Operation and Maintenance of Water Reclamation Infrastructure

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is soliciting proposals through RFQ P-3216 for a comprehensive ten-year contract to manage, operate, and maintain its water reclamation infrastructure across Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The procurement seeks qualified firms to provide full-service management of two primary water reclamation facilities: Jones Island and South Shore, covering 352 square miles across 29 municipalities. Key deliverables include 24/7 facility operations, regulatory compliance, wastewater treatment, biosolids production, preventive and corrective maintenance, and support for capital improvement projects. The evaluation criteria will weight proposals as follows: Pricing (60%), Company's Overall Approach (25%), Staffing and Training (10%), and Regional Partnership (5%). Critical deadlines include a pre-proposal meeting on November 6, 2025, proposal submissions due by January 30, 2026, potential contract approval in September 2026, and an operational start date of March 1, 2028, with a pre-operational transition period from contract date to operational start.

The procurement is restricted to firms previously designated as qualified proposers by MMSD, suggesting a selective procurement process. The contract requires substantial financial assurances, including a $6 million letter of credit and comprehensive insurance coverage with specific rating and limit requirements. Proposers must demonstrate capabilities in managing complex water infrastructure, including extensive environmental monitoring, energy management, and community engagement. The estimated annual fee structure includes a base fee covering most services, with additional fee-for-service work estimated at $3,000,000 annually and a unique cost-sharing model where the Company will share utility and chemical costs with a 60/40 split. While specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are not explicitly detailed, the RFP emphasizes regional partnerships and suggests a commitment to local workforce development and supplier diversity.