Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors to Design the Tertiary Filter Clear Well Improvement Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, RFP No. 19-13 ($133,000.00)
Memorandum
Your approval is requested for a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors (OHM) in the amount of $133,000.00 for professional engineering services to design improvements for the replacement of damaged and inoperable equipment in the two Tertiary Filter Building clear wells at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
The Tertiary Filter Building contains 12 sand filters used for filtration of fine solids from water after secondary (biological) treatment. Filtered water is collected in two clear wells located under the building where the water is aerated before it flows from the clear wells to the ultraviolet disinfection system prior to discharge to the Huron River.
This project is to replace structures and equipment that have reached the end of their useful life and are in need of replacement. Concrete block baffle walls located in the two clear wells have deteriorated and are failing, while the air diffusers are damaged and must be replaced. These structures and equipment are essential to assure the intended operation of the clear wells and provide dissolved oxygen to ensure that the WWTP complies with its discharge permit limits.
Through RFP No. 19-13, WWTP staff solicited proposals for professional engineering services to design the Tertiary Filter Clear Well Improvement Project. WWTP staff evaluated proposals submitted by four professional engineering firms using a quality based selection process that is used by many municipalities, including the City, for procurement of professional engineering services. Each of the proposals was evaluated based on the selection criteria listed in RFP No. 19-13. The top three firms were selected to be interviewed and their fee proposals were opened prior to the interviews. The remaining firm was neither interviewed nor their fee proposal opened. The ranking of the top three firms following interviews with WWTP staff was: #1 OHM at $133,000.00, #2 FTCH Michigan, Inc. at $67,283.00, and #3 Donohue & Associates, Inc. at $56,090.00.
OHM submitted a detailed scope of services and presented a unique approach in its proposal to design this project. The unique approach proposed by OHM included removal of the deteriorated baffle wall in each clear well and partial replacement of the walls. A new and more efficient aeration system was also proposed for each clear well. This approach involves a greater effort for engineering but provides several short- and long-term benefits to the City of Ann Arbor. The OHM approach will significantly reduce the construction period when filters will be out of service and also reduce the overall cost for construction, particularly because the clear wells are confined spaces with entry hatches that are four-feet square. The City estimates that the OHM approach will save two months in the construction schedule and up to $300,000.00 in construction costs. In addition, OHM’s approach offers an added opportunity for reducing annual electricity usage and costs.
As part of this project, OHM is to inspect and evaluate clear well and air diffuser conditions, prepare an Alternatives Evaluation Report of feasible alternatives, and prepare a Preliminary Design Report. This phase of work also includes development of a detailed design bid package for clear well improvements and an accurate opinion of probable cost for the option selected by the City. WWTP staff reviewed OHM’s proposed scope of services, schedule and fees and determined that they are reasonable.
WWTP staff is requesting your approval of a contract with OHM in the amount of $133,000.00 and a contingency in the amount of $13,000.00 to fund additional necessary services as approved by the City Administrator.
OHM received Non-Discrimination Compliance approval and Living Wage Compliance on May 1, 2019.
Budget and Fiscal Impact: Funds for this project are available in the Sewage Disposal System Capital Budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Christopher J. Englert, P.E., WWT Services Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Tertiary Filter Building at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) contains 12 sand filters used for filtration of fine solids, and filtered water is collected in two clear wells located under the building where the water is aerated before it flows to the ultraviolet disinfection system prior to discharge to the Huron River;
Whereas, A WWTP staff inspection of the clear wells determined that the baffle walls and air diffusers have reached the end of their service life and are in need of replacement;
Whereas, Through RFP No. 19-13, WWTP staff solicited proposals for professional engineering services to design the Tertiary Filter Clear Well Improvement Project and received proposals from four firms;
Whereas, WWTP staff determined that OHM Advisors, (OHM) is the best qualified engineering firm to provide the professional services requested in RFP No. 19-13 and OHM’s proposed fee is reasonable to perform this work;
Whereas, OHM complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances; and
Whereas, Funds are available in the Sewage Disposal System Capital Budget;
RESOLVED, That Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with OHM in the amount of $133,000.00 to provide professional engineering services to design the Tertiary Filter Clear Well Improvement Project as requested in RFP No. 19-13;
RESOLVED, That Council approve a contingency of $13,000.00 to fund additional necessary services as approved by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the
City Attorney; and
Resolved, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.