Central Highlands Water (CHW) will be conducting a public Request for Tender (RFT) process for the provision of Water Treatment Operations and Maintenance following expiry of the Ballarat Water Contracts incorporating six (6) Water Treatment Plants (6WTPs):

• Beaufort Water Treatment Plant.
• Blackwood Water Treatment Plant.
• Clunes Water Treatment Plant.
• Forest Hill Water Treatment Plant.
• Lal Lal Water Treatment Plant; and
• White Swan Water Treatment Plant.

As part of the procurement process, CHW is seeking engagement from the market to inform the following:

i. Obtain feedback on the intended procurement process, including;

a. The length of the tender process

b. The length of the transition process (following award of contract)

ii. Obtain feedback on the major challenges likely in the transition process.

iii. Understand the data/information required (which will be in a virtual data room), to enable a successful tender.

iv. Understand what site access is required during the tender period.

v. Any additional requirements to support the tenderer's due diligence process.

vi. Understand the proponent's preferences for how power costs are covered in the contract.

vii. Understand the opportunities for innovations.

viii. Understand the opportunities for operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and optimisation.

ix. A safe workplace is imperative to CHW; CHW would like to understand the opportunities in creating a leading safety culture in an operational environment.

x. To identify any other items required for a successful tender, and any concerns, or suggestions which may improve or impact the procurement process.

Companies that have experience in the operations and maintenance of water treatment plants and believe they can contribute to the procurement process are invited to register their interest to participate in the market sounding process by 2.00pm AEDT, Friday 1st March 2024.