Onalaska awards $415,715 design contract for PFAS treatment at Well No. 9
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Summary
The board accepted staff—s consultant selection and awarded engineering design services to SEH for $415,715 to design PFAS treatment at Well No. 9. Staff said accelerated design is needed to access a principal‑forgiveness funding cycle that may cover up to half of eligible costs.
On Nov. 4 the Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities approved SEH as the consultant to provide engineering design services for PFAS treatment at Well No. 9, accepting SEH—s proposed fee of $415,715.
Staff described the selection process: an RFP was distributed, two firms (SEH and MSA) submitted proposals and an evaluation team scored the submittals. SEH scored highest; its fee aligns with industry norms (design fees commonly 6–8% of project cost). Staff reported a planning-level project cost near $7 million; at 6% design equals roughly $420,000, making SEH—s fee within expectation.
Staff noted funding options: capital improvements water designated funds carry a balance sufficient to start design and the city expects principal‑forgiveness funding in the current cycle (the last cycle that can provide up to half of a project, up to $3.5 million of forgiveness). The board approved the award unanimously and staff will bring the matter to council as needed for final contracting.