Waste Water Operator for Honey Creek

Location:	Iowa
Posted:	Oct 31, 2025
Due:	Dec 1, 2025
Agency:	State Government of Iowa
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:
Solicitation No:	26CRDPBCKELCH-002
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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RFQ COVER SHEET

Administrative Information:

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR)

REQUEST FOR QUOTE - INFORMAL

TITLE OF RFQ: Waste Water Operator for Honey Creek

RFQ Number:

26CRDPBCKELCH-002 Honey

Creek

Bureau: Parks

To identify a qualified individual or company to operate the Honey Creek State Park

DNR seeks to purchase: Wastewater System in compliance with NPDES Permit No. 0400914.

Number of mos. or yrs. of the initial

term of the contract:

3 years

Number of possible annual extensions: 5

Tentative Contract term start date: December 2025 Tentative Contract term end date:

DNR Issuing Officer: Colton Lullmann

November 2028

Email: Colton.Lullmann@dnr.iowa.gov; Phone (515) 361-0743

6200 Park Avenue, Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50321

PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE—Event or Action:

DNR Posts Notice of RFQ on TSB website

Date/Time (Central Time):

October 29, 2025

DNR Issues RFQ

October 31, 2025

Site Visit Location and Address: (Optional)

12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, IA 52571

November 14,

RFQ written questions, requests for clarification, and suggested changes from Respondents are due: 2025

November 18,

DNR’s written response to RFQ questions, requests for clarifications, and suggested changes are due: 2025

Quotes Due Date:

December 1, 2025

Quotes Due Time:

2:00 PM

Anticipated Date to Issue Notice of Intent to Award: December 3, 2025

Anticipated Date to Execute Contract:

December 15, 2025

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Bidder Instructions

All responses must be reviewed prior to submission and are required to be submitted through IMPACS at the

following link: https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=DASIowa.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Quote (RFQ) is to solicit bids from qualified providers to provide the goods and/or

services described further in this RFQ to the DNR. The DNR intends to award a contract(s) beginning and ending on

the dates listed in this solicitation, and the DNR may extend the contract(s) for up to the number of annual

extensions identified in this solicitation at the sole discretion of the DNR. Any contract(s) resulting from the RFQ

will not be an exclusive contract.

“Responsible Bidder” means a Bidder that has the capability in all respects to perform the requirements of the

Contract. In determining whether a Bidder is a Responsible Bidder, the DNR may consider various factors including,

but not limited to, the Bidder’s competence and qualifications to provide the goods or services requested, the

Bidder’s integrity and reliability, the past performance of the Bidder relative to the quality of the goods or services

offered by the Bidder and the best interest of the DNR.

“Responsive Bid” means a Bid that complies with each of the provisions of this RFQ, or is either an alternative bid

or a bid with an exception, if accepted by the DNR.

1.3 Background Information

This RFQ is designed to provide Bidders with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Bids.

The RFQ process is for the DNR’s benefit and is intended to provide the DNR with competitive information to assist

in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each Bidder is responsible for determining all

factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive Bid.

This facility consists of a two-cell lagoon wastewater treatment system that operates under authorization from the

Environmental Services Division (ESD). The system is designed to collect and treat wastewater generated from the

campground and flush restrooms located within Honey Creek State Park. Treated effluent is land-applied in

accordance with the conditions outlined in NPDES Permit No. 400914, ensuring compliance with all applicable

environmental regulations and operational standards.

SECTION 2

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

2.1 Issuing Officer

The Issuing Officer identified in this solicitation is the sole point of contact regarding the RFQ from the date of

issuance until selection of the successful Bidder.

2.2 Restriction on Communication

From the issue date of this RFQ until announcement of the successful Bidder, Bidders may contact only the Issuing

Officer. The Issuing Officer will respond only to electronic questions regarding the procurement process. Questions

related to the interpretation of this RFQ must be submitted as provided in Section 2.3. Oral questions related to

the interpretation of this RFQ will not be accepted. Bidders may be disqualified if they contact any DNR employee

other than the Issuing Officer about the RFQ.

The DNR assumes no responsibility for oral representations made by its officers or employees unless such

representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFQ through an addendum.

2.3 Questions, Requests for Clarification, and Suggested Changes

Bidders are invited to submit written questions and requests for clarifications regarding the RFQ. Bidders may also

submit suggestions for changes to the specifications of this RFQ. The questions, requests for clarifications, or

suggestions must be in writing and received by the Issuing Officer on or before the date and time listed on the RFQ

cover sheet. Oral questions will not be permitted. If the questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions

pertain to a specific section of the RFQ, Bidder will reference the page and section number(s). The DNR will send

written responses to questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions received from Respondents on or before

the date listed on the RFQ cover sheet. The DNR’s written responses will become an addendum to the RFQ. If the

DNR decides to adopt a suggestion that modifies the RFQ, the DNR will issue an addendum to the RFP.

2.4 Amendment to the RFQ

The DNR reserves the right to amend the RFQ at any time using an addendum. The Bidder will acknowledge receipt

of all addenda in its Bid. It is the Bidder’s sole responsibility to check daily for addenda to posted documents.

2.5 Submission of Bids

The DNR must receive the Bid before the “Bids Due” date and time. This is a mandatory requirement and will not

be waived by the DNR. Any Bid received after this deadline will not be accepted. It is the Bidder’s responsibility

to ensure the bid is received prior to the deadline.

2.6 Costs of Preparing the Bid

The costs of preparation and delivery of the Bid are solely the responsibility of the Bidder.

2.7 No Commitment to Contract

The DNR reserves the right to reject any or all Bids received in response to this RFQ, cancel this RFQ, or advertise a

new RFQ at any time prior to the execution of the Contract. Issuance of this RFQ in no way constitutes a

commitment by the DNR to award a contract.

2.8 Nonmaterial Variances

The DNR reserves the right to determine whether a Bid substantially complies with the requirements of this RFQ.

Nonmaterial variances are not necessarily disqualifying. The determination of materiality is in the sole discretion of

the DNR.

2.9 Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment

In order to request confidential treatment, you must comply with the provisions of 561 Iowa Administrative Code

chapter 2, which may be found at the following location:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/agencies. 561 Iowa Administrative Code section 2.5(7)

provides that all claims for confidential treatment made to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources must be

substantiated in writing with the following information.

1) A statement of all measures the business has taken to protect the confidentiality of the information, and a

statement of intent to continue to take such measures;

2) Practices and policies of other businesses, if known, regarding confidentiality of similar information;

3) A statement that the information is not, and has not been, reasonably attainable without the consent of the

business by other persons other than government bodies by use of legitimate means;

4) A statement demonstrating that disclosure of the information is likely to cause substantial harm to the

business’s competitive position; and

5) A reference to any other determinations of confidential status of the information or similar information.

2.10 Release of Claims

By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that it will not bring any claim or cause of action against the DNR based on

any misunderstanding concerning the information provided herein or concerning the DNR's failure, negligent or

otherwise, to provide the Bidder with pertinent information in this RFQ.

2.11 Evaluation of Quotes Submitted

The DNR will evaluate the Responsive Bids submitted by Responsible Bidders to determine the lowest responsible

bidder(s) and will award the Contract(s) to the Bidder(s) submitting the lowest responsible bid(s) based on price.

2.12 Award Notice and Acceptance Period

Notice of Intent to Award the Contract(s) will be sent to all Bidders submitting a timely Bid. Negotiation and

execution of the Contract(s) will be completed no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Intent

to Award. If the apparent successful Bidder fails to negotiate and deliver an executed contract by that date, the

DNR, in its sole discretion, may cancel the award and award the Contract to the remaining Bidder the DNR believes

will provide the best value to the DNR.

2.13 No Contract Rights until Execution

Bidders will not acquire any legal or equitable rights regarding the Contract unless and until the Contract has been

fully executed by the successful Bidder and the DNR.

SECTION 3 – STATEMENT OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

The successful Respondent will provide the services to the DNR in accordance with the requirements as provided in this

Scope of Work.

3.1 Statement of Work This Informal Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks the services of a certified wastewater

operator to provide professional operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the lagoon and discharge system

permitted under NPDES Permit No. 400914. The system serves the campground and flush restrooms at Honey

Creek State Park and requires ongoing compliance with all permit and environmental standards.

The selected operator will be responsible for performing routine inspections, monitoring and sampling activities,

and ensuring all system components function properly. Additional responsibilities include completing and

submitting monthly operation and monitoring reports, overseeing discharge operations in accordance with permit

requirements, and maintaining accurate records of all operational activities.

All work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Services Division (ESD) and

the applicable terms of NPDES Permit No. 400914.

Statement of Work. Contractor will perform the following Tasks, to be completed at the following regular intervals.

Deliverables

Task 1: Weekly Inspections

Description:

1. On a weekly basis, the Contractor shall visit each lagoon system

and complete the following:

a. Maintain a log book which is designated and exclusive

for each lagoon system;

b. Inspect and record flow meter readings;

c. Inspect lagoon dikes for signs of animal burrowing;

d. Inspect and clean inlet structure as needed for proper

operation of flow meter;

e. Record weather conditions;

f. Inspect and record pumping station and grinder pumps

operation hours;

g. Record water table levels at monitoring wells;

h. Inspect lagoon cells for anaerobic conditions or other

signs indicating a potential problem with the system;

i. Record color, odor, ice cover, plant growth, and clarity

of the lagoons; and

j. Record lagoon cell depth.

2. The Contractor shall provide quarterly reports for each lagoon,

and additional reports as needed, to the DNR Project Manager.

The report shall contain a cover letter which updates the status

of the lagoon.

3. The Contractor is required to notify the DNR Project Manager:

a. Immediately if any potential problems with the system

are detected.

b. When inspections are going to be completed.

Task 2: Monthly Activities

Description:

On a monthly basis the Contractor shall complete the following:

1. Conduct all sampling as required by Iowa NPDES Permit No.

04-00-9-14 (state park) for the facility;

2. Exercise valves at each lagoon;

3. Check flow meter depth recording versus yardstick;

4. Analyze each cell’s contents for dissolved oxygen for process

control when not covered with ice, and prepare and submit

monthly operation reports (MORs);

5. Compile data and complete MORs for each lagoon system with

all required information;

Interval

These tasks shall be performed on a weekly

basis throughout the duration of the

contract.

These tasks shall be completed on a monthly

basis for the duration of the contract. All

Monthly Operating Reports (MORs) must be

submitted by the 15th of the following

month.

6. Submit MORs to DNR Field Office No. 5 before the 15th of the

following month; and

7. Submit MORs to DNR Project Manager before the 15th of the

following month.

Task 3: Lagoon Drawdown and Land Application (discharge) for Honey

Creek

Description:

1. During the spring and fall with emergency discharges

authorized by regional EPD personnel, the Contractor shall

conduct all sampling associated with discharge activities as

required by Iowa NPDES Permit No. 0400914.

a. At least two weeks prior to discharge, the Contractor

shall collect all samples required by the Permit for

CBOD5 and TSS from the final lagoon cell.

b. If sample results are within the permit limitations (less

than the 30-day average limits for CBOD5 and TSS), the

Contractor shall isolate the final lagoon cell and

drawdown the lagoon cell.

c. If the pre-discharge sample results exceed the 30-day

average limits for either CBOD5 or TSS, the Contractor

shall contact DNR Field Office No. 5 for guidance before

beginning to discharge.

2. On the third day after discharge begins, the Contractor shall

collect and analyze a sample of the final effluent for all

parameters for which monitoring of the final effluent is

specified on the Permit page titled “MONITORING AND

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS”. Samples shall be collected and

tested at the specified frequencies in the Permit until discharge

is complete. The Contractor shall report the sample results on

the MORs.

3. The Contractor shall conduct land application of wastewater.

All sampling and reporting requirements shall be in accordance

with Iowa NPDES Permit No. 0400914

a. The Contractor shall conduct sampling and reporting

associated with land application activities.

b. Prior to land application, samples shall be collected as

required by the Permit.

c. During land application, samples shall be collected for

analysis as required by the Permit.

d. The Contractor shall conduct analysis associated with

all samples taken and make calculations to determine

compliance with the Permit requirements. The

Contractor shall report the results of all monitoring on

MORs in accordance with the Permit.

e. When weather conditions allow, the irrigation system

for discharge shall be used for roughly 2 hours per day

and limited to Monday through Friday between the

hours of 5:00 am to 12:00 am when winds are 15 mph

or less.

f. When irrigation system is in operation, operator shall

remain on site to insure compliance with the Permit

and that there is no ponding or runoff of the applied

wastewater.

This Task shall be completed as agreed to by

the DNR Project Manager and Contractor up

to four times a year, with a minimum of one

drawdown in the spring and one in the fall.

Collect all CBOD5 and TSS samples – 2

weeks prior to discharge

Collect and test all samples until discharge

complete – at frequencies specified in

Permit No, 0400914

Collect and analyze a sample of the final

effluent – 3rd day after discharge begins

Report results – MORs

This Task shall be completed as required by

the Permit No. 0400914

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.