Title
CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP-1617-53 FROM DUKE’S ROOT CONTROL, INC., TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO CONTROL ROOT GROWTH IN VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR THE LINE MAINTENANCE DIVISION AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT K-1617-136.
Body
BACKGROUND. In August 2009, the Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) approved Contract K-0910-60 with Duke’s Sales and Service, Inc. which extended the Sewer Main Chemical Root Control program. The scope of services included applying root control agent to sanitary sewer mains ranging in size from six inch (6”) to fifteen inch (15”) as dense and persistent foam in a sufficient consistency to fill the entire void within the pipe.
Root intrusion into the sanitary sewer main causes a “nest” of roots to build in the sewer main. This obstruction collects grease and other matter causing blockage in the main. The resultant blockage can cause sewer backups in businesses and residences as well as manhole overflows. It is possible to significantly reduce or eliminate root intrusion in the sewer mains by injecting a foam herbicide into the affected mains.
This process and chemical product “Razorooter II”, USEPA Registration # 64898-8 does not injure above ground vegetation, only the offending roots. The chemical product that is used by Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is analyzed by Water Reclamation Facility staff for effects to microbiological organisms including bio-monitoring before and during application.
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. has continued providing root control to the sanitary sewer mains. After a period of years, it was necessary to renegotiate a contract for this service. Requests for proposals (RFP) were mailed to seven (7) possible providers of root control chemical systems on April 12, 2017. One (1) response was received (Duke’s).
DISCUSSION. An RFP committee comprised of Line Maintenance and Water Reclamation Facility personnel evaluated the Duke’s Root Control, Inc. proposal. The proposal contains excellent insurance coverage for environmental impacts and a root control chemical that negates possible negative effect to the Water Reclamation Facility. This proposal also contains a provision for a yearly renewal up to four (4) additional years. If approved, contract 1617-136 will decrease costs by an average of 6% and supersede and replace the City’s existing contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. (K-0910-60) which was approved by Council on August 10, 2009.
RECOMMENDATION. Staff recommends that Council award RFP-1617-53 to Duke’s Root Control, Inc., for the installation of root control chemical and approve Contract K-1617-136. Funds in the amount of $125,000 for this service are budgeted in Maintenance and Repairs Services, Root Control (032-5552-432.42-38).