TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary amendments, with Koppl Pipeline Services, Inc., of Montebello, CA, to furnish and deliver pipeline stopper fittings and perform tapping and stopping services for natural gas pipelines, in a total annual amount not to exceed $400,000, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Koppl Pipeline Services, Inc. (Koppl), to furnish and deliver pipeline stopper fittings and perform tapping and stopping services for Long Beach Energy Resources Department’s (ER) natural gas pipelines to safely and efficiently stop the flow of natural gas during replacement and/or maintenance operations.
Koppl is the only supplier in Southern California of the fittings and tapping/stopping services for natural gas pipelines greater than 12 inches in diameter that is compatible with ER’s operations and maintenance (O&M) standards and requirements. ER operates over 28 miles of natural gas pipelines that are greater than 12 inches in diameter in its system. These larger diameter pipelines form part of the backbone of the City’s natural gas delivery system. ER does not own or possess the tools and equipment necessary to control and stop the flow of natural gas on these larger pipelines and must rely on aging valves to control and stop natural gas flow to perform replacement and/or maintenance repairs. In addition, experience has shown that these aging valves tend to bypass or vent when closed and do not completely stop the flow of natural gas. While other vendors offer similar services, their equipment is not compatible with ER’s O&M standards and requirements.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process but allows for awards without a competitive bid process when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on August 30, 2021, Business Services Bureau Manager Tara Mortensen on August 31, 2021, and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 13, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on October 12, 2021, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual amount of the contract will not exceed $400,000. Sufficient funds to support this contract are budgeted in the Gas Fund Group in the Energy Resources Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT M. DOWELL
DIRECTOR OF ENERGY RESOURCES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER