Operation of mobile groundwater treatment systems for PFAS

A. Background Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is a nationally accredited State Public Health agency, recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for demonstrating commitment to quality improvement, performance management, accountability, transparency, and ability to address public health needs. DPH serves as the center of a comprehensive network of public health services, establishing public health priorities and evaluating the effectiveness of health initiatives. The mission of the Division of Public Health is to protect and enhance the health of the people of Delaware. The Division accomplishes its mission by: • working together with others; • addressing issues that affect the health of Delawareans; • keeping track of the State's health; • promoting positive lifestyles; • responding to critical health issues and disasters; • promoting the availability of health services. The accomplishment of this mission will facilitate the Division in realizing its vision of creating an environment in which people in Delaware can reach their full potential for a healthy life. Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for public health and well-being. Furthermore per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used since the 1940s in manufacturing, firefighting, and consumer products, and are known to persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, presenting a significant public health concern. Toxicological studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health effects, making it imperative to address their presence in drinking water. Approximately 80% of Delawareans are connected to public water. Many current water treatment systems do not remove PFAS from drinking water. Delaware acquired two mobile ground water treatment systems capable of providing PFAS treatment to small, medium, and large sized water utilities. The operation and maintenance of these systems is imperative to ensure safe drinking water to Delawareans. Delaware does not have the ability to successfully operate these systems without the assistance of outside contractors. This seeks to ensure the expertise to successfully utilize this asset is assured for the future. B. Project Goals To be able to utilize Delaware's Mobile Groundwater Treatment Systems to provide Delawareans with safe drinking water from PFAS contamination when Maximum Contamination Levels are exceeded. C. Scope of Work/Bidders Requirements The State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, seeks a vendor to provide mobilization, demobilization, operation, and maintenance of the Mobile Groundwater treatment system/unit as necessary. Please refer to Appendix B for details/requirements for the Scope of Work.