Private Well Assistance Pilot Program

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, is seeking a Project Manager for the Private Well Assistance Pilot Program through a Request for Proposal (RFP). The procurement seeks professional services to deliver comprehensive water quality support for private well owners across Delaware, with key deliverables including free water quality testing, financial assistance for water treatment systems, educational resources, and comprehensive exposure assessments. The RFP requires the selected vendor to manage subcontractors responsible for well sampling, laboratory analysis, education, and in-home assessment services, targeting approximately 20% of Delaware residents who rely on private wells. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2025, with proposals due by June 12, 2025. The initial contract term is one year with eight optional one-year extensions, and the project is expected to launch in January 2026. Evaluation criteria will likely include the vendor's ability to effectively manage subcontractors, provide comprehensive services, and demonstrate expertise in water quality testing and treatment, particularly for PFAS contaminants.

The RFP appears to have a tiered assistance program with specific income-based support, offering 100% coverage for water treatment systems and maintenance to low-income well owners and 50% coverage for moderate-income well owners. While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are explicitly mentioned, the complexity of the project suggests that qualified environmental service firms, water quality experts, and public health contractors would be most suitable. The program does not specify an exact contract value, but vendors must provide detailed cost proposals covering Project Manager duties, subcontractor costs, and contingency expenses. The program aims to provide comprehensive water quality support, including PFAS testing, water treatment system installation, maintenance support, and in-home exposure assessments. The estimated project start date is October 1, 2025, with full implementation planned for January 2026, indicating a phased approach to program rollout.