RFQ#8-26 City of Valdosta Press Filter for Withlacoochee Water Plant

The City of Valdosta, Georgia, is seeking sealed bids for a comprehensive Belt Filter Press Replacement Project at the Withlacoochee Water Pollution Control Plant, located at 3180 Wetherington Lane. The procurement (Bid #8-26) involves complete demolition and replacement of an existing 2-meter Belt Filter Press (BFP-906), including associated equipment, electrical control panel, polymer feed system, and wash water booster pump. Bidders must be currently licensed in Georgia as a General Contractor, Electrical Contractor, or Underground Utility Contractor, and must demonstrate completion of at least three similar projects within the past five years. The project requires a 5% bid security and performance bonds, with liquidated damages of $1,300 per day for substantial completion delays and $500 per day for final completion delays. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-bid site visit (date unspecified), bid questions due by October 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM, bid answers posted by October 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM, and sealed bids due on November 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with bids to be opened and read aloud at that time. The contract duration is 365 calendar days for substantial completion, with an additional 30 days for final completion.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project will be funded by the City of Valdosta and executed under local municipal procurement regulations, with the City reserving the right to accept or reject any bids or make decisions deemed in its best interest. While no incumbent vendors are directly identified, the procurement includes detailed technical specifications for a new Charter Machine Company Model BP22.81S belt filter press, designed to process 161 gallons per minute with a minimum cake dry solids content of 15 percent and 95 percent solids capture. The new equipment will be powered by a 5 HP motor and include comprehensive control systems with PLC, operator interface terminal, and SCADA integration. The bid documents allow for cooperative procurement, permitting potential piggyback purchases by other government entities for 12 months following the award date. For purchases over $25,000, the final decision will be made by the Mayor and City Council. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive technical specifications and extensive equipment replacement suggest a significant capital investment for municipal infrastructure upgrade.