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 Agilent Technologies, Inc. for the purchase of one (1) Agilent 7800 ICP-MS (includes complete installation and training) to be used at the Division of Water Quality Assurance Laboratory (WQAL). The Agilent 7800 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) will be used by the WQAL to test the metals in drinking water and source water to protect public health.
• We currently have one instrument we use to analyze metals. It is 8 years old and we need a back-up instrument due to our increased sample load and reduced turnaround time.
• OAC 3745-89-08 requires complete analysis, including QC, within 30 business days after the lab receives a sample. We have a difficult time meeting 3745-89-08 since our current instrument can only analyze one metal at a time. Historically we batch samples and run some metals only every 90 to 180 days. ICP-MS does multi-element analysis in one pass, greatly increasing efficiency and reducing turnaround time.
• Ohio EPA and the public have put new emphasis on lead in drinking water. Recent Ohio EPA rules have increased our sample load, including: annual Lead/Copper Rule monitoring for suburban contract communities, required testing for partial lead service line replacements (Columbus and contract communities), and weekly manganese samples (currently outsource). USEPA is developing a strontium MCL which may impact how we treat the water down the road. USEPA is also currently finalizing the proposed revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule which will increase our sample load.
• ICP-MS will allow us to handle the increased sample load, as well as run manganese and strontium in-house. Quick turnaround time for the outsourced manganese has been an issue for the Dublin Road Water Plant, delaying their monthly report to Ohio EPA. The ability to run strontium in-house will allow us to better evaluate seasonal occurrence in the source water and removal through treatment.
• And lastly, the ICP-MS instrument is the only instrument that can screen for the naturally occurring radioactive elements (Francium, Radon, Actinium, Polonium, Radium, Technetium, Promethium, Plutonium, and others). Currently, the lab does not have any way to screen for naturally occurring or intentionally introduced radioactive contaminants in our source or finished drinking water.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to competitive bidding (RFQ016209). Forty-One (41) bidders (35 MAJ, 2 F1, 1 MBE and 3 MBR) were solicited and two (2) bid (MAJ) were received and opened on August 27, 2020. After a review of the bid, the Division of Water recommends an award be made for all items to Agilent Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $106,506.21 as the lowest, responsive, responsible and best bidder.
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.
SUPPLIER: Agilent Technologies, Inc. Vendor#010267 CC#77-0518772 expires 11/2/20.
FISCAL IMPACT: $106,506.21 is required for this purchase.
$0.00 was expended in 2019
$0.00 was expended in 2018
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of the Director of Public Utilities, to establish a contract with Agilent Technologies, Inc., for the purchase of one (1) Agilent 7800 ICP-MS (including complete installation and training), for the Division of Water; and to authorize the expenditure of $106,506.21 from the Water Operating Fund. ($106,506.21)
Body
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office opened formal bids on August 27, 2020 for the purchase of one (1) Agilent 7800 ICP-MS (including complete installation and training) for the Division of Water; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Water recommends an award be made to the lowest responsive, responsible and best bidder, Agilent Technologies, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $106,506.21 or so much there of may be needed is available from and within the Water Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Agilent 7800 ICP-MS will be used at the Division of Water, Water Quality Assurance Laboratory (WQAL). The 7800 ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) will be used by the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory to test the metals in drinking water and source water to protect public health.
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 establish a contract with Agilent Technologies, Inc., in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number: RFQ016209 on file in the Purchasing Office; and
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of the Director of Public Utilities, be and is hereby authorized to establish a contract with Agilent Technologies, Inc., for the purchase of one (1) Agilent 7800 ICP-MS (including complete installation and training) for the Division of Water, in accordance with RFQ016209 specifications on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $106,506.21 or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 (Water Operating Fund); 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 this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.