Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with Quasar Energy Group for the transport and application of biosolids to no-till pasture lands and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Abandoned Minelands (AML) at Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) approved rates in compliance with Ohio Administrative Code 3745-40.
The contractor is responsible for site permitting, calculation of agronomic rates, transfer of biosolids and maintenance of equipment, scheduling of application, and monthly and annual reporting. This represents a new, innovative biosolids beneficial reuse outlet as part of the City’s 100% Beneficial Reuse Program.
The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $1,000,000.00.
Procurement:
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to professional service contracts. RFP029545 was posted and three proposals were received and opened on March 7th, 2025. Discussions and negotiations with the selected firm resulted in the award of the contract to Quasar Energy Group.
CONTRACT AMOUNTS / TIMELINE
The contract term is from the time of execution and will last for a duration of one (1) year with the option to renew annually for three (4) additional one (1) year periods upon mutual agreement between the parties, availability of budgeted funds and approval by City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
Principal Parties:
Quasar Energy Group LLC | D365 Vendor #018416 | Expires 9/27/2026
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT: $1,000,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this service. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2026 operating budget, Ordinance 2939-2025.
$0.00 was spent in 2025
$0.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Quasar Energy Group LLC for the transport and application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation, and to authorize the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($1,000,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Quasar Energy Group LLC for the transport and application of biosolids; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 from the Sanitary Sewer Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Quasar Energy Group LLC in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of RFP029545 bid on file; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to establish a contract with Quasar Energy Group LLC for the transportation and application of biosolids in accordance with the specifications of RFP029545 bid on file.
SECTION 2. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed and is hereby authorized in Fund 6100 (Sewer Operating); in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.