S12-S24221-A1 - Amend Council Motion No. 2012-0664 to increase the spending authority for chemical, liquid polymer flocculent from $15,167,529.00 to $21,992,917.05.
Specific Explanation:
The Director of the Department of Public Works & Engineering and the City Purchasing Agent recommend that City Council approve an amendment to Council Motion 2012-0664 to increase the spending authority for liquid polymer flocculent chemicals awarded to Polydyne, Inc., from $15,167,529.00 to $21,992.917.05. This award consists of liquid polymer flocculents and related antifoam chemicals utilized on a daily basis by the Department's Drinking Water Operations Branch (DWOB) to aid in the extensive removal of toxic organic compounds and turbidity during potable water treatment, as promulgated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.
This award began August 29, 2012 for a 60-month period, in an amount not to exceed $15,167,529.00 by CM 2012-0664, passed August 29, 2012. Expenditures as of October 13, 2015 totaled $13,589,427.00. The spending authority will be exhausted prior to the end of the awarded term due to the DWOB feeding five to six times its normal polymer dosage to treat the "poor" quality raw water influent and maintain compliance with Federal and State potable drinking water standards. In addition, the DWOB switched its primary coagulant from Aluminum Sulfate to Ferric Sulfate, which requires additional polymer dosages to enhance potable water clarity. The additional spending authority will ensure an uninterrupted supply of this "vital" chemical product needed to sustain the DWOB's ongoing daily operations until a new award is made, which is anticipated within 120 days. All other terms and conditions shall remain as originally approved by City Council.
HIRE HOUSTON FIRST:
This procurement included the "Hire Houston First" provision. However, no bids were received from approved "Hire Houston First" firms.
M/WBE Subcontracting:
The solicitation was issued with a 11% M/WBE participation goal. The supplier is currently achieving 6.4%. The supplier has made diligent efforts to meet the goal by providing opportunities for subcontractor participation, however; the subcontractor has been unable to meet all the requests. The Office of Business Opportunity met with the supplier to help identify alternative subcontractors and opportunities for M/WBE firm participation and will continue to monitor this contract to ensure "maximum" M/WBE participation.
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Calvin D. Wells, City Purchasing Agent Department Approval Authority Signature
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division