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 Thermo Electron North American LLC for the purchase of one (1) ThermoFisher Scientific Integrion Reagent Free Ion Chromatography System (includes complete installation and training) to be used at the Division of Water Quality Assurance Laboratory (WQAL). ThermoFisher Scientific Integrion Reagent Free Ion Chromatography System will be used by the WQAL for simultaneous analysis of anions and cations in drinking water and source water to protect public health.
Anions and cations include fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and bromide. The chloride to sulfate ratio impacts the corrosive nature of the water and impacts our compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. Monitoring bromide in the source water is important since bromide is converted to bromate by ozone during treatment. In addition, bromide is incorporated into the disinfection byproducts (trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids) during drinking water disinfection. Both bromate and the disinfection byproducts are regulated under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium contribute to the hardness of the water and results are used to help determine the optimal way to treat the water at each water plant.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to competitive bidding (RFQ022485). Two hundred-eight (208) bidders were solicited and two (2) bids were received and opened on August 25, 2022.
After a review of the bid, the lowest bidder Metrohm USA, Inc. did not meet bid specifications. The Division of Water recommends an award be made for all items to Thermo Electron North American LLC in the amount of $111,824.90 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
SUPPLIER: Thermo Electron North America LLC, Vendor#008050, Contract Compliance is pending.
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: $111,824.90 was budgeted for this purchase.
$0.00 was spent in 2021
$0.00 was spent in 2020
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Thermo Electron North American LLC for the purchase of a Ion Chromatography System for the Division of Water; and to authorize the expenditure of $111,824.90 from the Water Operating Fund. ($111,824.90)
Body
WHEREAS, a Ion Chromatography System is used by the Water Quality Assurance Lab for simultaneous analysis of anions and cations in drinking water and source water to protect public health; and
WHEREAS, the current equipment is nearing the end of its service life; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office opened formal bids on August 25, 2022 for the purchase of a Ion Chromatography System for the Division of Water’s Water Quality Assurance Lab; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Water recommends an award be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Thermo Electron North American LLC; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $111,824.90 from the Water Operating Fund; and
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 enter into a contract with Thermo Electron North American LLC, in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number: RFQ022485 on file in the Purchasing Office; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Thermo Electron North American LLC for the purchase of a Ion Chromatography System for the Division of Water, in accordance with RFQ022485 specifications on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $111,824.90, or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 (Water Operating); 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 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 this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.