Title
Consider a resolution rejecting all bids submitted for the Two Million Gallon Reuse Ground Storage Tank Project.
Body
The City of Round Rock’s reuse water system began in 2007 and has grown significantly since then. The system now serves many customers, including Old Settlers Park, Dell Diamond, Texas State University Round Rock Campus, Austin Community College Round Rock, Kalahari, and others. To support future reuse water customers, additional storage at the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System - East Wastewater Treatment Plant is needed. The two million gallon Reuse Water Ground Storage Tank project will add the reuse water storage and conveyance needed to ensure adequate capacity during peak summer demand.
On September 14, 2023, City Council passed Resolution No. R-2023-272 authorizing City staff to use Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) as the alternative selection method for this project due to the technical nature of the construction and to provide best value for the City of Round Rock. The project moved forward to bid phase with this alternative method.
The project was advertised for construction on January 3, 2024 and again on January 10, 2024. The bid opening was originally scheduled for January 24, 2024, but was delayed to February 7, 2024 to provide additional time for contractor proposers. Two proposals were received: the first for $6,523,000 and the second for $7,238,910. The cost estimate provided by the design engineer was approximately $4,037,315. The Utilities and Environmental Services staff evaluated and scored the proposals to rank the firms, then began negotiating with the top ranked firm to modify scope and reduce cost. During negotiations, it became clear that even with scope modifications, the project cost would significantly exceed the budget. As a result, the Utilities and Environmental Services Department recommends rejection of all proposals.
Moving forward, Utilities and Environmental Services will repackage the project and rebid using the previously approved CSP method. In addition, rebidding may allow grant funding to be utilized to partially fund the project.
On November 16, 2023, City Council passed Resolution No. R-2023-391 authorizing City staff to submit a grant application for the WaterSMART: Title XVI Congressionally Authorized Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. If the grant is awarded in Fall 2024, it will fund 25% of the ground storage tank construction cost.
Other improvements to the reuse water system continue to move forward, and no impact to reuse water customers is anticipated as a result of rejecting the proposals and rebidding. Completion of the two million gallon Reuse Water Ground Storage Tank is anticipated for Summer 2026.
Cost: N/A
Source of Funds: Self-Financed Water Construction