Hydrosolids Disposal Management

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, through its Department of Public Works, has issued Request for Proposals (RFP 12-26-RFP) for the management of hydrosolids generated at the Portsmouth Water Treatment Facility located in Madbury, NH. The project encompasses the removal, loading, transport, testing, and final disposal or beneficial reuse of hydrosolids in compliance with applicable federal and state environmental regulations, specifically NHDES Env-Wq 805 requirements. The contract is planned for a one-year base period beginning early in 2026, with provisions for potential extensions. Services are to be performed primarily during weekday daytime hours with a minimum annual removal frequency of three times. Proposals must include detailed firm qualifications, experience, references, capacity, and cost proposals, all submitted electronically via the City’s e-Procurement Portal by January 12, 2026. The evaluation of proposals will be conducted on a weighted basis, assigning 45% importance each to firm experience and cost, and 10% to responsiveness to submission requirements. The award process incorporates a trade-off evaluation approach balancing technical and price factors rather than focusing solely on low bid. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining all required environmental permits, including a valid Sludge Hauler Permit, ensuring regulatory compliance for sampling, testing, and reporting, and providing thorough documentation such as weigh scale tickets and operational reports. The contract stipulates sealed, water-tight container transportation of hydrosolids to approved disposal or beneficial reuse sites, preferably within New Hampshire. Administrative oversight and acceptance of services will be conducted by the City, which retains rights to verify proposer qualifications, require security clearances within ten days of award, reject proposals, and negotiate contract terms with the highest-ranked firm. The RFP excludes certain federal contract clauses and socioeconomic certification requirements but emphasizes environmental compliance, cost-effectiveness, and local beneficial reuse considerations throughout the project’s performance.