Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract renewal with Synagro Central, LLC for liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation (DOWR).
Ordinance 2780-2025 authorized the current contract. This contract renewal will extend the contract for an additional year, from April 1, 2026 to March 31st, 2027, with the option for two more one-year renewal periods, contingent upon mutual agreement, availability of budgeted funds, and approval by City Council. At the time the initial contract expiration, there are still enough funds from the original contract that no additional funds are required at this time.
This contract renewal will continue to provide biosolids disposal and beneficial reuse services for the Division of Water Reclamation. The City operates a 100% Beneficial Reuse program through a diverse and robust profile of outlets. Liquid land application is one of the city’s longest utilized outlets and involves the subsurface injection of 8% total solid biosolids below the surface to meet the agronomic need of grain crops. The Contractor will continue to haul and apply biosolids in addition to locating and permitting ground for land application. They will continue to be responsible for all soil sampling and agronomic calculations necessary of beneficial use site operators.
The Department of Public Utilities solicited a Request for Proposals (RFP) in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to professional service contracts (RFQ030868). Four proposals were received and opened on September 10, 2025. Discussions and negotiations with the selected firm resulted in the award of the contract to Synagro Central, LLC.
This Ordinance authorizes the first one-year renewal option and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract renewal #1 is $0.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The potential need for additional funds was known at the time of the initial contract, however, only a time extension is needed for this renewal.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This renewal is part of the terms of the contract as originally bid.
4. How was cost determined: The costs were part of the initial bid.
SUPPLIER: Synagro Central LLC, vendor #010213 , cc expires 5/28/2026,
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: None
$12,716.69 was spent in 2025
$105,238.35 was spent in 2024
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency in order to allow continuity of support for DPU’s existing Services Contract. The contract will lapse on March 31, 2026, emergency action is requested to ensure the legislation is approved before the current contract expires and minimize the amount of time the necessary services are not covered.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to renew the existing contract with Synagro Central, LLC to provide liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is an ongoing need for liquid land application of biosolids; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for the services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and RFQ030868 was opened on September 10, 2025 and four (4) bids were received; and
WHEREAS, the contract was originally bid as a one (1) year contract with the option for three (3) renewal years, this will be the first renewal period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, contingent upon mutual agreement, availability of budgeted funds, and approval by City Council; and
WHEREAS, Synagro Central LLC was the lowest, responsible, and responsive bidder for liquid land application of biosolids, and the work performed to date has been satisfactory and aligns with the original contract scope; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water Reclamation in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to renew a contract for liquid land application of biosolids with Synagro Central, LLC without delay so that the contract can be timely renewed, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to renew the existing contract with Synagro Central, LLC for liquid land application of biosolids. The contract renewal will extend the contract for an additional year from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with the option for two more one-year renewal periods, contingent upon mutual agreement and approval by City Council.
SECTION 2. That this renewal is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure, and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.