Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) water Filtration Systems

The Maryland Department of General Services is soliciting bids on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment for granular activated carbon (GAC) water filtration installation and maintenance services, with a pre-bid conference on November 12, 2026 (RSVP by November 10) and bids due November 30, 2026. This is a Small Business Reserve (SBR) procurement restricted to Maryland Department of General Services-certified small businesses, and the SBR designation is removed if small businesses do not demonstrate sufficient interest. No MBE or VSBE subcontracting goals apply.

Bidders must have five consecutive years of active business operation and three consecutive years of GAC system installation and maintenance experience within the last 10 years. The scope covers GAC filtration for private residences whose drinking water wells are impacted by volatile organic compounds, across 23 Maryland counties. Work includes installing new systems, performing routine and emergency maintenance, replacing spent carbon, and installing sediment filters, UV disinfection systems, water softeners, and acid neutralizers. The contractor must maintain a 24-hour emergency line with a 30-minute initial response and 24-hour on-site service capability. Required insurance includes $1,000,000 combined single limit commercial general liability and $1,000,000 workers' compensation. A three-year warranty on system components and workmanship is mandatory, excluding carbon and UV bulbs.

Pricing is submitted by region (Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western) using unit rates for installation, carbon exchange, UV bulb replacement, softener and neutralizer installation, additional carbon per cubic foot, meter installation, system removal, and hourly maintenance labor.

The solicitation is a single-award, firm fixed-price agreement for a five-year term from June 1, 2027 through May 31, 2032, with no renewal options. The contract includes no federal funding and a 1% electronic transaction fee that the contractor remits monthly to the State. No site visit is scheduled. Questions are due November 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and bids are due November 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through the eMMA portal.