RFP -PW-Water Transmission System Valve Exercising

The City of Minneapolis is requesting proposals for Water Transmission System Valve Exercising and Condition Assessment consulting services, with proposals due September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM Minneapolis time. Questions are due August 17, 2026, with responses posted by August 21, 2026. No set-aside or preference program applies; the SUBP has no established goals for this contract, though contractors are encouraged to afford certified MBEs and WBEs full and fair opportunities on any subcontracts.

The scope covers exercising and assessment of 355 transmission system valves ranging from 24 to 48 inches in diameter across Minneapolis' water distribution system. Services include a minimum of three full operating cycles per AWWA Manual M44 standards for each valve; pre- and post-operation condition documentation with digital photography; GPS mapping using survey-grade GNSS equipment with RTK accuracy; torque recording and analysis; and comprehensive reporting integrated with the City's ArcGIS Online tools. Of the 355 valves, 247 are located in vaults and 108 in maintenance holes. Consultants must demonstrate experience performing similar services on 24-inch through 48-inch gate valves for other water utilities within the past five years. Minimum staffing requires two on-site crew members during operations and a crew lead with comparable experience. The City reserves the right to conduct formal interviews with short-listed qualified consultants, requiring participation from the assigned project manager and actual project team members.

Services commence November 1, 2026 and conclude October 31, 2027. The City intends to award a single contract for the entire project duration. A contract value is not specified; proposers must submit detailed cost breakdowns including hourly rates, minimum billing increments, direct costs, payment schedules, and annual cost projections. Evaluation criteria include proposal quality and clarity, staff qualifications and references, scope understanding, proposed schedule and timeline, financial responsibility and bankruptcy history within seven years, management approach, and cost. Contractors must maintain professional liability insurance with $2,000,000 coverage and cyber liability insurance. Compliance with prevailing wage ordinances applies, as the contract exceeds the $175,000 threshold.