DE Benton WTP GAC Filter Media Replacement

The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department is requesting proposals for replacement of Granular Activated Carbon media at the Dempsey E. Benton Water Treatment Plant in Garner, North Carolina, with proposals due July 31, 2026 (note: the RFP shows conflicting dates of July 29 and July 31) and a mandatory pre-proposal conference and site visit on July 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The scope involves removal, disposal, and replacement of GAC media in eight filter cells (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) that have been in service for nine years. Total volume is 7,040 cubic feet (880 cubic feet per filter tub). The new GAC media must be Norit DARCO 4X12, domestically sourced and produced in the United States, and meet AWWA B604 standards with third-party testing certification from an approved laboratory located in Raleigh. The contractor is responsible for all labor, materials, equipment, delivery, and disposal costs as a one-time engagement with a completion date to be defined in the contract.

Evaluation is weighted 30% cost, 20% team experience, 15% corporate background and experience, 15% project understanding, 10% proposed approach, and 10% firm financial stability. Proposers must submit at least three business references from similar projects completed within the past ten years and demonstrate financial viability through recent audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements prepared by an independent CPA. The contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, workers' compensation insurance with statutory limits, and automobile liability of at least $1 million combined single limit if vehicles are used. Delivery must be scheduled during daylight hours between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one week advance notice. Written questions are due July 23, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. EST, with the City's response anticipated by July 28. An evaluation meeting is anticipated for August 7, 2026, with tentative selection announcement on August 14.