Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify and renew a contract 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 modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $1,400,000.00.
Procurement:
The Department of Columbus Water and Power 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 original contract authorized by ORD 0279-2026 was for a duration of one (1) year with the option to renew annually for three (3) additional one (1) year periods upon mutual agreement between the parties, availability of budgeted funds and approval by City Council. This Ordinance authorizes the first on 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 modification No. 1 is ADD $1,400,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: Anticipated renewal. The original contract allows for three (3) extension periods on a year to year basis. This modification No. 1 is to provide the funding necessary for the payment of services to be provided through March 2027.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This modification No. 1 is part of the terms of the contract as originally bid.
4. How was cost determined: The costs were part of the initial bid.
Principal Parties:
Quasar Energy Group LLC | D365 Vendor #018416 | Expires 8/31/2028
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: $1,400,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this service.
$472,018.15 has been spent so far in 2026 as of 10/23/2026
$0.00 was spent in 2025
$0.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify and renew the 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 $1,400,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($1,400,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to renew the existing agreement with Quasar Energy Group for the transport and application of biosolids; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0279-2026 authorized the initial term of the contract; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Columbus Water and Power wishes to renew the contract for an additional year, up to and including March 25, 2028 and provide funding for the same services as under the original agreement; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $1,400,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Fund (6100); and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of Columbus Water and Power to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to renew the existing 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 Columbus Water and Power be and is hereby authorized to modify and renew 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 modification No. 1 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 $1,400,000.00 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.