REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: RON SIMONS, Water System Supervisor
Department of Public Utilities - Water Division
SUBJECT
Title
Award a Requirements Contract in the amount of $0 to Backflow Solutions Incorporated, of Chicago Illinois for backflow data management services and authorize the Director of Public Utilities or his designee, to execute a contract for a term of three years with the possibility of two one-year extensions - (Bid File 9664) (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council award a Requirements Contract in the amount of $0 to Backflow Solutions Incorporated (BSI), for backflow data management and authorize the Director of Public Utilities or his designee, to execute a three-year contract with provisions for two one-year extensions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities, Water Division (Water), routinely utilizes third party backflow data management for over 10,000 backflow devices in the City of Fresno (City). This service, which bears no cost to the City, allows for the freeing of Water staff to monitor customer test status and to perform field inspections for all new and replaced backflow devices. The Council’s approval of the contract with BSI will ensure continued data management while allowing Water staff to focus on field operations.
BACKGROUND
There are over 10,000 backflow devices throughout the City that are mandated by the State to be tested annually. In conjunction with the management of backflow device testing data are numerous other necessary duties such as mailing annual test notification letters, updating records of customer non-compliance and monitoring backflow tester’s certifications and credentials. By utilizing the services of BSI, Water staff are enabled to monitor customer test status and to perform field inspections for all new or replaced devices. The City has utilized BSI for backflow data management since 2017. Fees for the BSI services are paid for by the backflow device owners. The current fee charged is $14.99 per test, and under the new contract the charge will be $9.99 per test. There is no cost to the City.
Staff recommends that Council award a three-year contract with provisions for two one-year extensions, for a total contract value of $0 to BSI and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign and execute all documents on behalf of the City of Fresno. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this requirements contract does not qualify as a “project”.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable as there was only one sole responsive and responsible bidder.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund or the Water Division as the costs of services are paid for by the backflow device owners.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Bid Evaluation BF 9664
Attachment 2 - Sample Contract