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File #: 25-1951    Version: 2 Name: 12/15/25 - Resolution to Approve a Sole Source/Best Source Purchase Order with Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc.
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 12/15/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 12/15/2025 Final action: 12/15/2025
Enactment date: 12/15/2025 Enactment #: R-25-440
Title: Resolution to Approve a Sole Source Purchase Order with Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc. for New Flocculation Drive Stuffing Boxes ($40,169.00)
Attachments: 1. WSE SOLE_SOURCE_BEST_SOURCE_JUSTIFICATION.pdf, 2. WSE - Ann Arbor WTP Stuffing Boxes Proposal.pdf, 3. LT_WSE Sole Source Justification_Nov 25.pdf, 4. City of Ann Arbor Vendor Declaration of Compliance & Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
Title
Resolution to Approve a Sole Source Purchase Order with Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc. for New Flocculation Drive Stuffing Boxes ($40,169.00)
Memorandum
This memo and resolution requests approval of a Sole Source/Best Source purchase order with Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc. for new flocculation drive stuffing boxes.

The Water Treatment Services Unit (WTSU) uses the flocculation process as a key step in water clarification and lime softening. Flocculation is a mixing process that allows particles to aggregate and form larger particles which are then removed through settling. The flocculation equipment is operated using motorized drive assemblies with various components in both submerged and non-submerged environments separated by a concrete wall. Flocculation Basin No. 4 consists of four (4) motor drives, and each drive includes a stuffing box assembly that provides a watertight seal where the drive shaft passes through the wall. In recent years, repair and maintenance efforts have increased, resulting in extended equipment downtime and frequent leakage through the stuffing boxes resulting in wet floors and drainage issues. The stuffing boxes in Basin No. 4 have reached the end of their service life and require replacement.

Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc. is the only vendor capable of providing retrofit components for the WTSU flocculation equipment. Therefore, Waterworks Systems & Equipment Inc. is the sole source for replacement stuffing boxes. This purchase order provides the owner-procured equipment for installation under City's Capital Improvements Plan Project UT-WS-26-16. The construction contract for this CIP project is expected to be executed in January 2026, and the long lead time would result in missing the WTP's shutdown opportunity for installation if not procured sooner.

It is recommended that City Council approve a Sole Source/Best Source Purchase Order for the procurement of four new flocculation drive stuffing boxes.

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