The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), is seeking prequalified consulting engineering firms for the 2026 EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA). Firms will conduct surveys for public water systems (PWS), gathering data on infrastructure, planned projects, and completing EPA forms. Services include site visits, interviews, and documentation review. The contract duration is initially 1 year with a 1-year renewal option, totaling up to 3 years. The estimated contract value is $325,000. Bidders must submit quotes online via Commbuys by August 31, 2026. A significant Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) commitment (minimum 1%) is required, contributing at least 25% of evaluation points. Evaluation criteria include bidder qualifications, technical and management experience, and the SDP plan. Payment is 50% upon draft submission and 50% after EPA acceptance. No additional costs beyond the stated fees will be compensated.
The deadline for submission of surveys will be set by EPA and may be extended. EPA has indicated the survey may start as early as August 2026, with a submission deadline as early as February 1, 2027. Draft surveys and backup documentation are due by December 30, 2026.
MassDEP anticipates that 50% of the applicable fee will be paid upon the firms submittal of the draft survey and backup documentation to MassDEP. The remaining 50% of the fee will be paid after EPA's final review and acceptance of the survey.
Bidder scores will be used to rank bidders and determine which bidders will proceed to subsequent stages of the evaluation. Evaluation components include bidder qualifications (technical and management experience and capabilities) and the Supplier Diversity Plan (at least 25% of total evaluation points).
Bidders must submit a statement of qualifications narrative summarizing their experience in conducting EPA DWINSA surveys, current engineering experience relevant to drinking water infrastructure, and identification of key personnel with resumes. They must also provide a business profile and three references.
MassDEP reserves the right to suspend or terminate a contractor based upon evidence of performance problems, failure to meet contract requirements, fraud, violation of laws, or failure to remain current on fees/taxes/payments owed to the Commonwealth.
The firm may be required to visit and inspect various components of the systems owned by the PWS and conduct interviews with appropriate personnel to assemble pertinent facility information.
The deadline for submission of questions is August 10, 2026, 5:00 PM.
Failure to meet mandatory specifications without providing an acceptable alternate may result in disqualification. Bidders are also prohibited from communicating directly with MassDEP employees or the SSST regarding the RFR except as specified.
The estimated value of purchases resulting from this bid is $325,****.
