PA DEP Certified Drinking Water Operator

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are seeking a PA DEP Certified Drinking Water Operator to manage water supply operations at the Warfordsburg Rest Area & Welcome Center in Fulton County. The contract, starting January 1, 2026, requires a qualified contractor to operate and maintain water treatment facilities, perform routine maintenance, and ensure compliance with Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act. Key responsibilities include monitoring water quality, conducting regular tests, maintaining equipment, and responding to emergencies within two hours. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 12:30 pm, with the public bid opening to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on October 29, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The contract includes three primary pay items: monthly operation and maintenance, additional labor hours for unforeseen maintenance, and a materials and equipment contingency. The contractor must provide all necessary safety equipment, maintain a certified commercial drinking water laboratory, and submit detailed monthly invoices including comprehensive water quality test results.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must meet stringent qualifications, including maintaining PA DEP certification for drinking water operators and carrying comprehensive insurance coverage, including $250,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence for liability. The contract includes a potential one-year renewal option, with no markup permitted on material purchases over $100, which require approval from the District Roadside Specialist. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract structure suggests a monthly payment model with contingencies for additional labor and materials. Contractors must comply with various state requirements, including worker protection regulations, domestic workforce utilization certification, and maintaining minimum wage standards of at least $15.00 per hour. The contract includes performance standards with provisions for termination if the contractor fails to meet specified operational requirements, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining safe drinking water operations at the rest area facility.