FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Riaz Moinuddin, Director of Operations & Maintenance
SUBJECT:
title
CENTRAL GENERATION ENGINE NO. 1 INSPECTION AND REPAIRS, SPECIFICATION NO. BSS-2026-728BD
end
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve a Sole Source Service Contract with Cooper Machinery Services LLC for inspection and field service repairs to Central Generation (Cen Gen) Engine No. 1, Specification No. BSS-2026-728BD, for a total amount not to exceed $142,923, plus applicable sales tax and freight; and
B. Approve additional allowance funding not to exceed $120,000 for associated repairs that may be required due to the high potential for additional damage identified during disassembly and inspection.
body
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has eight clean-burning internal combustion engines that are used to generate electricity for both treatment plants. These engines play a vital role in OC San’s emissions reduction and South Coast Air Quality Management District permit compliance by converting biogas into electricity and process heat. This engine was rebuilt several years ago by a non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vendor with non-OEM parts. It experienced a catastrophic failure. It was later rebuilt by Cooper Machinery Services LLC, but the cylinder liners were not replaced at the time.
On January 27, 2026, Cen Gen at Plant No. 1, Engine No. 1, had a premature failure in cylinder 3. A preliminary investigation determined that the piston had worn into the cylinder liner, causing excessive heat and pressure in the crankcase.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• 24/7/365 treatment plant reliability
• Maintain a proactive asset management program
• Operate and maintain facilities to minimize impacts on surrounding communities, including odor, noise, and lighting
PROBLEM
Due to a leak and significant damage to cylinder 3, Engine No. 1 is currently inoperable. Field repairs and further inspection are required to assess the extent of the damage and determine if any additional repairs are needed.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve a Sole Source Service Contract to the OEM to disassemble, inspect, and repair the engine.
TIMING CONCERNS
Delays in completing repairs would increase the risk of plant process interruptions.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Failing to act would leave plant operations without essential backup equipment for heating digesters and electricity generation, increasing the risk to process reliability and the potential for sewage spills. Extended downtime could also disrupt power production and compromise permit compliance.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
August 2017 - Received and filed Orange County Sanitation District purchases made under the General Manager’s authority for the period of April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017; and approved the following additions to the pre-approved Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Sole Source List: …Cooper Bessemer - CenGen engine components.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cooper Machinery Services LLC (formerly Cooper-Bessemer) is the OEM for all parts and services related to Cooper-Bessemer engines. A $120,000 allowance is intended to address potential additional engine damage, tariffs, or other unforeseeable costs.
CEQA
N/A
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, Repair & Maintenance) and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
|
Date of Approval |
Contract Amount |
Additional Allowance |
|
04/22/2026 |
$142,923 |
$120,000 |
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Sole Source Service Contract
• Presentation