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SUBJECT:

Award of Request for Proposals #F0206-83 for Environmental Laboratory Testing Services

REPORT IN BRIEF

Approval is requested for the award of two one-year contracts for laboratory testing services (with option to extend the contracts for two additional years) for the Department of Public Works: one to CalTest Analytical Laboratory of Napa for the analysis of wastewater samples and one to MWH Laboratories of Pasadena for the analysis of drinking water samples.

BACKGROUND

The City is required to use the services of a State-certified environmental laboratory when performing tests for the City's NPDES discharge permit requirements, the Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, pre-treatment program monitoring and a variety of other studies and tests of environmental samples at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), Landfill, and Recycling Center. The City has traditionally contracted with private testing laboratories for these services.

DISCUSSION

Sample turnaround time is critical in the preparation of State-mandated reports, and there can be significant fines for late submissions. In-house testing capability is, therefore, a significant benefit for timely sample processing. In regards to the testing of organic compounds in wastewater, only CalTest performed the analysis itself. All other laboratories subcontracted all, or a portion of the work (some to CalTest). For the testing of organic drinking water, MWH performed the analysis itself, and the other laboratories subcontracted all, or a portion of the work (some to MWH). As a result, based on evaluation scoring and in-house testing capability, staff recommends award of contracts to CalTest for the analysis of wastewater samples and to MWH Labs for the analysis of drinking water samples.

FISCAL IMPACT

The cost of laboratory testing services required by Landfill, WPCP and the Recycling Center will not exceed $320,000 for the full three years. Funds have been budgeted in various Public Works Department accounts.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council award contracts in substantially the same format as the attached drafts as follows:

1.

A one-year contract (with an option to extend for two additional years) to CalTest Analytical Laboratory in an amount not to exceed $160,000 during a three-year period; and

2.

A one-year contract (with an option to extend for two additional years) to MWH Laboratories in an amount not to exceed $160,000 during a three-year period.

Prepared by:
Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:
Mary J. Bradley
Director, Finance

Marvin Rose
Director, Public Works

Attachments

1. RFP Criteria Evaluation Table
2. Service Agreement with CalTest Analytical Laboratory for Environmental Laboratory Testing Services
3. Service Agreement with MWH Laboratories for Envinromental Laboratory Testing Services

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