J-143 PDB PROJECT OUTREACH AND SAMPLE PDB CONTRACT

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is soliciting a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract for Project No. J-143, the Deep Well Biosolids Management Facility. This project aims to implement a Biosolids Deep Well Injection System (BDWIS) to provide a sustainable, long-term biosolids management solution for Plant No. 1 and Plant No. 2. OC San currently produces over 500 wet tons per day of dewatered biosolids, which are transported up to 280 miles to land application and composting sites in California and Arizona. The proposed deep well injection system will permanently sequester biosolids into deep, porous geologic formations more than 5,000 feet below ground beneath multiple impermeable layers, effectively isolating persistent contaminants, reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting opportunities for carbon credit generation.

The project will be delivered through a Progressive Design-Build contract model, engaging a Design-Builder early to collaboratively develop the design, manage permitting, refine cost estimates, mitigate risks, and plan construction prior to establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). An Owner's Advisor (OA) will also be contracted for the project duration to provide technical expertise in deep well injection including EPA Class V permitting and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting. OC San has completed a planning study in 2025 that supports the technical viability of BDWIS at Plant No. 1, identifying suitable geological conditions within the Repetto Formation for injection, including sufficient confining and containment layers. Preliminary assessments of injection capacity and volume have been provided along with budgetary costs for a full-scale facility.

Key dates for this solicitation include publication on February 5, 2026, with a proposal submission deadline of April 1, 2026. This outreach document provides interested design-builders, consultants, subconsultants, contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals with relevant expertise information about the upcoming RFP and includes a sample PDB contract and feasibility report for reference. The planning study is provided for program development and budgeting purposes and shall not constrain nor be relied upon by the Design-Builder in developing further independent analysis, investigations, concepts, or proposals.