Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Time Purchase for Grit Removal Equipment from OldCastle Infrastructure, Inc. dba Hydro International in an Amount not to Exceed $1,660,000.

The grit removal system is a critical preliminary treatment process designed to remove inorganic materials, such as sand, gravel, and other abrasive debris, from the wastewater stream before it enters downstream treatment processes. Effective grit removal minimizes abrasive wear on pumps and mechanical equipment, reduces sediment accumulation within process basins and pipelines, and improves the overall reliability and efficiency of plant operations.The grit removal system at the President Street Water Reclamation Facility has been in operation since the facility was originally constructed and has undergone several upgrades as treatment technology has evolved, with the most recent modernization completed in 1994. Similarly, the Cross Roads Water Reclamation Facility's grit system was installed in 2007 but was removed from service in 2013 due to declining reliability and the unavailability of replacement parts. Since that time, the facility has operated without a functional grit removal system and has relied on vacuum (Vactor) trucks to periodically remove accumulated grit from the influent channels. While this approach has allowed operations to continue, it is labor-intensive, reactive in nature, and does not provide the operational efficiencies or equipment protection of a dedicated grit removal system. 
 
To improve reliability, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and standardize operations across the Water Reclamation Division, the department has determined to standardize on HeadCell grit removal technology. This technology is currently utilized at the Travis Field Water Reclamation Facility and has also been selected for the Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility expansion. Standardizing equipment across multiple facilities improves operational consistency, simplifies maintenance, enhances staff training, and reduces the inventory of specialized replacement parts. This project directly supports the City's GPS Goal 4: Developing a World-Class Livable Environment and Infrastructure by investing in resilient, modern wastewater infrastructure that protects critical treatment assets, improves operational reliability, enhances regulatory compliance, and ensures the continued delivery of safe and sustainable wastewater treatment services to the community. 
 
The department solicited competitive bids for the Event No. 12324 Grit Removal Upgrades and received two submissions, one from Envirodyne and one from Oldcastle Infrastructure. Following an evaluation, only OldCastle's proposal was determined to be responsive to the City's specifications. Environdye's submission did not clearly identify any proposed exceptions or approved alternatives, preventing the City from determining whether the proposed equipment was  equivalent, suitable for the intended application, or capable of meeting the performance and technical requirements established in the bid specifications.

Delivery: As needed. Terms: Net 30 days. The vendor is:

L.R.B. OldCastle Infrastructure, Inc. dba Hydro International (Hillsboro, OR) (D)$1,660,000

A pre-bid meeting was not conducted. (D) Indicates a non-local, non-DBE business. 

Approval