Developing a Project Technical Criteria Document - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 165

CONTENTS OF THE TECHNICAL CRITERIA DOCUMENT
The following sections discuss the various types of information that are typically included
in a technical criteria document.
Project Information
Topics that are typically covered in the project information section of the technical criteria
document are discussed herein.
Project background. All technical criteria documents include information on the
basic history and objectives for the project. This is important information because it
reveals the priorities that have been identified for the project.
Objectives for water and wastewater projects are typically related to achieving a cer-
tain treatment capacity and treated water quality. These are stated in general terms in the
project background information section and in more detail in later sections of the docu-
ment. Any special or unique challenges (e.g., geotechnical issues or water quality contami-
nation) should also be mentioned.
This is also a good place to identify any customer or public acceptance influence on
the project. For example, if the facility is to be constructed in close proximity to homes
there might be limits on the hours of allowable construction, restrictions on building
exteriors and finishes, noise control requirements, and height restrictions on structures.
A discussion of any developments or the status of project-related technical issues,
such as permits and planning approvals, should be included. This informs potential pro-
posers of possible planning or permitting challenges or delays.
Site and location. A full description of the site, sometimes with drawings, if
available, is provided to bidders. Whenever possible, this should include a boundary
survey, topographic mapping, flood plain status, geotechnical information, existing utility
services at or near the project, and a listing of new utility services that are anticipated or
required for the project. These engineering details may not be available for green-field
sites. In these instances, the owner should consider how much investigation is needed
prior to issuing an RFQ or RFP. Bidders want to minimize risks associated with the site for
construction, and it is not uncommon for bidders to request that additional information
(e.g., geotechnical investigations) be gathered and shared with bidders prior to proposal
submission.
Existing treatment facilities. If a project is to occur at a site with existing infrastructure,
the owner should provide information to identify: (1) existing plant facilities that must
remain; (2) existing plant facilities the must be abandoned or demolished; and (3) existing
plant facilities that can remain and be incorporated into new plant design, if the design-
builder chooses to retain them.
The owner should also outline any operational constraints and/or criteria for these
existing facilities. For example, the owner may require that the existing water plant remain
100 percent operational during construction, except during valve installation for pipeline
connections.
Permits. A list of the anticipated permits to perform the work is typically provided
with the project information. Some permits will be secured by the owner, some by the
bidder, and some by collaborating between the two. Owners should identify which party