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ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ON-CALL CONTRACT WITH CONDOR EARTH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. FOR FATS, OILS AND GREASE INSPECTION SERVICES (ALL DISTRICTS - CITYWIDE)
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution to:
1. Accept the specifications and addenda for the Request for Sealed bids for FOG Inspection Services, PUR 26-025 (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution).
2. Authorize a five-year contract with Condor Earth Technologies, LLC. of Stockton, California, for Fats, Oils, and Grease Inspection Services in an amount not-to-exceed $1,851,165 (Exhibit 2 to the Resolution).
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Municipal Utilities Department’s Environmental Control Division (EC) administers the City’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control program. EC staff carry out public outreach, conduct inspections, collect wastewater samples, review self-monitoring reports, issue permits, and enforce compliance for approximately 1,000 food service establishments (FSE) within the City’s sewer service area.
Ongoing staffing shortages in the Environmental Control Division have left the City unable to complete required inspections. Temporary on‑call consultant support is needed until vacant positions are filled and new staff are trained.
If approved by the City Council, this item would award an on-call contract for up to five years with Condor Earth Technologies, LLC. of Stockton, California, for FOG Inspection Services for a total not-to-exceed of $1,851,165.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City’s FOG program is driven by multiple regulatory requirements. It is mandated under the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Wastewater Collection Agencies and further detailed in the City’s Sanitary Sewer Management Plan. In addition, Chapter 13.40 of the Stockton Municipal Code governs discharges of fats, oils, and grease from food service establishments. The program’s primary objectives are to educate businesses, inspect infrastructure, and review documentation to ensure proper operation and maintenance of FOG-related systems.
The EC staff oversees wastewater discharges from permitted categorical and significant industrial users in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. The division also administers the City’s FOG Control program. EC staff conduct public outreach, perform inspections, collect wastewater samples, review self-monitoring reports, issue permits, and enforce requirements for approximately 1,000 FSE in the City’s sewer service area. The FOG program is a comprehensive effort designed to reduce the frequency and severity of sanitary sewer overflows associated with fats, oils, and grease.
Since early 2024, the EC team has experienced significant staff losses and currently has two vacant Senior Environmental Control Officer positions, with only two entry-level positions filled. The most recent recruitment for Senior Officers, which closed at the end of April 2026, yielded only one minimally qualified applicant. To meet required inspection obligations, the City must supplement existing staff with on-call consultant support until vacancies are filled and new staff are trained.
To comply with Assembly Bill (AB) 339, staff notified the Operating Engineers’ Local 3 business representative on January 22, 2026, of the City’s intent to issue a solicitation. AB 339 requires a minimum 45-day written notice to unions before releasing RFPs, RFQs, or renewing service contracts involving represented job classifications. No response was received from the union prior to issuing the RFP.
On March 31, 2026, the City publicly advertised Request for Proposals PUR 26-025 in The Record’s Legal Notice section and on the City’s Bid Flash webpage. The request for proposals was also distributed to prospective proposers via Ask Stockton for FOG inspection services.
Present Situation
On April 23, 2026, the City received three proposals from the following companies:
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Company Name |
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Condor Earth Technologies, LLC. of Stockton, California |
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DFT Solutions Group of Stockton, California |
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WGR Southwest, Inc. of Lodi, California |
A selection committee carefully evaluated and discussed each proposal in detail. Based on Condor’s demonstrated understanding of the scope of work, technical expertise, and familiarity with the City’s FOG Program, staff recommend awarding Condor a five-year contract for FOG Inspection Services in an amount not to exceed $1,851,165. This total includes potential annual cost increases of up to three percent. Staff’s original estimate for these services over the five-year period was approximately $2,500,000.
Findings
Pursuant to the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, the City Council may approve findings that support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process. The following findings support and justify an exception:
1. A strict cost-competitive basis for the selection of professional services may lower the quality and thoroughness of the services provided.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this FOG Inspection Program because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor. Use of the criteria helps ensure the selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
3. Ongoing staffing shortages in the Environmental Control Division have left the City unable to complete required inspections. Temporary on‑call consultant support is needed until vacant positions are filled and new staff are trained.
4. The City negotiated a contract following a request for competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The total cost of $1,851,165 covers on-call support services over the five-year term or until the vacant positions are fully staffed and trained. The estimated cost for the first year is $380,275. Sufficient funding for these services is included in the FY 2026-27 Environmental Control Special Services budget (6521-000-630006-610-000-00-65-000-000 and 6521-000-630006-620-000-00-65-000-000).
Funding for subsequent years will be budgeted within the same accounts and will remain subject to City Council approval through the annual budget process.
This action has no impact on the General Fund or any other unrestricted funds.