Define the job first
Use one written purpose—pumping, maintenance, assessment, transaction, repair, alteration or replacement—so unrelated scopes are not compared as equivalents.
Scope normalizer
Normalize qualifications, job purpose, access, components, outputs, filings, waste, changes and closeout.
Decision file
Use one written purpose—pumping, maintenance, assessment, transaction, repair, alteration or replacement—so unrelated scopes are not compared as equivalents.
Ask what current qualification or authorization applies to the stated work and record legal name, scope and checked date.
List tanks, treatment, pumps, controls, dispersal references, safe access work and owner preparations.
Specify service record, observations, test data where applicable, report, design, filing, record drawings, maintenance information and limitations.
Record inaccessible elements, unknown condition, extra pumping or disposal, repair triggers, site restoration and written change rules.
Require final documents, filing evidence where applicable, waste records, maintenance updates and unresolved-item list.
Ask each proposer to identify the function they perform, current qualification evidence where applicable, work limits and documents delivered. Pumping, maintenance, assessment, design and installation are different scopes and should not be collapsed into one provider label.
Use the system map to list tanks, chambers, pumps, treatment units, distribution and dispersal areas included. Compare locating, opening, traffic protection, water use, equipment access and restoration assumptions with prices for unknown components.
Require written observations, limitations, service or disposal records, photographs, maintenance instructions and follow-up questions appropriate to the visit. Define evidence, approval and pricing for concealed conditions before work expands beyond the accepted scope.
Record each provider’s legal name, function, relevant evidence, components and areas included, access and locating work, filings, observations or tests, material handling, reports, exclusions and subcontracted roles. Reconcile quantities and optional investigations before ranking totals. Define evidence, notice, review and written authorization for concealed or unexpected conditions. At handover, confirm service, disposal, assessment, construction or maintenance records appropriate to the actual visit. The schedule prevents unlike provider roles from being compared as one commodity and preserves questions that require an authorized person or authority decision.
Primary references
Links checked in the approved research packet on August 26, 2026. Applicability still depends on the property and proposed scope.