New River Regional Water Authority - Water Treatment Plant Expansion

The New River Regional Water Authority (NRRWA) is seeking bids for a comprehensive water treatment plant expansion project located in Austinville, Virginia, within Wythe County. The procurement involves expanding the existing 4.0 MGD water treatment plant to a 6.33 MGD capacity, with significant improvements to multiple system components including raw water intake, chemical feed and mixing systems, sedimentation and sludge collection systems, gravity filters, finished water pumping system, solids handling basins, and electrical and control systems. The project also requires constructing new solids handling and sludge dewatering facilities, with specific deliverables including a 40'x40' Solids Dewatering Building and a 40'x60' Dry Solids Shelter. Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 PM on May 9, 2024, with a mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for April 18, 2024. Bidders must comply with Virginia Code Section 54.1-1112, provide evidence of licensing, and maintain an active SAM.gov account. The project timeline requires substantial completion within 545 days, with partial substantial completion at 365 days for increasing treatment plant capacity, and liquidated damages of $500 per day will be assessed for failing to meet completion dates.

The contract opportunity appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though bidders must demonstrate qualifications, safety records, and financial stability. The project will be partially funded by the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, which may introduce additional federal compliance requirements. Bidders will need to account for potential geotechnical challenges, as the site has identified karst conditions that may require foundation modifications or relocation of proposed structures. The contract will be awarded on a lump-sum basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with an expectation that the total project will be ready for final payment within 590 days after contract commencement. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the expansion and the federal funding involvement suggest a significant capital investment. Contractors will be required to include all applicable sales taxes in their bids, and the owner reserves the right to negotiate with the apparent low bidder if the initial bid exceeds available funds.