Utility Rate Study Services – Water & Sewer, Solid Waste & Recycling, and Stormwater Utilities

The City of Clearwater, Florida is requesting proposals for utility rate study consultant services covering Water & Sewer, Solid Waste & Recycling, and Stormwater utilities under RFP #57-26, with proposals due September 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM and questions due September 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

The consultant will develop rate structures for all three utilities and provide comprehensive consulting services including financial analysis, report preparation, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for long-term fiscal planning. The contract term is five years commencing January 1, 2027. Water & Sewer and Stormwater utilities require interim studies in Years 1 and 3 with major studies in Years 2, 4, and 5; Solid Waste & Recycling requires interim studies in Years 1, 3, and 5 with major studies in Years 2 and 4. The City anticipates award recommendations the week of October 19, 2026, with City Council authorization in November 2026.

Proposers must demonstrate at least five years of experience with comparable public sector utility systems. Evaluation criteria by weight are firm qualifications (50%), project approach and methodology (30%), references (10%), and pricing (10%). Pricing shall be firm and not-to-exceed for each study type, with all labor, supervision, travel, meals, lodging, overhead, and incidental expenses included. Annual price adjustments are permitted during the 60-day period preceding each contract anniversary, limited to the lesser of Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater or three percent.

Insurance requirements include $1 million Commercial General Liability per occurrence, $1 million Commercial Automobile Liability combined single limit, and $2 million Professional Liability. The City requires E-Verify immigration verification, public records compliance, drug-free workplace policies, and nondiscrimination certifications. One possible five-year renewal option exists at the City's sole discretion with 30 days' written notice required prior to expiration. Presentations and interviews may be requested. Payment terms are NET 30 via Electronic Funds Transfer or Automated Clearing House. All proposals must be submitted electronically through the City's e-Procurement Portal and become public records upon submission.