Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc. (Schneider Electric), via the City’s Invitation for Bid process, for the Dublin Road Water Plant (DRWP) Automation Upgrade, CIP No. 690567-100000, in an amount up to $4,572,980.00, and to encumber funds with the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services in an amount up to $2,000.00, for a total expenditure of $4,574,980.00.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system software and hardware is typically upgraded every 5 to 7 years to maintain manufacturer support and compatibility with supporting hardware and software. The current SCADA system was installed in 2016 and by 2025 the software and hardware will have been in operation 24/7 for 9 years and likely be at end-of-life. Operating systems generally have vendor support for a period of six years which will put the entire system in need of replacement. Replacing the SCADA system will resolve vendor support issues and provide a more efficient water treatment operation. The work includes new servers and software upgrades to the SCADA system that runs the water plant, training for city staff on the new system, and upgrades to radio communication systems for remote sites operated by the plant using the system.
This project is located within the following Community Planning Area: Citywide (99).
TIMELINE:
All work shall be substantially complete within 730 calendar days of the Notice to Proceed, with the Final Completion to occur within 760 calendar days. The City anticipates issuing a Notice to Proceed in May 2025.
ESTIMATED COST OF PROJECT:
The bid amount and proposed award amount is $4,572,980.00, includes a 20% construction contingency amount that will be utilized to fund needed and approved changes in the work. No contract modifications are anticipated at this time; however, construction exigency might later compel modification of this contract, if unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
Cost summary:
Original Contract $ 4,572,980.00
Future Anticipated Needs $ 0.00
CONTRACT TOTAL $ 4,572,980.00
Prevailing Wage Charge $ 2,000.00
TOTAL LEGISLATION: $ 4,574,980.00
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT
This project will address various improvements that are needed to safeguard the City’s investment in the water plant and to improve operational efficiency. The SCADA system is a vital component to the treatment and supply of safe drinking water to Columbus and Central Ohio area. Safe, compliant water quality and quantity are necessary for community economic growth.
There will be no anticipated public meetings held during this project. The Division of Water will be responsible for coordinating with stakeholders.
3. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD
An Invitation for Bids for the DRWP Automation Upgrade - SCADA was advertised on the Vendor Services and Bid Express websites from December 5, 2024 through January 29, 2025. One bid was received for the project and opened on January 29, 2025. The following company submitted bid:
Company Bid Amount ODI Status
Schneider Electric System USA, INC $4,572,980.00 MAJ
Schneider Electric's bid was deemed the lowest, best, most responsive and responsible bid in the amount of $4,572,980.00.
The certification of Schneider Electric was in good standing at the time the bid was awarded.
4. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Schneider Electric’s contract compliance number is CC000162 and expires 9/12/2025
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against Schneider Electric. or their subcontractors.
5. MINORITY AND WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE & SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
This contract opportunity was submitted to the City’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for review and assignment of an MBE/WBE goal prior to bidding. ODI determined there was not an opportunity for MBE/WBE participation in this contract and did not assign a goal. This contract was not bid with a City of Columbus MBE/WBE Program goal and the requirements of the City’s MBE/WBE Program are not applicable to this contract.
As part of their proposal, Schneider Electric, has proposed one subcontractor to perform contract work:
Company Name City/State ODI Certification Status
J & K Communications, Inc Columbia City, IN MAJ
The certifications of Schneider Electric and J & K Communications, Inc, were in good standing at the time the bid was awarded.
6. PRE-QUALIFICATION STATUS
Schneider Electric have met code requirements with respect to pre-qualification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
7. FISCAL IMPACT
The construction portion of this project is anticipated to be financed with a loan from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA), a program jointly administered by the Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). City Council authorized this loan application and acceptance of funding via Ordinance 0859-2024, passed by Council on April 15, 2024. The loan is expected to be approved in March, 2025. This ordinance is contingent upon the OWDA Board approving the loan application.
An amendment to the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget is needed to align budget authority with the proper project for the construction portion of this ordinance. Funds will also need to be appropriated in Fund 6011, the WSRLA Loan Fund.
Funds in the amount of $2,000.00 are available within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, to pay the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services. These funds are appropriated. The 2024 Capital Improvement Budget must be modified to align budget authority with the proper project. A transfer of cash and appropriation is required to align cash and appropriation with the proper project.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Schneider Electric for the DRWP Automation Upgrade - SCADA system hardware and software project; to amend the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of up to $4,572,980.00 from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund for the contract; to make this ordinance contingent upon the Ohio Water Development Authority approving a loan for this project; to authorize the transfer of cash and appropriation within the Water Bond Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of up to $2,000.00 from the Water Bond Fund to pay for prevailing wage service for the project. ($4,574,982.00).
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is engaged in the DRWP Automation Upgrade - SCADA system hardware and software project; and
WHEREAS, one bid for the DRWP Automation Upgrade - SCADA system hardware and software project were received and opened on January 29, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the lowest, best, most responsive and responsible bid was from Schneider Electric; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Schneider Electric for the DRWP Automation Upgrade - SCADA system hardware and software project; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0859-2024, passed April 15, 2024 authorized this project to be funded by a loan to be obtained through the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA); and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is contingent upon that loan being approved; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget must be modified to align budget authority with the proper projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appropriate and expend funds from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, to pay for the construction of this project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer cash and appropriation between projects within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, to align cash and appropriation with the proper project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to expend funds from the Water Bond Fund to pay the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services for this project; and now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget authorized by Ordinance 1907-2024 be amended as follows to establish sufficient budget authority for this project:
Fund / Project Number / Project Name (Funding Source) / Current Authority / Revised Authority / Change
6011 / P690567-100000 / DRWP Automation Upgrade (WSRLA Loan) / $0.00 / $4,572,980.00 / $4,572,980.00 (To match the loan amount)
6006 / P690236-100159 / 5th Ave by Northwest - Edgehill/Meadow WL IMP’s (Voted Water Carryover) / $20,000.00 / $18,000.00 / ($2,000.00)
6006 / P690567-100000 / DRWP Automation Upgrade (Voted Water Carryover) / $0.00 / $2,000.00 / $2,000.00
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources, and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the sum of $4,572,980.00 is appropriated in the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, per the account codes in the funding attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the transfer of cash between projects within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, in an amount up to $2,000.00, is authorized per the account codes in the funding attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into a construction contract for the DRWP Automation Upgrade project with Schneider Electric, 3623 Brecksville Road, Richfield, OH 44286 in an amount up to $4,572,980.00, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract on file in the Department of Public Utilities, and to obtain the necessary construction prevailing wage services for this project from the Department of Public Service in an amount up to $2,000.00.
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $4,574,980.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized to pay for this contract per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. This ordinance is contingent upon the Ohio Water Development Authority's Board approving the loan for this project.
SECTION 7. That funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 8. 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 9. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 10. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.