ALCOSAN pivots to RFP process for $2M/year biosolids management contract

ALCOSAN pivots to RFP process for $2M/year biosolids management contractThe Pittsburgh wastewater utility is abandoning its lowest-bidder procurement model in favor of a qualifications-based approach to better evaluate sustainability and emerging technologies for its biosolids program.

ALCOSAN will advertise a new Request for Proposals (RFP) on June 17, moving away from the competitive bidding process used since 2014.

The RFP will allow the utility to prioritize technical approach, regulatory experience, and emerging technologies over strict cost.

To bridge the gap until the new contract starts in January 2027, the committee approved a three-month extension to its existing contract with Synagro.

The utility currently spends approximately $2 million annually to manage 30,000 wet tons of biosolids.

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is overhauling how it procures biosolids management services, shifting from a lowest-qualified-bidder model to a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Procurement officer Tawanda Stamps told the utility's Biosolids Committee on May 18 that internal discussions and legal counsel confirmed the service does not fall under the competitive bid requirements of the Municipal Authorities Act. The shift, which abandons a procurement method used since 2014, will allow ALCOSAN to evaluate contractors based on qualifications, technical approach, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. "The RFP process will also offer us flexibility to establish the best management disposal options in terms that can be gained through contract negotiation in consideration of emerging technologies," Stamps said. ALCOSAN produces 110,000 wet tons of sludge annually. According to staff member Michelle Buys, 55 percent of that material is incinerated, while 45 percent is lime-stabilized to create a branded biosolid called "Alcosoil." The professional services contract covers the hauling, site permitting, soil sampling, and public outreach required for beneficial land application or landfill disposal. The utility currently guarantees an average of 2,500 wet tons per month to its contractor, spending approximately $2 million per year to manage 30,000 wet tons. To facilitate the procurement transition, the committee unanimously approved a three-month extension of its existing winter contract (Contract 1743) with Synagro. The contract was originally scheduled to expire on October 31, 2026, but will now bridge the gap while RFP documents are finalized. ALCOSAN plans to advertise the new RFP on June 17, with proposals due August 25. The committee expects to review the award recommendation on September 28, targeting a January 1, 2027, start date for the new contract.