PFAS Consulting &
Engineering Services
RFP 24-213: Specialized professional services for planning, science, and engineering to manage Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Solicitation Overview
Fairfax Water is seeking sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide PFAS Consulting, Planning, Science, and Engineering Services. This contract aims to secure high-level technical expertise to navigate emerging environmental challenges.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the principal federal law in the United States intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public. This RFP is designed to help Fairfax Water stay ahead of new EPA mandates under this act.
The successful offeror will demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique technical, legal, and public relations challenges associated with these persistent substances in the water supply.
Contract Information
Chemicals that have recently been detected in the environment and may pose a risk to human health, but are not yet fully regulated by traditional standards.
Detailed Scope of Services
- Strategic Regulatory Advisory: The consultant must provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of federal and state regulatory updates. This includes analyzing the impact of EPA health advisories, the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for PFAS, and toxicological research on multiple compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and PFBS.
- Comprehensive PFAS Management Master Planning: Develop long-term strategic plans for Fairfax Water's facilities. This involves evaluating current infrastructure and designing a roadmap for future treatment upgrades. The consultant will prepare detailed capital and operational cost estimates (CAPEX/OPEX) for various treatment scenarios to ensure financial preparedness.
- Source Water Characterization & Watershed Modeling: Conduct advanced scientific studies of source water, specifically focusing on the Potomac River and Occoquan watersheds. This includes analyzing upstream discharge points, modeling the transport of PFAS compounds through the environment, and identifying potential contributors to source water contamination.
- Litigation & Policy Support: Assist Fairfax Water and their legal representatives in identifying responsible parties for PFAS contamination. The consultant will provide technical evidence, support cost-recovery efforts, and evaluate policy positions to protect the interests of Fairfax Water and its customers in regulatory and legal proceedings.
- Laboratory Oversight & Data Validation: Coordinate with specialized laboratories to ensure high-accuracy testing using EPA Methods 533, 537.1, and 1633. The consultant will develop sampling protocols to prevent cross-contamination (a critical issue with PFAS) and perform rigorous validation of all laboratory data before it is reported or used in planning.
- Feasibility Studies for Treatment Technologies: Perform bench-scale and pilot-scale evaluations of emerging and established treatment methods. This includes assessing the efficiency of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange (IX) resins, and High-Pressure Membrane systems (RO/NF) in removing specific PFAS chains from the unique water matrix of Fairfax Water.
- Risk Communication & Public Engagement: Provide technical content and strategy for communicating complex PFAS data to the public. This includes assisting in the development of Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), media talking points, and stakeholder presentations to maintain public trust regarding water safety and quality.
The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. A federal program that requires water systems to test for 29 different PFAS compounds to help the EPA determine if future regulation is needed.
A treatment process where water passes through resin beads that "capture" PFAS molecules like a magnet, removing them from the drinking water supply efficiently.
Solicitation Timeline
Proposals must be submitted as one (1) electronic copy via the Fairfax Water Procurement Portal. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.