Title
Resolution to Approve a Contract with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. to Develop a Biodigester Feasibility Study ($65,990.00)
Memorandum
Attached for review and consideration is a resolution approving a contract with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. to Develop a Biodigester Feasibility Study in the amount of $59,990.00 and a contingency amount of $6,000.00 for this work.
The City of Ann Arbor is seeking optimal ways to manage organics in the waste stream, as described in multiple goals of the City’s Solid Waste Plan. In addition, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) generates significant volumes of biosolids that are either land-applied as fertilizer on farmland for non-human food crops, or landfilled based on the season. Many cities have explored the economic feasibility of biodigesters to manage community organic materials and to generate renewable energy to offset the system costs. This project is included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (Project No. MF-SW-16-01) and is ranked as the second highest priority in the Solid Waste Asset Category.
As part of undertaking this type of examination, the City issued RFP #949 seeking qualified consultants to evaluate the feasibility of a biodigester to manage WWTP biosolids, Ann Arbor commercial and institutional organics, and explore the potential benefits of accepting material from a broader region surrounding the City. This project will also explore the potential market for biodigested materials to be composted.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) 889 was issued in March of 2014 to conduct a Feasibility Study on the use of biodigesters to process food waste from the City. This RFP was a $20,000.00 project to research options to collect and process all food waste produced within the city. The final report in June 2014 provided a high level estimate of food waste available from across the city including restaurants, the University, and fats, oils and greases. A basic cost model was developed based on the waste stream estimates that showed a positive return on investment if a biodigester was built. The current $65,990.00 project is a follow on, more detailed analysis using an engineering firm that has designed and built a biodigester that processes WWTP residual solids in addition to other food wastes. The current project explores in greater detail the options for composting materials at the end of biodigestion and managing liquid digestate. The current project will also include a more detailed financial analysis.
Five firms submitted proposals in response to this RFP 949. Each proposal was evaluated based on the point system outlined in the RFP. Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. was selected based on the quality of their proposed work plan and related experience.
Budget/Fiscal Impact:
Funding for this contract is available in the FY16 Capital Budget.
Sustainability Framework
This feasibility study furthers several of the City’s sustainability goals including: Sustainable Energy (use of methane to generate electricity); Economic Vitality (local capital investment and job creation); Sustainable Systems (possible integration with Wheeler Center for power); Clean Air and Water (reduced methane from landfills); and Responsible Resource Use (better management of organics in the waste stream).
Staff
Prepared by: Matthew Naud, Environmental Coordinator
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor Solid Waste Plan includes goals to manage organics in the waste stream;
Whereas, Organic materials are approximately 40% of the municipal waste stream;
Whereas, Biosolids from the WWTP are landfilled for some portion of each year;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor issued RFP #949 seeking qualified consultants to evaluate the feasibility of a biodigester to manage WWTP biosolids, commercial and institutional organics, and explore the potential benefits of accepting material from a broader region surrounding the City;
Whereas, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. complies with the City’s Non-discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
Whereas, This feasibility study furthers several of the City’s sustainability goals including: Sustainable Energy (use of methane to generate electricity); Economic Vitality (local capital investment and job creation); Sustainable Systems (possible integration with Wheeler Center for power); Clean Air and Water (reduced methane from landfills); and Responsible Resource Use (better management of organics in the waste stream); and
Whereas, Five firms submitted proposals in response to the RFP, each was evaluated based on the point system outlined in the proposal, and Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. was the proposer selected based on the quality of their work plan and related experience.
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council approves the contract with Fishbeck,
Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. to Develop a Biodigester Feasibility Study for $59,990.00;
RESOLVED, That a contingency in the amount of $6,000.00 (10%) be established within the project budget and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve change orders to the contract with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $65,990.00;
RESOLVED, That the funding for the contract and the contingency amount be made available without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the agreement for services after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.