DC Water and Sewer Authority

For more information on regulations and procedures for doing business with DCWASA, please refer to the Procurement Regulations [PDF] .

How do I become a registered vendor with DCWASA?
If you are interested in supplying goods and services, complete the online Vendor Application for Goods and Services. If you are interested in architecture, engineering and construction projects, complete the online Vendor Application for A-E Construction. You may also pickup an application from the Procurement and Materiel Management Department, 5000 Overlook Avenue S.W., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20032.
Where does DCWASA advertise current solicitations for goods, services and construction?
Right here on the DCWASA website. Check out our listings under Supply of Goods and Services, Architect-Engineering Services, and Construction. In addition, solicitations are advertised in the classified sections of The Washington Post, Afro-American, Washington Hispanic and Engineering News Records.
What is an Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request For Proposal (RFP) and Request For Quotation (RFQ)?
1. IFB - The solicitation document used for competitive sealed bidding for the purchase of equipment, materials, goods and construction.
2. RFP - The solicitation document used in the competitive sealed proposal process. The RFP procedure permits negotiation of proposals and prices.
3. RFQ - The solicitation document used in competitive procurement, which requests technical or professional skills and experience.
Does DCWASA charge fees for solicitation documents?
Yes, but only for Construction IFBs. Since fees vary, please refer to the solicitation advertisement for details.
What if a vendor has a question while filling out a request for quote, bid or proposal document?
Please telephone or e-mail the contract specialist identified in the solicitation.
Where do I file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, and do I have to pay a fee?
FOIAs may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Office of General Counsel either by fax or mail. The Office of General Counsel has 10 days to respond. Documents may be viewed at the Office of General Counsel or copies made (certain exemptions may apply). For FOIA requests, there is a $10 research fee and $.25 per page copying fee. For further information, please call 202-787-2240.
How do I obtain Bid results?
After final award, you can telephone or send an e-mail to the contract specialist identified in the solicitation. You can also review the "Recently Awarded" listings for Goods and Services, Architect-Engineering, or Construction.

How do I obtain copies of DCWASA solicitations?

There are several ways:

Download them from this website.
Fax your request to 202-787-2042.
Pick up solicitations from the Department of
Procurement and Materiel Management
at 5000 Overlook Avenue, SW
2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20032

How do I get Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) Certification in DC?
You can obtain information by calling the District of Columbia's Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development at 202-727-3900, or visit their office at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 970 North, Washington, DC, 20001.
Does DCWASA accept minority certification from other States?
Yes.
What is a Set-Aside procurement?
Under the provisions of DC Law 9-217, Equal opportunity for Local, Small and Disadvantage Business Enterprise Act of 1992, a Set-Aside procurement is one that ensures that LSDBE's have the maximum practicable opportunity to compete.
What is an Open Market procurement?
This is a procurement solicitation that is open to all vendors.
What is the LSDBE Preference Award Mechanism?
It is a preference mechanism applicable to proposals and bids received from Local, Small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (LSDBEs) that facilitates their participation in the procurement process. This preference mechanism is used without regard to the service or commodity.
Bids and proposals are evaluated using a preference point system in the form of points (in the case of proposals) or a percentage reduction in price (in the case of bids) as follows:

- Business Enterprises 5 points or 5%

- Disadvantaged Business Enterprises 5 points or 5%

- Enterprise Zone 2 points or 5%

Does DCWASA give MBE/WBE preference?
DCWASA has an EPA negotiated "Fair Share" objective of 30% participation for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and 5% participation for Women Business Enterprises (WBE) for all federally funded construction and architectural and engineering projects.
Does DCWASA purchase with credit cards?
Yes. DCWASA uses credit cards for certain types of low dollar non-competitive procurements.
When will a contract be terminated for convenience?
When the Contracting Officer determines that the goods and/or services are not in the best interest of DCWASA.
How do I obtain a resolution of a protest?
A contractor may file a written protest within five (5) working days of when the protester became aware of the circumstances upon which the protest is based.
What are the procedures for changing a vendor name?
The contractor must submit a written request to the Contracting Officer, including all pertinent documents pertaining to the novation (change in name). The Contracting Officer will review the request and determine whether it is in the best interest of DCWASA to recognize the proposed successor.
How do I submit a claim against DCWASA?
If a contractor is unable to resolve a dispute through informal discussions, the contractor may file a written claim with the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the occurrence.
What is the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority tax exemption number?
The D.C. Business Tax No. is 251873 and Federal Tax ID is 52-2201147.
What is the timeframe for invoice payment?
Payment will be processed net thirty (30) from invoice receipt date. Note that invoices are considered received only if fully supported by documentation and after goods and/or service has been received.
What is the name of DCWASA bank?
Wachovia Bank. For additional information contact Linda Abravanel at Wachovia,on telephone number 202-760-6778 or Robert Hunt, DCWASA Treasury on 202-787-2167.
What is DCWASA's Bond Rating?
D.C. WASA's bonds are rated highly by the three leading rating agencies:

Moody's Investor Service "Aa3"

Standard and Poor's Corporation "AA-"

Fitch Ratings "AA-"
How can I check credit references?
Contact the Procurement and Materiel Management Department on 202-787-2020 or the Chief Financial Office on 202-787-2150, and you will be provided with the name and telephone number of several WASA contractors for reference check.
When did the DCWASA became a separate entity from the District Columbia Government?
DCWASA became a separate entity in 1996.