PFAS Removal RFP

PFAS Removal RFP: An In-depth Guide for Municipalities and Water Treatment Facilities

Introduction

The emergence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a significant public health concern has triggered an urgent call for effective remediation measures. As municipal directors and water treatment professionals navigate the complexities of these contaminants, the need for a structured approach to solicit services becomes paramount. This is where a PFAS Removal Request for Proposal (RFP) comes into play. At the intersection of regulatory pressure and technological advancement, an effectively crafted RFP can lead to successful remediation strategies. It sits within our coverage of PFAS treatment products and services.

Understanding PFAS and Its Regulatory Landscape

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, encompass a wide range of synthetic chemicals known for their durability in the environment and human body. Their ubiquitous presence stems from their application in various industries, primarily due to their water- and grease-resistant properties. Found in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, PFAS are notorious for their persistence, often dubbed "forever chemicals."

Regulatory Framework

As of July 2025, the regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS has evolved significantly. In April 2024 EPA finalized enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and for PFOS, 10 ppt each for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals), and a Hazard Index for mixtures that includes PFBS. EPA announced a reconsideration of parts of the rule in 2025, so current requirements and deadlines should be confirmed against EPA’s published rule. The limits are final rather than proposed, and the 2022 interim health advisories have been superseded. EPA identified granular activated carbon, anion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration as best available technologies for meeting them. These guidelines have driven municipalities to seek effective removal solutions, necessitating a structured procurement process through RFPs.

Key Drivers for PFAS Removal

  1. Public Health Concerns: Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and cancer. Municipalities aim to mitigate these risks through robust PFAS remediation programs.
  2. Federal and State Regulations: The increasing regulatory scrutiny demands clarity and accountability from local governments.
  3. Public Pressure: Communities are becoming more aware of environmental contaminants, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of drinking water.

Developing an Effective PFAS Removal RFP

Components of a PFAS Removal RFP

  1. Introduction and Background
    • Overview of PFAS contamination in the area.
    • Historical data on water quality and previous remediation efforts.
  2. Scope of Work
    • Clearly define the objectives of the PFAS removal project.
    • Specify treatment technologies under consideration (activated carbon, anion exchange, reverse osmosis), and state raw water quality in full: PFAS speciation by EPA Method 533 or 537.1, plus TOC, sulfate, nitrate, alkalinity, and iron and manganese, since these govern media life and are the figures bidders will price against.
    • State explicitly who owns the residuals: spent carbon, spent resin, or membrane concentrate, and who bears the cost of reactivation, incineration, or disposal. This is the line item most often left undefined and most likely to generate change orders.
  3. Qualifications of the Proposer
    • Minimum qualifications, including a Professional Engineer licensed in the state for design work.
    • Completed PFAS installations of comparable flow and water chemistry, with post-startup operating data and utility references.
    • Whether bench or pilot testing, such as rapid small-scale column tests on the actual source water, is required before final media selection.
  4. Project Timeline
    • Define key milestones, including project initiation, completion dates, and reporting schedules.
  5. Budget and Cost Estimates
    • Outline the financial framework, including expected costs and funding sources.
    • Include any available grants or financial assistance.
  6. Evaluation Criteria
    • Describe how proposals will be evaluated. Note that engineering services are commonly procured by qualifications-based selection, with fees negotiated after ranking, which is required for federally funded work and used by many states; equipment and construction are typically bid on price.
    • Require life-cycle cost over a defined term rather than installed price alone, with media changeout frequency stated in bed volumes or gallons treated and priced per changeout, including disposal.
  7. Regulatory Compliance
    • Emphasize the requirement for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  8. Community Engagement Plan
    • Outline strategies for informing and involving the community throughout the project.

Best Practices for Crafting Your RFP

  1. Engage Stakeholders Early
    • Involve relevant stakeholders, including public health officials and community representatives, to refine your RFP.
  2. Conduct a Pre-Bid Conference
    • Host a session to address questions and concerns from potential bidders, ensuring clarity and transparency.
  3. Be Specific in Technical Requirements
    • Define the performance guarantee precisely: which compounds, at what concentration, measured by which method, at which sample point, and for how long. “Non-detect” is not a specification, since detection limits vary by laboratory.
  4. Focus on Innovation
    • Encourage bidders to propose innovative and adaptable solutions that go beyond traditional methods.

Case Studies of Successful PFAS Removal Projects

Case Study 1: New London, Connecticut

Numerous utilities in the Northeast have procured ion exchange systems through competitive RFPs and brought PFAS below state and federal limits within a construction season. Specific project outcomes should be verified through the utility’s own published reports; we have not been able to confirm the New London details previously given here.

Case Study 2: Flint, Michigan

Community engagement is genuinely valuable in PFAS procurement, particularly where trust in the utility is already strained. The Flint example previously cited here could not be verified, and Flint’s well-documented crisis concerned lead rather than PFAS. Utilities seeking a model should look to systems that published sampling data throughout design and construction.

Cost Implications and Funding Sources

Average Costs of PFAS Removal

Recent industry analyses indicate that PFAS removal projects can range from $500,000 to over $5 million, depending on the treatment technology selected and the extent of contamination. Factors such as system design, installation, and ongoing operational costs must be considered.

Potential Funding Sources

  1. Federal Funding: For drinking water treatment the applicable program is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, not the Clean Water SRF, which funds wastewater. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also funded the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program specifically for PFAS, and settlement funds from PFAS manufacturers are a further route.
  2. State-Level Funding: Many states have established funding for PFAS remediation projects, often tied to specific regulatory mandates.
  3. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between municipalities and private firms can ease financial burdens and foster innovative solutions.

Future Developments in PFAS Treatment Technologies

Emerging Technologies

  1. Destruction Technologies: Conventional advanced oxidation, using ozone, UV with hydrogen peroxide, or Fenton’s reagent, does not destroy PFAS: hydroxyl radicals cannot break the carbon-fluorine bond, and oxidation can convert precursor compounds into terminal PFAS such as PFOA, raising measured concentrations. Genuine destruction technologies, including electrochemical oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, and plasma, work by other mechanisms and are applied to concentrated residuals rather than to full flows. An RFP that invites AOP as a PFAS treatment step will attract proposals that cannot meet a performance guarantee.
  2. Bioremediation: Biological degradation of PFAS remains unproven; the carbon-fluorine bond resists microbial attack. It should not appear in a procurement specification. Supplier landscape and certification are covered in our guides to PFAS treatment equipment manufacturers and certified PFAS removal products.
  3. Nanotechnology: Innovative nanosorbents are being developed to capture PFAS at unprecedented efficiencies, offering potential cost-effective solutions.

Conclusion

The urgency surrounding PFAS contamination necessitates a proactive and well-structured approach towards remediation. As municipalities develop RFPs, the critical components discussed will arm them with the necessary tools to secure effective solutions. The evolving regulatory landscape, coupled with technological innovations, firmly establishes PFAS removal as a pressing environmental priority for communities nationwide. Owners who lack in-house PFAS expertise often retain an independent engineer to write the RFP and evaluate bids, as described in our guide to PFAS treatment engineering consultants.

Creating a meaningful and effective PFAS Removal RFP is not just a bureaucratic necessity; it’s a vital step towards ensuring clean, safe drinking water and fostering community trust in local governance.