Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) for Water Treatment Plant Services from Carbon Activated, Bid No. ITB-4580 (estimated $950,400.00)
Memorandum
Council approval is requested to authorize the purchase of approximately 11,000 cubic feet annually of Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) at $43.20/cubic foot for the replacement of GAC in approximately 13 water filters per year at the Water Treatment Services Unit in FY20 and FY21.
GAC is a filter media used to remove poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and nutrients from the water. PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulative, and there is mounting evidence for the human toxicity of many of these compounds. GAC filtration is the best available technology for removing PFAS from drinking water.
This purchase is consistent with the City’s PFAS Action Plan to replace 50% of filter media annually. The estimated cost of the GAC replacement in is $475,200.00 per year for FY20 and FY21 for a total of $950,400.00.
The City received three bids in response to ITB-4580, and Carbon Activated’s was the lowest responsible bid. It is recommended that Council accept the bid and award a 2-year purchase agreement to Carbon Activated.
It is also recommended that the City Administrator be authorized to extend the purchase order for up to 3 additional 1-year periods if it’s in the best interests of the City. Price increases after FY21 would be available annually per the federal producer price index (PPI) at vendor’s written request at time of renewal.
If Carbon Activated is unable to furnish GAC, it is requested that the City Administrator be authorized to accept the next lowest responsible bidder for the GAC purchase.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funds are available in the FY20 Operations and Maintenance Budget for the Water Supply System Fund. Future funding is subject to Council budget approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Sarah Page, Drinking Water Quality Manager, Water Treatment Services
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Water Treatment Services Unit uses Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) in its water filtration process;
Whereas, GAC is the best available technology for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS);
Whereas, The City’s PFAS Action Plan recommends replacement of approximately 50% of GAC filter media annually;
Whereas, Carbon Activated’s bid is the lowest responsible bid for the supply of GAC per Bid ITB-4580;
Whereas, Funding is available in the FY20 Water Supply System Operations and Maintenance Budget;
Whereas, Funding for future years is subject to Council budget approval; and
Whereas, Carbon Activated complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance;
RESOLVED, That the City Council accepts Carbon Activated’s bid of $43.20/cubic foot of GAC, in accordance with the terms of Bid No. ITB-4580;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be directed to issue a 2-year purchase order to Carbon Activated for GAC at an estimated cost of $475,200.00 per year, starting in FY20;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be authorized to renew the purchasing order for up to 3 1-year periods, subject to availability of funding and limited to the price escalation clause detailed in the ITB; and
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.