FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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PLATFORM MODIFICATIONS FOR PROCESS AREAS AT PLANT NO. 1 AND NO. 2, PROJECT NO. FE22-01
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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 Platform Modifications for Process Areas at Plant No. 1 and No. 2, Project No. FE22-01;
B. Award a Construction Contract Agreement to Tharsos, Inc., for Platform Modifications for Process Areas at Plant No. 1 and No. 2, Project No. FE22-01, for a total amount not to exceed $494,494; and
C. Approve a contingency of $74,174 (15%).
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) operates facilities that manage wastewater, biosolids, and screened waste. These include the Steve Anderson Lift Station (SALS), the Solids Storage Facility at Plant No. 1, and the Screenings Loading Building at Plant No. 2. These facilities rely on pumps to move wastewater and solids through the treatment process. To ensure they function reliably, regular inspections and routine maintenance are necessary.
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
PROBLEM
Several safety concerns are making it difficult for staff to perform routine maintenance effectively and safely. In the SALS, the pumps are positioned on concrete pedestals that are difficult to access. These pedestals lack guardrails and tie-off points, which poses a fall hazard for staff performing maintenance. In the Solids Storage Building, a cake pump is located directly under the motor and gearbox, blocking access to the area, and preventing staff from using step ladders to reach the equipment safely. In the Screenings Loading Building, staff are forced to step on the handrail rungs to reach and clear the screenings conveyor belt. This unsafe practice complicates maintenance and increases the risk of injury.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Award a Construction Contract Agreement for Platform Modifications for Process Areas at Plant No. 1 and No. 2, Project No. FE22-01. This project will improve maintenance access at SALS, the Solids Storage Building, and the Screenings Loading Building and install an overhead monorail beam in the Screenings Loading Building.
Due to the relatively small construction value, staff recommends a contingency of 15%. If an unknown condition is encountered and there is insufficient contingency, contract completion could be significantly delayed and expose OC San to extended overhead costs by the contractor.
TIMING CONCERNS
The timely approval of this contract will help ensure hard to reach areas for inspection and maintenance will be improved as soon as possible to maintain a safe work environment.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If no action is taken, operations and maintenance staff will continue maintaining the existing equipment with unsafe, restricted access.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OC San advertised Project No. FE22-01 for bids on June 19, 2024, and eight sealed bids were received on September 10, 2024. A summary of the bid opening follows:
|
Engineer’s Estimate |
$ 724,000 |
|
Bidder |
Amount of Bid |
|
Tharsos, Inc. |
$494,494 |
|
Vicon Enterprise, Inc. |
$790,000 |
|
Filanc |
$816,960 |
|
Marjani Builders, Inc. |
$822,000 |
|
Innovative Construction Solutions |
$845,000 |
|
Mehta Mechanical Co., Inc. DBA MMC Inc. |
$854,000 |
|
United Contractors, Inc. |
$988,130.50 |
|
Minako America Corporation, dba Minaco Construction |
$1,477,300 |
The bids were evaluated in accordance with the OC San’s policies and procedures. A notice was sent to all bidders on November 21, 2024, informing them of the intent of OC San’s staff to recommend award of the Construction Contract Agreement to Tharsos, Inc.
Staff recommends awarding a Construction Contract Agreement to Tharsos, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
CEQA
The project is exempt from CEQA and a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the OC Clerk-Recorder and State Clearing House after the OC San's Board of Directors approval 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 FY 2024-25 and 2025-26, Section 8, Page 49, Small Construction Projects Program, Project No. M-FE) 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:
• Draft Construction Contract Agreement
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