities.

The procurement is funded through two specific set-aside allocations: up to ten percent of the annual Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Capitalization grant for local assistance and the Clean Water SRF Capitalization grant for small system technical assistance. The total contract amount is limited to $125,000 per calendar year, with work requiring approval from both the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While no specific restrictions on organizational types are explicitly mentioned, the RFP suggests a preference for contractors with demonstrated expertise in water and wastewater system management. The geographic scope includes Harding County and potentially other jurisdictions within South Dakota. Funding for water system work will come from the Drinking Water capitalization grant local assistance set-aside, while wastewater system work will be funded through the Clean Water SRF capitalization grant small system technical assistance set-aside. The Board reserves the right to adjust contract pricing and renewal terms based on performance and justification.