The City of Columbus is preparing a new procurement strategy for the Home Road Water Plant after receiving no bids for the main water plant contract, creating a new opportunity for contractors interested in the major water infrastructure project.
The city plans to use a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery model for the water plant portion and will hold an informational session for potential bidders on Sept. 14.
The water plant contract was advertised in February 2026, with bids scheduled to open Aug. 26. No bids were received, prompting the city to shift toward CMAR delivery.
Under the current schedule, the city plans to issue a Request for Qualifications on Oct. 18, followed by a shortlist and Request for Proposals on Dec. 15.
The water plant contract includes installation of electrical infrastructure such as diesel generators, main switchgear, high-service pump station switchgear and unit substations. The scope also includes the primary water treatment and pumping facilities.
The Home Road Water Plant program is being delivered through two separate contracts. The site preparation contract was awarded in 2024, with notice to proceed issued in February 2025.
The $107.6 million contract covers grading for a 138-kilovolt substation, construction of the substation, electrical duct banks, site clearing, demolition, bedrock removal and improvements to Dublin Road access. Sediment and erosion controls and storm sewer work are also included.
Substantial completion of the site preparation package is scheduled for July 2028.
The future water plant contract is expected to cover an intake at O’Shaughnessy Reservoir, a raw water pump station and intake and pump station facilities at the North Cell of Merchant Road Quarry.
Additional work includes residuals disposal infrastructure at the South Cell of Merchant Road Quarry, as well as administration and maintenance facilities, treatment structures, clearwells and a high-service pump station.
The change to CMAR delivery creates a new procurement path for contractors interested in a large municipal water infrastructure program. The project also combines major electrical, pumping, treatment and site development requirements, creating opportunities across multiple construction disciplines.
For contractors, the upcoming qualification and proposal stages will be important milestones for determining participation in the water plant package.
Source: ABC Central Ohio.
