City of Wheaton Wells and Storage Study

NOTICE TO BIDDERS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115 CITY OF WHEATON CITY WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
Issue Date: June 2, 2026
Last Date for Questions: No later than June 16, 2026 at 11:00 am (CST)
Due Date: No later than June 23, 2026 no later than 11:00 am (CST)
Prevailing Wages: DOES APPLY DOES NOT APPLY
To be considered responsive, the following documents shall be included with your submittal:
Certificate of Insurance (as proof of insurance)
Fee Proposal Form (Exhibit D)
Notice of Deviations form (Exhibit E)
Listing of Subcontractors, Consultants, and Agents Form (Exhibit F)
References Form (Exhibit G)
Vendor Certification Form (Exhibit H)
Vendor Information Reporting Form (Exhibit I)
W9 Form
Return submittal to: City of Wheaton
Procurement Services
303 W. Wesley Street
Wheaton, IL 60187-0727
Attn: Tony Sperkowski, Procurement Officer
The successful Vendor will be required to submit the following additional documents:
* Certificate of Insurance with signed endorsements
* Signed Agreement (Exhibit B)
Page 1 of 1
Notice to Bidders

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
The City of Wheaton is seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms to conduct a
comprehensive Emergency Well and Storage Expansion Study. The study follows a 2026 Risk-
Based Water System Analysis which identified a critical vulnerability in the City's reliance on the
DuPage Water Commission (DWC) without active countermeasures. It is the intent of the City to
hire a single highly qualified firm that can provide the following services:
* Project Management and Scheduling: Coordinating all aspects of the study within the
2026-2028 capital planning cycle.
* Emergency Well Evaluation: Performing Level 2 constant-rate pump tests and detailed
water quality/blending analysis for all six (6) City wells to determine the costs for
rehabilitation versus full replacement.
* Storage Capacity Cost Analysis: Providing financial modeling for expanding storage
capacity to address current deficits.
* Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Projections: Determining the annual maintenance
costs required to maintain both groundwater wells and additional storage assets in a
state of permanent operational readiness.
* Reporting and Decision Support: Delivering a final roadmap and financial study to guide
the City's critical 2028 capital investment decision point.
BACKGROUND
The City of Wheaton's water distribution system serves over 52,000 residents and currently relies
on treated Lake Michigan water purchased from the DWC as its sole active source. A recent 2026
strategic risk analysis conducted by Arcadis U.S., Inc. identified a critical vulnerability: the system
possesses no active countermeasures to mitigate a total supply loss from the DWC. While the
City maintains six emergency groundwater wells, these assets have been tested monthly but have
not been in continuous use since 1992 and require evaluation to determine their operational
viability and compliance with modern Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) standards.
Furthermore, the strategic risk analysis identified that the City's current storage capacity (7.27
MG) is insufficient for its 4.57 MGD average day demand, resulting in a storage deficit of 1.87
million gallons (MG) relative to DWC's 48-hour minimum storage mandate.
OBJECTIVES
The primary goals of this study, framed as a Water Quality in Emergency Preparedness project,
include, but are not limited to:
* Emergency Well Evaluation: Determine the feasibility, cost, and water quality impacts
of utilizing all six Wheaton wells as primary emergency supply sources for up to 30 days
without full treatment (excluding chlorination).
* Storage Expansion Analysis: Develop a cost-effective roadmap to reach the DWC
required volume of storage (providing a full 48-hour supply).
Page 1 of 6
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
* Long-Term O&M Planning: Project annual maintenance costs for both operational wells
and storage assets to ensure permanent operational readiness.
* Alternate Options: Develop alternate options to address the risk associated with
providing water during a key supplier outage.
SCOPE OF SERVICES TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Task 1: Technical Assessment of All Wheaton Wells
* Level 2 Pump Testing: Conduct a constant-rate pump test for each of the six wells to
evaluate drawdown, production capacity, aquifer health, and equipment stress.
* Water Quality Desktop Study: Perform a desktop analysis comparing well water samples
against the well supply. This must evaluate disinfection and corrosion control needs, as
well as secondary standards such as Iron, Manganese, and Zinc.
* Blending & Lead Analysis: Analyze the impacts of shifting from surface water to
groundwater, specifically regarding Lead Service Lines (LSLs) and potential water quality
issues impacting public health.
* Rehab vs. Replacement Costing: Provide estimates to rehabilitate legacy equipment
versus full replacement to meet modern IEPA standards.
Task 2: Storage Expansion & Financial Analysis
* Infrastructure Alternatives: Provide high-level options to increase total system storage
to meet requirements.
* Siting Study: Evaluate land acquisition needs or the use of existing municipal sites (e.g.,
Fire Station adjacent to President site).
Task 3: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Costing
* Upfront Cost: Provide construction costs for additional storage and pumping stations.
* Groundwater O&M: Estimate annual costs for routine monthly testing, sampling, and
chemical (chlorine) system maintenance.
* Storage O&M: Provide a maintenance budget for storage assets, including mixers,
cathodic protection, and recoating.
Task 4: Effective Countermeasure Options
* Risk Mitigation ROI: Provide additional countermeasure options and their respective
returns on investment should the City experience a key supplier outage from the DWC.
Page 2 of 6
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
DELIVERABLES
* Technical Memorandum: Results of the constant-rate pump tests and comprehensive
water quality findings for all six City wells.
* Capital Roadmap: Recommended project timeline for 2028 and beyond.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must include the following components:
* Company Qualifications: Description of relevant experience in municipal hydrogeological
studies, Level 2 constant-rate well pump testing, and water storage infrastructure
financial modeling.
* Staffing Plan: Proposed staffing levels and technical expertise, specifically including
licensed hydrogeologists and professional engineers experienced in Illinois water system
regulations.
* Pricing: A total project cost and a per-well rate (broken down by Level 2 pump testing,
water quality analysis, and storage infrastructure costing).
* Timeline: A proposed project schedule to complete all technical evaluations and the final
resiliency roadmap within the 2026-2028 capital planning window.
* Licensing/Insurance: Proof of required professional licenses and insurance certificates as
outlined in the City's standard professional service requirements.
CONTRACT TERM
The initial term of the contract shall be for 12 months. Pricing shall be fixed for the term of the
contract.
COMPENSATION
Fees for services will be based on a cost plus not to exceed basis using a unit price per well tested
or an hourly rate for engineering analysis. Direct costs, such as laboratory water quality testing,
will be charged at the actual rate incurred with no markup
PROJECT TIMELINE
* RFP Issue Date: June 1, 2026
* Proposal Due Date: June 23, 2026
* Contract Award: July 1, 2026
* Work Commencement: Summer 2026
* Project Completion: Fall 2027
This is a tentative schedule only. Dates and events may be revised if in the best interest of the
City.
Page 3 of 6
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
SUMBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
The City asks that your response include the following information, in tabbed sections, for
evaluation.
DO NOT SUBMIT PERFORATED PAGES, NOR BIND YOUR PROPOSAL IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN
PAPER CLIPS OR BINDER CLIPS.
1. Firm Information and Qualifications
* Provide a description of the Firm, including the number of professional personnel,
years in business, office location(s), hours of operation, organizational structure (e.g.,
corporation, partnership, sole practitioner, etc.), areas of expertise, etc.
* Firm to identify interest and/or ability to assign a staff member exclusively to the City
of Wheaton inclusive, as an option, of working on site within City facilities.
* Describe the readiness and ability of your Firm to provide the services requested.
Amount of current work and staff's availability to provide the requested services at
this time. Firms shall identify the scheduling availability of inspectors.
2. Project Team and Experience
* Provide a listing of proposed project personnel and include a description of
professional capability, project experience, education, training, and
certifications/licenses.
* Identify any consultants/sub-consultants that you would expect to use, noting
relevant disciplines. Include resumes and information regarding those Firm(s)
qualifications.
3. Technical and Management Approach
Describe your approach in terms of management, organization, process, tools and
techniques, staff, and quality assurance/quality control. Identify capabilities for providing
an "expedited" process.
4. Fee Proposal
Fee proposals shall be submitted on the attached Fee Proposal form (Exhibit D). No
substitutions. Fee proposals shall include all costs associated with labor, materials, tools,
vehicles, and equipment necessary to complete services in accordance with specifications
of this proposal.
Firms are encouraged to provide information and pricing, on a separate page(s), related
to additional services or capabilities the City may consider.
5. Procurement Forms
* Fee Proposal Form (Exhibit D)
* Notice of Deviations Form (Exhibit E)
* Listing of Subcontractors, Consultants and Agents Form (Exhibit F)
* References Form (Exhibit G)
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Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
* Vendor Certification Form (Exhibit H)
* Vendor Information Reporting Form (Exhibit I)
EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
City staff shall evaluate submittals based on the criteria listed above. During or after the
evaluation of proposals, City staff may submit written questions and requests for clarification to
the Firms.
AWARD
The award shall be made to the Firm(s) whose Proposal, in the City's sole discretion, furthers the
City's best interests. The City reserves the right to make a primary and secondary award. If the
primary Firm cannot respond to a service request within the time stipulated in their bid response,
the secondary Firm will be contacted to perform the required work.
DUE DATE FOR QUESTIONS
All questions or requests for clarification, either administrative or technical, shall be submitted
via email to Tony Sperkowski at asperkowski@wheaton.il.us prior to June 16, 2026, at 11:00 am
CST. Questions/clarifications will be responded to in the form of a written addenda and
published on the City's website.
RFP SUBMITTAL
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT PERFORATED PAGES, NOR BIND YOUR PROPOSAL IN ANYTHING
OTHER THAN PAPER CLIPS OR BINDER CLIPS.
Submittals must be received by June 23, 2026, at 11:00 am CST. Late submissions will not be
accepted.
Submit one (1) original hard copy to:
City of Wheaton
303 W. Wesley Street - 1st Floor Finance Counter
Wheaton, IL 60187-0727
Attn: Tony Sperkowski, Procurement Officer
All submittals shall be in a sealed envelope marked with the RFP Name & Number, Closing
Date/Time, and Vendor Name and address. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure
that their submittal is delivered by the stated date/time. The Cit y is not responsible for
misdirected packages.
ADDENDA
All questions, clarifications or revisions regarding this proposal will be issued via a written
addendum and published on the City's website. Each Vendor shall acknowledge receipt of any
Page 5 of 6
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115
CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
addenda on the attached Fee Proposal form. Each Vendor, by acknowledging receipt of any
addenda, is responsible for the content of the addenda and any changes to the proposal. Failure
to acknowledge issued addenda may cause the proposal submittal to be rejected.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Any proposal material that is to be considered proprietary or confidential in nature must be
clearly marked as such by the propose. Failure to do so may result in information becoming a
public record.
COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING
The City will not be responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting a proposal.
CITY'S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (EXHIBIT B)
In submitting a proposal, the Firm agrees to enter into an agreement with the City utilizing the
City's Professional Service Agreement. Enclosed is a draft of the City's Professional Service
Agreement, which shall be used for this contract.
INSURANCE (EXHIBIT C)
The Vendor must carry and maintain adequate insurance consistent with the requirements listed
in Exhibit C-Insurance Requirements. Provide a current Certificate of Insurance with submittal as
proof of insurance.
INVOICES
All invoices shall reflect the following applicable information: Agreement number, name of the
Project, name of the Firm, and the services/deliverables with the price depicted in the same
format as the offer.
Invoices shall be emailed to Accounts Payable at AP@wheaton.il.us.
Page 6 of 6
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115 CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SOLICITATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Solicitations are open to all qualified firms actively engaged in providing the services specified and inferred.
Active engagement will be verified via references.
1) SOLICITATION PROCESS:
a) Request for Proposal: The City of Wheaton solicits qualified firms for Professional Services. Firms are
qualified based on:
* A public formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP).
* Prior experience with the City's facilities, equipment, infrastructure, or issue at hand.
b) A formalRFQ or RFP is submitted to qualified firms.
c) It is the responsibility of the Proposer to seek clarification of any requirement that may not be clear.
Questions concerning this request shall be submitted via e-mail to the attention of the Procurement
Officer by the last date for questions as reflected in the Notice to Bidders. A written response in the
form of an addendum will be posted on the City's website for all Proposers to download. It is the
responsibility of the Proposer to review all addendums.
d) Proposers shall acknowledge receipt of any addendum on their proposal.
2) THE CONE OF SILENCE:
a) The Cone of Silence is designed to protect the integrity of the procurement process by shielding it from
undue influences.
b) During the period beginning with the issuance of the RFQ or RFP through the execution of the award
document, Proposers are prohibited from all communications regarding this request with City staff, City
consultants, City legal counsel, City agents, or elected officials.
c) Any attempt by a Proposer to influence a member or members of the aforementioned may be grounds
to disqualify the Proposer from participation in this solicitation.
d) Exceptions to the Cone of Silence:
* Written communications directed to the Procurement Officer.
* All communications occurring at pre-bid meetings.
* Oral presentations during finalist interviews, negotiation proceedings, or site visits.
* Oral presentations before publicly noticed committee meetings.
* Firms already on contract with the City to perform services for the City are allowed discussions
necessary for the completion of an existing contract.
* Procurement of goods or services for emergency situations.
3) INVESTIGATION:
a) It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to make any and all investigations necessary to become
thoroughly informed of what is required and specified.
b) If the site of the work is an area restricted from the general public, an opportunity will be provided for
Proposers to perform this inspection.
c) If the site of the work is an area open to the general public, the Proposer may perform their inspection
at a time of their choosing.
Page 1 of 7
General Instructions Regarding Solicitations for Professional Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115 CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SOLICITATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
4) PROPOSALS:
a) Proposals must reference the project name and date of the RFQ or RFP. Documents should not utilize
binders, folders, or papers larger than 8.5 x 11.
b) Delivery of a proposal is acceptance of the City's Agreement. Proposals containing terms and conditions
contrary to those specified may be considered non-responsive.
5) SIGNATURES AS OFFER:
a) Under the conditions of the Uniform Commercial Code, the signing of the proposal by the Proposer
constitutes an offer. If accepted by the City, the offer becomes part of the Agreement.
b) Offers by:
* Individuals or sole proprietorships shall be signed by a person with the authority to enter into legal
binding contracts. Said individual shall use his/her usual signature.
* Partnerships shall be signed with the partnership name by one of the members of the partnership,
or an authorized representative, followed by the signature and title of the person signing.
* Corporations shall be signed with the name of the corporation, followed by the signature and title of
the person authorized to bind it in the matter.
6) WITHDRAWAL OF OFFERS:
a) Offers may be withdrawn at any time prior to the due date. Requests to withdraw an offer shall be in
writing, properly signed, and received by the Procurement Officer prior to the due date.
b) Offers may not be withdrawn after the due date without the approval of the Procurement Officer.
c) Negligence in preparing an offer confers no right of withdrawal after opening / due date.
7) TIMEFRAME AND CONSEQUENCES:
a) Offers must be received before the designated time.
b) Offers received after the designated time will be returned to the sender without review. Offers received
late that may be attributed to delays by overnight delivery services, or by delivery services trying to
deliver when offices are closed, will be considered late, and returned to the sender.
c) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, offers shall be binding for ninety (90) calendar days
following the due date.
8) RECEIPT OF FORMAL OFFERS:
a) Formal offers by sealed envelope will be opened at the time and location stated.
9) TAXES:
a) The City is exempt by law from paying sales tax on goods, equipment, and products permanently
incorporated into the project, from State and City Retailer's Occupation Tax, State Service Occupation
Tax, State Use Tax and Federal Excise Tax.
b) The City's Sales Tax Exemption Number is E99974312.
Page 2 of 7
General Instructions Regarding Solicitations for Professional Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-115 CITY OF WHEATON WELLS AND STORAGE STUDY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SOLICITATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
10) EVALUATION OF OFFERS:
a) Rejection of Offers: The City reserves the right to reject any and all offers in whole or in part according
to the best interests of the City.
b) Receipt of One (or too few) offers: If the City receives one or too few proposals, as defined by the City,
the City may reschedule the due date. The offers received will either be:
* returned unopened to the Proposer for re-submittal at the new due date and time, or
* if there are no changes in requirements, and pending Agreement with the Proposer, held until the
new due date and time.
c) If the request was publicly broadcast, and the City did not receive any proposals, the City may negotiate
with any interested parties.
11) DETERMINING RESPONSIVENESS OF THE PROPOSAL:
a) Responsive proposals are inclusive of, but not restricted to received prior to the due date and time,
completed as stated in the solicitation request, inclusive of all requirements, able to meet delivery
requirements, accepting of all Agreement terms and conditions.
b) The degree to which a proposal meets the requirements is determined solely on the judgment of the
proposal evaluation team.
12) CLARIFICATION OF OFFERS:
a) The City may conduct discussions with Proposers to further clarify the offer as may be necessary.
Clarifications shall be documented by the Proposer and submitted (email or fax) within three (3) business
days.
13) CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
a) Proposals are subject to Illinois State FOIA requirements including the following exemptions:
* (5 ILCS 140/7) (From Ch. 116, par. 207) Sec. 7.
* Exemptions. (1) The following shall be exempt from inspection and copying: (g) Trade secrets and
commercial or financial information obtained from a person or business where the trade secrets or
commercial or financial information are furnished under a claim that they are proprietary, privileged
or confidential, and that disclosure of the trade secrets or commercial or financial information would
cause competitive harm to the person or business and only insofar as the claim directly applies to
the records requested.
b) Proposers considering requests to be proprietary and confidential should submit an additional redacted
offer. Failure to do so may result in information becoming available to the public.
14) SELECTION PROCESS:
a) City staff will review proposals based on, but not limited to, the criteria specified in the Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP).
b) Interviews may be conducted with Proposers. Said Proposers may be required to submit additional data
during the interview process. Revisions to proposals may be permitted after initial submission and
interview, but before award, for the purpose of obtaining best and final offers.
Page 3 of 7
General Instructions Regarding Solicitations for Professional Services