Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for liquid land application of biosolids with Synagro Central, LLC. This contract will 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 shall haul and apply biosolids in addition to locating and permitting ground for land application. They shall be responsible for all soil sampling and agronomic calculations necessary of beneficial use site operators.
PROCUREMENT
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.
CONTRACT AMOUNTS / TIMELINE
The contract term is from the period of execution until the end of the City of Columbus 2025 Operating Budget Year on March 31, 2026. The contract language allows for three (3) one (1) year renewal options on a year to year basis upon mutual agreement, availability of funds, and approval by Columbus City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
SUPPLIER:
Synagro Central LLC | D365 Vendor #010213 | 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:
$800,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this contract renewal.
$12,716.69 has been spent so far in 2025 as of 10/10/2025
$59,857.70 was spent in 2024
$172,676.97 was spent in 2023
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Synagro Central, LLC to provide liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation, and to authorize the expenditure of $800,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($800,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities solicited a Request for Proposals (RFQ030868) in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the City Code relating to professional service contracts and four proposals were received and opened on September 10th, 2025; and
WHEREAS, discussions and negotiations with the selected firm resulted in the award of the contract to Synagro Central, LLC; and
WHEREAS, the term of the contract is for a period from the date of execution until the end of the City of Columbus 2025 budget year on March 31st, 2026 and allows for three (3) one (1) year extensions on a year-to-year basis thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the contract shall not automatically renew and future year funding is contingent upon mutual agreement of the parties, availability of budgeted funds, and approval of City Council; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $800,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Water and Power to authorize the Director to enter into a contract with Synagro Central, LLC to provide liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to to enter into a contract with Synagro Central, LLC to provide liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation. Total amount of the initial contract is $800,000.00.
SECTION 2. That said firm shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Utilities.
SECTION 3. That this vendor was selected after the completion of a bidding process (RFQ030868) in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to contract renewals.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $800,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. 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 6. 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 7. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.