Approval is requested for a one-year extension of an existing contract with Monolyte Laboratories, Inc., of Sandy, Utah, to provide polymer flocculants for the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP).

Polymer flocculants are used by the WPCP to treat wastewater, including reclaimed water. The current supplier, Monolyte Laboratories, was selected as the result of a Request for Proposals which was issued in 1994. The purpose of the RFP was to identify a supplier with excellent technical expertise to formulate and supply polymer flocculants and to assist the WPCP staff in optimizing the methods used to produce reclaimed water in a consistent and reliable manner in full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Three firms submitted proposals in response to the RFP. After extensive performance testing of each product proposed, WPCP staff determined that the products and processes proposed by Monolyte Laboratories offered the most consistent and reliable performance. On June 14, 1994, Council awarded a three-year contract to Monolyte Laboratories; and on June 25, 1997, Council extended that contract through June 30, 2000.

Throughout the extended contract term, Monolyte Laboratories has provided outstanding service to the WPCP with many site visits to continually refine the polymer operating system and the product for peak efficiency.

This continuous product development has provided the most technically efficient polymer available and a product customized specifically for the WPCP facility.

Recently, however, staff has been approached by several new suppliers who are interested in providing polymer to the WPCP. Because of the extremely critical nature of the product, new polymer formulations must pass a detailed performance test before being considered for use at the WPCP. Polymer performance testing is a six- to nine-month process that requires many interruptions in production to accommodate various test conditions.

In recent years, the aggressive timelines for the production and delivery of reclaimed water for the Public Works Reclaimed Water Project has given WPCP staff little opportunity for the testing of new products. However, the Reclaimed Water Project is now moving from the production phase to the delivery phase, thereby giving the WPCP a testing window.

For that reason, staff recommends the extension of the current Monolyte contract for one year to provide sufficient time for performance testing of alternate polymer products. Upon completion of this testing process, staff recommends that the contract be competitively bid by the issuance of a Request for Proposals which is distributed to those suppliers who have successfully pre-qualified.

Total cost to the City for a one-year contract extension will not exceed $1,450,000. This includes a price reduction on Monolyte Laboratories Filter Aid Matrix 5070 III from the current contract price of $1.79/lb. to $1.645/lb. In addition, Monolyte will transfer to the City ownership of polymer dilution equipment Monolyte has placed at the WPCP. This equipment is valued at approximately $100,000.

Funds are available in Public Works Accounts No. 333090-5020 and 342680-5020.

It is recommended that Council approve a one-year extension of an existing contract with Monolyte Laboratories, Inc., of Sandy, Utah, in an amount not to exceed $1,450,000 for polymer flocculants for the Water Pollution Control Plant.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely, 
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley, 
Director of Finance

Reviewed by:

Marvin Rose, 
Director of Public Works

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala, 
City Manager