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APPROVE PURCHASE OF A BIOSOLIDS PUMP FROM SCHWING BIOSET FOR THE REGIONAL WASTEWATER CONTROL FACILITY
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve by motion findings for an exception to the competitive bid process and authorize the purchase and installation of a biosolids pump for use at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility from Schwing Bioset, Inc. of Somerset Wisconsin in the amount of $437,200 (Attachment A).
It is further recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate action to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Regional Wastewater Control Facility (RWCF) is required to treat wastewater collected from the City and discharge it into the San Joaquin River. This process includes the collection and treatment of sludge settled from the wastewater. After the sludge is pressed to remove excess water, the biosolids are pumped with two specially designed pumps to a holding area prior to transport for use as a land-applied soil amendment.
Earlier this year, one of these specialized Schwing pumps, named after the manufacturer, was replaced and is now in operation. The second 30-year old Schwing pump is frequently out of service and is now in need of replacement. Both pumps are needed to keep up with the removal of the biosolids produced at the plant each day.
If approved, this action will authorize the purchase of a new pump for conveying biosolids at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility (RWCF) from Schwing Bioset.
DISCUSSION
Background
The two Schwing pumps at the RWCF each convey approximately 110 tons of solid waste each day when working properly. As wastewater flows into the plant, liquid is separated from the biosolids at the belt press. After further treatment, the separated biosolids are pumped from the belt press to a holding pad approximately 1,300 feet away where they are stored before being hauled off-site and applied as a soil amendment.
At an average sewage inflow of 30-million gallons a day, solids can accumulate quickly and, if not removed can affect the entire treatment process. Both pumps were purchased in 1984, and one was recently replaced and is in operation. The second pump has outlived its useful life and is down for service and/or repairs on a weekly basis. This down-time affects the ability to move biosolids and the amount of waste the plant can process effectively. The cost to continue to rebuild and replace parts on the pump has now exceeded the cost for a new replacement pump.
Present Situation
In May 2014, City Council approved a purchase agreement with Schwing Bioset to replace the first pump. The installation and start-up of the new pump was completed in March, 2015 and the equipment is currently on-line and operating. Replacement of the second pump with the same type of specialized pump as the first will reduce the overall costs of pump operation, replacement parts and service.
This type of biosolids pump is unavailable locally or within San Joaquin County. When a search was conducted of companies within California that could supply the same type of pump, only companies that serve as sales representatives to Schwing Bioset were found.
The purchase agreement with Schwing Bioset will include the removal of the old pump, new pump delivery, installation, start-up and commissioning and a 5-year warranty on parts and service. In addition, the second pump’s installation will be unique due to its location next to the Solids Handling Building at the RWCF and will require up to $100,000 in additional costs compared to the first pump’s installation. These costs will cover the concrete support pad demolition and re-pouring, new electrical conduit, electrical components and pump placement with a contracted crane.
Findings
Stockton Municipal Code Section 3.68.070 provides for an exception to the competitive bidding requirements for purchases in excess of $75,000 in cases where the City Council has approved findings that support and justify exceptions to the competitive bidding process.
Proposed findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code that support this purchase are as follows:
• Schwing Bioset is the manufacturer of the pump that is currently being used at the RWCF, and facility, operating and maintenance efficiencies achieved by using the same type of pump.
• All supporting infrastructure, structures, connections, tooling, pipe-works and flow pressures are designed for a Schwing model pump. Changing to another brand of pump would delay installation and require redesign of all associated infrastructure at a greater cost to the City.
• Repair tools and replacement parts are consistent between the two biosolids pumps. Purchasing a different brand of pump following a bid will increase the cost of tooling and supplies for repair and maintenance.
• An in-kind pump replacement is necessary to ensure the existing facilities can support the new pump, and that the new pump will continue to operate as is needed at the RWCF.
Therefore, staff recommends the City Council approve these findings as an exception to the competitive bid process to purchase and install a Schwing Biosolids Pump at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility in the amount of $437,200.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The cost for the pump, including delivery, installation, and 5-year warranty is $437,200.
Sufficient funds are available in the following account for this purchase:
431-4331-575 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance)
There is no impact to the General Fund, or any other unrestricted fund, from this action.
Attachment A - Schwing Cost Proposal, 4-10-2015