Title
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC in the amount of $1,029,636.00 for the 2024 Water Treatment Plant Filter 18/20 Underdrain Improvements Project (ITB 4752)
Memorandum
This memorandum and resolution requests approval to award a construction contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC (Sorensen Gross) in the amount of $1,029,636.00 for the 2024 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Filter 18/20 Underdrain Improvements Project (ITB 4752).
On June 20, 2023, City Council authorized acceptance of a Michigan Office of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) grant in the amount of $491,122.00 for replacement of two filter underdrains at the Water Treatment Plant to improve PFAS removal efficiency (R-23-216). The replacement of the drains will enable the City to install additional media to the filters to improve per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal at the City’s Water Treatment Plant.
The project will consist of replacing the existing underdrain systems in filters 18 and 20 with a new low-profile stainless-steel underdrain, which will allow for more Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) media to be installed above the underdrain, resulting in better PFAS removal and reducing the risk of PFAS breakthrough in the filters. The project also includes the removal, refurbishment and replacement of the existing surface wash system, and structural concrete repairs to address leaks and concrete deterioration. These filters will be used as a pilot to determine PFAS removal performance prior to implementing the changes in the remaining 24 filters at the WTP. This project is programmed in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (UT-WS-25-02) and received a commitment of funds in the amount of $491,122.00 via the EGLE Consolidation and Contamination Risk Reduction (C2R2) grant, partial funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Solicitation of Proposals
ITB 4752 was advertised on the City’s Website and on the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN) website. On August 30, 2024, five (5) proposals were received and publicly opened. The City evaluated the bids and found no irregularities. Sorensen Gross was the lowest responsible bidder for the project. Use of Federal funds requires the project to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
The bids were:
1. Sorensen Gross Company LLC $1,029,636.00
2. Weiss Construction Co. $1,196,172.00
3. Reliance Building Company $1,248,000.00
4. Kokosing Industrial Inc. $1,306,850.00
5. F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates $1,434,047.00
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The current total project cost is estimated at $1,291,000.00. Funds are available in the approved Water Supply System Capital Budget. $491,122.00 will be reimbursed via the EGLE C2R2 grant partially funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Sorensen Gross submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Prevailing Wage, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Staff
Prepared by: Glen Wiczorek, PE, Senior Utilities Engineer
Molly Maciejewski, Water Treatment Services Unit Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Interim Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Ann Arbor is committed to providing exceptional water quality;
Whereas, Ann Arbor received a $491,122.00 EGLE grant through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve PFAS removal efficiency in two of its filters;
Whereas, The WTP Filter 18 /20 Underdrain Improvements project will improve the performance of two filters in removing PFAS and serve as a pilot for the improvements to be implemented on the remaining filters;
Whereas, Competitive bids were solicited by Procurement on August 30, 2024 (ITB 4752) and the bid received from Sorensen Gross Company LLC (Sorensen Gross) provided the low bid in the amount of $1,029,636.00;
Whereas, Total costs to replace two filter underdrains and associated work are estimated at $1,291,000.00;
Whereas, On June 20, 2023, City Council authorized acceptance of the grant and appropriated $291,000.00 from the Water Supply System Fund Balance for the project (R-23-216);
Whereas, The remaining funding is available in the approved Water Supply System Capital Budget; and
Whereas, Sorensen Gross has submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Prevailing Wage, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the Construction Contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC in the amount of $1,029,636.00 for the 2024 WTP Filter 18/20 Underdrain Improvements Project (ITB 4752);
RESOLVED, That a contingency in the amount of $103,000.00 is approved to finance change orders to the contract to be approved by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said 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 including execution of any authorized renewals and any changes or amendments that do not exceed the contingency amount.