Hartford waives RFP, authorizes Baxter & Woodman talks for PFAS work at Wells 15 and 16

The Common Council unanimously approved a motion to waive the City—2s RFP requirements for professional engineering services for PFAS treatment facilities at Wells 15 and 16 and authorized the Hartford Water Utility to negotiate a time-and-materials agreement with Baxter & Woodman, subject to a negotiated not-to-exceed amount.

Utility Director Brian Rhodes told the Council this work is part of the 2027 capital improvement program and said the design is expected to be completed by June 2027 so the City can meet safe drinking water loan program deadlines. He added that "staying with the same Engineering team allows the city to build on work that has already been completed instead of paying a new firm to learn our systems. This reduces the risks and avoids any unnecessary redesign and change orders which can be expensive." The motion authorized the negotiation only; it did not approve a contract bid amount.

Why it matters: continuing with the existing engineering team aims to preserve project continuity and keep Hartford eligible for state loan programs tied to safe drinking water milestones.

Next steps: staff will negotiate a time-and-materials agreement and return with a not-to-exceed amount for Council approval as required.