AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bid Process and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement with SNF Polydyne, Inc. of Delaware, for Purchase of Biosolids Dewatering Polymer ($468,000) (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
October 21, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Sean Nathan, Deputy Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution waiving the formal bid process and authorizing City Manager to execute a 3-year Professional Services Agreement with SNF Polydyne Inc. of Delaware, for purchase of Biosolids Dewatering Polymer in an amount not to exceed $468,000.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The wastewater treatment process involves separating solids from the liquid waste stream and treating each component to meet applicable regulatory requirements. As part of this process, wastewater solids must be dewatered through mechanical and chemical treatment to facilitate efficient handling, transportation, and disposal. Polymer is an essential chemical used in the dewatering process to improve the separation of solids from water. Because wastewater characteristics and treatment equipment vary among facilities, polymer performance can differ depending on the product formulation and compatibility with the City’s treatment processes. Accordingly, product performance, cost, and availability are important considerations in selecting a polymer supplier to maintain reliable and cost-effective wastewater treatment operations.
To identify the most cost-effective product that meets the City’s operational requirements, staff solicited competitive quotations from four polymer suppliers. Staff evaluated the quotations based on pricing, product suitability, availability, and the suppliers’ ability to meet the City’s operational needs. Based on this evaluation, staff identified SNF Polydyne, Inc. as the lowest-priced supplier offering a product suitable for the City’s wastewater treatment operations. The table below summarizes the four quotations received.
Pursuant to Lodi Municipal Code Section 3.20.070(5), the City Council may dispense with the formal competitive bidding when it determines that the purchase is in the best interests of the City. Staff recommends waiving the formal bidding process based on the competitive solicitation conducted, which provided an opportunity to compare pricing from multiple suppliers while considering the operational requirements unique to the City’s wastewater treatment facility.
Staff believe the informal competitive solicitation achieved the City’s objective in obtaining competitive pricing, ensuring product suitability, and maintaining continuity of essential wastewater treatment operations. Because four suppliers were solicited and the lowest-priced suitable product was selected, staff finds that proceeding with the recommended purchase is in the City’s best interests and that conducting an additional formal bidding process would not provide a material benefit. Accordingly, staff recommends that the City Council waive formal bidding requirements pursuant to Lodi Municipal Code Section 3.20.070(5) and authorize the purchase from SNF Polydyne, Inc.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Utilizing a polymer that maximizes system performance will minimize ongoing dewatering operating costs. Additionally, this supplier provided the lowest-cost proposal.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Funding for the purchase is included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget for Wastewater Operations (53053003). Subsequent fiscal year needs will be included in future fiscal year budgets.