Report Prepared by: Bill Osmer, PWM-Wastewater
Title
SUBJECT: Award Bid and Approval of Services Agreement with Kemira Water Solutions, Inc., for the Purchase and Delivery of Ferric Chloride to the Wastewater Treatment Facility in an Amount not to Exceed $1,112,000 Through June 30, 2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid and approving a Services Agreement with Kemira Water Solutions, Inc., for the purchase and delivery of Ferric Chloride for the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid and approving a Services Agreement with Kemira Water Solutions, Inc., for the purchase and delivery of Ferric Chloride to the Wastewater Treatment Facility in an amount not to exceed $1,112,000 through June 30, 2027; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Chapter 3.04, Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00), the "contract threshold," shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 25/26 Proposed budget.
DISCUSSION
Ferric Chloride is an essential chemical that is used in multiple processes at the City of Merced Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Ferric Chloride is utilized to inhibit the formation of struvite, the reduction of hydrogen sulfide, and to increase the total solids concentration of dewatered sludge produced in the centrifuges.
Staff prepared bid specifications for Ferric Chloride characteristics, estimated usage and delivery criteria, and the invitation for bids was advertised both in the Merced County Times newspaper and the City’s website. Bids were publicly opened on March 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with the following results:
|
Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. |
$1,368 per dry ton (year 1) |
|
|
$1,412 per dry ton (year 2) |
|
Pencco, Inc. |
$1,520 per dry ton (year 1) |
|
|
$1,520 per dry ton (year 2) |
Staff recommends awarding the bid to Kemira Water Solutions for the supply and delivery of Ferric Chloride. The Services Agreement (attachment 1) has been drafted and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The contract value of $1,112,000 includes an estimate of 400 dry tons of Ferric Chloride purchased annually at $1,368 per ton for year 1 ($547,200) and $1,412 per ton for year 2 ($564,800). Funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 proposed budget under Wastewater Treatment Plant Enterprise Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Services Agreement
2. Kemira Water Solutions Inc. Bid
3. Pencco Inc. Bid