FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
title
ACTIVATED SLUDGE CLARIFIER ENTRY IMPROVEMENTS AT PLANT NO. 2, PROJECT NO. FR2-0023
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Receive and file Bid Tabulation and Recommendation for Activated Sludge Clarifier Entry Improvements at Plant No. 2, Project No. FR2-0023;
B. Award a Construction Contract to Tharsos Inc. for Activated Sludge Clarifier Entry Improvements at Plant No. 2, Project No. FR2-0023, for a total amount not to exceed $1,171,000; and
C. Approve a contingency of $117,100 (10%).
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BACKGROUND
The Activated Sludge facility at Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Plant No. 2 has 12 rectangular clarifiers that are a key part of the biological secondary treatment process. The four Dissolved Air Flotation Thickeners (DAFTs) at Plant No. 2 thicken the collected sludge for further biosolid treatment. Both the secondary clarifiers and DAFT facilities are comprised of deep basins to facilitate the treatment process. To conduct maintenance and repair on the facilities, plant personnel either descend into the drained basins or complete the work from above using existing platforms or other supporting equipment.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Comply with California Public Contract Code Section 20103.8, award construction contract to lowest responsive, responsible bidder
• Provide a safe and collegial workplace
PROBLEM
The current placement of the davit crane and ladder at the 12 secondary clarifier basins forces plant personnel to maneuver around the davit crane when mounting and dismounting the ladder. The maneuvering difficulty can cause staff to slip and fall when trying to reach the ladder. Another safety concern is the improper use of the guardrails as the ladder holder, which were not designed for this use. Plant personnel also struggle ergonomically when lowering small equipment into the clarifier basin as it is currently being done by hand instead of mechanical means.
Inside the DAFT facilities, certain maintenance and repair activities are performed using a floating platform extending above the basin. The platform is not furnished with guardrails for fall protection and there is no nearby anchor point for fall restraint tie-off.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Award a construction contract for Activated Sludge Clarifier Entry Improvements at Plant No. 2, Project No. FR2-0023. This project will install a new access platform and ladder holder at each of the 12 secondary clarifier basins for a safer means of plant personnel ingress and egress. This project will also install a new davit crane attachment at each of the 12 secondary clarifiers, and between the basins for fall protection, emergency retrieval, rescue operations, and handling of small equipment. In each DAFT, a fall restraint anchor beam will be installed for fall protection tie-off and modifications to the walkway will be made for a safer transition from the walkway onto the floating platform.
TIMING CONCERNS
The sooner construction begins, and the project is completed, the sooner plant personnel can benefit from having new equipment that can adequately support their safety needs and lower the risk of injuries and accidents.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If no action is taken, plant personnel will continue to maintain and repair the secondary clarifiers and DAFT facilities without improvement in any of the safety issues described herein. Additional injuries and accidents may occur if staff continues to rely on improper means and inadequate equipment for their safety protection.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OC San advertised Project No. FR2-0023 for bids on August 16, 2023 and six sealed bids were received on October 12, 2023. A summary of the bid opening follows:
|
Engineer’s Estimate |
$ 930,000 |
|
Bidder |
Amount of Bid |
|
Tharsos Inc. |
$ 1,171,000 |
|
J.R. Filanc Construction Company Inc. |
$ 1,321,000 |
|
Innovative Construction Solutions |
$ 1,390,000 |
|
Vicon Enterprise Inc. |
$ 1,475,000 |
|
O’Connell Engineering & Construction Inc. |
$ 1,651,705 |
|
Mehta Mechanical Co. Inc dba MMC Inc. |
$ 1,739,000 |
The bids were evaluated in accordance with OC San’s policies and procedures. A notice was sent to all bidders on November 20, 2023 informing them of the intent of OC San staff to recommend award of the Construction Contract to Tharsos Inc.
Staff recommends awarding a Construction Contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Tharsos Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $1,171,000.
CEQA
The project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 1 categorical exemptions set forth in California Code of Regulations section 15301. A Notice of Exemption will be filed with the OC Clerk-Recorder after OC San's Board of Directors approval of the Construction Contract.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This recommendation will be funded under the Repairs and Maintenance line item for the Operations and Maintenance Department (Budget Update Fiscal Year 2023-2024, Page 39) and the available funding is sufficient for this 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
• Supplemental Attachment
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