TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents with Kinnetic Laboratories, Inc., and CSC Targhee, Inc. (both firms with Long Beach offices), for conducting municipal stormwater runoff and dry weather water quality monitoring as required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, with a term beginning October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2013, in an estimated combined contract amount of $500,000 per year, and any amendments thereto, including the ability to authorize up to two one-year extensions that may be required to remain compliant with anticipated changes in Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board stormwater regulations and associated regulatory permits. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Under the terms of Order No. 99-060, the City of Long Beach was required by the State Water Resources Control Board to conduct a water monitoring program for stormwater and dry weather discharges through the City's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) beginning in the 1999/2000 wet weather season. The permit was initially issued for a term of five years. At the end of the initial five years, the City was directed by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) to continue operating under the 1999 permit until further notice. Current guidance from the LARWQCB staff indicates that a new revised permit will be issued within the year that will most likely modify the current required monitoring program, with additional requirements.
When the original stormwater monitoring requirement was imposed, the City issued a request for proposals (RFP) to perform stormwater quality sampling, equipment procurement and installation, field observations, laboratory testing, data analysis, data interpretation and annual report preparation, in accordance with LARWQCB requirements. Several firms responded and, on March 25, 2003, the City awarded a contract with Kinnetic Laboratories, Inc. (Kinnetic), to perform these services. At the conclusion of that contract period, another RFP was issued in 2007 for similar ongoing stormwater quality testing services being required of the City by the LARWQCB. That contract was awarded to Kinnetic Laboratories, Inc., for a three-year period. This contract expired on September 30, 2010.
Since the LARWQCB stormwater quality testing requirements continue to be required of the City, an RFP to replace this expiring contract was advertised on July 15, 2010, and proposals were opened on August 12, 2010. In a continuing effort to increase participation of local businesses, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), RFP documents were made available through the City's web link at http://www.PlanetBids.com <http://www.planetbids.com/>.
For this RFP, 622 firms registered on the website were notified via automatic email notice, including 65 located in Long Beach. Three RFPs were received. There were two local businesses, and no WBE, DBE, MBE registered firms that submitted RFPs. After review by the Evaluation Committee, it was determined that contracts should be awarded to Kinnetic Laboratories for the main portion of the services to be performed and to CSC Targhee (Targhee) for monitoring observation/assistance and laboratory work. Both firms have offices in Long Beach and each firm brings their unique expertise that will allow the City to respond to the current LARWQCB stormwater monitoring requirements, as well as those that may be imposed under the permit renewal process that will occur over the next two years. The proposed split in the scope of work has been discussed with, and accepted by, each firm. An anticipated collateral benefit is the sharing of expertise between the two firms, improving their individual performance and increasing qualified responses to future RFPs of a similar nature.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton on September 27, 2010, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 22, 2010.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Water Quality Monitoring program imposed by the LARWQCB is intended to identify pollutants of concern and associated toxicity during stormwater runoff season and dry weather season, in accordance with LARWQCB requirements. This data is used to determine the pollutants to be addressed under the City's stormwater permit. Addressing these pollutants will ultimately result in improving the quality of the coastal waters along the City of Long Beach, benefiting its residents and visitors with cleaner beaches and waterways for recreational use.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 12, 2010 to avoid any interruptions in completing the water quality monitoring for FY 10/11. The City is approaching another "wet season" (mid-October through mid-April). An interruption of water quality monitoring during the wet weather season could result in fines being imposed on the City under its existing NPDES permit.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended combined amount for both contracts is $500,000 per year. Sufficient funds are budgeted in the General Fund (GP) in the Department of Public Works (PW). This action will generate approximately ten full-time equivalent jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER