Septic to Sewer Program Project 1 – Professional Engineering Services - ARPA Funds

Pinellas County is seeking a professional engineering firm through a Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered 23-0289-RFP-CCNA for the Septic to Sewer Program Project 1, which will utilize $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The project requires comprehensive professional engineering services including design, permitting, bidding, and post-design services for converting septic systems to sewer infrastructure in three designated areas within the public Right of Way (ROW). The primary objective is to eliminate potential groundwater contamination from existing private onsite septic treatment systems. Proposals must be submitted through OpenGov Procurement by Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, with written questions due by Wednesday, May 24, 2023. The county seeks a professional engineering services team that can demonstrate substantial project experience and technical expertise in design and infrastructure coordination. Evaluation will likely focus on the firm's project history, technical approach, and demonstrated capabilities in similar municipal infrastructure conversion projects.

The solicitation includes multiple federal compliance requirements due to ARPA funding, with specific provisions targeting small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Contractors must adhere to strict federal regulations including Equal Employment Opportunity requirements, Davis-Bacon Act wage standards, and various federal compliance provisions such as Clean Air Act regulations and domestic preference requirements. The contract mandates non-discrimination policies, requires contractors to prioritize disadvantaged business enterprises in subcontracting, and includes specific guidelines for safeguarding personally identifiable information. Proposals cannot be withdrawn for 120 days after the opening date, and contractors must register with OpenGov Procurement to participate. The total project budget is $10 million, with funds dedicated to extending wastewater collection infrastructure and converting septic systems to municipal sewer networks. Technical support for the procurement process is available through phone, email, and chat channels to assist potential respondents in navigating the complex submission requirements.