RFQ - 1, 4 Dioxane Removal Pilot Project

The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is requesting Statements of Qualifications from engineering consulting firms for planning, design, permitting, and construction support of a 1,4-Dioxane removal pilot project, with responses due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM. This is a qualifications-based selection; no formal competitive bidding or pricing component is included in this RFQ phase.

The scope centers on a pilot-scale treatment system at the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington, North Carolina. The project evaluates feasibility of biological 1,4-dioxane removal by stimulating isobutane-metabolizing bacteria through controlled propane addition within the facility's existing biological filtration process. Deliverables include review of existing operational data, pilot system design integrated into active operations, engineering plans and specifications, permit and regulatory approval preparation, bidding-phase engineering support, and optional construction-phase services subject to separate negotiation after design completion and construction funding approval. Responding firms must demonstrate substantial experience with drinking water treatment facilities, biological treatment processes, and pilot-scale testing of emerging technologies; experience in 1,4-dioxane treatment, biofiltration, or advanced treatment technologies is highly desirable.

Evaluation criteria weight project understanding and approach at 30 percent, relevant firm experience with similar projects at 25 percent, proposed staff experience and qualifications at 25 percent, and the consultant's cost-management and project-success record at 20 percent. Insurance requirements are General Liability of $1 million per occurrence, Professional Liability of $2 million per loss, Workers Compensation of $500,000, and Auto Liability of $1 million.

Statements of Qualifications are capped at 20 pages (excluding covers, tabs, resumes, and appendices) and must be submitted in PDF format to bids@cfpua.org. Questions are due August 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The anticipated Notice to Proceed is September 28, 2026, with design submittals from 30 percent (December 2026) through final contract documents and permits by May 28, 2027. No contract value is disclosed at this phase.