REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) and REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY FOR THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT EVALUATION OF LOW LEVEL NITROGEN REMOVAL ALTERNATIVES AND UPGRADING of SLUDGE PROCESSING SYSTEMS at the EAST AND WEST SIDE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES WPB 1386 General The Water Pollution Control Authority for the City of Bridgeport (WPCA) intends to select a consultant to prepare an engineering study to provide an evaluation of low level nitrogen removal alternatives to achieve the 2014 nitrogen general permit limits and to evaluate upgrading the sludge processing systems at its East Side and West Side Water Pollution Control Facilities. The WPCA intends to follow a two-step process to select the consultant. The first step is preparation of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). From the RFQ’s the WPCA intends to select three to five consultants. These selected consultants will be requested to formulate a formal detailed proposal (RFP). Additional details for each step are provided below. Background The WPCA owns two activated sludge wastewater treatment plants; the East Side Plant has an average design flow capacity of 10 mgd and the West Side Plant has an average design flow capacity of 30 mgd. The plants are operated and maintained by KGI Bridgeport Company under an existing operations contract. The liquid processing train at both plants has been upgraded to provide biological nitrogen removal through a single stage anoxic zone MLE process. The solids processing trains have not been upgraded and equipment is nearing the end of its useful service life. Both the East and West Side Plants have similar solids process trains where thickened, blended sludge is hauled off site. The West Side Plant also receives an average septage flow of 800,000 gallons/month. The East Side Plant does not currently accept any septage. The WPCA is seeking the services of a qualified consultant to perform, but not limited to the following tasks: A. Low Level Nitrogen Removal Study Evaluate and identify treatment processes that can be implemented to achieve low level (5 mg/l or less) of effluent total nitrogen discharged per day. The study shall evaluate and identify the necessary process upgrades to remove nitrogen to the level required in the Long Island Sound TMDL and General Permit for Nitrogen discharges by utilizing a treatment plant specific study for each facility. The study is not intended to be a full facility plan but a process based evaluation of potential enhancements. The WPCA has previously prepared and submitted to the CT DEP a report entitled “Nitrogen Facility Plan 2003 Report.” This report, and the detailed modeling incorporated within it, is to be the starting point for this study. WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 1 The study shall include the following tasks: a. Evaluate the existing flows and loads b. Evaluate future flows and loads c. Evaluate existing NPDES and General Permit compliance d. Identify sampling requirements to determine existing performance e. Identify future process needs to achieve the TMDL for Long Island Sound nitrogen discharges f. Review and screen potential technology alternatives i. Aeration system modifications ii. Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge Processes iii. Side stream treatment iv. Nitrification/denitrification reactors or filters v. Other(s) g. Perform detailed evaluation of selected alternative(s) h. Develop screening matrix or other decision tool i. Prepare economic analysis (capital and O&M) including “do nothing” alternatives j. Select one or more processes for detailed evaluation at each facility k. Prepare conceptual layout of alternatives l. As part of the Bridgeport WWTP nutrient removal upgrades, mathematical modeling of the Bridgeport West Side plant was undertaken using GPS-X, a dynamic wastewater treatment plant simulator. Data from the pilot plant study conducted on-site in 2000 were used to develop and calibrate the plant model. Following the completion of the plant upgrades, verification of the model calibration with full scale plant data was done. Model results indicated that the original calibration undertaken in 2000 could accurately predict plant behavior four years later. The model has been extensively used in the MLE design, accurately predicting performance at varying operating temperatures. The model was delivered and staff were trained in its use. Additionally a calibrated model of the East Side Plant was also developed in GPS-X. The model has been used to evaluate the impact of the industrial discharges on the nitrogen removal WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 2 capabilities of the plant, particularly at low temperatures. All respondents are advised that all modeling anticipated in this study will require the use of this model and its designer. Contact information for the firm is as follows: Primodal (US) Inc. 800 W. South St. Suite #3 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (269) 762-4780 Attn. Evangelina Belia, Ph.D. m. Compare/evaluate purchase or sale of nitrogen credits in combination with the proposed improvements to achieve the most cost effective recommendation n. Prepare a detailed report that: i. Provides recommendations and conclusions ii. Selects one or more processes or technologies iii. Evaluates need for pilot testing iv. Provides detailed site plan and schematics v. Provides cost estimates vi. Proposes a schedule for implementation B. Sludge Processing System Evaluation Evaluate the exiting sludge processing equipment at both facilities and identify improvements to the operational efficiency of these processes. The study shall identify and evaluate sludge processing improvement needs at both facilities by evaluating the following: a. The adequacy of existing sludge processing equipment b. Review of existing plant operational data c. Evaluate the capacity for present and future sludge production d. Evaluate existing facilities to establish the condition of all components of the existing solids processing systems e. Develop alternatives for sludge processing and disposal and evaluate these alternatives on the basis of life-cycle cost and non-cost criteria WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 3 f. Identify and screen options for sludge thickening g. Identify and screen options for sludge dewatering h. Develop alternative process trains for sludge thickening with off-site disposal of thickened sludge (existing practice) and sludge thickening/ dewatering and off-site disposal of dewatered sludge i. Develop process schematics for each alternative j. Prepare conceptual level construction cost estimates (including but not limited to process equipment, electrical, instrumentation and HVAC/ odor control), and operation, maintenance, transportation and disposal cost estimates suitable for comparing the alternatives k. Prepare a detailed report that: i Provides recommendations and conclusions ii. Selects one or more processes or technologies iii. Evaluates need for pilot testing iv. Provides detailed site plan and schematics v. Provides cost estimates vi. Proposes a schedule for implementation Interested consultants should prepare a qualifications statement (RFQ) limited to 10 pages (12 font) suitably bound. Five copies are to be provided. This RFQ shall contain the following: 1. Background statement on the firm, discipline capabilities, location of local office in which the project is to be managed, and financial stability of the firm. 2. A proposed project team, inclusive of professional background, experience and percentage of time proposed to be devoted to this study. 3. Qualifications and availability of those individuals who will be assigned to the project. 4. List of 5 similar projects in the 10 - 30 mgd treatment plants size, reference names, telephone numbers and addresses worked on within the past five years. 5. Short description of your approach to the needs of the project and a general time schedule for completing each phase. The anticipated scope of the study is shown below. WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 4 The RFQ is to be received no later than 2:00 PM on June 19, 2008 at: Department of Public Purchases City Hall – Room 324 45 Lyon Terrace Bridgeport, CT 06604 The proposals are to be sealed in an envelope to be clearly identified on the exterior as “RFQ-WPCA Nitrogen Enhancement/Sludge Study – WPB 1386” Please address all written comments/questions to: Mr. William E. Robinson Manager Treatment and Field Operations Fax (203) 576-7005. Verbal requests will not be accepted. The WPCA will select firms they wish to further interview based on the RFQ proposals received. These selected firms will be requested to provide a formal detailed proposal (RFP) including project approach, design cost estimates and detailed billing information/rates. The RFP is to be limited to 15 pages total (12 font) and are to be suitably bound. Five (5) copies are to be furnished. The selection criteria used in the selection of the firm will include, but is not limited to the following nor are the following necessarily in the order of importance: Understanding of Scope of Services Proposed Approach to Providing Services General Technical Competence/In House Abilities Detailed billing information Specific Experience on Similar Projects Previous Performance Record Resident Engineering Capability Knowledge of WPCA’s Facilities and Operations Approach to D/M/WBE Utilization Design Cost Fees Conflicts of Interest Staff assigned to the project and the location of said staff At the time of the submittal of the RFP all respondents are to prepare and submit two detailed design cost proposals indicating the proposed billing costs for the staff, including all markup and fees anticipated to perform the work. The respondent is to provide one stand alone proposal for the Nitrogen Removal Study and a separate cost proposal for the Upgrading of Sludge Processing. These detailed cost proposals are not to be bound into the RFP but are to be contained in sealed envelopes delivered at the date specified for the RFP. The WPCA will not open these envelopes until the selection of a consultant(s) is complete. These detailed cost proposals will be used to negotiate a project cost with the selected consultant(s). WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 5 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS The proposal must describe the proposed qualifications, experience and approach to providing the requested services. The proposal should address the team’s capability to perform all or most aspects of the possible project, such as planning, environmental evaluations, architectural design, and mechanical, electrical, civil engineering and structural designs. The following aspects must be detailed in the proposal: Approach used to provide the services Current workload Qualifications and experience of sub-consultants proposed Familiarity with WPCA procedures and requirements Inclusion of specific D/M/WBE’s in the consultant team to meet goals Current or pending litigation(s) Responders must be capable of complying with the City of Bridgeport’s requirements including design and general liability insurance. In addition, responders must complete and include the attached Debarment Certification, and enclose a copy of their Certificate of Authorization to engage in the practice of Professional Engineering and Land Surveying issued by the CT State Department of Consumer Protection. Sole proprietorships and architectural firms must enclose a copy of the registration certificate of the officer/partner who would be in charge of the project. The work will be performed in accordance with the City of Bridgeport’s standard consultant agreement. The RFP is to be received no later than 2:00 PM on TBD at: Department of Public Purchases City Hall – Room 324 45 Lyon Terrace Bridgeport, CT 06604 The proposals are to be sealed in an envelope to be clearly identified on the exterior as “RFP-WPCA Nitrogen Enhancement/Sludge Study.” Please address all written comments/questions to: Mr. William E. Robinson Manager Treatment and Field Operations Fax (203) 576-7005. Verbal requests will not be accepted. The selected firm shall ensure that any appropriate licenses or certifications required by the State of Connecticut are maintained for the duration of the project. WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 6 The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to award any part or parts, or total proposal, and to waive any informality or technical defects, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the WPCA. Any contract awarded under this request for proposals is expected to be funded in part by the State of Connecticut. This procurement will be subject to the requirements contained in Section 22a-482-4(h), (i), and (o) of the regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, including MBE/WBE participation. The State of Connecticut will not be a party to this request for proposals or any resulting contract. The selected firm shall ensure that any appropriate licenses or certifications required by the State of Connecticut are maintained for the duration of the project. The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to award any part or parts, or total proposal, to one or multiple consultants, and to waive any informality or technical defects, if is deemed to be in the best interest of the WPCA. PROPOSED RFQ SCHEDULE 1) Circulation of this RFQ for comments for a 2-week period review. This written question/comment period is to end on June 2, 2008. All written comments/questions regarding this RFQ are to be directed to: Water Pollution Control Authority 695 Seaview Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06607 Attention: Mr. William E. Robinson Manager Treatment and Field Operations Fax (203) 576-7005. Verbal requests will not be accepted. 2) All written comments received will be formally answered. Issuance of this written response will be done by fax to all recipients of the RFQ. Issuance of this written response will initiate the two week period for interested parties to prepare their submittals. Submittals are to be received by the time and date indicated in other sections of this document. 3) WPCA will then review all responses and short list several respondents. 4) Short listed respondents will then be interviewed and requested to prepare a formal RFP. 5) WPCA review. 6) WPCA will select a consultant(s). WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 7 WER2008RFQ Nitrogen Removal 8