The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) was created to bring the City’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems under one operational umbrella. With the support of vendor services, DWM is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution, sewer collection and treatment, stormwater management systems, and overseeing capital improvements to the City’s water and sewer infrastructure.

To ensure a first-class, open, and competitive environment within the department and to improve the quality and quantity of all vendors doing business with the City, the Vendor Development Program was created. The Vendor Development Program is primarily an outreach program introducing potential prime contractors/consultants to the DWM Capital Improvement Plan, the Clean Water Plan, and other upcoming bid opportunities. Key activities include the Annual Partnering for Progress/Industry Day, quarterly Lunch & Learn Seminars, presentations, and exhibits at local and national conferences and procurement expos.

To accomplish this mission, the Vendor Development Program seeks to:

• Disseminate timely information on upcoming procurement and contracting opportunities to contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Expand the vendor base to increase competition.
• Ensure openness, honesty, and accountability.
• Bolster economic development in and around metropolitan Atlanta.

Mission
To increase competition, contain costs, and ensure quality in business development operations between the Department of Watershed Management and potential vendors. The DWM is doing this through the Small Business Development Program (SBDP), allowing businesses to compete for city contracts and support our Capital Improvement Plan.

Small Business Development Program
The Small Business Development Program (SBDP) is offered annually. The program provides an intensive 10-week training to help small, minority, female, and disadvantaged contractors and consultants compete for city contracts in sewer rehabilitation techniques and construction management. Successful completion of this program prepares them for subcontracting and prime contracting opportunities with the City of Atlanta’s $1.26 billion Capital Improvement projects. SBDP eligibility requirements are as follows (but not limited to): companies must be in business for at least one year and be interested in pursuing projects with the City of Atlanta.

Business Opportunities
The Department of Watershed Management’s (DWM) five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) organizes needs for sustaining, restoring, and modernizing the facilities and infrastructure that support Atlanta’s wastewater systems. The projects identified in the $1.26 billion CIP were prioritized based on the most critical infrastructure needs. The program provides a framework for the comprehensive delivery of schedules for design and implementation.

The CIP enables DWM to maintain operational efficiency and reliability, improve water quality, protect the environment, reduce sewer overflows, enhance public health, and ensure continued regulatory compliance. Watershed Management has also begun repair and rehabilitation work on stormwater projects and is funded by the Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST).

DWM will solicit professional and construction services and equipment to meet the CIP goals.

To do business with DWM, you must register as a vendor with the City of Atlanta and obtain an isupplier number.

DWM Projects Out for Bid
Completed Water Supply Program

DWM Vendor Development Program sends out regular email updates to keep you informed as more definitive information becomes available when specific projects are going out for bid. For more information on upcoming contracting opportunities, please e-mail us at vendordev@atlantaga.gov.

Sign up here to receive email updates from DWM’s Vendor Development office.

Doing Business with The City
The City of Atlanta Department of Procurement is responsible for facilitating the procurement of commodities and services for all City Departments, the City Council, and the Mayor’s Office. You can get more general information on doing business with the City of Atlanta here https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/procurement.

Equal Opportunity
The Department of Watershed Management fully commits to the City’s Equal Business Opportunity Program goals. We seek diversity in every aspect of our infrastructure improvements program. Firms seeking sub-consultant, sub-contractor, or joint venture partner opportunities are encouraged to contact potential prime contractors and the City of Atlanta’s Office of Contract Compliance at 404-330-6010.

The City of Atlanta actively promotes full and equal business opportunities for minority and female business enterprises through the City of Atlanta’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Programs. The Minority/Female Business Enterprise (M/FBE) Register will help you locate minority-owned and female-owned firms certified by the Office of Contract Compliance for participation in the EBO Program.

The following link will direct you to the M/FBE Certification Process and the M/FBE Certified Business Register. City of Atlanta Office of Contract Compliance

DWM uses vendor services to support the operation of the department.