Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “Long Lead Times” has become a well-known phrase for municipalities and general contractors. To reduce the impact of long lead times on projects, some municipalities have resorted to pre-purchasing equipment/electrical gear identified to have long lead times even before they select a general contractor. Is this really the best solution for your project? The Ashland WRRF Expansion and Improvement Project is the last recommended project in the City’s approved Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP). This project will increase peak flow treatment capacity from 33 MGD to 40 MGD to better manage wet-weather flows. The project includes new headworks that will provide preliminary treatment for up to 40 MGD and limit the forward flow through the WRRF to 22 MGD. The remaining 18 MGD will be diverted to 2.25 MGD wet-weather storage tanks. Stored flow will be returned when capacity for full biological treatment becomes available. The project will convert the existing oxidation ditches biological treatment process to a 4-Stage Bardenpho process for biological nutrient removal. The project also replaces the existing sludge dewatering technology from belt filter presses to centrifuges in a new dewatering facility. Dewatered cake will be hauled to a landfill. The following equipment and electrical gear were identified for the pre-procurement process: •Turbocompressor System and Controls •Centrifuge Dewatering Equipment •Generator and Automatic Transfer Switches •Switchboards This presentation will focus on the unique challenges and lessons learned in the Ashland WRRF Expansion and Improvement Project’s pre-procurement effort. The presentation includes: ?A brief overview of the Ashland WRRF Expansion and Improvement Project ?The need for pre-procurement ?Procurement procedures considered and selected ?Risks and challenges associated with the process ?Lessons learned Ashland’s challenges and lessons learned, will enlighten others as they consider if pre-procurement is worth the risk on their projects as we deal with the challenges of long lead times of equipment and electrical gear in the wastewater and water profession.