REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF THE RUTLAND WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

The Town of Rutland is seeking proposals for the complete operation, maintenance, and management of the Rutland Water Treatment Facility, including the Muschopauge Pond surface water reservoir, a filtration plant with a 1.5 MGD design capacity, and two 1.0 MG water storage tanks. The selected contract operator will be responsible for 24/7 monitoring and operation of the facility, ensuring compliance with MassDEP regulations and the Surface Water Treatment Rule. Key duties include managing chemical injection for disinfection and corrosion control, maintaining equipment per manufacturer guidelines, and overseeing all staffing, safety, and labor relations. The contract is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026, with an initial five-year term and the possibility of three additional five-year renewals, potentially extending the agreement to twenty years. To be considered responsive, bidders must demonstrate at least five years of experience operating similar facilities in New England, prove financial stability, and meet specific insurance requirements. Proposals must include a technical volume and a separate sealed price proposal, along with a bid deposit equal to five percent of the first-year annual fee. Awarding will be based on the most advantageous proposal, considering price and technical evaluation. The contract includes provisions for annual fee adjustments every July 1st and requires a performance bond equal to the total first-year annual operations costs. The submission deadline for proposals is September 29, 2026, following a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on September 8, 2026.