FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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VALVE REPLACEMENTS AND WET WELL ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AT SLATER PUMP STATION, PROJECT NO. FRC-0017
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Receive and file Bid Tabulation and Recommendation for Valve Replacements and Wet Well Access Improvements at Slater Pump Station, Project No. FRC-0017;
B. Award a Construction Contract Agreement to Steve P. Rados, Inc., for Valve Replacements and Wet Well Access Improvements at Slater Pump Station, Project No. FRC-0017, for a total amount not to exceed $2,624,000; and
C. Approve a contingency of $262,400 (10%).
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BACKGROUND
Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) Slater Pump Station consists of a wet well with two chambers and a below-grade drywell and pump room. The drywell houses five pumps that convey wastewater flows from the wet well to two parallel force mains located in Slater Avenue. These force mains discharge into two parallel gravity trunk sewers located east of Gothard Street.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Comply with California Public Contract Code Section 20103.8, award construction contract to lowest responsive, responsible bidder
• Commitment to safety & reducing risk in all operations
• Maintain a proactive asset management program
PROBLEM
Improvements at OC San’s Slater Pump Station are needed to improve safety and access during slide gate operations and to reduce operational risks associated with aging and corroded valves.
The existing slide gate configuration makes it difficult to safely lower and operate the gate within the wet well, which has resulted in previous injuries and continues to pose an ergonomic risk. In addition, the wet well slide gate guide rails are corroded.
In the drywell, the existing plug valves and check valves are corroded. This condition may reduce the pump station’s reliability and its ability to convey wastewater flows.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Award a Construction Contract Agreement to replace the existing circular manhole cover with new rectangular hatch covers, replace corroded slide gate guides, and replace existing check and plug valves.
TIMING CONCERNS
The existing valves are beyond their useful life, and delaying the project award increases the risk of equipment failure and disruptions to wastewater conveyance operations.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If no action is taken, there will be an increased risk of valve failure affecting wastewater conveyance operations, and staff will continue to face ergonomic injury risks associated with the existing slide gate access configuration.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OC San advertised Project No. FRC-0017 for bids on December 1, 2025, and 5 sealed bids were received on March 11, 2026. A summary of the bid opening follows:
|
Engineer’s Estimate |
$ 2,700,000 |
|
Bidder |
Amount of Bid |
|
Steve P. Rados, Inc. |
$ 2,624,000 |
|
Downstream Services, Inc. |
$ 2,713,472 |
|
Environmental Construction, Inc. |
$ 2,720,943 |
|
Vicon Enterprises, Inc. |
$ 2,770,277 |
|
Innovative Construction Services |
$ 4,464,000 |
The bids were evaluated in accordance with the OC San’s policies and procedures. A notice was sent to all bidders on April 21, 2026, informing them of OC San staff’s intent to recommend award of the Construction Contract Agreement to Steve P. Rados, Inc.
Staff recommends awarding a Construction Contract Agreement to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Steve P. Rados, Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $2,624,000.
CEQA
The project is exempt from CEQA, and a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the OC Clerk-Recorder and State Clearinghouse after approval by the OC San Board of Directors of the Construction Contract Agreement.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This item has been budgeted (Budget Update FY 2025-26, Page 33, Repairs & Maintenance) and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Construction Contract Agreement
• Presentation
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