When Conventional Design Bid Build Approach is Unconventional — Design and Bidding of IFAS Full-Scale Pilot at Greensboro, North Carolina

Integrated fixed film in activated sludge (IFAS) is being implemented at an increasing number of facilities as requirements for nutrient removal and increased capacity become more prevalent. In many installations, the implementation of IFAS technology has most often involved the use of performance based requirements for the design of the systems. The use of performance based criteria relies heavily on empirical design values used by manufacturers and often leads to the application of varying process safety factors across manufacturers. Use of a traditional design – bid – build approach to IFAS systems allows for development of a single approach to achieving process goals and the competitive bidding of IFAS systems. This paper summarizes the process used by the City of Greensboro to design and implement a full-scale 4 MGD IFAS pilot facility.