CMAR for Northwest Well Treatment Facility

The City of Tucson is seeking a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Northwest Well Treatment Facility project, a critical water infrastructure initiative in Pima County, Arizona. The procurement aims to select a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive pre-construction and construction services for a water treatment facility designed to address contamination in three wells containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane. The facility will have the capacity to produce up to 2.3 million gallons per day of potable water for the Northwest service area. Key deliverables include design review, cost estimation, schedule development, subcontractor management, and full construction services. Proposals are due on September 11, 2025, with a pre-submittal meeting scheduled for August 19, 2025, via Microsoft Teams. The solicitation (RFQ No. 260101) requires contractors to demonstrate expertise in water treatment facility construction, with an emphasis on technical capabilities, project approach, and team qualifications. Evaluation will likely focus on the contractor's experience, proposed methodology, and ability to deliver the project within budget and schedule.

The project has specific provisions for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation, requiring prime contractors to take affirmative steps to engage DBE firms in trade areas such as pipe trenching, landscaping, electrical contracting, and utility lines. While no specific DBE goal is set, contractors must document good faith efforts and use DBE firms certified through the Arizona Unified Certification Program. The total estimated construction cost is $33 million, to be funded through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA), with the CMAR responsible for developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal. Contractors must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the project value and comply with federal regulations including Davis-Bacon wage standards and American Iron and Steel provisions. The project will require strict adherence to labor standards, with prevailing wages ranging from $27.41 for general laborers to $59.69 for electrician linepersons. Potential consequences for non-compliance include contract termination, payment withholding, or disqualification from future bidding.