February 24, 2004
SUBJECT: Award of Request for Proposals No. F0206-104 for Engineering Design Services to Replace Digester Lids and Drain Lines at the Water Pollution Control Plant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Carollo Engineers of Walnut Creek for preliminary design services to replace the anaerobic digester lids and drain lines at the Water Pollution Control Plant for the Public Works Engineering Division Project Administration (Project #UY-03/01-05).
BACKGROUND
The Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) has four "floating cover" anaerobic digesters used in the primary process stage of wastewater treatment. The digester covers are rigid steel structures designed to float in the 55 foot diameter tanks. Tanks 1 and 2 were constructed in 1955, Tank 3 in 1961 and Tank 4 in 1969. WPCP staff has determined that methane gas is leaking inside at least one of the covers, suggesting failure of the cover's steel sheeting. In addition, the sludge drain lines associated with the digesters may need restoration as well. Staff has already had to repair a leak in the Tank 4 digester line.
The scope of this project includes a preliminary study of the technology available to replace the covers, including the possibility of covers that have gas storage capability which would allow gas produced in the treatment process to be more effectively used in the Power Generation Facility. The scope also includes a review of and recommendations for increased methane production, the redesign of ancillary equipment (pumps, valves, blowers, etc), structural/seismic improvements, drain line restoration and a strategy for repairing all four covers since only one tank can be taken out of service at a time.
DISCUSSION
Specifications were prepared by Public Works and Purchasing staff, and Request for Proposals #F0206-104 was distributed to seven Bay Area engineering firms and broadcast to other potential proposers through the DemandStar by Onvia procurement network. Six firms requested proposal documents. In compliance with State contract law, each proposer was asked to submit its qualifications to perform the project, the methodology it intended to employ, a description of its proposed management plan, and a timeline with milestones. Pricing was not to be included in the proposal, but negotiated when the most qualified proposer was selected.
Proposals were received from CH2M/Hill of Oakland and Carollo Engineers of Walnut Creek. Carollo Engineers was selected by the proposal evaluation panel because the firm had the most experience with process and control and seismic/structural analysis as well as specific relevant experience with digester projects in several Bay Area communities.
FISCAL IMPACT
The negotiated cost of the preliminary study contract will be $113,372. Funds are available in Capital Project #824300 - Replacement of Digester Lids in the Utilities/Wastewater Management Fund.
Design and construction phase services will be brought to Council separately when the scope of the project has been developed.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council award a contract to Carollo Engineers, in substantially the same form as the attached draft and in an amount not to exceed $113,372, for preliminary design services for the Anaerobic Digester Lid and Drain Line Replacement Project at the WPCP.
Prepared by:
Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer
Reviewed by:
Mary J. Bradley
Director, Finance
Reviewed by:
Marvin Rose
Director, Public Works
Approved by:
Amy Chan
Acting City Manager
Attachment
A. Draft Professional Services Agreement (pdf format)