Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) seeks the most qualified professional hydrogeologic consulting services with engineering support, and PCU will select a qualified firm for a 5-year continuing services contract.
Background
Pinellas County is on the west coast of Florida and is the most densely populated County in Florida. Challenges currently faced by PCU in the North County Service Area include managing excess reclaimed water (RCW) during wet periods and shortages of RCW during dry periods, and the resulting impacts of these effects on PCU and its customers. New ways of developing “Alternative Water Supplies” to supplement the County’s North County RCW System are currently being evaluated. These include small diameter supplemental supply wells, additional ASR wells, and metered RCW usage, for example.
The County requires the expertise of a hydrogeological consultant to support a range of critical hydrogeological projects and studies aimed at understanding and managing groundwater resources effectively. The selected consultant will provide essential insights through field investigations, data collection, modeling, and reporting, ensuring that the County’s water resource management complies with regulatory standards and sustains long-term availability. Ultimately, the County seeks a consultant who combines technical expertise with practical experience to address complex groundwater challenges and contribute to informed decision-making that safeguards County interests and environmental integrity.
Injection well and monitoring well projects may be funded by the County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), or by a combination of funding sources. Projects funded in whole or in part with non-County funds shall be designed in conformance with the funding agency’s requirements – i.e., SWFWMD and/or FDEP.
Project Details
- Reference ID: 26-0616-RFQ-CCNAC
- Department: UTILITIES
- Department Head: Jeremy Waugh (Director)
Important Dates
- Questions Due: 2026-07-31T19:00:00.000Z
Evaluation Criteria
- Important Instructions for Electronic Submittal —
The County is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Submit Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.
- Scope of Work or Project Details —
(Either reference the attachment where this is located or provide details here....)
- OBJECTIVE/JUSTIFICATION —
Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) seeks the most qualified professional hydrogeologic consulting services with engineering support, and PCU will select a qualified firm for a 5-year continuing services contract.
- BACKGROUND —
Pinellas County is on the west coast of Florida and is the most densely populated County in Florida. Challenges currently faced by PCU in the North County Service Area include managing excess reclaimed water (RCW) during wet periods and shortages of RCW during dry periods, and the resulting impacts of these effects on PCU and its customers. New ways of developing “Alternative Water Supplies” to supplement the County’s North County RCW System are currently being evaluated. These include small diameter supplemental supply wells, additional ASR wells, and metered RCW usage, for example.
The County requires the expertise of a hydrogeological consultant to support a range of critical hydrogeological projects and studies aimed at understanding and managing groundwater resources effectively. The selected consultant will provide essential insights through field investigations, data collection, modeling, and reporting, ensuring that the County’s water resource management complies with regulatory standards and sustains long-term availability. Ultimately, the County seeks a consultant who combines technical expertise with practical experience to address complex groundwater challenges and contribute to informed decision-making that safeguards County interests and environmental integrity.
Injection well and monitoring well projects may be funded by the County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), or by a combination of funding sources. Projects funded in whole or in part with non-County funds shall be designed in conformance with the funding agency’s requirements – i.e., SWFWMD and/or FDEP.
- REQUIREMENTS —
The services being requested will include but not be limited to those listed below.
1. Planning phase services for new and/or rehabilitated ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells and monitoring wells and the associated surface facilities components for each well. The work includes but is not limited to the following:
- Conduct hydrogeologic studies, technical evaluations, feasibility and pilot studies which may include developing site plans, schedules, phasing sequences, and cost estimates.
- Assist the County in developing and integrating a hydrogeologic program into the County overall system planning.
- Assist in updating existing master plans and/or facility plans, (i.e., Reclaimed Water Master Plan) which may include documenting existing facilities including site utilities (public and private), determining what new facilities are required, reviewing various agreements between the County and its customers, and evaluate retail/commercial needs and opportunities for reclaimed water.
- Study, evaluate, and design modifications and/or revisions to existing tanks, buildings, and structures to “harden” them from potential damage from severe weather – i.e., hurricanes, tornadoes, storm surge, etc.
- Prepare construction cost estimates, operating costs, cost-effective analysis and present-worth analysis for proposed projects.
- Prepare inspections, analysis, and reports necessary to comply with bond requirements.
- Prepare financial services related to capital and operating revenues and expenses.
- Prepare value engineering and/or cost effectiveness of proposed facilities.
- Prepare financial analysis related to capital and operating costs for Public-Private Joint Venture projects.
- Conduct management and operational studies of the existing operations of the injection wells.
- Perform environmental evaluations including assessments, impact statements, permitting assistance, determination of regional impacts, assessing sea-level rise, and surface-water outfall management studies.
- Evaluate existing and/or proposed facilities and processes to determine the carbon footprint and availability of carbon credits and/or green energy credits.
- Evaluate existing facilities and processes for potential areas where energy conservation can be implemented, carbon footprint reduced, or the availability of carbon
- Prepare other facility security services, financial work, energy reduction and conservation, and other related studies.
- Design phase services for new and/or rehabilitated ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells and monitoring wells and associated surface facilities components for each well. The work may include but is not limited to the following:
- Conduct surveying and subsurface investigations including property surveys, topographic surveys, preparation of easement descriptions, preparation of legal descriptions for acquisition of property, preparation of right-of-way maps, subsurface utility locates, potable well surveys, and other survey services.
- Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed technical specifications and drawings, related to wells and surface facility components including intakes, screens, pumps, conveyance piping and valves, treatment and disinfection components, electrical, instrumentation and control systems.
- Design modifications to existing facilities and/or new facilities in accordance with the County’s Envision requirements and with the intent of reducing energy consumption, reducing carbon footprint, developing carbon credits and/or green energy credits.
- Prepare construction cost estimates, operating costs, cost-effective analysis and present-worth analysis for proposed projects.
- Prepare bid forms, construction sequencing, and cost estimates for the work to be performed.
- Study, test, and evaluate existing facilities for the presence of regulated substances, including but not limited to lead and asbestos, in existing buildings, equipment, structures, and/or other facilities.
- Design methods to safely remove and dispose of regulated substances in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
- Submit appropriate permit applications and documents to the regulatory agency(ie) regarding removal and disposal of regulated substances.
- Permitting services for new and/or rehabilitated ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells and monitoring wells and the associated surface facilities components for each well. The work may include but is not limited to the following:
- Review existing and/or new SWFWMD, FDEP, and/or EPA regulations and requirements related to wells and water quality requirements.
- Prepare permit applications to comply with appropriate federal, state, and county regulations.
- Respond to agency questions and/or requests for additional information.
- Coordinate, arrange, and present at meetings as needed with regulatory agency.
- Review draft regulatory agency documents, represent and present at public hearings and meetings, negotiate with regulatory agency, and represent at regulatory agency and/or court hearings.
- Provide expert witness testimony, preparation, and legal/litigation assistance services.
- Evaluate existing and/or proposed regulatory requirements and/or consent orders.
- Monitor and brief County staff on any new and/or proposed changes in regulatory requirements that could potentially impact the operation of the County’s injection wells, aquifer storage wells, aquifer recharge wells, water operations, and monitoring wells.
- Represent the County at meetings with EPA, FDEP, SWFWMD or the Board of County Commissioners.
- Provide other miscellaneous assistance related to regulatory and permitting issues.
- Bidding and construction services for new and/or rehabilitated ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells and monitoring wells and the associated surface facilities components for each well. The work may include but is not limited to the following:
- Participate in a pre-bid meeting with qualified contractors, review bids and recommend the bid award.
- Participate in a pre-construction meeting with County staff and the selected contractor.
- Perform site observations and inspections during the construction phase.
- Oversee materials testing, well acidization, video surveying, pressure packer tests, radioactive tracer surveys (RTS), mechanical integrity testing of well piping and valves, and well instrumentation and control.
- Review shop drawings, change orders, and Contractor’s pay estimates.
- Prepare a report at the end of construction on the results of the work for the County and/or for the appropriate regulatory agency(ies).
- Provide required certifications.
- Attend final inspection, oversee facility start-up.
- Prepare operation and maintenance manuals.
- Provide staff training in proper operation and maintenance.
- Provide other well and surface facility services as needed.
5. Evaluation and operational testing of ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells, supply wells, and monitoring wells and the associated surface facilities components for each well. The work may include but is not limited to the following:
- Develop and prepare injection test plans.
- Assist with and/or conduct injection testing per established methods.
- Develop an operational testing request package as required for each injection well satisfying the requirements of specific conditions of the well construction and testing permit.
- Perform a survey by a professional surveyor of each well site, as required.
- Prepare for and attend a FDEP site inspection of the completed well.
- Assist the county with regulatory reporting and compliance support through the operational testing period.
- Prepare an FDEP operation permit application for each injection well, as required.
- Prepare an operation and maintenance (O&M) manual for injection well systems, as needed.
- Public education and outreach services for new and/or rehabilitated ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, deep disposal wells and monitoring wells. The work may include but is not limited to the following:
- Develop digital and hard copy public education and outreach materials.
- Develop a media kit, project renderings, exhibits, etc.
- Host stake holder, special interest, and public meetings.
- Attend and/or present at County Commission meetings.
- Attend and/or present at public meetings and workshops.
- Identify funding mechanisms and prepare funding applications as appropriate to support the selected projects including but not limited to:
- Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA),
- State Revolving Fund (SRF),
- Alternative Water Supply Funding,
- Other governmental grants and loans (i.e. SWFWMD)
- Legislative Appropriation, and others.
- Well inspection, reporting, and operating permit renewal services for existing wells necessary to comply with regulatory agencies including but not limited to:
- Perform quarterly and/or annual inspection of injection wells, ASR wells, aquifer recharge wells, and monitoring wells, as required.
- Perform quarterly and/or annual review of operating data and instrument calibration of injection wells, ASR wells, and monitoring wells, as required.
- Perform quarterly and/or annual testing of injection wells, ASR wells, and monitoring wells, as required.
- Prepare quarterly and/or annually required or other inspection, monitoring, and testing reports of injection wells, ASR wells, and monitoring wells to be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency.
- Prepare an engineering report documenting and summarizing injection well operation and monitoring well data.
- Prepare data in tabular and graphic forms that cover the entire duration of the current operating permit.
- Prepare the permit renewal application form.
- Submit the engineering report and permit application to appropriate regulatory agency before the expiration date of the operating permit.
- Respond to questions and/or requests for additional information from regulatory agency.
- Attend and/or present at public meetings.
- Professional specialty services including but not limited to:
- Environmental engineering.
- Civil/sanitary engineering.
- Electrical engineering.
- Mechanical engineering.
- Structural engineering.
- Architecture.
- Computer/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)/instrumentation engineering.
- Hydraulic engineering.
- Geotechnical.
- Hydrogeological.
- Solid waste.
- EPA, FDEP, and SWFWMD Guidelines – Perform each project activity or task including but not limited to designing, testing, monitoring, operation, reporting, rehabilitation, and/or construction of the well systems shall be written, prepared, presented, and designed in accordance with all current EPA, FDEP, and TAC guidelines and regulations.
- Other related work that may be required by the projects envisioned to be addressed through this contract. This includes but is not limited to:
- Project management.
- Effective communication.
- Subconsultant and/or subcontractor administrative services.
- Billing and administrative services.
- Quality assurances and quality control.
Submission Requirements
- Proposal Requirements (required) —
Did you read through and confirm that you met all of the proposal requirements including the sections?
- Proposal Documents (required) —
Please Upload your COMPLETE Proposal here.
- Acknowledgement Confirmation (required) —
Please note there are three attachments/affidavits which will have to be completed and signed by the AWARDEE.
1. Human Trafficking Affidavit
2. Foreign Countries of Concern Affidavit
3. Truth in Negotiations
- Proposal (without Cost Proposal) (required) —
Please Upload your COMPLETE Proposal here. Upload fee proposal separately in the next step.
- Separate Cost Proposal (required) —
Confirm that your fee proposal is not attached in your Proposal and is attached separately here.
- Bid Bond (required) —
Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified cashier’s check, or bid bond, in the amount of XXXXXof the total bid price, payable toPinellas County, as a guarantee that the bidder, if its bid is accepted, will promptly execute the Agreement. The bidder shall guarantee the total bid price for a period of 60 days from the date of the bid opening.
Please scan and upload a copy of your bid bond/cashier's check. Bidder must also MAIL bid guarantee with a postmarked date no later thanTuesday, August 11, 2026 addressed to:
Pinellas County
Pamela Ulrich
22211 U.S. Hwy 19N
Clearwater,FL33765
Please have the Bidder Name, Contract Title ("Hydrogeologic Consulting Services 2026-2031 (GEC) - Professional Engineering Consulting Services"), and Contract Number ("26-0616-RFQ-CCNAC") listed clearly on the outside of the envelope.
- Contract Execution, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, and Certificate(s) of Insurance (required) —
The contract shall be executed by the successful bidder and shall be returned, together with the Payment Bond, Performance Bond and Certificate(s) of Insurance to Pinellas County so that it is received within 14 working daysafter the bidder has received the contract for execution. Failure to do so shall be just cause for forfeiture of the proposal guaranty.
- Bid Bond (required) —
Will this solicitation require a bid bond?
- Electronic Pricing Table (required) —
Would you like to have bidders respond to an electronic pricing table through ProcureNow?
Some examples of of when to say "yes":
This is a quote for goods or commodities
This is a public works bid, with a pricing table that can be uploaded into ProcureNow from an excel spreadsheet
Seeking services for hourly rate schedules
- Separate Fee Proposal Upload (required) —
If you are NOT using the Electronic Pricing Table option, will you want your bidder to separate a Price Proposal from the rest of their Response? You'll want to do this if you open your bids initially WITHOUT showing price, and then come back in after a technical evaluation to unseal pricing later.
- Evaluation Committee? (required) —
Will there be an evaluation committee to review the proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?