Raw Water Pilot Study for PFAS Contamination CONSULTANT SERVICES

The City of Bennettsville, South Carolina, is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a licensed consultant for a raw water pilot study focusing on PFAS contamination at the Lake Paul Wallace raw water intake. This qualifications-based procurement seeks a consultant to conduct a comprehensive multi-phase study addressing potential PFAS-related health risks for the city's approximately 6,540 residents. The project will involve data collection, condition evaluation, operational analysis, and piloting treatment technologies including Granular Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange Resins, and Reverse Osmosis. Evaluation criteria will include firm qualifications (35%), related experience (20%), past performance (15%), project approach (10%), workload (15%), and local knowledge (5%). The project timeline spans from October 2025 to February 2026, with responses due by September 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The selected consultant will be required to produce a comprehensive assessment report, provide prioritized recommendations, and present findings to the City Council.

The procurement is funded by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) and the State Revolving Fund loan, with the contract requiring RIA/SRF approval before execution. While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types were explicitly mentioned, the procurement emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and comprehensive expertise in water treatment technologies. The project carries potential financial risks, including the possibility of disallowed grant costs if procurement guidelines are not followed. The study's ultimate goal is to develop and recommend effective strategies for PFAS removal and drinking water safety. Although a specific contract value was not provided, the project's comprehensive scope and multi-phase approach suggest a significant investment in addressing water contamination challenges for the Bennettsville community.