Professional Services for Solid Waste Rate Study

The City of Visalia, California is requesting proposals under RFP No. 24-25-21 for professional services to perform a comprehensive solid waste cost-of-service and rate study, with sealed proposals due December 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT. The City applies a local vendor preference of 5 points to proposers with a business address in Tulare County for a minimum of six months. This is a scoring preference, not a set-aside.

The consultant must develop a cost-of-service analysis and analyze up to four rate structure alternatives, estimate billing service costs, determine division rates to meet revenue requirements, and develop customer service fees. The consultant must also prepare a Proposition 218 notice of public hearing and deliver public presentations and community meetings. Proposed rates must conform to all applicable laws, including Proposition 218. Qualifications include demonstrated rate study expertise, at least three references from comparable projects completed within the past five years, and disclosure of any conflicts of interest or financial relationships with City staff. Required insurance includes professional liability of at least $1.0 million, commercial general liability of $1.0 million per occurrence, comprehensive automobile liability of $1.0 million per occurrence, and workers' compensation as required by California law. The City is the sole hauler for residential and commercial bin services, serving approximately 42,500 residential and 3,600 commercial bin customers within a 38-square-mile incorporated area in Tulare County.

Evaluation weights are merit of proposal submittal (15 points), knowledge and expertise of personnel and firm (20 points), understanding of project (25 points), ability to meet the City's schedule (15 points), and record of past performance (20 points). Proposers submit one unbound original, four bound copies, and a digital copy on USB drive, with the fee proposal under separate sealed cover, to the City of Visalia Purchasing Division at 707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291. An informational proposer conference runs via Microsoft Teams on November 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Written questions to purchasing@visalia.gov are due November 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. PT. The City Council expects to award in January 2027, with contract commencement in February 2027 and completion by April 31, 2027.