The Chicago Department of Water Management is dedicated to ensuring the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Its core mission centers on maintaining and modernizing sewage treatment facilities, water and sewer line networks, and related hydraul...
The Chicago Department of Water Management is dedicated to ensuring the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Its core mission centers on maintaining and modernizing sewage treatment facilities, water and sewer line networks, and related hydraulic systems to protect public health and environmental integrity. Strategic priorities include aging infrastructure rehabilitation, system resilience against climate stressors, and the integration of advanced monitoring and engineering solutions to optimize operational efficiency. Key programs focus on sewer cleaning and televising, water main replacement, and professional design services for large-scale conveyance systems, reflecting a long-term commitment to preventive maintenance and lifecycle management.
The agency procures a wide range of construction, engineering, and maintenance services, with the heaviest emphasis on sewage treatment facility operations and water/sewer line construction. It frequently engages contractors for plumbing, heating, and HVAC systems, roofing, and industrial machinery repair to support facility integrity. Contract structures are predominantly open solicitations, with a preference for term agreements and professional service engagements that allow for flexible, ongoing support across the city’s vast utility network.
Primary procurement targets include NAICS 221320 (sewage treatment), 237110 (water and sewer line construction), and 541330 (engineering services), indicating a strong reliance on specialized technical expertise for system design and oversight. The agency consistently seeks qualified vendors with demonstrated experience in municipal utility infrastructure, favoring firms capable of delivering integrated solutions across design, construction, and maintenance phases. No set-aside preferences are indicated in procurement data.
Organized under the City of Chicago, the department operates citywide with no geographic restrictions, managing a complex, interconnected utility system through direct solicitations and long-term service agreements. It does not utilize specialized procurement vehicles beyond standard competitive bidding and term contracts, relying on performance-based outcomes to guide vendor selection.