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APPROVE FINDINGS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO VERDANTAS INC. TO COMPLETE A WATERSHED SANITARY SURVEY FOR THE WATER UTILITY
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Award a two-year contract to Verdantas Inc. in the amount of $103,257, to complete a Watershed Sanitary Survey to satisfy the California Surface Water Treatment Rule requirements. (Exhibit 1 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 (MUD) is comprised of three enterprise funds including Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities. The Water Utility provides drinking water service to the northern and southern regions of the Stockton Metropolitan Area, with the California Water Service Company and San Joaquin County serving the central region. The Delta Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) began operation in May 2012, providing up to 30 million gallons per day of treated surface water from the San Joaquin Delta and Mokelumne River.
The California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 17 establishes the California Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). The SWTR requires that all water suppliers conduct a sanitary survey of their watershed(s) at least once every five years. The objective of the Watershed Sanitary Survey is to meet the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) requirements and evaluate potential contaminant sources within the DWTP watershed that may impact water quality.
If approved, this action will award a two-year contract to Verdantas Inc., in an amount not-to-exceed $103,257, to complete a Watershed Sanitary Survey to satisfy California Surface Water Treatment Rule requirements.
DISCUSSION
Background
In June 1991, the California Code of Regulations approved new rules mandating all water suppliers using surface water sources to complete a sanitary survey of their respective watershed(s) and provide an update report every five years. As a potable water supplier using surface water sources like the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta and the Mokelumne River, the City of Stockton must comply with the SWTR and the California Code of Regulations.
In December 2009, before the construction of the DWTP, the City submitted a sanitary survey of the Delta Water Supply Project (DWSP) watershed to the state. Three updates have been submitted to the state since 2009, with a fourth update due to Department of Water Resources (DWR) by December 2026.
On March 17, 2025, the City advertised a Request for Proposals for Watershed Sanitary Survey Services, Project No. PUR 25-029.
On April 3, 2025, two firms submitted proposals, Rincon Consultants, Inc. and Verdantas Inc. Proposals were evaluated based on qualifications and experience, industry experience, capacity, and ability to meet the requirements of the SWTR. Verdantas Inc. received the highest ranking based on the noted criteria and was determined to be the most qualified firm for this project.
Staff recommend the City Council award a two-year contract to Verdantas Inc. for a total contract price of $103,257 (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution).
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070, the City Council may approve findings which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process. The following findings support and justify an exception:
1. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Services Contract 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 selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
2. It is in the public interest to complete periodic watershed sanitary surveys to meet the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) requirements and evaluate potential contaminant sources within the DWTP watershed that may impact water quality.
3. The City does not have the technical expertise to prepare the Watershed Sanitary Survey in a timely and cost-effective manner.
4. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Funds are available in the Delta Water Administrative account to cover the procurement of this service for FY 2024-25.
This action has no impact on the General Fund or any other unrestricted funds.