Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Finance and Management on behalf of the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. for the purchase of one (1) FlowCam Cyano System to be used at the Division of Water Quality Assurance Laboratory (WQAL).
The Division of Water started an algae monitoring program in 1938, due to a severe algal bloom on Griggs Reservoir that produced musty/earthy tastes and odors in the finished drinking water. Historically, taste and odors in the drinking water were one of the biggest causes of customer complaints. More recently it has been shown that some types of algae (cyanobacteria) can also produce cyanotoxins. In addition, other types of algae (diatoms) cause problems during treatment including filter clogging, which can shut down the water plant if it goes unchecked. FlowCam is a semi-automated microscope with image recognition technology. FlowCam can identify and quantify the cyanobacteria, diatoms, and other nuisance algae faster than an individual using a microscope. This increases sample throughput. FlowCam also measures the morphology (biovolume) automatically, which is a time consuming process if completed manually. In addition, with FlowCam the method will remain consistent regardless of staff turnover. While FlowCam will not completely eliminate manual algae counts under the microscope. The ultimate goals of using FlowCam include increased sample throughput, reducing long hours on the microscope for staff, and faster sample analysis - which will enable more timely adjustments to treatment at the water plants.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to competitive bidding (RFQ025734). Two hundred and eighty four (284) bidders were solicited and one (1) bid (MAJ) was received and opened on September 28, 2023.
The Division of Water recommends an award be made for all items to Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $126,817.00 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
SUPPLIER: Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc., Vendor# 046678, CC# 01-0529028 Expires 9/15/2025.
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: $126,817.00 was budgeted for this purchase.
$0.00 was spent in 2021
$0.00 was spent in 2020
Title
To authorize the Director of the Finance and Management Department to enter into a contract with Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. for the purchase of a FlowCam Cyano System for the Division of Water, WQAL; and to authorize the expenditure of $126,817.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($126,817.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The Flow CamCyano System is a semi-automated microscope with image recognition technology. FlowCam can identify and quantify the cyanobacteria, diatoms, and other nuisance algae faster than an individual using a microscope; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office opened formal bids on September 28, 2023 for the purchase of a FlowCam Cyano System for the Division of Water’s WQAL; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Water recommends an award be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $126,817.00 from the Water Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc., in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number: RFQ025734 on file in the Purchasing Office; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. for the purchase of a FlowCam Cyano System for the Division of Water, in accordance with RFQ025734 specifications on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $126,817.00, or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 (Water Operating); in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
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 this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.