Operation & Maintenance of the South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant

The USIBWC intends to issue a solicitation for a firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, or hybrid non-personal services contract for the full-service operation and maintenance (O&M) of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) and associated facilities in San Diego County, California. These facilities include canyon collectors, pump stations, and the South Bay Land Outfall (SBLO).

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and other resources necessary to perform comprehensive O&M services. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Daily contract management, planning, and administration


• Personnel management and supervision


• Influent/effluent sampling and laboratory testing


• Sediment transport and deposition


• Equipment operation, maintenance, and replacement


• System monitoring and asset management


• Data recording, reporting, and quality control


• Capital improvements and vehicle fleet management


• Housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and chemical supply


• Binational coordination with Mexico

FACILITY BACKGROUND

The SBIWTP was a 25 million gallon per day (MGD) wastewater treatment facility located at 2995 Clearwater Way, San Diego, CA. The plant treats wastewater originating in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and discharges effluent through the South Bay Ocean Outfall (SBOO) under NPDES Permit No. CA0108928 (Order No. R9-2023-0009).

EXPANSION PROJECT COORDINATION

In 2024, USIBWC awarded a $600 million Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract to PCL Construction, with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. as the design firm. The project aims to expand plant capacity to 60 MGD by 2027. The selected O&M contractor will be required to coordinate closely with the PDB team throughout the expansion and rehabilitation phases.

As of August 28, 2025, the plant’s capacity has been increased to 35 MGD. Further incremental expansions (e.g., 10–20 MGD) are planned, with a final target of 50 MGD. The O&M contract will be modified as needed to reflect evolving requirements during the expansion.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

• Transition Period: February 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026 (60 calendar days)


• Base Year: February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027


• Option Periods: Four (4) one-year options after base year


• Total Period of Performance: 5 years