Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) - PFAS Treatment Improvements - Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

Columbus Water Works is requesting proposals for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for preconstruction and construction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment improvements at two water treatment facilities — the Fort Benning Water Treatment Plant (FBWTP) on Fort Benning Army Post and the North Columbus Water Resources Facility (NCWRF) in Columbus, Georgia — with proposals due June 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST, an optional site visit on May 14, 2026, and a target contract award by July 20, 2026. DBE/MBE participation goals will be established based on funding sources.

The two-phase project is delivered under a single CMAR agreement. Phase 1 at FBWTP involves construction of granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment facilities and associated improvements to achieve compliance with EPA's 4 parts per trillion maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS and to integrate with existing treatment processes. Phase 2 at NCWRF consists of PFAS treatment facilities and improvements to meet regulatory and operational objectives; technology selection for Phase 2 is pending completion of ongoing pilot studies.

Proposers must submit separate lump-sum preconstruction services fees for Phase 1 (minimum $250,000) and Phase 2 (minimum $500,000), along with Construction Services Fees and Construction Support Costs expressed as percentages of Cost of the Work for each phase. Construction services fees are based on approximately 60 percent design completion. Performance and Payment Bonds at 100 percent of the applicable Guaranteed Maximum Price are required at work authorization execution; no bonds are required for preconstruction services.

Evaluation criteria, in order of importance, are alignment with Owner's S.E.R.V.E. values; proposed project team experience and approach; corporate preconstruction and construction services experience in CMAR delivery for water treatment projects; proposed fees; and responsiveness and quality of proposal (pass/fail). Shortlisting and interviews are anticipated June 11–26, 2026, with Notice to Proceed for preconstruction services anticipated by August 18, 2026. The Owner reserves the right to defer construction, re-scope the project, or decline to proceed with one or both phases without obligation beyond payment for properly authorized preconstruction services. Proposers must comply with Georgia Open Records Act provisions, E-Verify and immigration compliance requirements, drug-free workplace standards, and equal employment opportunity laws.