Project Information

Bid Title

Sharon Northbound Living Machine Wastewater Operations

Issuing Agency

State of Vermont

Location

Vermont

Published Date

Jun 12, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 24, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

TITLE	QUESTIONS DUE	ANSWERS POSTED	DUE DATE	NO POSTING AFTER
Sharon Northbound Living Machine Wastewater Operations	06/17/2026		06/24/2026

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Buildings and General Services

133 State Street, 5th Floor | Montpelier VT 05633-8000

802-828-2211 phone |802-828-2222 fax

http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing

SEALED BID

Request For Proposal

LIVING MACHINE WASTEWATER SYSTEM

OPERATIONS

SHARON NORTHBOUND INFORMATION CENTER

SHARON, VERMONT

ISSUE DATE

BIDDERS CONFERENCE

QUESTIONS DUE

RFP RESPONSES DUE BY

June 12th, 2026

NONE

June 17th, 2026 – 4:30 PM (EST)

June 24th, 2026 – 4:30 PM (EST)

Please be advised that all notifications, releases, and addendums associated with this

RFP will be posted at:

http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php

The state will make no attempt to contact interested parties with updated information. It is the

responsibility of each bidder to periodically check the above webpage for any and all

notifications, releases and addendums associated with this RFP.

STATE CONTACT:

TELEPHONE:

E-MAIL:

FAX:

______________________________________________________________________

1

OVERVIEW:

1.1. SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Through this Request for Proposal (RFP) the AOA/BGS

(hereinafter the “State”) is seeking to establish contracts with one or more companies that can

provide LIVING MACHINE WASTEWATER SYSTEM OPERATION AT SHARON

NORTHBOUND INFORMATION CENTER.

1.1.1. Operator certification and training costs.

1.1.2. Backup and emergency call in support services and personnel as needed.

1.1.3. Coordinating with and assisting State contracted septic pump service vendor to pump

out septic tank.

1.1.4. Operation of the Living Machine System on a weekly basis during the contract

period. Tasks to be included:

1.1.4.1.

Daily data recordings that include flow rates, settleable solids and sludge

levels within each of the tanks (especially the septic and upland wetland tank).

1.1.4.2.

Maintenance of the chlorine disinfection system, which includes

monitoring the residual chlorine concentration and adjusting the chlorine dose rate

accordingly to maintain desired residual.

1.1.4.3.

Maintenance of the turbidity filters, which includes periodic cleaning and

replacement.

1.1.4.4.

Maintenance of various filters within the treatment systems that capture

solids to prevent clogs.

1.1.4.5.

Maintenance of the septic tank, which includes monitoring the sludge

and scum depths, as well as cleaning the septic tank effluent filters.

1.1.4.6.

Maintenance of dosing and recirculation pumps. This includes periodic

removal and replacement of the submersible pumps.

1.1.4.7.

Maintenance of the aeration system. This includes the regenerative

blowers, diffusers and monitoring air flow to each stage of treatment to ensure that

the proper amount of air is being delivered to meet the treatment requirements.

1.1.4.8. Periodic planting, trimming and harvesting plants from each of the planted reactors.

1.1.4.9.

Operator is expected to be able to repair, and at times, replace PVC piping

systems used in the treatment system as needed.

1.1.5. Confined space certification for access into underground tanks and infrastructure

related to the wastewater system. The State (Owner) shall be responsible for:

1.1.5.1. Providing primary and backup BGS staff members for report approval and return

to contractor within five (5) days.

1.1.5.2. All costs necessary to maintain the facility except those identified above. These

costs shall include materials, supplies, parts, electricity, and laboratory and septic

waste pumping costs.

1.1.5.3. Obtaining all necessary Federal, State and local permits, and approvals as

required for operating the facility.

1.1.5.4. Annual inspection services and evaluation of previous operating season.

1.1.5.5. Pumping of primary treatment septic tanks as required by permit, necessity, or

as recommended by the inspecting engineer.

1.1.5.6. Providing and maintaining the Pro Control SCADA platform.

Revised: February 13, 2026

Page 2 of 23

1.2. CONTRACT PERIOD: Contracts arising from this RFP will be for a period of THREE YEARS

with an option to renew for up to one additional 24-month period. The State anticipates the start

date for such contract(s) will be July 17, 2026.

1.3. SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT: All communications concerning this RFP are to be addressed

in writing to the State Contact listed on the front page of this RFP. Actual or attempted contact

with any other individual from the State concerning this RFP is strictly prohibited and may result

in disqualification.

1.4. BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE: A bidders’ conference will not be held remotely at the date and

time indicated on the front page of this RFP.

1.4.1. If there is a remote bidders’ conference, and call-in information is not provided on the front

page of the RFP, all potential bidders may send an e-mail to the State Contact with Bidder’s

firm and contact info and shall then be provided call-in details.

1.5. QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD: Any bidder requiring clarification of any section of this

RFP or wishing to comment on any requirement of the RFP must submit specific questions in

writing no later than the deadline for question indicated on the first page of this RFP. Questions

may be e-mailed to the point of contact on the front page of this RFP. Questions or comments

not raised in writing on or before the last day of the question period are thereafter waived. At

the close of the question period a copy of all questions or comments and the State's responses

will be posted on the State’s web site http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php . Every effort

will be made to post this information as soon as possible after the question period ends,

contingent on the number and complexity of the questions. All information provided by vendors

during this process will be public and bidders shall not provide confidential information, except

as described in 4.1 below.

1.6. CHANGES TO THIS RFP: Any modifications to this RFP will be made in writing by the State

through the issuance of an Addendum to this RFP and posted online at

http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php . Modifications from any other source are not to be

considered.

2. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS/DESIRED OUTCOMES:

2.1.

The State of Vermont is interested in obtaining bids to meet the following business

need(s):

2.2. Written proposals to provide daily operation and routine maintenance of the Living Machine

System wastewater treatment system at the Sharon I-89 Northbound Information Center in

strict conformance with the provisions and requirements of the current wastewater permits.

The purpose of the Living Machine System for wastewater treatment is to provide reliable

and efficient treatment of wastewater in an ecologically engineered system. The Living

Machine configuration is designed to handle an approximate flow of 6000 gpd with a peak

flow of 9000 gpd of sewage generated from the Sharon Information Center located on I-89

Northbound. The Living Machine System treatment process relies on a biologic and physical

process to treat the wastewater generated by visitation at the Information Center. The final

treated effluent from Living Machine System is disinfected via chlorination to meet State

DEC reuse standards. A portion of the disinfected wastewater is reused for toilet flushing

and a certain portion is discharged to a subsurface leach field system. The Living Machine

System also serves the visiting public as a demonstration of innovative wastewater

treatment and of the State of Vermont’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The described system is owned and operated by the Dept. of Buildings & General Services

(BGS) and regulated by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Drinking and

Revised: February 13, 2026

Page 3 of 23

Groundwater Protection Division (GWGDP) under Permits #WW-3-0184-2, WW-3-0184-2R,

WW-3-0184-3, WW-3-1084-4 and WW-3-

1084-5. The facility is operated year-round and open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00

p.m. daily.

2.2.1. Daily operation and routine maintenance of the Living Machine System wastewater

treatment system at the Sharon I-89 Northbound Information Center is in strict

conformance with the provisions and requirements of the following Wastewater Permits:

WW-3-0184-2, WW-3-0184- 2R, WW-3-0184-3, WW-3-0184-4 and WW-3-0184-5

appended to this RFP and on file with the State of Vermont, Agency of Natural

Resources, Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC). No deviations from the permit

conditions are allowable without prior written consent of the DEC.

2.2.2. Based on the current facilities characteristics, the estimated level of services requires

one (1) part-time certified operator three (3) hours per day/five days per week (Monday

thru Friday). The Contractor shall provide the Owner with a backup operator to provide

coverage in the event of the absence of the primary operator. The Contractor shall also be

responsible for 24/7 emergency coverage.

2.2.3. Operation of the facility must be with qualified, experienced operator(s) with a

minimum of a Grade 2 Domestic Provisional (2DMP), DEC-issued certification. Non-

provisionally certified operators are not acceptable unless directly supervised by an

experienced provisionally certified operator.

2.2.3.1.

Operator must have basic computer skills to update the PLC control

panel, and a thorough knowledge of the Pro Control SCADA platform.

Onsite wastewater treatment experience is preferred. Operator shall show

direct project experience from a similar design flow system (minimum 6000

gpd). Experience with an activated sludge and constructed wetlands

treatment system is preferred.

2.2.3.2.

Ability to log on thru a remote access for the control panel. It requires a

computer with a Windows Operating System.

2.2.3.3.

Contractor shall provide the operator with a cell phone that can receive

email and text message alarms generated by the control panel.

2.2.4. Training and instruction for the operator on the routine requirements of the facility,

day-to-day maintenance and operations.

2.2.5. Establishing a schedule of standard operating procedures for the Living Machine

System facility.

2.2.6. Meeting with BGS staff and other professionals associated with the Living Machine

System prior to the start of services and on an as-needed basis to clarify lines of

communications and procedures for ordering State-provided supplies.

2.2.7. Attending and participating in the annual inspection of the system by State-hired

engineers and consultants.

2.2.8. Operator certification and training costs.

2.2.9. Backup and emergency call in support services and personnel as needed.

2.2.10. Coordinating with and assisting State contracted septic pump service vendor to pump

out septic tank.

2.2.11. Operation of the Living Machine System on a weekly basis during the contract

period. Tasks to be included:

Revised: February 13, 2026

Page 4 of 23

2.2.11.1.

Daily data recordings that include flow rates, settleable solids and sludge

levels within each of the tanks (especially the septic and upland wetland tank).

2.2.11.2.

Maintenance of the chlorine disinfection system, which includes

monitoring the residual chlorine concentration and adjusting the chlorine dose rate

accordingly to maintain desired residual.

2.2.11.3.

Maintenance of the turbidity filters, which includes periodic cleaning and

replacement.

2.2.11.4.

Maintenance of various filters within the treatment systems that capture

solids to prevent clogs.

2.2.11.5.

Maintenance of the septic tank, which includes monitoring the sludge

and scum depths, as well as cleaning the septic tank effluent filters.

2.2.11.6.

Maintenance of dosing and recirculation pumps. This includes periodic

removal and replacement of the submersible pumps.

2.2.11.7.

Maintenance of the aeration system. This includes the regenerative

blowers, diffusers and monitoring air flow to each stage of treatment to ensure that

the proper amount of air is being delivered to meet the treatment requirements.

2.2.11.8.

Periodic planting, trimming and harvesting plants from each of the planted

reactors.

2.2.11.9.

Operator is expected to be able to repair, and at times, replace PVC piping

systems used in the treatment system as needed.

2.2.12. Confined space certification for access into underground tanks and infrastructure

related to the wastewater system. The State (Owner) shall be responsible for:

2.2.12.1. Providing primary and backup BGS staff members for report approval and return

to contractor within five (5) days.

2.2.12.2. All costs necessary to maintain the facility except those identified above. These

costs shall include materials, supplies, parts, electricity, and laboratory and septic

waste pumping costs.

2.2.12.3. Obtaining all necessary Federal, State and local permits, and approvals as

required for operating the facility.

2.2.12.4. Annual inspection services and evaluation of previous operating season.

2.2.12.5. Pumping of primary treatment septic tanks as required by permit, necessity, or

as recommended by the inspecting engineer.

2.2.12.6. Providing and maintaining the Pro Control SCADA platform.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

3.1. PRICING: Bidders must price the terms of this solicitation at their best pricing. Any and all costs

that Bidder wishes the State to consider must be submitted for consideration. If applicable, all

equipment pricing is to include F.O.B. delivery to the ordering facility. No request for extra

delivery cost will be honored. All equipment shall be delivered assembled, serviced, and ready

for immediate use, unless otherwise requested by the State.

3.1.1. Prices and/or rates shall remain firm for the initial term of the contract. The pricing policy

submitted by Bidder must (i) be clearly structured, accountable, and auditable and (ii) cover the

full spectrum of materials and/or services required.

Revised: February 13, 2026

Page 5 of 23

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 221320Sewage Treatment Facilities

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