Report Prepared by: Jeffrey Silva, WWTP Operations Supervisor
Title
SUBJECT: Award of Bid and Approval of Agreement for Supplies and Services with SNF Polydyne for the Supply and Delivery of Cationic Polymer Emulsion in the Amount of $400,000 for the Contract Term Ending June 30, 2023
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid and approving an agreement with SNF Polydyne for the supply and delivery of cationic polymer emulsion.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion awarding the bid and approving the agreement with SNF Polydyne for the supply and delivery of cationic polymer emulsion in the amount of $400,000 for the contract term ending June 30, 2023; and authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
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-three thousand dollars ($34,000), 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 2022/2023 Proposed Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) uses cationic polymer in the biosolids dewatering treatment process. Polymer reacts with the solids to help them bind together as floc in order to dewater efficiently through the centrifuge. The amount of polymer needed for biosolids processing varies each year. On average, the WWTP uses approximately 220,000 pounds of polymer.
The WWTP operations staff has worked with various vendors to find the best blend of polymer that removes solids from the wastewater, which improves the time needed to dry the solids produced in the wastewater. Polymer vendors are required to qualify their product through onsite demonstration and establish over several processing cycles that their product meets the performance criteria for efficient dewatering. Once the vendors have qualified, they are invited to bid through the public bidding process.
The invitation for bids was advertised both in the Merced County Times newspaper and the City’s website. Bids were publicly opened on April 21, 2022. SNF Polydyne was the only bid submitted at $1.65 per pound (with sales tax the price is $1.7861 per pound).
Estimating 223,951 pounds of polymer, at $1.7861 per pound (with sales tax), WWTF staff is requesting Council approval for a contract amount of $400,000 with SNF Polydyne for FY 22/23.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funds for solids handling polymer is budgeted for in FY 22/23, account number 553-1108-532-29.00.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement for the Purchase of Goods