Approval is requested for the award of a three-year contract to Forward, Inc., (a division of Browning-Ferris Industries) of Manteca for biosolid collection and reuse for the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP).

The primary byproduct of the waste water treatment process at the WPCP is material in the form of sludge (biosolids) and treated digestor solids removed from the wastewater in the primary and secondary treatment stages. This sludge is pumped to the sludge dewatering facility for further processing. If the weather permits, the sludge is spread out onto porous plastic tiles, allowing the liquid to drain off and leaving a dried biosolid material with the general texture and consistency of potting soil. The dried biosolid is then scraped off the drying tiles into a paved storage area below. In the rainy season, the liquid sludge is pumped directly into a storage lagoon area for holding.

The sludge dewatering facility constructed in 1994 became operational in 1995 and reached maximum production in 1999. To date, biosolid collection has been informally bid on an event-by-event basis. However, production quantities are now consistent enough to warrant a regularly scheduled, multi-year contract with estimated expenditures high enough to require Council contract award.

Request for Proposals #F9906-117 was prepared by Public Works and Purchasing staff and made available to ten local environmental contractors. Proposals were received from Residuals Processing, Inc./BioGro of Oakland and Forward, Inc., of Manteca.

Both proposals were reviewed for complete environmental compliance documentation, intended biosolid use (beneficial reuse being more desirable than simple landfill disposal) and statements of experience and qualifications. Proposals were then scored, based upon total price, reliability and/or constraints on disposal/reuse options, proposer capabilities, record of past performance with the City, and responsiveness of proposals.

Staff recommends accepting the proposal from Forward, Inc., the proposer who received the highest score, based upon the evaluation criteria identified in the Request for Proposals.

Estimated expenditures for biosolid collection, transportation and reuse are $165,700 for year one; $173,985 for year two; and $182,684 for year three, for a three-year contract total of $522,369. Pricing for years two and three reflect price increases which Forward, Inc., has guaranteed will not exceed 5% per year. Funds are available in Public Works Account #801000-5240.

It is recommended that Council award a three-year contract in an amount not to exceed $522,369 to Forward, Inc., of Manteca, for biosolid collection and reuse for the Water Pollution Control Plant and authorize the Purchasing Officer to issue a purchase order to that effect.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley
Director of Finance

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose
Director of Public Works

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager