MIDD-025-008 Sewer Rate Analysis

The Town of Middletown, Rhode Island, located in Newport County, is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Sewer Capital Planning and Sewer Rate Study through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The procurement, identified as MIDD-025-008, aims to engage a qualified consulting firm to conduct a detailed analysis of the town's sewer utility financial management. Key deliverables include evaluating past, present, and future operational budgets, developing recommendations for fixed charges and sewer usage charges, and creating a rate structure effective through 2031. The project encompasses five primary tasks: data gathering, cost of service delineation, consumption assessment, rate model construction, and report generation. The comprehensive study will review meter reading systems, billing processes, accounting systems, labor costs, debt service, capital improvement expenses, and revenue streams. Evaluation criteria will focus on the firm's background, staff qualifications, experience with similar studies, client references, and proposed cost. Proposals are due by 10:00 am on Friday, April 25, 2025, with documents available through the online bidding system (https://www.bidnetdirect.com/rhode-island/middletownri) or the town hall finance office. The selected consultant is expected to complete the entire scope of work within three months of contract award.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The RFP requires the selected consultant to maintain specific insurance coverage, including Workman's Compensation, Professional Liability, General Liability, and Automobile Insurance. While the previous sewer rate analysis was completed in February 2020, no incumbent vendor is directly identified. The RFP suggests potential exploration of various rate model options, such as variable fixed charges, minimum quarterly consumption, or multi-tier volumetric structures. Although a precise budget range is not specified, the comprehensive nature of the study indicates a substantial professional services contract. The town intends to select only one consultant through this procurement process, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and authoritative sewer rate analysis that can guide municipal utility pricing strategies through 2031. The project represents a critical financial planning initiative for Middletown's sewer utility infrastructure and cost recovery mechanisms.