Design, Build, Operate and Maintain a New Permanent Water Treatment Facility

The State of Rhode Island, specifically through Providence County, is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Design, Build, Operate and Maintain (DBOM) project for a new permanent water treatment facility at the University of Rhode Island. This solicitation (RFP25005719) is specifically targeted at pre-qualified firms and requires a holistic approach to water treatment infrastructure development. The project encompasses a two-phase contract: an initial 2-year design and construction period followed by a 20-year operational and maintenance period beginning approximately September 1, 2025. Bidders must submit a bid surety bond or certified check for 5% of their total proposal cost and maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1,000,000 in general liability and $2,000,000 in professional liability. Proposal evaluations will be conducted based on technical merit, cost, and Inclusive Small Business Enterprise (ISBE) participation, with a mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST at URI's 210 Flagg Road location. The proposal submission deadline is July 30, 2025, and the state reserves the right to select the most qualified vendor or cancel the solicitation.

The procurement opportunity explicitly encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and disability-owned businesses, with ISBE participation rates being a key evaluation criterion. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the solicitation indicates a preference for vendors with demonstrated expertise in water treatment facility design, construction, and long-term operations. The state has not disclosed a specific budget range, but the comprehensive nature of the 22-year contract suggests a significant financial commitment. Potential bidders must be pre-qualified through a separate Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) process, which limits the competitive pool to firms with proven capabilities in complex water infrastructure projects. The evaluation process will prioritize vendors who can demonstrate technical proficiency, cost-effectiveness, and a commitment to inclusive business practices, with the ultimate goal of developing a sustainable and efficient water treatment facility for the University of Rhode Island.