Owner’s advisor services for mill creek wastewater treatment plant dewatering building improvements

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #265X901115) for Owner's Advisor Services related to the Mill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Dewatering Building Improvements Project. The procurement seeks an experienced consultant to provide comprehensive support throughout the project lifecycle, including initial planning, design-builder procurement, design, and construction phases. Key deliverables include developing a Business Case Evaluation (BCE), finalizing project criteria, assisting with design-builder selection through RFQ/RFP processes, and providing technical and project management support. The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant's solids handling system by constructing a new dewatering building to replace obsolete equipment. Evaluation criteria include overall qualifications (20%), key personnel qualifications (25%), project approach and management (20%), similar completed projects (15%), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation (20%). The RFQ was released on October 9, 2025, with questions due by November 20, 2025, and submittals due by December 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM ET. The anticipated contract term is ten years with three possible one-year extensions.

The solicitation is restricted to single legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, or limited liability companies. There is an 11% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) inclusion goal, with 20% of the evaluation score dedicated to SBE participation. Certified SBE firms must be listed in the City of Cincinnati's Vendor Compliance and Certification System (VCCS) Certified Directory and match the project's NIGP and/or NAICS codes. Offerors must complete specific forms including a Statement of Intent to Contract and Perform Form and a Subconsultant Utilization Plan to demonstrate economic inclusion. The project allows for SBE certifications from multiple agencies, including City of Cincinnati SBE, State of Ohio EDGE, and U.S. SBA 8(a) programs. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project and the ten-year potential contract term suggest a significant investment in infrastructure improvements. The procurement emphasizes the importance of demonstrating experience in municipal infrastructure, wastewater treatment facility improvements, and design-build procurement models.