Commission authorizes negotiations with Woodard & Curran to operate city water and wastewater facilities

The City Commission authorized staff to negotiate a contract with Woodard & Curran for operation, maintenance and management of Winter Springs’ water, wastewater and reuse systems and directed staff to return a negotiated agreement to the commission for final authorization.

City staff ran a competitive qualifications process (RFQ) and received three submittals. A five‑member selection committee reviewed proposals, scored firms against a published rubric (team, experience, approach, project references, and financial pass/fail), and heard presentations. Woodard & Curran ranked first, followed by US Water and Clearwater Solutions. Staff told the commission Woodard & Curran’s proposal stood out for its approach to (1) regulatory compliance at plants facing FDEP attention, (2) transition planning from the city’s incumbent contractor, (3) maintenance‑during‑construction approaches for upcoming infrastructure work, (4) a cost‑plus fixed‑fee approach the firm said would promote operational efficiencies, and (5) an established record capturing grants and state/federal funding for clients.

City staff noted the firm has local experience; the city’s selection committee lauded the firm’s hurricane and emergency response planning and local references. The motion authorizes staff to negotiate terms — including fees, staffing levels and performance standards — and return the negotiated contract for commission approval. Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed.

Next steps: Staff will negotiate contract language, finalize performance metrics and bring a complete contract to the commission for approval. The intended start date discussed in staff materials was October 1 (subject to contract completion), and staff told the commission it will maintain oversight of any transition and contract monitoring.