Evaluation of alternatives for reducing organic/inorganic contaminants

The Town of Manchester Water Department is soliciting proposals through RFP #23/24-47 for a comprehensive evaluation of treatment alternatives to reduce organic and inorganic contaminants in water from multiple municipal wells located in Hartford County, Connecticut. The project specifically targets Charter Oak Wells (#2a, #3, and #4), Love Lane Well #5, New State Road Wells (#6, #7a, and #8), Parker Street Well #10, and Progress Drive Well #11, with a focus on proactively addressing future regulatory requirements for PFOS and PFOA contaminants. Qualified consulting firms are expected to conduct a desktop study, provide detailed treatment recommendations, develop cost estimates including operations and maintenance expenses, and prepare preliminary design concepts. The evaluation criteria for proposals will be points-based, with 50% allocated to proposal quality and thoroughness, 20% for understanding project scope, 20% for firm and personnel experience, and 10% for fee. Key deadlines include a question deadline of January 11, 2024, and proposal submission deadline of January 25, 2024, at 11:00 am, with electronic submissions required through the Town of Manchester's OpenGov procurement portal.

The procurement appears to have a living wage certification requirement, with bidders required to complete a Living Wage Certification Form demonstrating compliance with the Manchester Living Wage Ordinance. Potential bidders must certify whether they are a "Covered Employer" and either affirm payment of the required living wage or claim exemption based on specific criteria such as being a nonprofit, employing fewer than 25 eligible employees, or having an annual contract value less than $25,000. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a substantial professional services contract. The Town reserves the right to shortlist proposals and conduct interviews or request additional information from potential vendors. Insurance requirements are extensive, with specific coverage limits for workers' compensation, commercial general liability, automobile liability, and excess coverage that will vary depending on the final contract value. Proposers will need to demonstrate significant technical expertise in water treatment alternatives, regulatory compliance, and environmental engineering to be competitive in this procurement.