Wastewater Treatment Chemical - Acetic Acid

Orange Water and Sewer Authority
Our community's trusted partner for clean water and environmental protection.
IFB NO. 26-010
INVITATION FOR BID
FOR
WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL - ACETIC ACID
Date Issued: October 7, 2026

Table of Contents
NOTIFICATION........................................................................................................................................................2
1 NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID....................................................................................................................2
2 TIMELINE............................................................................................................................................................2
3 BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Bid Requirements....................................................................................................................................................3
4 SELECTION PROCESS FOR BIDS FOR ACETIC ACID..................................................................................4
5 GENERAL BID CONDITIONS............................................................................................................................4
5.1 Questions and Addenda...........................................................................................................................................4
5.2 Public Bid Opening and Late Bids...........................................................................................................................5
5.3 Proprietary Information...........................................................................................................................................5
5.4 Method of Response................................................................................................................................................6
5.5 Withdrawal of Bids..................................................................................................................................................6
5.6 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions......................................................................................................................6
5.7 False, Incomplete or Unresponsive Statements.......................................................................................................6
5.8 Clear and Concise Submission................................................................................................................................6
5.9 Prime Bidder Responsibilities.................................................................................................................................6
5.10 Insurance..................................................................................................................................................................7
5.10.1 Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance............................................................................................................7
5.10.2 General Liability Insurance...........................................................................................................................7
5.10.3 General Liability Property Damage Liability................................................................................................7
5.10.4 Automobile Liability Insurance....................................................................................................................7
5.10.5 Workers' Compensation Insurance................................................................................................................7
5.11 Contract Term and Extension..................................................................................................................................7
5.11.1 Price Escalation...........................................................................................................................................7
6 PROTEST PROCEDURES...................................................................................................................................7
6.1 Protests Received Prior to Receipt of Bids..............................................................................................................7
6.2 Selection Protests.....................................................................................................................................................8
6.3 Filing Procedures.....................................................................................................................................................8
7 COSTS AND DAMAGES......................................................................................................................................8
Attachment A--------------Specifications
Attachment B--------------Bid Form
Attachment C--------------E-Verify Affidavit
Attachment D--------------Certification Regarding Conflict of Interest
Attachment E--------------Iran Divestment Act
Attachment F--------------Companies Boycotting Israel Divestment Act Form
Attachment G--------------Non-Collusion Affidavit
Attachment H--------------Reference Form
Attachment I---------------Response Checklist

NOTIFICATION
INVITATION FOR BID
SOLICITATION NO. 26-010
FOR
WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL - ACETIC ACID
1 NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), invites sealed bids from qualified suppliers for
the supply of Acetic Acid used in wastewater treatment processes.
To obtain a copy of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) document, suppliers shall download the document
from the OWASA'S website at https://www.owasa.org/bid-opportunities
Bids are solicited and will be received at Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA),
Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC 27510, until 3:00 p.m., ET Thursday,
October 22, 2026, for the WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL - ACETIC ACID
solicitation.
Questions regarding the IFB shall be directed to David Moore, Procurement Supervisor at
dmoore@owasa.org.
OWASA reserves the right to reject any or all Bids.
2 TIMELINE
DATE EVENTS
October 7, 2026 IFB distributed and posted to OWASA website
October 14, 2026 Inquiries must be submitted in writing (e-mail only) to David
3:00 PM ET Moore at dmoore@owasa.org
October 16, 2026 Responses to all questions received will be posted on the OWASA
3:00 PM ET website.
October 22, 2026
Bids due at the administrative offices of OWASA
3:00 PM ET
October 22, 2026
Public Bid Opening at the administrative offices of OWASA
3:30 PM ET
Notice of Intent to Award Contract Contingent upon Executive
October 23, 2026 (tentative)
Director's Approval
November 2, 2026 (tentative)
Contract Start Date

3 BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS
Bids shall be delivered to David Moore, Procurement Supervisor, at Orange Water and Sewer
Authority (OWASA), 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC 27510. The outside of the envelope
must be marked BID: 26-010 WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL - ACETIC ACID, and
shall indicate the name and address of the bidder.
OWASA reserves the right to reject any or all Bids for any reason determined by OWASA to be in
its best interest, or to award the bid to the lowest responsive responsible bidder, taking into
consideration quality, performance, and the time specified in the bids for the performance of the
contract.
3.1 Bid Requirements
INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM THE BIDDER
See Attachment I Response Checklist.
To determine responsiveness in the chemical solicitation, the following items must be
received:
Bid Submission Documents and Attachments
o 3.1.1 Specifications (Attachment A)
o 3.1.2 Bid Form (Attachment B)
o 3.1.3 E-Verify Affidavit (Attachment C)
o 3.1.4 Certification Regarding Conflict of Interest (Attachment D)
o 3.1.5 Iran Divestment Act Certificate (Attachment E)
o 3.1.6 Companies Boycotting Israel Divestment Act Form (Attachment F)
o 3.1.7 Non-Collusion Affidavit (Attachment G)
o 3.1.8 Reference Form (Attachment H)
o 3.1.9 Response Checklist (Attachment I)
o 3.1.10 Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of company's specific product.
o 3.1.11 Provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Test Limits
Product 20% Acetic Acid
Appearance Clear, Colorless
Odor Characteristic Odor (vinegary)
Color (APHA) 30 Max
Iron (Fe) Report Percentage value
Assay (CH3COOH) 19-35%
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Report PPM

Hydrogen Peroxide 5-60 PPM
(H2O2)
Density Report PPM
pH 2-3
o 3.1.12 Provide Delivery Lead Time for an Order.
o 3.1.13 Provide three references from facilities (not finance department) previously
supplied.
o 3.1.14 Acknowledge receipt of all addenda by listing each addendum number and
date with the bid (see Section 5.1).
Provide two copies of your bid documents with one thumb drive.
4 SELECTION PROCESS FOR BIDS FOR ACETIC ACID
The selection process for bids for ACETIC ACID will be conducted to identify the lowest
responsive and responsible bidder taking into consideration time, quality, and performance.
The steps are as follows:
o Safety Data Sheets (SDS)-Pass/Fail
o Certificate of Analysis-(COA)-Pass/Fail
o Delivery Lead Time for an Order-Pass/Fail
o Provide three references from facilities previously supplied-Pass/Fail
o Lowest responsive responsible bidder
This selection process ensures a fair, transparent, and compliant procurement of ACETIC
ACID by evaluating critical criteria on a pass/fail basis and awarding the contract to the lowest
responsive and responsible bidder. This approach is intended to secure reliable deliveries and
high standards of quality and performance. Only bidders who pass all four criteria will be
considered. The chosen supplier must meet all contractual obligations and ensure timely and
reliable delivery of the product, contributing to the efficient operation of our services.
OWASA may waive any irregularities in any bid that does not prejudice other respondents.
OWASA reserves the right to reject any and all Bids.
5 GENERAL BID CONDITIONS
5.1 Questions and Addenda
Any changes to this IFB document will be made by written addenda issued by OWASA. Upon
issuance, the addenda will be considered part of the IFB document and will prevail over
inconsistent or conflicting provisions contained in earlier versions of the IFB document.

Addenda will be available for download from the OWASA website in the same manner as the
IFB document. This process will be repeated each time an addendum is posted to the OWASA
website.
Bidders shall acknowledge their receipt of all addenda with their submission. As with other
required documentation, Bids that fail to provide a detailed listing of addenda received may be
excluded from further consideration for this solicitation.
It is the desire of OWASA to provide the same information to all interested parties to ensure
fairness and impartiality in the procurement process. To that end, OWASA will not respond to
telephone inquiries or personal visits. Visitation by respondents or their representatives may be
made to OWASA only at the pre-bid meeting, if held. All questions are to be submitted in
writing. Submit written questions via e-mail to the OWASA Procurement Supervisor at
dmoore@owasa.org by 3:00 pm Eastern Time on October 14, 2026. Responses to questions
will be posted on the OWASA website no later than 3:00 pm Eastern Time on October 16,
2026. Answers to questions or directives to Submitters regarding the IFB process by any
OWASA employee other than Mr. Moore and verbal answers to questions are not binding on
OWASA.
5.2 Public Bid Opening and Late Bids
The public bid opening for the current solicitation will be conducted on October 22, 2026 at
3:30 PM, at the main conference room of OWASA's administration offices. All interested
parties are invited to attend this transparent process. Please note that bids must be submitted by
3:00 PM on the day of the opening. Bids received after this time will not be accepted under any
circumstances. This strict adherence to deadlines ensures fairness and integrity in the
procurement process, allowing all participants to compete on an equal footing.
Public Bid Opening Location:
OWASA Administration Office
400 Jones Ferry Road
Carrboro, NC 27510
5.3 Proprietary Information
Any reservations on the use of data contained in the bid shall be clearly stated in writing.
OWASA will attempt to comply with a Bidder's designation of proprietary/confidential
information. However, OWASA may not be able to withhold a record (data, document, etc.) or
deny access to a record requested by an individual (the public) when an obligation is imposed
upon OWASA under the North Carolina Public Records Act (Act). OWASA's determination to
withhold or disclose a record will be based upon the particular circumstances involving the
record in question and whether the record may be exempted from disclosure under the Act.
Records which the Bidder considers to be trade secrets and privileged or confidential must be
identified by the Bidder on each page submitted.

5.4 Method of Response
Responses to this IFB shall be made according to the specifications and instructions contained
herein. Failure to adhere to instructions may be cause for rejection of any Bid.
5.5 Withdrawal of Bids
Any bid may be withdrawn any time prior to the bid due date and time (closing time) of 3:00 PM
ET on October 22, 2026. The withdrawal request must be executed by the bidder or a duly
authorized representative. The withdrawal of the bid does not prejudice the right of the bidder to
file a new bid prior to the bid closing time. No bids may be withdrawn after the closing time,
except as permitted by N.C.G.S. 143-129.1.
5.6 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Bidders understand and agree that submission of a Bid will constitute acknowledgment and
acceptance of, and a willingness to comply with, all the terms, conditions, and criteria contained
in this IFB, except as otherwise specified in the Bid. Any and all parts of the submitted Bids
may become part of any subsequent Agreement between the selected Bidder and OWASA.
5.7 False, Incomplete or Unresponsive Statements
False, incomplete, or unresponsive statements in connection with a Bid may be sufficient cause
for rejection of the Bid. The evaluation and determination of the fulfillment of the above
requirement will be OWASA'S responsibility and its judgment shall be final.
5.8 Clear and Concise Submission
Bids shall provide a straightforward, concise delineation of the Bidder's capability to satisfy the
requirements of the IFB. Each Bid shall be submitted in the requested format and provide all
required information. Each Bid shall be signed in ink by a duly authorized officer of the
company.
5.9 Prime Bidder Responsibilities
The selected Bidder will be required to assume responsibility for all requested deliverables as
indicated in Attachment A-Specifications regardless of who produces them. Further, OWASA
will consider the selected Prime Bidder to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual
matters, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the contract.
5.10 Insurance
During the performance of the Contract, bidder shall maintain the minimum levels of insurance
shown below and provide certificates of such coverage to OWASA prior to performance. All
policies must provide ten (10) days advance written notice to OWASA in the event of
cancellation, expiration, or alteration.
5.10.1 Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance, with a limit of $4,000,000.

5.10.2 General Liability Insurance, with a combined single limit of $1,000,000 for each
occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate.
5.10.3 General Liability Property Damage Liability, with a limit of $1,000,000 for
each occurrence.
5.10.4 Automobile Liability Insurance, with a combined single limit of $1,000,000 for
each person and $1,000,000 for each accident.
5.10.5 Workers' Compensation Insurance in accordance with statutory requirements and
Employers' Liability Insurance, with a limit of $1,000,000 for each occurrence.
5.11 Contract Term and Extension
The term of this Agreement shall be for one (1) year commencing on the Contract Start
Date, with the option for OWASA to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year periods
upon written notice at least 15 days prior to the end of the current term. Failure to exercise
these options will result in the Agreement's termination at the end of the then-current term.
5.11.1Price Escalation
The Supplier shall notify OWASA of the Adjusted Price for each extension year no later
than 60 days prior to the commencement of that extension year. The Adjusted Price shall be
calculated using the Producer Price Index (PPI) for Basic Organic Chemicals (0614)
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This adjustment shall be final and binding on
both parties for the duration of the extension year.
6 PROTEST PROCEDURES
6.1 Protests Received Prior to Receipt of Bids
Protests concerning the procedures of this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the
OWASA Director of Finance not later than five (5) working days prior to the date set for the
receipt of Bids. Upon receipt of a protest, the Director of Finance may, at his/her discretion,
extend or postpone the deadline for receipt of Bids. The Director of Finance will answer the
protest in writing not later than three (3) working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of
Bids.
6.2 Selection Protests
Following OWASA's announcement of the Notice of Intent to Award Contract, a bidder may
file a protest regarding the recommendation. A protest of the recommendation must be in
writing and must be received by the OWASA Director of Finance not later than five (5) working
days after the OWASA Announcement of Notice of Intent to Award Contract. OWASA will
consider all protests regarding the recommended Bidder prior to executing the contract.

6.3 Filing Procedures
Any and all protests filed with the OWASA shall:
1. Include the name and address of the protester.
2. Identify the procurement.
3. Contain a statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest and any supporting
documentation. The grounds for the protest must be fully supported.
4. Indicate the ruling or relief desired from OWASA.
Protests shall be filed with the OWASA Director of Finance, via personal delivery or courier to
400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC 27510. The Director of Finance will respond in detail to
each substantive issue raised in the protest. With regard to a properly filed protest, OWASA's
determination will be final.
7 COSTS AND DAMAGES
All costs of a protest shall be the responsibility of the protestor and undertaken at the protestor's
expense. OWASA will not be liable for damages to the Bidder filing the protest or to any
participant in the protest, on any basis, expressed or implied.

Attachment A
ACETIC ACID SPECIFICATIONS
This attachment describes the product, delivery, and acceptance requirements for liquid Acetic Acid
supplied under this contract.
The Certificate of Analysis (COA) document shall accompany each delivery of the Liquid Acetic Acid
solution and must meet specifications below.
Acetic Acid Specifications
Chemical Requirements:
Product: 20% Acetic Acid
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic vinegar-like odor
Color (APHA): 30 Max
Iron (Fe): Report percentage value
Assay (CH3COOH): 19-35%
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Report PPM
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): 5-60 PPM
Delivery Requirements:
Estimated Annual Consumption: Approximately 3,000,000 pounds per year
Delivery Method: Acetic Acid shall be delivered in tanker truck quantities, with a 2-inch cam
fitting connection for unloading.
Delivery Frequency: Typically weekly or biweekly shipments are expected.
Delivery Location:
o Wastewater Treatment Plant: 170 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
o Attention: Wil Lawson
Deliveries shall be made during normal business hours (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, Monday through
Friday). The supplier must provide unloading equipment, such as a compressor, and is responsible for
cleaning up any spills that occur during unloading. All delivery equipment must be inspected by the
driver before offloading begins, and all drivers must have appropriate training in handling the chemical
and using personal protective equipment.
Acceptance and Rejection:
OWASA reserves the right to analyze each shipment upon arrival and reject any material that
does not meet these specifications. Any rejected material will be returned at the supplier's
expense.
A sample of the material, along with a representative analysis, may be requested to confirm
compliance before bulk deliveries.
IFB 26-010 WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL - ACETIC ACID
SPECIFICATIONS Page | 1 of 2