Silica Dioxide

The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is seeking sealed bids for a five-year contract to procure silica dioxide, specifically Grade #80 sand, to be used in water treatment processes. The solicitation (IFB-26-0161) requires silica dioxide with 95% or greater silica content, a 114 micron effective size, and a coefficient of uniformity less than 1.7, which must meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. The estimated annual procurement volume is 1,000,000 pounds on an as-needed basis, with pricing to be quoted on a per-pound basis for 100% dry weight equivalent. A non-mandatory pre-offer conference is scheduled for January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via Webex, with written inquiries due by January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Sealed offers must be submitted through the City's Procurement Portal by February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with award going to the lowest responsive and responsible offeror. Pre-award qualifications include a minimum of five years of business operation, NSF compliance certification, product sample submission, and certified quality analysis from an EPA-certified laboratory.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations, but it does incorporate disadvantaged business enterprise requirements under 49 C.F.R. Parts 26 and 23, suggesting potential opportunities for diverse vendors. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including $2,000,000 in Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 in Automobile Liability, and appropriate Workers' Compensation coverage. Price increases are permitted annually with 60 days' written notice and supporting documentation, subject to approval by the City's Chief Procurement Officer. Delivery requirements mandate local inventory maintenance, provision of Safety Data Sheets and certificates of analysis with each delivery, and compliance with Department of Transportation and EPA hazardous materials regulations. While a specific contract value is not disclosed, the annual procurement of 1,000,000 pounds of silica dioxide suggests a substantial multi-year commitment. The contract will commence on or about April 1, 2026, and will terminate upon reaching the end of the term or through specific contractual provisions.