RENSSELAERVILLE — The Rensselaerville Water and Sewer Advisory Committee took an important step toward improving the town’s water system this week, publishing a request for proposals that asks for an evaluation of the system and a preliminary engineering report.

Securing these two things will allow the town to apply for much-needed federal funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Whomever the committee selects is to:

— Analyze the town’s current water source, Lake Myosotis;

— Identify and analyze alternative water sources;  

— Investigate the potential for a hybrid solution that uses Lake Myosotis in combination with a new source;

— Figure out whether the current water treatment plant needs a retrofit or replacement;

— Analyze the distribution system for capacity and longevity, including the Methodist Hill Road pump distribution system;

— Evaluate the addition of water meters at each water district property;

— Show where residents can drill wells in the event that the water system is entirely dissolved;

— Evaluate a “do nothing scenario”; and

— Complete all necessary paperwork and reports in time for April 2024 Intended Use Plan listing

The request also asks that bidders consider any additional steps they may feel necessary. 

Bidders will be evaluated according to a weighted scale that provides a different number of points out of 100 for various aspects of the bid, with the largest share — 30 points — going to the cost. Experience and skill make up 15 points, as does the “adequacy” of the proposal, for a total of 30.

Compliance with administrative requirements, commitment to sustainability based on past work, and ability to meet deadlines make up 10 points each. References and minority status then make up 5 points each. 

All bidders, the request says, must have experience getting projects onto New York State’s intended-use-plan. It goes on to say that the committee will choose up to three bidders to interview, and that the contract is estimated to be awarded in mid-December. 

Last month, the advisory committee’s chairman, Ed Csukas, told the town board that if all goes according to plan — meaning that work is completed on time and funding is secured — construction could begin in 2025.