Step One: Project Selection 

PWSA’s engineering and construction team look at various metrics when deciding where to begin projects. We may analyze the age of our infrastructure, recent infrastructure failures like water main breaks or sinkholes, or the need to increase our service capabilities.

Step Two: Design

Before any construction occurs, PWSA’s engineering team designs the project. This includes taking extensive measurements of the proposed project area, collecting soil samples, acquiring permits, and drawing detailed maps of the proposed work. This process can take many months, as all details of the project must be carefully planned and approved by a professional engineer before 
work can occur.

Step Three: Bidding the Contract

When a project is fully designed, PWSA will submit the project documents for construction firms to bid on the work. We work with our procurement team to post and manage the bidding process. Our Supplier Diversity Program encourages minority, women, veteran, and service disabled veteran businesses to participate in contracting opportunities.

Step Four: Contract Selection

Because we are a public utility that uses ratepayer dollars to fund projects, we look for “responsible and responsive” bidders. That means that we will look for bidders who can follow our design documents when constructing the project, and will complete the project either within or below our budget estimates. A group of engineering staff review the documents and, in consultation with our finance department, make the appropriate contractor selection. Contracts are formally awarded at PWSA’s monthly Board of Directors meetings.

Step Five: Pre-Construction

Once a construction firm is selected for a project, our construction and design team members will meet with the contractor to ensure they have all necessary documentation, schedules, permits, and traffic plans in place before groundbreaking. These pre-construction meetings are an important period for the team members to get acquainted and become more familiar with the project.

Step Six: Construction

Once work begins, crews must maintain a productive schedule and work within the budget of the project. Regular meetings are held with the construction firm and the PWSA project team to report on the status of the work, address any issues or concerns, and discuss upcoming schedules.