HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-03-19 Board Packet 1
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
AND
OTAY WATER DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
DISTRICT BOARDROOM
2554 SWEETWATER SPRINGS BOULEVARD
SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY
July 3, 2019
3:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. PRESENTATION OF THE WATERSMART LANDSCAPE CONTEST “BEST IN DIS-
TRICT” AWARD TO BOB AND SHAN CISSELL (PRESIDENT THOMPSON AND
DIRECTOR ROBAK)
5. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 3, 2019
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD'S JURIS-
DICTION BUT NOT AN ITEM ON TODAY'S AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
7. ITEMS TO BE ACTED UPON WITHOUT DISCUSSION, UNLESS A REQUEST IS
MADE BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OR THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS A PARTICU-
LAR ITEM:
a) APPROVE AN INCREASE TO THE CIP P2619 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF
$300,000 AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO THARSOS, INC.
FOR THE TEMPORARY LOWER OTAY PUMP STATION REDUNDANCY PRO-
JECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $1,647,000
b) APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER TO CORTECH ENGI-
NEERING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A PORTABLE TRAILER MOUNTED VARI-
ABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE PUMP IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $453,000
2
ACTION ITEMS
8. BOARD
a) DISCUSS THE 2019 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
9. THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS PROVIDED TO THE BOARD FOR INFORMATIONAL PUR-
POSES ONLY. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEM:
a) CONSERVATION PROGRAM UPDATE (OTERO)
REPORTS
10. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
11. SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY UPDATE
12. DIRECTORS' REPORTS/REQUESTS
13. PRESIDENT’S REPORT/REQUESTS
OTAY WATER DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY
14. NO MATTERS TO DISCUSS
15. ADJOURNMENT
3
All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be
deliberated and may be subject to action by the Board.
The Agenda, and any attachments containing written information, are available at the District’s
website at www.otaywater.gov. Written changes to any items to be considered at the open
meeting, or to any attachments, will be posted on the District’s website. Copies of the Agenda
and all attachments are also available through the District Secretary by contacting her at (619)
670-2280.
If you have any disability which would require accommodation in order to enable you to partici-
pate in this meeting, please call the District Secretary at (619) 670-2280 at least 24 hours prior
to the meeting.
Certification of Posting
I certify that on June 28, 2019 I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda near the regular
meeting place of the Board of Directors of Otay Water District, said time being at least 72 hours
in advance of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors (Government Code Section
§54954.2).
Executed at Spring Valley, California on June 28, 2019.
/s/ Susan Cruz, District Secretary
1
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS OF THE
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
AND
OTAY WATER DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY
April 3, 2019
1. The meeting was called to order by President Thompson at 3:34 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Directors Present: Croucher, Gastelum (arrived at 3:35 p.m.), Robak, Smith and
Thompson
Staff Present: General Manager Mark Watton, Attorney Jeanne Blumenfeld,
Chief of Engineering Rod Posada, Chief Financial Officer Joe
Beachem, Chief of Administration Adolfo Segura, Chief of
Operations Pedro Porras, Asst. Chief of Engineering, Dan
Martin, Asst. Chief of Finance Kevin Koeppen, District
Secretary Susan Cruz and others per attached list.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Smith and carried
with the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Croucher, Robak, Smith and Thompson
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Director Gastelum
to approve the agenda.
5. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 7, 2018
A motion was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Smith and carried
with the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Croucher, Gastelum, Robak, Smith and Thompson
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting of November 7, 2018.
2
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD'S
JURISDICTION BUT NOT AN ITEM ON TODAY'S AGENDA
No one wished to be heard.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM
7. THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS PROVIDED TO THE BOARD FOR INFORMATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THE FOLLOWING AGENDA
ITEM:
a) PRESENTATION OF 2019 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK UPDATE FOR SAN
DIEGO COUNTY
Mr. Alan Nevin, Director of Economic and Market Research of Xpera Group,
provided an overview of the economic outlook for the world, the United States and
San Diego County. He indicated that the world economy is moving in a positive
direction and that much of the growth is taking place in emerging markets and this
trend will continue. Mr. Nevin indicted that the United States GDP is growing, but
not at the same rate as it was growing during the economic recovery. The GDP is
increasing 3% and the rate of inflation is remaining low at 2%. He stated that he did
not see this changing soon, and that this is positive for the economy. He indicated
the employment market in the United States is still doing well with a couple million
jobs added each year and unemployment remaining under 4%. It is expected that
this will continue through 2020 as well.
He stated that California is the world’s 6th largest economy and it will gain over
300,000 jobs in 2019 and he felt this trend would continue. He noted that California
has the highest spending rate on research and development ($1.2 million per
100,000 persons) of all the states in the Union. Building in California is good with
more than 100,000 units being built each year and non-residential permits are up for
the 7th straight year and this is also expected to continue through 2020.
San Diego County’s population continues to add 25,000+ persons annually and it
will add another 250,000 persons by 2030. The County represents 10% of the
State’s population and employment is continuing to grow with the County’s
unemployment rate under 4%. The unemployment rate is expected to continue to
decline. He noted that the County has 8 to 9 economic drivers where most
metropolitan areas only have 2 economic drivers. This provides for San Diego to
have a very stable employment base.
He presented the number of residential development projections for the Otay Water
District service area. He noted that it is estimated that in 2019 another 10,000
residential units will be built. Much of the units will be multi-family (70%) and the
majority of these units will be rental units. He stated that many of the rental units
are being rented quickly and the sale of townhomes has been very brisk.
Developers will be building less single-family homes as the pricing is too high for
most buyers. He estimates that in 2019 more industrial developments will be built in
3
the Otay Mesa area, less retail spaces will be built as it is felt that there is enough
retail spaces and no office developments will be built over the next 3 years.
Following Mr. Nevin’s presentation he and staff responded to comments and
questions from members of the board.
Director Croucher stepped off the dias at 4:17 p.m. and returned at 4:19 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. PUBLIC HEARING ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS PER DIEM RATE
THE BOARD WILL BE HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR THE PUBLIC’S
COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED 5% INCREASE TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS’ PER DIEM RATE FOR ATTENDING MEETINGS AND
PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE.
a) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 573 TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 5%
INCREASE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ PER DIEM RATE FOR
ATTENDING MEETINGS AND PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF THEIR
OFFICE; AND, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4361 AMENDING POLICY 8 TO
REFLECT THE NEW PER DIEM RATE AND SECTION C.6.D TO CLARIFY
DISTRICT PRACTICE REGARDING DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR
EXPENSES
President Thompson opened the public hearing at 4:25 p.m. As no one wished to
be heard, the public hearing was closed at 4:26 p.m.
The board discussed that by State law the maximum percentage that the board
could increase its per diem rate is 5%. With a 5% increase, the District’s per diem
rate would be set at $152 which would be below the median of the local water
agencies per diem rates. The board also stated that board member compensation
is fundamental to assure the District can attract persons of quality who can
represent the public well. The position of board member is considered public
service and not voluntary service. It was also indicated that a board member’s job
is to make good decisions and attract professional staffing.
A motion was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Smith and carried
with the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Croucher, Gastelum, Robak, Smith and Thompson
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
to adopt Ordinance No. 573 to increase the Board of Directors’ per diem rate 5% to
$152 and adopt Resolution No. 4361 to amend Policy 8 as noted in the resolution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4
9. ITEMS TO BE ACTED UPON WITHOUT DISCUSSION, UNLESS A REQUEST IS
MADE BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OR THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS A
PARTICULAR ITEM:
A motion was made by Director Smith, and seconded by Director Gastelum and
carried with the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Croucher, Gastelum, Robak, Smith and Thompson
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
to approve the following consent calendar items:
a) APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO THE EXISTING CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH PACIFIC HYDROTECH CORPORATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $64,864 FOR THE 870-2 PUMP STATION REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
b) AWARD A CONTRACT TO LAYFIELD USA FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF
THE FLOATING COVERS ON FOUR (4) POTABLE AND TWO (2)
RECYCLED WATER RESERVOIRS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$169,805 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020; WITH FOUR (4) ONE-YEAR OPTIONS
FOR RENEWAL AT THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DISCRETION
ACTION ITEMS
10. ENGINEERING AND WATER OPERATIONS
a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4356 TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AND
RESTATED REGIONAL WASTEWATER DISPOSAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO AND THE PARTICIPATING
AGENCIES IN THE METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE SYSTEM. THE
UPDATED AGREEMENT INCORPORATES THE PURE WATER SAN
DIEGO PROGRAM, WHICH IS A LONG-RANGE REGIONAL WATER
REUSE PLAN WITH THE GOAL OF REALIZING A SECONDARY
EQUIVALENT POINT LOMA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND A
NEW LOCAL SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY
Senior Civil Engineer Steve Beppler indicated that staff is requesting that the board
adopt Resolution No. 4356 to approve the Amended and Restated Regional
Wastewater Disposal Agreement between the City of San Diego and the
participating agencies in the Metropolitan Sewerage System. He stated the District
is one of twelve participating agencies that sends sewage to the City of San Diego
for treatment (mainly at the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant [PLWTP]).
The discharge permit for the PLWTP is currently modified to allow for the facility to
operate at Advanced Primary Treatment with the waiver required to be reviewed
every five (5) years in lieu of constructing secondary treatment facilities. For the
2015 permit renewal, the City reached an agreement with the environmental
5
community to incorporate a Pure Water Program. The Pure Water Program would
allow for the PLWTP to attain treatment equivalent to secondary treatment. Please
reference the Committee Action notes (Attachment A) attached to the staff report for
the details of Mr. Beppler’s presentation.
Director Croucher stepped off the dias at 4:49 p.m. and returned at 4:55 p.m.
Mr. Beppler indicated that the District took a proactive approach on obtaining
clarifications on the agreement and sent a letter to the City of San Diego indicating
the District’s interpretation of several sections of the agreement related to the
operation of our Ralph W. Chapman Recycling Water Facility and the return of
solids to the sewer system. Distinguishing the difference between our current
facility and other advanced water purification projects, the District asked the City to
acknowledge and agree to the letter which they did. The letter is included as
attachment C to the staff report. With the City’s concurrence of the District’s
interpretations outlined in the letter, staff is now prepared to recommend the
approval of the Amended and Restated Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement.
In response to an inquiry from the board, staff indicated that the approximate rate
impact of the amended agreement and the City of San Diego’s Pure Water Project
is approximately 9%. Staff will phase in the 9% increase over the next six (6) years
into the District’s rate model. After the 9% has been phased in, there is another
approximate 20% increase that will need to also be phased in over time. The board
requested that staff ask the City of Chula Vista to make their sewer customers
aware that their sewer fee will be recalculated based on their 2019 winter water use
and that there will not be a sewer rate increase. Staff responded to additional
questions and comments from the board.
A motion was made by Director Smith, and seconded by Director Robak and carried
with the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Croucher, Robak, Smith and Thompson
Noes: Director Gastelum
Abstain: None
Absent: None
to approve staff’s recommendation.
11. BOARD
a) DISCUSSION OF THE 2019 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
President Thompson indicated that he will not be able to attend the May 1, 2019
regular board meeting and that Director Robak would be chairing the meeting.
There were no changes to the board meeting calendar.
REPORTS
6
12. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
General Manager Watton presented information from his report which included an
update on the GIS application for District operations, management and reporting;
national cybersecurity assessment and technical services; lobby security
enhancements; large meter testing; enhanced cash control; the Campo Road sewer
replacement project; the sewer overflow in Rancho San Diego; water conservation;
sales and purchases.
In response to an inquiry from the board it was indicated that the Chula Vista sewer
billing error may be noted in the Strategic Plan billing measure. Staff indicated that
the measure provides an allowance for errors, and it is not certain 250 billing errors
would have much of an impact on the measure. Staff will review and provide the
board information following today’s meeting. The board also inquired about
payments listed in the demands list to Watchlight Corporation. Staff indicated that
the charges are associated with planned enhancements and improvements to the
District’s security system. Staff will review the charges and follow-up with
information to the board. Staff responded to additional questions and comments
from the board.
Director Robak stepped off the dias at 5:47 p.m. and returned at 5:49 p.m.
13. SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY UPDATE
Director Croucher provided an update on CWA matters which included that
representatives have just returned from Sacramento where they met with legislators
to discuss the water agencies’ displeasure with the proposed water tax; the
Department of Water Resources indicating that the Carlsbad desalination intake
pipeline project is not eligible for their grant; water storage; negotiations with
employees; the recruitment for the general manager position; and that the chair and
general manager of MWD attended a CWA meeting and they also met over
breakfast with the chair and general manager of CWA.
Director Smith further reported that CWA’s Administration, Finance, Web and GIS
team presented on their Asset Management Program; that a legislative public
outreach poll will be performed which will include questions concerning recycled
water and indirect potable reuse; that the drought contingency plan was signed on
March 29, 2019 and is headed to congress for approval; and that funding is still
available through MAAP where MWD is providing funding to the member agencies
for conservation and public outreach. He also shared with regard to MWD that they
are discussing the reconfiguration of the “Water Fix” and that he will be hosting an
inspection trip in April to the Colorado River Aqueduct.
Director Croucher commented that the board may wish to agendize a discussion on
the MAAP funding to identify areas in the District’s service area where may wish to
install water filling stations.
Directors Croucher and Smith responded to questions and comments from the
board.
7
14. DIRECTORS' REPORTS/REQUESTS
Director Robak reported that per capita water use within the District’s service area
in 2013 was 109 gallons per day (GPD). In 2016 and 2017 the per capita water use
dropped to 94 and 93 GPD respectively. In 2018 it increased to 96 GPD. He stated
if the 2018 per capita water use is compared to 2013 use (the baseline year), water
use has decreased 8.7%. He also noted that, though, California has had record
rains this season, an article in the Union-Tribune indicates that local reservoirs are
only at 50% capacity. He also shared that this is the first time since 2011 that the
State of California is no longer in a drought status. He commended Assistant Chief
of Operations Jose Martinez for his presentation on AB1588, providing Veterans
credit/certification for their military experience in water treatment processes, to the
San Diego East County Chamber. He lastly shared a short video on “shaming”
those who drink bottled water which was based on a Game of Thrones episode.
Director Gastelum reported that he attended a presentation on desalination at the
Carlsbad City Library with Director Robak and indicated that they received very
good information. He also shared that he attended the WELL Conference (Water
Education for Latino Leaders), the Chula Vista Chamber Commerce Policy meeting,
the ACWA Washington DC conference and participated in some webinars in March.
Director Smith reported on meetings he attended during the month of March which
included the District’s Engineering, Operations and Water Resources Committee,
the East County Caucus meeting, and his quarterly meeting with General Manager
Watton.
Director Croucher indicated Helix WD presented a salary survey at their last board
meeting and requested that staff provide copies of the survey to the District’s board
members.
15. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Thompson’s report is attached. He reviewed from the report the meetings
he attended in March.
16. CLOSED SESSION
The board recessed to closed session at 6:41 p.m. to discuss the following matter:
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
[GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9]
1 CASE
Director Croucher left the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
The board reconvened at 7:08 p.m. and Attorney Jeanne Blumenfeld indicated that
the board took no reportable actions in closed session.
8
OTAY WATER DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY
17. NO MATTERS TO DISCUSS
President Thompson indicated that there were no items scheduled for discussion for
the Otay Water District Financing Authority board.
18. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, President Thompson adjourned
the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
___________________________________
President
ATTEST:
District Secretary
9
President’s Report
Mitch Thompson
April 3, 2019
Board Meeting
# Date Meeting Purpose
1 1-Mar
Chula Vista Chamber and City of
Chula Vista First Friday Breakfast
Meeting
Represented the District at their Monthly
Meeting
2 4-Mar Sycuan Casino Press Conference
Press Conference Commemorating MWD
and Local Water Agency Partners for
Providing a Stable Water Supply for the
Casino
3 5-Mar SCEDC Board Meeting Represented the District at the Monthly
Board Meeting
4 6-Mar OWD Regular Board Meeting Monthly Board Meeting
5 14-Mar Committee Agenda Briefing
Met w/ General Manager Watton to
review items that will be presented at the
March committee meetings
6 19-Mar Council of Water Utilities Attended the COWU montly meeting.
7 21-Mar Southwestern College Cesar Chavez
Student Scholarship Breakfast Represented the District at the event.
8 21-Mar Mexican American Business and
Professional Association
Represented the District at the Monthly
Meeting
9 26-Mar Board Agenda Briefing
Met with General Manager Watton and
General Counsel Shinoff to review items
that will be presented at the April Board
Meeting
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board
MEETING DATE: July 3, 2019
SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Marchioro
Senior Civil Engineer
PROJECT: P2619-
001103
DIV.
NO.
1
APPROVED BY:
Bob Kennedy, Engineering Manager
Dan Martin, Assistant Chief of Engineering
Rod Posada, Chief, Engineering
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Approval to Increase the CIP P2619 Budget in an Amount of
$300,000 and Award of a Construction Contract to Tharsos, Inc.
for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Project
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
That the Otay Water District (District) Board of Directors (Board):
• Increase the CIP P2619 budget by $300,000 (from $2,900,000 to
$3,200,000); and
• Authorize the General Manager to execute a construction contract
with Tharsos, Inc. (Tharsos) for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump
Station (TLOPS) Redundancy Project in an amount not-to-exceed
$1,647,000 (see Exhibit A for Project location).
COMMITTEE ACTION:
Please see Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To obtain Board approval to increase the overall CIP P2619 budget in
the amount of $300,000 (from $2,900,000 to $3,200,000) and to obtain
Board authorization for the General Manager to enter into a
construction contract with Tharsos for the TLOPS Redundancy Project
(Project) in an amount not-to-exceed $1,647,000.
2
ANALYSIS:
On August 1, 2018, the District awarded a purchase order to the local
CAT dealer (Hawthorne Power Systems) teamed with Chillicothe Metal
Company (CMCO) to build a trailer mounted engine and pump. Most of
the components to build the trailer including the large diesel engine
have been delivered to CMCO’s facility located in Illinois.
Hawthorne/CMCO is anticipated to deliver the trailer to the District
in December 2019 or January 2020. Hawthorne’s purchase order does
not include installation of the trailer at the Project site.
Staff prepared a site civil package for installation of the trailer
in-house. The District’s as-needed engineering design consultant
(Michael Baker) provided structural design and peer review. The
District’s as-needed electrical engineer consultant (BSE) provided
electrical, instrumentation, and control design. The District’s as-
needed corrosion engineer consultant (RFYeager) provided cathodic
protection design. The bid documents include grading, raised
concrete slab with cut off walls, masonry retaining wall, below and
above grade potable steel piping, meter vault, fuel oil piping,
electrical improvements, instrumentation and control equipment, and
fencing.
On May 2, 2019, the Project was formally advertised for bid using
BidSync, an online bid solicitation website. The Project was also
advertised in the Daily Transcript. BidSync provided electronic
distribution of the Bid Documents, including specifications, plans,
and addendum. A Pre-Bid Meeting was held on May 9, 2019, which was
attended by seven (7) general contractors. A single addendum was
sent out to all bidders and plan houses to address questions and
clarifications to the contract documents during the bidding period.
Bids were publicly opened on May 23, 2019, with the following
results:
CONTRACTOR TOTAL BID
AMOUNT
CORRECTED BID
AMOUNT
1 Tharsos, Inc. (La Mesa, Ca) $1,647,000.00 $1,647,000.00
2 Advanced Construction Services Inc.
(Norman, OK) $1,829,655.91 $1,719,655.91
3 Cora Constructors (Palm Desert, CA) $1,797,900.00 $1,797,900.00
4 Public Works Contractor, Inc.
(Spring Valley, CA) $1,941,315.92 $1,941,315.92
5 SCW Contracting Corp (Fallbrook, CA) $1,996,025.00 $1,996,025.00
The Engineer’s Estimate is $1,385,000, which includes four (4) bid
allowances (Electrical and Control Systems Additions Allowance,
3
Specialized Equipment Electrical Connections Allowance, Agency Permit
Fees, and Environmental/Regulatory Compliance Allowance) added via
Addendum 1. The lowest bid is $262,000 higher that the Engineer’s
Estimate. As a result, a $300,000 budget increase is required.
Staff concluded that the Engineer’s Estimate likely did not capture
the risk and complexity associated with this unique project combined
with difficult access spanning multiple jurisdictions and permits
with the City of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista. The bid
items with the largest differences between the Engineer’s Estimate
and the low bid include Bid Item 10 “Above Grade Piping” and Bid Item
13 “Electrical, Instrumentation, & Control”.
Savings on other District CIPs are expected to offset this budget
increase. For example, over $200,000 of the structural steel
allowances for the 803-2 Reservoir Interior/Exterior Coating &
Upgrades project (P2565) will not be needed.
A review of the bids was performed by District staff for conformance
with the contract requirements and determined that Tharsos was the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Tharsos holds a Class A,
General Engineering, Contractor’s License in the State of California,
which meets the contract document’s requirements, and is valid
through January 31, 2021. The reference checks indicated a very good
to excellent performance record on similar projects. An internet
background search of the company was performed and revealed no
outstanding issues with this company. Tharsos recently completed the
Ralph W. Chapman Water Reclamation Facility Headworks Improvements
and Steele Bridge SPS Wet Well Improvements Project for the District.
Their performance on that contract was excellent.
Staff verified that the bid bond provided by Tharsos is valid. Staff
will also verify that Tharsos’s Performance Bond and Labor and
Materials Bond are valid prior to execution of the contract.
On May 24, 2019, the District received a Bid Protest from Advanced
Construction Services Inc. (ACS) indicating that Tharsos should be
considered non-responsive (Exhibit B). ACS’s Bid Protest asserted
that, “especially as it relates to the tape coating”, Tharsos’s
listed manufacturer for steel pipe (Southland Pipe Corp.) did not
meet the requirement of Bid Document Specification Section 15061,
Cement Mortar Lined and Tape Coated Steel Pipe and Specials,
Paragraph 1.5, Qualification of Manufacturers which states:
“Factory applied pipe lining and coating is an element of
the completed pipe. Only manufacturers who provide a
completed lined and coated pipe can be qualified for this
4
work. The Work requires that one pipe manufacturer accept
responsibility for furnishing the complete coated and lined
pipe without altering or modifying the Contractor’s
responsibilities under the Contract Documents. All pipe
components, including but not limited to, manufacturing of
steel cylinders, fittings, and applying the linings and
coatings (tape wrap, mortar, etc.) for the main pipeline
shall be the product of one manufacturer that has been
manufacturing steel pipe for municipal water pipelines for
at least five years and has completed at least three
similar projects of 24” diameter or larger.”
As part of the Bid Protest evaluation process, staff forwarded ACS’s
Bid Protest to Tharsos and requested a formal response. Tharsos
responded on May 29, 2019 (Exhibit C).
Also, on May 29, 2019, the District received a Bid Protest from Cora
Constructors (Cora) indicating that Tharsos should be considered non-
responsive (Exhibit D). Cora’s Bid Protest asserted that Tharsos
should not be allowed to substitute the “listed pipe supplier”.
Cora’s Bid Protest asserted that “On bid day Southland Pipe
acknowledged they did not meet the specifications and notified the
companies it bid to of this.” Cora’s Bid Protest also asserted
issues with ACS’s and Public Works Contractor’s (PWC) bids as
described in Exhibit D.
On May 30, 2019, District staff held a conference call with Tharsos
and Southland Pipe to review ACS’s and Cora’s bid protests. District
staff also prepared a list of questions included in Exhibit E
summarizing ACS’s and Cora’s bid protests from the District’s
perspective.
Tharsos responded on May 31, 2019 (Exhibit F) and stated Southland
Pipe considered their quote “a gamble” given the possible
misunderstanding that a competitor to Southland Pipe (Northwest Pipe)
is the only qualified pipe supplier “...due to Northwest's reported
statement on their quote that claimed only Northwest could perform
this work.” Tharsos’s response also clarified that the tape wrap
process would be performed at Southland Pipe’s facility by Southland
employees, which will meet the requirements of the bid documents.
The specific details of the tape wrap will be reviewed and approved
upon the construction submittal process included in the Project
specifications.
Staff has completed an evaluation of the Bid Protests submitted by
ACS and Cora as related to Tharsos and has determined that the
submitted Bid Protests are without merit. Cora’s Bid Protest that
5
substitutions should not be allowed is also without merit since
Tharsos has not suggested changing pipe suppliers and Southland
appears to meet specification. Staff is, therefore, recommending
that the construction contract be awarded to Tharsos.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
The total budget for CIP P2619, as approved in the FY 2020 budget, is
$2,900,000. Total expenditures, plus outstanding commitments and
forecast including this contract, are $3,200,000. See Attachment B
for budget detail.
Based on a review of the financial budget, the Project Manager
anticipates that with a budget increase of $300,000,
CIP P2619 will be completed within the new budget amount of
$3,200,000.
The Finance Department has determined that, under the current rate
model, 69% of the funding is available from the Betterment Fund and
31% of the funding is available from the New Water Supply Fee
Projects Fund.
GRANTS/LOANS:
Engineering staff researched and explored grants and loans and found
none available for this Project.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
This Project supports the District’s Mission statement, “To provide
exceptional water and wastewater service to its customers, and to
manage District resources in a transparent and fiscally responsible
manner” and the General Manager’s Vision, "To be a model water agency
by providing stellar service, achieving measurable results, and
continuously improving operational practices."
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
JM/BK:jf
P:\WORKING\CIP P2619 Temp LOPS Redundancy\Staff Reports\2019 07 03 Trailer Install\BD 07-03-19 Staff
Report TLOPS Redundancy.docx
Attachments: Attachment A – Committee Action
Attachment B – Budget Detail
Exhibit A – Location Map
Exhibit B - ACS Bid Protest
6
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
Exhibit D - Cora Protest
Exhibit E – District Questions
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2619-001103
Approval to Increase the CIP P2619 Budget in an Amount of
$300,000 and Award of a Construction Contract to Tharsos,
Inc. for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy
Project
COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee
(Committee) reviewed this item at a meeting held on June 18, 2019,
and the following comments were made:
• Staff recommended that the Board Increase the CIP P2619 budget
by $300,000 (from $2,900,000 to $3,200,000) and authorize the
General Manager to execute a construction contract with Tharsos,
Inc. (Tharsos) for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station (TLOPS)
Redundancy Project in an amount not-to-exceed $1,647,000.
• It was noted in the staff report that the lowest bid is $262,000
higher than the Engineer’s Estimate. As a result, a $300,000
budget increase is required.
• Staff stated that the District received Bid Protests from
Advanced Construction Services Inc. (ACS) and Cora Constructors.
See Exhibits B and D of the staff report for details. ACS and
Cora asserted that Tharsos’ pipeline manufacturer, Southland
Pipe Corp., was unable to meet Bid Document Specification
Section 15061 related to pipeline fabrication, tape wrapping,
coating and lining under one roof.
• Tharsos’ responded to the Bid Protests and several questions
from the District. Tharsos and Southland stated that because of
the short length of the pipeline, they can fabricate it under
one roof as required in the specifications. See Exhibits C and
F of the staff report for full details.
• Staff evaluated the bid protests submitted by ACS and Cora as
related to Tharsos and determined that the submitted bid
protests are without merit.
• In response to a question from the Committee, staff stated that
the staff’s Engineer Estimate may not have captured today’s
current bidding climate considering uncertainty and risk with
pending and threatened tariffs and possible fluctuations in the
economy.
• Legal Counsel reviewed the bid documents, bid protests, and
responses. Legal Counsel concurs with the staff recommendation
that the bid protest is without merit.
Following the discussion, the committee supported staff’s
recommendation and presentation to the full board as a consent item.
Following the Committee meeting, on June 24, Cora Construction sent
an email to staff arguing that all bids should be rejected. Cora’s
email was untimely since it was provided outside of the timelines per
California Public Contract Code Section 10345. Cora’s assertion that
the District is negotiating a change to the specifications is without
merit since no changes to the specifications have been proposed and
Tharsos has not suggested changing their listed pipel supplier
(Southland).
On June 26, 2019, District Legal Counsel responded to Cora’s June 24
email countering Cora’s request to reject all bids.
The following attachments have been added to this staff report:
Exhibit G – Cora’s Second Protest
Exhibit H – District Legal Counsel’s Response
ATTACHMENT B – Budget Detail
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2619-001103
Approval to Increase the CIP P2619 Budget in an Amount of
$300,000 and Award of a Construction Contract to Tharsos,
Inc. for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy
Project
6/3/2019
Budget
Planning
Consultant Contracts 2,043 2,043 - 2,043 HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL
5,098 5,098 - 5,098 ICF JONES & STOKES INC
Regulatory Agency Fees 5,118 5,118 - 5,118 COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
50 50 - 50 PETTY CASH CUSTODIAN
Standard Salaries 105,145 105,145 - 105,145
Total Planning 117,454 117,454 - 117,454
Design 001102
Consultant Contracts 2,535 2,535 - 2,535 RFYEAGER ENGINEERING LLC
35,515 1,970 33,545 35,515 MICHAEL BAKER INT'L INC
46,328 20,972 25,356 46,328 BSE ENGINEERING INC
27,140 27,140 - 27,140 WATER SYSTEMS CONSULTING INC
Parking and Tolls 24 24 - 24 PETTY CASH CUSTODIAN
Regulatory Agency Fees 125 125 - 125 GOVOLUTION*SERVICE FEE
4,995 4,995 - 4,995 CITY TREASURER
Standard Salaries 131,558 130,865 693 131,558
100 - 100 100 Advertisement
1,500 - 1,500 1,500 Reprographics
Total Design 248,319 188,626 59,694 248,319
Construction
INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS 3,396 3,396 - 3,396 PALMER JOHNSON POWER SYST
25,805 25,805 - 25,805 RICK'S MACHINE SHOP
834,222 - 834,222 834,222 HAWTHORNE POWER SYSTEMS
Standard Salaries 615 615 - 615
Consultant Contracts 8,758 - 8,758 8,758 BSE ENGINEERING INC
1,647,000 - 1,647,000 1,647,000 Construction Contract
65,880 - 65,880 65,880 CM @4%
82,350 - 82,350 82,350 Inspection @5%
82,350 - 82,350 82,350 Staff Time @5%
82,350 - 82,350 82,350 Contingency @5%
Total Construction 2,832,727 29,817 2,802,910 2,832,727
Grand Total 3,200,000 335,897 2,864,104 3,200,000
Vendor/Comments
Otay Water District
p2619-Temp Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy
Committed Expenditures
Outstanding
Commitment &
Forecast
Projected Final
Cost
OTAY WATER DISTRICTTEMPORARY LOWER OTAY PUMP STATION REDUNDANCYLOCATION MAP
EXHIBIT A
CIP P2619F
P:\WORKING\CIP P2619 Temp LOPS Redundancy\Graphics\Exhibits-Figures\Exhibit A, Location Map.mxd
O L Y M P I C P K W Y
PROJECT SITE
!\
ÃÅ125
H U N T E P K W Y
PROCTOR VALLEY RD
W
U
E
S
T
E
R
D
Aä
LOWER
OTAY
LAKE
UPPER
OTAY
LAKE
E
A
S
T
L
A
K
E
P
K
W
Y
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT SITE
NTSDIV 5
DIV 1
DIV 2
DIV 4
DIV 3
ÃÅ54
!\
ÃÅ125
ÃÅ94
ÃÅ905
§¨¦805
F
0 2,3001,150
Feet
From: ken castro [mailto:ken@acs‐8a.com]
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2019 2:24 PM
To: D Martin <dan.martin@otaywater.gov>
Subject: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy (CIP P2619)
Hello Mr. Martin,
Thank you for taking my phone call today. As we discussed, Advanced Construction Services, Inc. (ACS)
would like to formally protest the bid results of the above referenced Otay Water District bid
solicitation.
ACS would like to call to your attention Section 15061 ‐ Cement Mortar Lined and Tape Coated Steel
Pipe and Specials, Part 1.5 ‐ Qualification of Manufacturers of the Contract Documents, which states
“Factory applied pipe lining and coating is an element of the completed pipe. Only manufacturers who
provide a completed lined and coated pipe can be qualified for this work. The Work requires that one
pipe manufacturer accept responsibility for furnishing the complete coated and lined pipe without
altering or modifying the Contractor’s responsibilities under the Contract Documents. All pipe
components, including but not limited to, manufacturing of steel cylinders, fittings, and applying the
linings and coatings (tape wrap, mortar, etc.) for the main pipeline shall be the product of one
manufacturer that has been manufacturing steel pipe for municipal water pipelines for at least five
years and has completed at least three similar projects of 24” diameter or larger.”
It is our opinion, that the smaller pipe companies such as Southland Pipe Corp. would not be able to
meet this requirement, especially as it relates to the tape coating. As a result of this opinion, ACS listed
“Northwest Pipe Company” as their named Manufacturer / Vendor for Item 1 and 2. CML & Tape‐
Coated with Mortar Overcoat Welded Steel Pipe on Form A of their submitted bid documents. In
contrast however, it is our current understanding that the apparent low bidder listed Southland Pipe
Corp. as their named Manufacturer / Vendor for the same item numbers.
With the assumption that the above information is valid and correct, ACS would like to respectfully
request that the District review the bid package submitted by the apparent low bidder, particularly as it
pertains to the above referenced opinion.
Respectfully,
Ken Castro
619‐778‐8750
Exhibit B - ACS Bid Protest
1
THARSOS INC
7839 University Ave, Ste 210 San Diego ELBE 10TH0091
La Mesa, Ca 91942 Cal SBE 1755070
(P) 619-464-1261
(F) 619-825-6577
mlopez@tharsosinc.com
May 29, 2019
Jeff Marchioro, P.E.
Otay Water District
2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd
Spring Valley, CA 91978
RE: TEMPORARY LOWER OTAY PUMP STATION REDUNDANCY (CIP P2619)
SUBJ: Response to Request from OWD to Respond to Bid Protest by Advanced Construction Services,
Inc. (ACS)
Dear Mr. Marchioro:
Per your request, we are responding to the bid protest that was presented by Advanced Construction
Services, Inc. (ACS), who presented a claim that states “the District should review the bid package
submitted by the apparent low bidder” (Tharsos, Inc.). ACS is basing this request on their opinion that
our pipe supplier Southland Pipe Corporation of Rialto, CA is unable to meet the requirement “The Work
requires that one pipe manufacturer accept responsibility for furnishing the complete coated and lined
pipe without altering or modifying the Contractor’s responsibilities under the Contract Documents.” as
defined by specification 15061-1.5 QUALIFICATION OF MANUFACTURERS.
Several points should be presented on our behalf that supports our selection of Southland Pipe
Corporation as our pipe materials source for this project. Please note the following:
1. Care should always be given to the role of the pipe materials producers in California, such as
Southland Pipe and Northwest Pipe. Both well-respected companies produce products that are the
culmination of assembly or fabrication of products using materials that originate at large national
and/or international manufacturing companies and steel mills. For example,
a. The steel sheets or plates that are used in the fabrication of steel cylinders that are then used
as the foundation for fabricated steel pipe is forged in a steel mill outside of California and
purchased by the pipe fabricators for use in the production of fabricated steel pipe and
fittings. The steel mill is the ultimate source for the root product (steel sheet or plate) upon
which the fabricators create the products that are sold to contractors in the form of fabricated
steel pipe and fittings. The pipe fabricators do not manufacture the steel sheets/plate, but
incorporate the sheets/plates manufactured by others into the products that they sell and that
you accept as fabricated steel pipe and fittings.
1. For further clarification, Southland Pipe Corporation opts to procure its steel cylinders
from the reputable firm Roscoe Moss Company in Los Angeles, CA. Having been in
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
2
business since 1926, Roscoe Moss has produced more steel cylinder materials than all of
the pipe fabricators in California on public works project. Specifically, “Roscoe Moss
Company manufactures steel water pipe meeting the requirements of AWWA C-200 for
use in supply lines and transmission mains. We provide pipe ranging in diameters from 6
5/8” OD to 60” OD, in wall thicknesses from 10 gauge to ½” and in lengths of 20 feet to
60 feet. For field assembly, we can manufacture single butt weld joints, lap/bell welded
slip joints, butt strap joints, and rolled-groove rubber gasket bell joint.” Using a core
steel manufacturer with nearly 100 years of cylinder experience, Roscoe Moss provides
Southland Pipe Corporation the confidence that its fabrications are built upon a base steel
product that is of the highest quality and workmanship possible, and with a century of
experience supporting that decision.
b. Steel flanges that all pipe fabricators use are manufactured by a forging company who
produces pipe flanges for purchase by pipe fabricators for incorporation into the products that
they sell. The pipe fabricators do not manufacture the flanges, but incorporate the flanges
manufactured by others into the products that they sell and that you accept as fabricated steel
pipe and fittings.
c. The steel wire mesh that is commonly used in the cement coating process on CML&C steel
cylinder pipe is manufactured by steel mills who produce mesh for purchase by pipe
fabricators for incorporation into the products that they sell. The pipe fabricators do not
manufacture the mesh, but incorporate the mesh manufactured by others into the products
that they sell and that you accept as fabricated steel pipe and fittings.
d. Steel thread-o-lets and/or weld-o-lets are manufactured by steel manufacturers who specialize
in the production of these components such as Babcock & Wilcox and others. The pipe
fabricators do not manufacture these pipeline outlet products, but incorporate these products
manufactured by others into the products that they sell and that you accept as fabricated steel
pipe and fittings.
e. Specialized lining and coating materials, such as epoxies and coating products, cementitious
products, and tape-wrap products are manufactured by manufacturers who specialize in the
production of these components such as 3M, Tnemec and others. The pipe fabricators do not
manufacture these lining and coating products, but incorporate these products manufactured
by others into the products that they sell and that you accept as fabricated steel pipe and
fittings.
2. Attention should be given to not discriminate against the size of a business, as stated in the ACS
comment that “the smaller pipe companies such as Southland Pipe Corp. would not be able to meet
this requirement, especially as it relates to the tape coating...”. The size of a business is irrelevant to
the quality of the products it produces. In today’s world of supporting small business enterprises, it
would be inappropriate for a public agency to consider a bid protest to be acceptable because of the
protester’s opinion regarding the size of the company whom Tharsos, Inc. proposes to conduct
business with. It is the quality of the finished product that shall be reviewed and approved by Otay
Water District, and not the size of the business who produced it.
3. Southland Pipe Corporation has been conducting business as a piping systems supplier since 1990.
They specialize as a supplier of steel pipe, flanges, and weld and fabricated fittings for the
waterworks industry. Southland provides custom steel fabrication and fully engineered projects for
pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, pressure reducing stations, and water and sewage treatment
plants throughout the west coast, including, California, Arizona, Nevada. With their large stock of
standard weld fittings, fabricated mitered fittings, eccentric, concentric reducer cones, and flanges,
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
3
Southland is able to expedite orders quickly to meet the time frame that the industry demands. Any
additional qualifications or certifications that are required by Otay Water District can be included in
our pipe submittal package for this project.
4. It must be recognized that Specification Section 15061-1.50 presents a requirement for
‘manufacturers’ that does not truly represent the pipe fabrication industry standard practices.
Fabrication is considered a form of manufacturing, although all pipe fabricators acquire products
manufactured by others, and combine these products into fabricated steel pipe and fittings that meet
the specific requirements of the project specifications including the linings and coatings. In the
example of a fabricator, the ‘manufacturing’ that they perform is the business of combining the
materials manufactured by others into a finished product using a number of scrutinizing quality
control procedures to ensure that the fabricated steel pipe or fitting meets the pressure ratings,
life/longevity standards, corrosion resistance, proper plumb and square fit up, proper lining and
coating applications per the manufacturer of the lining and coating products, and all other specified
expectations of the end user. It is the quality of the fabrication and coating/lining work that
Southland takes pride in, and Tharsos, Inc. accepts responsibility for, that shall be produced
specifically for this project.
5. Regarding experience, Southland Pipe Corporation produces steel pipe materials/fabrications to the
same specifications as those required for this Otay Water District project and for a multitude of other
public agencies including water districts equivalent to or larger than the Otay Water District.
a. Specifically, Tharsos, Inc. has asked Southland Pipe Corporation to also respond to the
comments made by Advanced Construction Services, Inc. (ACS) as included below:
Southland Pipe Corporation has been serving the Waterworks Industry since 1990. Our
customer base includes Municipalities, Water Districts, Public and Private Agencies,
Contractors and Waterworks Supply Houses. We provide custom steel fabrication and fully
engineered projects for pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, pressure reducing stations, and
water and sewage treatment plants throughout the west coast including California, Arizona
and Nevada. Southland Pipe employs highly skilled welders and fitters that are certified to
ASME Section IX and AWS D1.1.
Southland Pipe Corporation currently holds a Class A General Engineering Contractors
License, is NSF 61 certified, a member of the Steel Plate Fabricators Association, AWWA
member, and Certified WBE and SBE business.
A couple of our Current Projects include:
1. Los Alamitos Pump Station
Belczak and Sons
8” thru 54” Epoxy lined Cement Coated steel pipe and fittings.
$400,000
2. Palmer Avenue Reservoir
RSH Construction Services
4” thru 31” CMLC Steel pipe and fittings
$310,000
3. Agua Fria Water Plant 12
Ferguson
6” thru 31” CMLC Steel pipe and fittings
$128,000
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
4
If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact me at (909) 873-
3820.
Chris Cartwright
V.P. of Operations
In closing, Tharsos, Inc. would like to assure Otay Water District, that as a licensed general contractor
who specializes in this type of work, Tharsos, Inc. has (1) properly prepared its bid for this project, (2)
complied with the requirements of Specification Section 15061-1.50, (3) included the incorporation of
quality products and services from Southland Pipe Corporation (www.southlandpipe.com) in its
procurement plans for the materials for this project, (4) considered Southland as a qualified pipe system
fabricator/manufacture for this project prior to including Southland in the Tharsos bid to Otay Water
District, and (5) looks forward to working with Otay Water District on this project including providing
materials and products that are 100% in compliance with the acceptance criteria of Otay Water District.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank You,
Michael Lopez
THARSOS INC
Michael Lopez
Project Manager
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
Southland Pipe Corp.
1230 Durst Drive
Rialto, Ca. 92376
Phone 575-539-2463
Fax 575-539-2464
5/23/19
Otay Water District
RE: Qualification of Manufacturers
To Whom It May Concern:
Southland Pipe Corporation is a pipe manufacturer. Southland procures all pipe
components and manufactures pipe spools complete with linings and coatings. These
pipe spools match a project’s contract drawings and specifications. Southland is solely
responsible for the pipe spools as these spools are Southland’s products. To state that
Southland is not a pipe manufacturer would be erroneous.
Sincerely,
Chris Evans, P.E.
Southland Pipe
Exhibit C – Tharsos Response to ACS Bid Protest
May 29,2019
Mr. Jeff Marchioro
Otay Water District
2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd.
Spring Valley, CA 91978
Lie # 766304-A&B
Reference: Bid Protest-Project CIP P2619-Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy
Cora Constructors hereby formally protests the bids of Advanced Construction Services Inc., Tharsos Inc.
and Public Works Contractor Inc. for the reasons set forth below.
The bid proposal has a mandatory Listing of Manufacturers which includes language that states "No
substitution of manufacturers will be allowed unless approved by the District." If the District allows a
substitution for the listed pipe supplier it will have given both Tharsos Inc, and Public Works Contractor
Inc. an unfair advantage. The same applies if the District allows a substitution for the Nusonic Flow
Meters.
Both Tharsos Inc. and Public Works Contractor Inc. bids are not responsible and are non-responsive
since they listed manufacturers for the steel pipe that do not meet the experience requirements in
specification sections 150611.5 and 09810 1.1 B. In the case of Tharsos Inc.'s bid they knowingly listed a
supplier that did not meet the specifications. On bid day Southland Pipe acknowledged they did not
meet the specifications and notified the companies it bid to of this. It was irresponsible for Tharsos Inc.
to list Southland Pipe as the manufacturer for the steel pipe.
Cora protests the bid of Advanced Construction Services Inc. since it did not comply with section 01090
B 19 which incorporates the SSPWC by reference. Section 2-3.2 of the SSPWC requires the Contractor to
self-perform 50% of the work. Advanced Construction Services Inc. on its subcontractor listing page
acknowledges it has subcontracted in excess of 50% of the work. This gave Advanced Construction
Services Inc. an unfair advantage. Cora also protests Advanced Construction Services Inc.'s bid because
they did not list a manufacturer for the 24" and 30" flow meters, they listed a supplier which would
enable them to provide an equal and therefore gives them an unfair advantage. For each of the other
75140 St. Charles Place, Ste A • Palm Desert, CA 92211
Tel: 760 674-3201 • Fax: 760 674-3202
Exhibit D - Cora Protest
items in their manufacturer listing page they listed the manufacture and not a supplier. The contract
specifications in section 17407 2.01 A clearly state to provide a Nusonics Model C800 with no equals.
Section 000100 16 states 11 Within ten {10) calendar days after the opening of proposals, the District will
issue "Notice of Apparent Low Bidder" to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder in accordance
with the Contract Documents. All three of the protested bids are not responsible and are non-
responsive. Paragraph 22 of section 000100 further states "If awarded, the award will be made by the
District on the basis of the proposal from the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder." Cora is the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder and should be awarded the contract.
Res~ctfully,
.\ .§~:;:-·
Dennis Stockton
President
Exhibit D - Cora Protest
1
Jeff Marchioro
From:Jeff Marchioro
Sent:Thursday, May 30, 2019 3:48 PM
To:rwilliams@tharsosinc.com; mlopez@tharsosinc.com
Cc:D Martin; Bob Kennedy; cevans@gilanet.com
Subject:RE: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Attachments:Cora Protest Letter.pdf; Southland Email.pdf
Michael,
As discussed during our conference call please respond to the following comments/questions.
Bidder correspondence:
o Provide all of Southland correspondence with Cora (and others) to clarify the following statement in
Cora’s attached letter: “On bid day Southland Pipe acknowledged they did not meet the specifications
and notified the companies it bid to of this.”
o Clarify the intent of Southland’s attached email to ACS’s subcontractor M‐Rae which states: “It seems
Northwest is the only game in town for this job. It would be a gamble to use my number.”
Pipe surface preparation:
o Describe how the pipe surface preparation for tape wrap would be performed.
o Describe who would perform pipe surface preparation for tape wrap.
Tape wrap:
o Describe transport/handling methods between pipe surface preparation and tape wrap stations at
Southland’s plant.
o Describe the location of the stations where tape wrap would be applied.
o Describe which company would apply tape wrap at Southland’s plant or if it will be applied by Southland
staff.
Cement‐mortar/rock shield overcoat:
o Describe transport/handling methods between tape wrap and cement‐mortar/rock shield overcoat
stations at Southland’s plant.
o Describe who will would apply cement‐mortar/ rock shield overcoat.
Thank you,
Jeff Marchioro, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
Otay Water District
619.670.2725 (direct)
Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov
From: rwilliams@tharsosinc.com <rwilliams@tharsosinc.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2019 11:28 AM
To: Jeff Marchioro <Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov>; mlopez@tharsosinc.com
Cc: D Martin <dan.martin@otaywater.gov>; Bob Kennedy <Bob.Kennedy@otaywater.gov>; cevans@gilanet.com
Subject: RE: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Exhibit E – District Questions
2
Jeff,
I have spoken with Chris Evans of Southland Pipe and he is available to join the call.
We are available at 2:30.
Thank you,
Rich Williams
Tharsos Inc.
General Engineering Contractors
License 980621
7839 University Ave. Suite 210
La Mesa Ca. 91942
(619) 464-1261 (office)
(619) 251-2038 (cell)
(619) 825-6577 (fax)
From: Jeff Marchioro [mailto:Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2019 9:15 AM
To: mlopez@tharsosinc.com
Cc: 'Rich Williams' <rwilliams@tharsosinc.com>; D Martin <dan.martin@otaywater.gov>; Bob Kennedy
<Bob.Kennedy@otaywater.gov>; cevans@gilanet.com
Subject: RE: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Michael,
As discussed with you and Rich, please let us know your availability for a conference call hopefully this afternoon. We
suggest that Southland participate in the call. We are available after 2pm today.
We received the attached bid protest from Cora Constructors. We also received the attached email from the ACS’s Pipe
Install subcontractor (M‐Rae).
Please be prepared to discuss the following:
Two bidders have indicated that Southland informed them that Southland did not meet the
specifications. Cora’s attached letter states: “On bid day Southland Pipe acknowledged they did not meet the
specifications and notified the companies it bid to of this.” Southland’s attached email to ACS’s subcontractor
M‐Rae states: “It seems Northwest is the only game in town for this job. It would be a gamble to use my
number.”
We would like to gain a better understanding of Southland’s tape wrap procedures and experience tape
wrapping pipe. The intent of the Section 15061, Paragraph 1.5 is that the pipe manufacturing and tape wrap
would be performed under one roof. Historically, Southland has employed an offsite company called “Mobile
Exhibit E – District Questions
3
Pipe Lining and Coating”. Southland’s current tape wrapping methods (e.g.; The location of pipe surface
preparation and tape wrap application. Handling methods to protect the tape wrap system prior to application
of cement‐mortar, rock shield overcoat) are unknown.
Thank you,
Jeff Marchioro, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
Otay Water District
619.670.2725 (direct)
Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov
From: mlopez@tharsosinc.com <mlopez@tharsosinc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2019 1:52 PM
To: Jeff Marchioro <Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov>
Cc: 'Rich Williams' <rwilliams@tharsosinc.com>; D Martin <dan.martin@otaywater.gov>; Bob Kennedy
<Bob.Kennedy@otaywater.gov>; cevans@gilanet.com
Subject: RE: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Jeff,
Please find attached our letter of response to the bid protest letter sent to us on 5/24/2019. Please call me if you have
any questions.
Thank You
Michael Lopez
THARSOS INC
619‐464‐1261 office
619‐669‐8377 cell
From: Jeff Marchioro [mailto:Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov]
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2019 3:28 PM
To: mlopez@tharsosinc.com
Cc: 'Rich Williams' <rwilliams@tharsosinc.com>; D Martin <dan.martin@otaywater.gov>; Bob Kennedy
<Bob.Kennedy@otaywater.gov>
Subject: RE: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Michael,
Please provide a response to the bid protest copied below focusing on the “one manufacturer” requirement. The
referenced specification paragraph is attached for convenience. The attached Southland letter does not address the
“one manufacturer” or experience requirements.
“…Advanced Construction Services, Inc. (ACS) would like to formally protest the bid results of the above
referenced Otay Water District bid solicitation.
ACS would like to call to your attention Section 15061 ‐ Cement Mortar Lined and Tape Coated Steel Pipe and
Specials, Part 1.5 ‐ Qualification of Manufacturers of the Contract Documents, which states “Factory applied pipe
lining and coating is an element of the completed pipe. Only manufacturers who provide a completed lined and
coated pipe can be qualified for this work. The Work requires that one pipe manufacturer accept responsibility
for furnishing the complete coated and lined pipe without altering or modifying the Contractor’s responsibilities
Exhibit E – District Questions
4
under the Contract Documents. All pipe components, including but not limited to, manufacturing of steel
cylinders, fittings, and applying the linings and coatings (tape wrap, mortar, etc.) for the main pipeline shall be
the product of one manufacturer that has been manufacturing steel pipe for municipal water pipelines for at
least five years and has completed at least three similar projects of 24” diameter or larger.”
It is our opinion, that the smaller pipe companies such as Southland Pipe Corp. would not be able to meet this
requirement, especially as it relates to the tape coating. As a result of this opinion, ACS listed “Northwest Pipe
Company” as their named Manufacturer / Vendor for Item 1 and 2. CML & Tape‐Coated with Mortar Overcoat
Welded Steel Pipe on Form A of their submitted bid documents. In contrast however, it is our current
understanding that the apparent low bidder listed Southland Pipe Corp. as their named Manufacturer / Vendor
for the same item numbers.
With the assumption that the above information is valid and correct, ACS would like to respectfully request that
the District review the bid package submitted by the apparent low bidder, particularly as it pertains to the above
referenced opinion.”
Thank you,
Jeff Marchioro, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
Otay Water District
619.670.2725 (direct)
Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov
From: mlopez@tharsosinc.com <mlopez@tharsosinc.com>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2019 12:08 PM
To: Jeff Marchioro <Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov>
Cc: 'Rich Williams' <rwilliams@tharsosinc.com>
Subject: Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Bid Number CIP P2619
Jeff,
Thanks for calling and letting us know about the possible protest. We believe Southland Pipe meets the specifications
for this project. We have attached a letter from them assuring the pipe and lining & coatings and done by them and
meet the requirements of the specifications.
Thank You
Michael Lopez
THARSOS INC
619‐464‐1261 office
619‐669‐8377 cell
Virus-free. www.avast.com
Click here to report this email as spam.
Exhibit E – District Questions
5/31 /19
Michael Lopez
Tharsos Inc.
7839 University Ave, Ste 210
La Mesa, Ca 91942
RE: Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy Project
Michael Lopez:
Southland Pipe Corp.
1230 Durst Drive
Rialto, Ca. 92376
Phone 575-539-2463
Fax 575-539-2464
This Jetter is to address Otay Water District emaiJ of May 30, 2019.
Bidder correspondence:
Attached is Southland's email correspondence with Cora Constructors. The district
already has M-Rae's email correspondence. The only other correspondence was with
Ferguson Water Works (not a contractor). There were phone conversations resulting
from my emails. These conversations were simply more discussions on my "gamble"
statement.
The two bidders that are contesting this bid had the option to use Southland or use the
higher cost ofNorthwest. The "gamble" I referred to was their own interpretations of the
specs. They made their choice. And they knew that Otay has the final say. My email
warnings were to make the contractors cognizant of a potential problem due to
Northwest's reported statement on their quote that claimed only Northwest could perform
this work.
Pioe surface preparation:
Southland's "Tape Wrap Process" is attached to this letter for more detailed information.
The pipe surface preparation for the tape wrap would be preformed after the spools are
completely welded and their linings completed. The spools would be sand blasted to a
SSPC-SP6 profile. Then a primer would be applied to the steel at 1-3 mils. This work
would be performed by Southland employees.
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
Tape wrap:
Spools primed for tape wrapping would be moved by utilizing slings on forklifts. The
spools would be placed on one of Southland's pipe spinning machines were advantageous
or to a convenient place for hand wrapping. All the tape wrapping work would be
performed in Southland's "cement area". This work would be performed by Southland
employees.
Cement-mortar/rock shield overcoat:
Spools tape wrapped would be moved by utilizing slings on forklifts. The spools would
be placed on SouthJand's cement coating machine if advantageous or to the area were
gunite work is performed. All the rock shield work would be performed in Southland's
"cement area". This work would be performed by Southland employees.
~c~
Chris Evans, P.E.
Attachments
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
Chris Evans
From:
Sent:
To:
Chris Evans <cevans@gilanet.com>
Thursday, May 30, 2019 10:59 AM
'mlopez@tharsosi nc.com'
Subject: FW: Lower Otay pump station
Michael,
Below is my "gamble" statement to Cora Constructors.
Chris Evans
Southland Pipe
From: Chris Evans <cevans@gilanet.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 3:48 PM
To: 'Dennis Stockton' <des@coraconstructors.com>
Subject: RE: Lower Otay pump station
Northwest is putting on their quote that only they can quote this job. It is the old under "one roof' type of situation, in
their opinion.
From: Dennis Stockton <des@coraconstructors.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 3:18 PM
To: 'Chris Evans' <cevans@gilanet.com>
Subject: RE: Lower Otay pump station
Why do xou say that?
Sincerely,
Dennis Stockton
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE USE THIS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
President
Cora Constructors Inc.
(760) 674-1536 Phone
(760) 674-3202 Fax
From: Chris Evans [mailto:cevans@gilanet.coml
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 1:23 PM
To: 'Dennis Stockton'
Subject: RE: Lower Otay pump station
Dennis,
1
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
It seems Northwest is the only game in town for this job. It would be a gamble to use my number.
Chris Evans
Southland Pipe
From: Dennis Stockton <des@coraconstructors.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 12:55 PM
To: 'Chris Evans' <cevans@gilanet.com>
Subject: RE: l ower Otay pump station
Thanks Chris
Sincerely,
Dennis Stockton
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE USE THIS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
President
Cora Constructors Inc.
(760) 674-1536 Phone
(760) 674-3202 Fax
From: Chris Evans [mailto:cevans@gilanet.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:48 AM
To: 'Dennis Stockton'
Subject: RE: Lower Otay pump station
Dennis,
My quote is attached.
Chris Evans
Southland Pipe
From: Dennis Stockton <des@coraconstructors.com>
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2019 12:25 PM
To: cevans@gilanet.com
Subject: Lower Otay pump station
Hi Chris,
Joe tells me you will be bidding this project. Attached is a link to the plans and specs in case you don't have them.
Sincerely,
Dennis Stockton
2
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE USE THIS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
President
Cora Constructors Inc.
(760) 674-1536 Phone
(760) 674-3202 Fax
3
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
Tape Wrap Process
Shop Applied Process
1. Prepare pipe per American Water Works Association C214 "Tape Coating
Systems" and blast pipe per SSPC-SP6 "Commercial Blast Cleaning".
2. Apply Polyken #1019 primer @ 1-3 mils.
3. Apply anti-corrosion inner layer ofPolyken #989-20.
Total thickness is to be 20 mils with a 1" min. overlap.
4. Holiday test anti-corrosion layer and repair and defects.
5. Apply mechanical outer layer of Poly ken #955-30.
Total thickness is to be 30 mils with a 1" min. overlap.
6. Apply mechanical outer layer ofPolyken #956-30.
Total thickness is to be 30 mils with a 1" min. overlap.
7. Total tape system thickness to be 80 mils.
Field Applied Process -Joints
I. Clean pipe per SSPC-SP3 "Power Tool Cleaning".
2. Apply Polyken #1027 primer.
3. Apply anti-corrosion inner layer of Polyken #932-50.
Total thickness is to be 50 mils with a 1" min. overlap.
4. Holiday test anti-corrosion layer and repair and defects.
5. Apply mechanical outer layer ofPolyken #954-15.
Thickness is to be 15 mils with a half overlap.
6. Total tape system thickness to be 80 mils.
7. Provide a 3 inch minimum overlap onto shop applied tape coating.
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
+ N
I
'v/ATER
SHUT-OFF
MARTIN EZ &.
TUREK, INC . w :::> z w
FACILITY
VACANT
LOT
> <(
~ w
~ w u
B.N.S.F.
SOUTHLAND PIPE
FACILITY
1230 DURST DR.
RIAL TO, CA. STEEL
FITTING
STORAGE
\
ELECTRICAL
ACETYLENE MAIN SHUT-OFF
~I [ ~ /1000 GAL. _, DIESEL
0
o FAB ~CUTTING
L SHOP cr FLUID I? ~
c
___. .... .___
• ROPANE \ ' DEF
OXYGENj EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
COMPLEX
CEMENT
AREA
L
CJ I oFFICE I
(
ENTRANCE SETVACUATION G~/ AGING AREA
~T
DURST DRIV~E---------====
MISSION
METALS
FACI LITY
SECONDARY
ENTRANCE
NO OPEN SE\JER
OR STORM DRAINS
ON SITE
NO NATURAL GAS
ON SITE
INER
TOYS R US
FACILITY
SCALE: 1 "=150'
Exhibit F – Tharsos Response to District Questions
1
Jeff Marchioro
From:Dennis Stockton <des@coraconstructors.com>
Sent:Monday, June 24, 2019 4:06 PM
To:D Martin
Cc:Jeff Marchioro; Vu Tran; 'ken castro'
Subject:RE: Bid Protest attached, TLOPS CIP
Importance:High
Dan,
Thank you for the phone call explaining the Districts position and actions taken in regards to the bid protests received.
We have reviewed the process the District undertook in regards to the protests filed and we completely disagree the
District awarding the contract to Tharsos Inc. is the fair and correct course of action. For this reason we may take legal
action to prevent the project from moving forward with Tharsos Inc.
The District should reject all bids and rebid the project or award it to a bidder that provided a responsible and
responsive bid. The District is negotiating a change to their specifications with Tharsos after the bid. The District is
requesting a $300,000.00 increase to the budget for this project from the Board of Directors. This does not make sense.
If the District rebid the project and allowed Southland Pipe as a supplier it would save a lot of money and be fair to all of
the bidders. There is plenty of time for the rebid process since the owner furnished equipment will not be delivered to
the site until January of 2020. The project will complete at the same time if it is rebid.
The difference in price between Southland Pipe and Northwest pipe is $297,000.00 plus tax in the amount of $23017.50
which totals $320,017.50. This is without applying any mark up. If Cora used Southland Pipe’s price our bid would have
been at least $320,000.00 lower, actually more. This would have resulted in the District receiving our bid in an amount
less than $1,477,900.00. We are not providing exact numbers since the project may rebid. This amount is $169,100.00
lower than Tharsos Inc.’s bid.
The Districts plan to award the contract to Tharsos Inc. has upset several if not all bidders that followed the
specifications and likely Northwest Pipe. All but one or two bidders (we do not know if Levco meets the
specifications) took the Districts specifications at face value. We strongly urge District staff to reconsider recommending
to its Board to award the contract to Tharsos Inc. It is important as a public entity to do the right and equitable thing.
There is nothing to lose and plenty to gain with the correct decision.
Thank you for your consideration and please let us know prior to the July 3rd board meeting of your intentions.
Sincerely,
Dennis Stockton
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE USE THIS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
President
Cora Constructors Inc.
(760) 674‐1536 Phone
(760) 674‐3202 Fax
Exhibit G - Cora Second Protest
2
From: D Martin [mailto:dan.martin@otaywater.gov]
Sent: Friday, June 21, 2019 2:25 PM
To: des@coraconstructors.com
Cc: Jeff Marchioro; Vu Tran
Subject: FW: Bid Protest attached, TLOPS CIP
Importance: High
Dennis,
Thanks again for your time on the phone today. As discussed, the District presented the Bid Protest received by
Advanced Construction Services Inc. (ACS) to Tharsos for response. Additionally, the District asked clarifying questions of
Tharsos and Southland to address concerns expressed in the ACS Bid Protest along with concerns expressed in the Bid
Protest submitted by Cora Constructors Inc. The information provided by both Tharsos and Southland demonstrated
that Southland is responsive and capable of providing the pipe in the manner specified by the contract bid documents.
As a result, staff has made a recommendation to award the construction contract to our Board on July 3, 2019. That
recommendation went to the District’s Committee this week on Tuesday June 18, 2019. The staff report that includes
the recommendation is publically available at the following link:
https://lf.otaywater.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/553924/06‐18‐19%20EOWR%20Committee%20Packet.pdf
The staff report is Item No. 3 on the linked agenda. The Bid Protests received along with responses from Tharsos and
Southland are included as exhibits in the staff report. Also included as Exhibits are emails between the District and
Tharsos regarding clarifications needed to review the bid protest. As a follow up to our conversation today I wanted to
make sure that you had the link to the referenced staff report. Thanks again for bidding our projects. As mentioned over
the phone, the District had a good experience with Cora Constructors on the Ralph W. Chapman Water Reclamation
Facility (RWCWF) Return Activated Sludge (RAS) Pumps Replacement Project that finished up in February 2016.
Dan Martin
Assistant Chief of Engineering
dan.martin@otaywater.gov
2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd
Spring Valley, CA 91978
Office: (619) 670-2243
Fax: (619) 670-6184
From: Dennis Stockton <des@coraconstructors.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2019 1:49 PM
To: Jeff Marchioro <Jeff.Marchioro@otaywater.gov>
Cc: lynne@coraconstructors.com
Exhibit G - Cora Second Protest
3
Subject: Bid Protest attached, TLOPS CIP
Importance: High
Hi Jeff,
Attached please find our formal bid protest. If you have any questions or need additional information let us know.
Please confirm receipt of this email.
Sincerely,
Dennis Stockton
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE USE THIS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
President
Cora Constructors Inc.
(760) 674‐1536 Phone
(760) 674‐3202 Fax
Click here to report this email as spam.
Exhibit G - Cora Second Protest
Daniel R. Shinoff
619-881-1315
dshinoff@as7law.com
2488 Historic Decatur Road
Suite 200
San Diego, California 92106
Main: 619-232-3122
Fax: 619-232-3264
as7law.com
AS7 Law San Diego/004344/000002/CO/S0437632.DOCX San Diego Orange County Inland Empire Los Angeles
June 26, 2019
Dennis Stockton, President
Cora Constructors, Inc.
75140 St. Charles Place, Suite A
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Re: Cora Constructors, Inc.'s Bid Protest Relating to TLOPS CIP
Dear Mr. Stockton:
I have reviewed the bid protest submitted by Cora Constructors, Inc (“Cora”) dated June
24, 2019. After careful review and consideration, the bid protest is untimely pursuant to the
Public Contract Code and, even if timely, is without merit.
As you know, Otay Water District (“District”) formally advertised for bids for the
Construction Contract for the Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station (TLOPS) Redundancy
Project. The project was formally advertised on May 2, 2019, using Bid Sync, and in the Daily
Transcript. Bids were publicly opened on May 23, 2019. Tharsos, Inc., (“Tharsos”) was the
lowest bidder, Advanced Construction Services, Inc., (“ACS”) was the second lowest bidder and
Cora was the third lowest bidder.
Cora’s First Bid Protest
Cora sent the District a written bid protest dated May 29, 2019, asserting that Tharsos’,
bid was both non-responsive and not responsible. Cora asserted that Tharsos’ bid was not
responsible and was nonresponsive because it listed manufacturers for the steel pipe that do not
meet the experience requirements and specifications 15061 1.5 and 09810 1.1 B. Moreover, Cora
claimed that Southland Pipe acknowledged they did not meet the specifications and notified the
companies it bid of this.
Based upon the protest, the District performed an investigation into Tharsos’ history,
experience, and trustworthiness. Upon review, Tharsos and Southland Pipe sufficiently
explained the statement regarding the bid being “a gamble.” Tharsos and Southland Pipe also
clarified that the tape wrap process would be performed at Southland Pipe’s facility by Southland
employees. The work performed by Southland Pipe would meet the requirements of the bid
Exhibit H – District Legal Counsel Response
Artiano Shinoff
Dennis Stockton, President June 26, 2019
Page 2
AS7 Law San Diego/004344/000002/CO/S0437632.DOCX
documents. The original bid protest was thoroughly investigated and determined that Cora’s bid
protest was without merit.
Cora’s Second Bid Protest
Cora emailed a second bid protest to the District asserting an entirely new basis for a bid
protest on June 24, 2019, 31 days after the original protest. Cora asserted that the District
negotiated a change to the specifications with Tharsos after the bid was accepted. Cora also
indicated that the District was seeking a $300,000 increase to the budget that did not make sense.
Cora was requesting that the District rebid the project and allow Cora to use Southland Pipe as a
supplier on its bid, which would lower Cora’s bid and make Cora the lowest bidder.
It is the District’s longstanding practice to conduct its bid protest procedures in
accordance with Public Contract Code section 10345. Section 10345 provides specific deadlines.
Cora has failed to comply with these deadlines. Cora filed its bid protest on May 29, 2019.
Pursuant to section 10345(a)(3) “within five days after filing the protest, the protesting bidder
shall file with…the…agency a full and complete written statement specifying the grounds for
the protest.” Any documents or information not provided in accordance with this process will
not be considered. As a result, Cora’s protest documents dated June 24, 2019, are untimely.
Even if the District were to consider Cora’s bid protest as timely, it is without merit. The
June 24, 2019, bid protest by Cora does not offer any specific instance where the District is
attempting to negotiate a change after award of the bid. What is clear is that there is no evidence
the District is negotiating a change to the specifications to the contract with Tharsos after the
bids were opened. Tharsos and Southland Pipe have represented that they meet the requirements
of the bid documents. The District has performed its due diligence to ensure that Tharsos and
Southland Pipe could perform under the contract. There is no evidence that the District changed
the specifications.
Substitution of Subcontractors
You appear to be taking the position that now that all bids have been made public, you
wish to change your list of suppliers/subcontractors to make your bid the lowest. Thus, you want
the District to reject all of the bids as non-responsive and non-responsible so that you can
resubmit your bid using Southland Pipe, who you earlier asserted was not responsible. From a
practical perspective what you are requesting is to upend the public bidding process such that
after the opening of bids each bidding entity gets a second chance to reformulate their bid by
looking at which suppliers have been listed by other bidding entities. This is contrary to the
purpose of the Public Contract Code, and contrary to the District’s established practice.
Exhibit H – District Legal Counsel Response
Artiano Shinoff
Dennis Stockton, President June 26, 2019
Page 3
AS7 Law San Diego/004344/000002/CO/S0437632.DOCX
Conclusion
Your request to declare the bid from Tharsos non-responsive and not responsible has
been reviewed and was determined to be without merit. Your second request to reject all bids
and rebid the project is also denied. The District intends to award to Tharsos as the lowest
responsive and responsible bid at the next Board Meeting on July 3, 2019.
The District sincerely thanks Cora for its interest in bidding on its projects. The District
looks forward to Cora’s continued interest in its projects and encourages Cora to continue to
check on the District webpage for District projects on which to bid.
Very truly yours,
ARTIANO SHINOFF
Daniel R. Shinoff
DRS:JCM:sh
Exhibit H – District Legal Counsel Response
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board
MEETING DATE: July 3, 2019
SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Marchioro
Senior Civil Engineer
PROJECT: P2640-
001103
DIV.
NO.
varies
APPROVED BY:
Bob Kennedy, Engineering Manager
Dan Martin, Assistant Chief of Engineering
Rod Posada, Chief, Engineering
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase a Portable Trailer Mounted Variable
Frequency Drive Pump
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
That the Otay Water District (District) Board of Directors (Board)
authorize the General Manager to issue a Purchase Order to Cortech
Engineering (Cortech) for the purchase of a Portable Trailer Mounted
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Pump in an amount not-to-exceed
$453,000.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
Please see Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To obtain Board authorization for the General Manager to issue a
Purchase Order to Cortech for the purchase of a Portable Trailer
Mounted VFD Pump in an amount not-to-exceed $453,000.
ANALYSIS:
District staff completed a cost benefit analysis comparing
alternatives that would avoid disruption of water service while
taking existing critical facilities offline for extended periods of
time. The cost benefit analysis also accounted for cost savings the
District could realize from the resulting simplification of existing
pump station replacement concepts. CIP P2640 was developed to
procure an affordable Portable Trailer Mounted VFD Pump that will be
designed for deployment at four (4) existing hydropneumatic pump
stations and three (3) existing small pressure zones, each fed by a
single gravity reservoir.
The Trailer will include six (6) multistage centrifugal variable
speed pumps. The specified pump skid is designed to operate at a
maximum flow rate of 1,500 gallons per minute (GPM) and up to 385
feet of head.
District staff prepared drawings and a performance specification in-
house and reached out to the following teams to solicit quotes as
shown in Table 1, below.
TABLE 1
PUMP SKID BUILDER REPRESENTATIVE
1 PremierFlow (Tulsa, OK) Cortech (San Diego, CA)
2 Grundfos (Brookshire, TX) Barrett Pump (San Diego, CA)
3 Dakota Pump (Mitchell, SD) Flo-Systems (Burbank, CA)
4 Burt Process Equipment
(Hamden, CT)
Crowley (Irwindale, CA)
5 AIM Solutions (Downers
Grove, IL)
Watermark Engineered Product
Sales, Inc. (Ashland, OH)
6 Munro (Grand Jct., CO) Huntington (Valley Center, CA)
7 JDL Systems (El Monte, CA) Crowley (Irwindale, CA)
Six (6) firms submitted informal quotes and the results are shown in
Table 2 below. Adjustments were made based on quotes received from
equipment builders (Chillicothe Metal Company located in Illinois and
Power Zone located in Colorado) for the trailer build and an itemized
quote received from the District’s preferred system integrator
(TechKnowsion, Inc. located in Pleasant Hill, California) for the
programmable logic controller (PLC), programming, and system
integration. Minor adjustments were made using engineering
estimates.
3
TABLE 2
CONTRACTING
FIRM
RAW QUOTE
AMOUNT ADJUSTMENT APPROXIMATE
SALES TAX
COMPARABLE
AMOUNT
1 Cortech $400K - $23K $423K
2 Barrett Pump $381K +$39K $24K $444K
3 Dakota Pump $445K -$4K $25K $466K
4 Crowley $293K +$198K $28K $519K
5 Watermark $383K +$143K $30K $556K
6 Munro $594K +$85K $39K $718K
The following adjustments were made for comparison of the various
quotes:
1. Cortech – None.
2. Barrett Pump – Freight, additional staff time, and SCADA
system integration.
3. Dakota Pump – Optional deducts (delete trailer roof hatches
and reduce trailer length), addition for stainless rather
than of painted steel piping.
4. Crowley – Freight and additional staff time. District
would separately contract PLC, programming, SCADA system
integration, and trailer build.
5. Watermark - Freight and additional staff time. District
would separately contract the trailer build.
6. Munro - Additional staff time. District would separately
contract PLC cabinet, PLC, programming, and SCADA system
integration.
After Barrett Pump’s quote was received, it was considered
unresponsive since it included a controller with proprietary
components that District SCADA staff could not fully maintain or
replace without assistance from Barrett Pump/Grundfos.
Staff anticipates some modifications will be needed after the review
of shop drawings to include some additional controls, SCADA
equipment, and other District directed changes to meet District
operating requirements. Subsequently, a seven percent (7%)
contingency of $30K is included in the award amount to allow staff to
modify the purchase order to make District directed changes, if any.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
The total budget for CIP P2640, as approved in the FY 2020 budget, is
$550,000. Total expenditures, plus outstanding commitments and
forecast including this contract, are $546,668. See Attachment B for
budget detail.
4
Based on a review of the financial budgets, the Project Manager
anticipates that the budget for CIP P2640 is sufficient to support
the Project.
The Finance Department has determined that, under the current rate
model, 100% of the funding is available from the Replacement Fund.
GRANTS/LOANS:
Engineering staff researched and explored grants and loans and found
none available for this Project.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
This Project supports the District’s Mission statement, “To provide
exceptional water and wastewater service to its customers, and to
manage District resources in a transparent and fiscally responsible
manner” and the General Manager’s Vision, "To be a model water agency
by providing stellar service, achieving measurable results, and
continuously improving operational practices."
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
JM/BK:jf
P:\WORKING\CIP P2640 Portable Trailer Mounted VFD Pumps\Staff Reports\BD 07-03-19 Staff Report VFD
Trailer Procurement R2.docx
Attachments: Attachment A – Committee Action
Attachment B – Budget Detail
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2640-001103
Approval to Purchase a Portable Trailer Mounted Variable
Frequency Drive Pump
COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee
(Committee) reviewed this item at a meeting held on June 18, 2019,
and the following comments were made\san
• Staff recommended that the Board authorize the General Manager
to issue a Purchase Order to Cortech Engineering (Cortech) for
the purchase of a Portable Trailer Mounted Variable Frequency
Drive (VFD) Pump in an amount not-to-exceed $453,000.
• It was noted that staff completed a cost benefit analysis to
compare alternatives for avoiding disruption of water services
while taking existing critical facilities offline for extended
periods of time. The analysis also accounted for cost savings
the District could realize from simplification of existing pump
station replacement concepts.
• Staff discussed the selection process and stated that the
District received six (6) informal quotes. See Page 3 of the
staff report for results of the selection process.
• The Committee inquired about the difference between formal and
informal quotes. Staff stated that a “formal” quote is used in
the context of public works bid process for construction
projects. The term “informal” was used in the context of
equipment procurement in accordance with the District’s
Purchasing Manual. Staff went through an iterative process with
all bidders until they received a final quote before adjustments
were made by staff to compare the quotes as noted in the staff
report.
• In response to a question from the Committee, staff stated that
the General Manager and Department Chiefs have the authority to
approve project cost changes up to $75,000 and $20,000,
respectively.
• In response to a question from the Committee, staff stated that
the seven percent (7%) contingency of $30K added to this award
can be considered an allowance for any unforeseen changes to
Cortech’s purchase order. The $25,000 contingency line item
shown in Attachment B may be utilized for unforeseen
expenditures outside of Cortech’s purchase order such as
consulting fees or additional staff time if needed.
Following the discussion, the committee supported staff’s
recommendation and presentation to the full board as a consent item.
ATTACHMENT B – Budget Detail
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2640-001103
Approval to Purchase a Portable Trailer Mounted Variable
Frequency Drive Pump
5/31/2019
Budget
550,000
Planning
Standard Salaries 30,010 30,010 - 30,010
Total Planning 30,010 30,010 - 30,010
Design 001102
Standard Salaries 23,658 23,658 - 23,658
Total Design 23,658 23,658 - 23,658
Construction
453,000 - 453,000 453,000
Cortech including sales tax &
7% contingency
15,000 - 15,000 15,000 Staff Time
25,000 - 25,000 25,000 Contingency
Total Construction 493,000 - 493,000 493,000
Grand Total 546,668 53,668 493,000 546,668
Vendor/Comments
Otay Water District
p2640-Portable Trailer Mounted VFD Pumps
Committed Expenditures
Outstanding
Commitment &
Forecast
Projected Final
Cost
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board Meeting MEETING DATE: July 3, 2019
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Watton,
General Manager
W.O./G.F. NO: DIV. NO.
APPROVED BY:
Susan Cruz, District Secretary
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Board of Directors 2019 Calendar of Meetings
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
At the request of the Board, the attached Board of Director’s meeting
calendar for 2019 is being presented for discussion.
PURPOSE:
This staff report is being presented to provide the Board the
opportunity to review the 2019 Board of Director’s meeting calendar
and amend the schedule as needed.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
N/A
ANALYSIS:
The Board requested that this item be presented at each meeting so
they may have an opportunity to review the Board meeting calendar
schedule and amend it as needed.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
Attachment: Calendar of Meetings for 2019
G:\UserData\DistSec\WINWORD\STAFRPTS\Board Meeting Calendar 7-03-19.doc
Board of Directors, Workshops
and Committee Meetings
2019
Regular Board Meetings:
Special Board or Committee Meetings (3rd
Wednesday of Each Month or as Noted)
January 2, 2019
February 6, 2019
March 6, 2019
April 3, 2019
May 1, 2019
June 5, 2019
July 3, 2019
August 7, 2019
September 4, 2019
October 2, 2019
November 6, 2019
December 4, 2019
January 16, 2019
February 20, 2019
March 20, 2019
April 17, 2019
May 22, 2019
June 19, 2019
July 24, 2019
August 21, 2019
September 18, 2019
October 23, 2019
November 20, 2019
December 18, 2019
SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS:
BOARD WORKSHOPS:
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board Meeting MEETING DATE: July 3, 2019
SUBMITTED BY: Tenille M. Otero
PROJECT: Various DIV. NO. All
APPROVED BY:
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Informational Item: Conservation Program Update
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
No recommendation. This is an informational item only.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
See Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To inform the Board of Directors about the various conservation
programs and services offered through the District, the San Diego
County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California.
ANALYSIS:
The Otay Water District offers many programs and services to assist
and educate its customers on water-use efficient practices.
Historically, the District’s customers have taken advantage of many
of the available conservation programs. The District’s overall water
use reflects a conservation-minded customer base. Due to an unusually
wet month, May 2019 usage was 28 percent lower than May 2013. Since
May 2018, customers have saved an average of 14 percent over 2013
levels.
Background
On April 7, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive
order officially ending the drought state of emergency in most of
California. The Governor also released the state’s long-term plan to
better prepare the state for future droughts and make conservation a
way of life. Also, in April 2017, the State Water Resources Control
Board (SWRCB) rescinded the conservation mandates, but continued the
water-use reporting requirements and prohibitions against wasteful
practices. As part of the Governor’s mandate, the SWRCB adopted
Resolution No. 2016-0029, which allowed individual suppliers to self-
certify that there would be no supply shortfall assuming three
additional dry years. With the certification of the Claude “Bud”
Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, additional water storage capacity,
and upgraded conveyance systems, the San Diego region’s water
agencies demonstrated the ability to provide sufficient water
supplies to meet customer demands, assuring there would be no supply
shortfall during three additional dry years.
Building on efforts to make water conservation a way of life and to
prepare the state better for droughts and climate change, on May 31,
2018, Governor Brown signed two bills into law – Senate Bill 606
and Assembly Bill 1668 – that establish permanent water-use
restrictions throughout California. The laws outline an overall
framework to guide the District and other urban water suppliers in
setting water-use targets. The District has been working with the San
Diego County Water Authority, other water agencies, and state
officials to define how the new laws will be implemented, ensuring
the regulations are both equitable and reflect local conditions.
As part of its efforts to keep stakeholders engaged in the
conservation legislation (AB 1668 and SB 606), in May 2019, the SWRCB
held its first quarterly Urban Overview Meeting. Although the
quarterly meetings are informational, the SWRCB’s goal through the
meetings will be a way of keeping everyone apprised of the big
picture through progress reports back from each of the eight urban
project workgroups. The workgroups, six of which are new, consist of
the following: Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; Landscape
Area Measurement; Wholesale Water Loss; Water Use Studies; Standard,
Methodologies and Performance Measures; Urban Water Management Plan
Guidebook; Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment; and Data
Streamlining.
To broaden the state’s approach on water as California faces a range
of existing challenges, on April 29, 2019, Governor Newsom issued
Executive Order N-10-19. The order directs the secretaries of the
California Natural Resources Agency, California Environmental
Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and
Agriculture to identify and assess a suite of complementary actions
to ensure safe and resilient water supplies, flood protection and
healthy waterways for the state’s communities, economy and
environment.
Water Conservation Programs
To offer its customers opportunities to increase water-use efficiency
and potentially save money, District staff has worked closely with
the San Diego County Water Authority (CWA) and the Metropolitan Water
District (MWD) to offer a variety of water-use efficiency programs.
The programs are listed below.
• Rebate Program
The District offers available rebates for residential and
commercial, industrial, and institutional customers through MWD’s
SoCal Water$mart Rebate Program. Funding for the program is through
a partnership between MWD and its member agencies throughout
Southern California.
In fiscal year 2019 to date, $209,338.20 in device rebate funding
from the District, CWA, and MWD was paid to District customers.
Through this program, during the same time period, a total of 455
water-use efficient devices were purchased by or distributed to
District customers. In fiscal year 2019, the District supplemented
additional funding to MWD’s program for Weather Based Irrigation
Controllers (WBIC) for landscapes under one acre and for High-
Efficiency Washers (HEW). The District provided an additional $40
to MWD’s $80 incentive for WBICs and an additional $50 to MWD’s $85
incentive for HEWs.
• Turf Replacement Program
Through MWD’s Turf Replacement Program, the District offers a
minimum of $2 per square foot to replace residential and commercial
turf with water-efficient landscape. CWA currently offers the
District’s customers an additional $1.75 for residential projects
depending on availability of funding. In fiscal year 2019 to date,
12 District customers completed the program, receiving $43,168 in
rebate incentives and replacing 13,230 square feet of turf with
water-efficient landscapes.
• WaterSmart Checkup
The WaterSmart Checkup program includes free, site-specific water-
saving recommendations from certified irrigation professionals. If
a customer owns or manages a commercial, multifamily, industrial,
public or single-family property, they may qualify. Single-family
home checkups also include recommendations to increase indoor
water-use efficiency. The District contracts this service through
the Water Authority’s regional service provider, Mission Resources
Conservation District. Since July 1, 2018 through December 6, 2018,
14 District customers (11 single-family and 3 commercial) have
participated in the program.
• WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program
Based on the first edition of the CWA’s Homeowner’s Guide to a
WaterSmart Landscape, the free program is designed to empower
homeowners with the skills and knowledge necessary to convert a
turf area into a WaterSmart landscape. The program offers a four-
class series, a three-hour design workshop, and videos on demand.
The program also offers events and resources for creating a
WaterSmart landscape. In fiscal year 2019 to date, seven District
customers have participated in the program, converting
approximately 7,523 square feet of landscape to a more water-
efficient one.
• Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Training
The QWEL program, which launched in January 2016, offers free local
training to landscape professionals. It provides them with 20 hours
of education on principles of proper plant selection for the local
climate, irrigation system design and maintenance, and irrigation
system programming and operation. Since the program began, CWA has
offered two trainings at Cuyamaca College and one at Southwestern
College with 35 participants achieving their QWEL certification.
Currently, a second class at Southwestern College is enrolling and
will begin in August.
• Sustainable Landscape Program (SLP)
The SLP pilot program, funded by the Department of Water Resources,
provided residential customers with financial incentives for
converting their water thirsty lawns into sustainable landscapes
that included climate-appropriate plants, high-efficiency
irrigation, soil amendments and rainwater detention features. In
addition to financial incentives, the SLP offered a suite of other
resources for homeowners, including a 71-page San Diego Sustainable
Landscape Guidelines publication, landscaping classes and
materials, and technical assistance through personalized design
coaching. Since the SLP launch in October 2016, nine District
customers have participated in the program with a total of 14,668
square feet of former turf areas upgraded to sustainable
landscaping standards, receiving a total of $25,660.58 in
incentives. The program’s funds were expended and the program ended
in April 2019. Since the close of the SLP, participants can now
participate in MWD’s Turf Replacement Program.
Contests
• WaterSmart Landscape Contest
The annual contest rewards San Diego County residents who have
created beautiful landscapes with water-wise features and
demonstrate the best water conservation practices in their yard.
District staff selects one winner as the “Best in District” and
awards a $250 nursery gift card, goodie bag, yard sign, and other
promotional materials. This year’s winner will be recognized at the
July Board meeting.
• Student Art Calendar Contest
MWD’s annual “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar and Exhibit Tour
showcases student artwork with imaginative messages of water
conservation and stewardship.
Elementary schools, grades K-6, within the District’s service area
had the opportunity to enter the contest in 2019 for a chance to
have their artwork featured in the 2020 calendar. District staff
selected six winners from District schools. MWD will then select 36
art pieces from all participating water agencies to be featured in
the “Water is Life” calendar with a distribution of 11,000. During
the 2019 school year, the District received 247 submittals from 45
schools within the District’s service area.
Educational Programs
The District has resources available on its website for teachers and
students to learn more about water-use efficiency. For teachers,
information is provided about District-sponsored contests, bus tours
to the Water Conservation Garden, Splash Labs, and water education
websites. For students, there is information about the contests, EPA
watershed resources, State of California water resources, and more.
In addition, the District financially subsidizes Water Conservation
Garden field trips and assemblies through the Ms. Smarty Plants
program.
In fiscal year 2019, the District funded up to 35 school bus tours to
the Water Conservation Garden to learn from Ms. Smarty Plants.
Schools contact the Garden directly to schedule their field trips or
assemblies. To date, in fiscal year 2019, 33 classes (29 field trips
to the Garden and four assemblies) and more than 3,100 students from
the District’s service area have learned from Ms. Smarty Plants about
water conservation.
As a member of CWA, the District helps fund the below programs
through the CWA.
• School-wide Assemblies
CWA provides elementary school assemblies at no cost to the school.
The following options are available: 1) “H20, Where did you go?”
for schools with more than 700 students, 2) “Waterology” for
schools with a minimum of 200 students, and 3) “Hydro Game Show”
with a minimum enrollment of 200 students.
In fiscal year 2019 to date, CWA provided assemblies for 16 classes
in four District schools, reaching more than 1,000 students.
• Splash Lab & Green Machine
The Splash Science Mobile Lab is a self-contained mobile science
laboratory that comes to schools to educate students, grades four
through six, on the impact of water pollution on the environment
and the importance of water conservation.
The Green Machine, designed for grades K-4, is a mobile field trip
to educate students on the importance of a healthy environment. The
District, funds up to four Splash Lab or Green Machine visits per
year.
In addition to the District’s funding, MWD approved the CWA’s
application for Splash Lab funding via the Member Agency
Administered Program Funding. Approximately $75,000 is available to
fund additional Splash Lab visits for each of the CWA’s member
agencies for the 2019 and 2020 school years. Staff works with the
CWA and the San Diego County Office of Education to promote and
schedule these visits.
District staff will continue to promote water-use efficiency programs
and services offered to customers and participate in interagency
conservation meetings to remain updated on the latest information.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
This is an informational item only and has no fiscal impact. All
programs are included in the Water Conservation budget. The budgeted
costs for fiscal year 2019 are $198,500. The fiscal year 2020
approved budget is $176,000. Costs of the District’s conservation
programs are also incorporated into the general cost of water paid to
CWA and MWD.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
Execute and deliver services that meet or exceed customer
expectations, and increase customer engagement in order to improve
District Services.
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
Attachments:
A) Committee Action
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
Informational Item: Conservation Program Update
COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Public Relations Legal and Legislative Committee (Committee)
reviewed this item at a meeting held on June 25, 2019 and the
following comments were made:
• Staff provided an update on the various conservation programs
and services offered through the District, the San Diego
County Water Authority (CWA) and the Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California (MWD).
• Staff reviewed information in the staff report.
• Staff indicated in response to an inquiry from the Committee,
that the Educational Programs are available to all schools
within the District’s service area. Coordination is mainly
with public schools, however, if a private or Montessori
school expressed interest, the District would evaluate how to
best accommodate them. Staff indicated that District staff is
working with the San Diego County Office of Education to
promote the education programs. Staff will explore conducting
additional outreach with schools other than public schools
within the District’s service area. Staff also mentioned that
the CWA creates an educational poster and distributes those to
San Diego County schools.
• The Committee suggested that staff evaluate how the mobile
Splash Lab Program could potentially be integrated with the
HydroStation Program. Staff indicated they would review that
possibility.
• It was discussed that the Splash Lab and Green Machine
Programs are not utilized by schools as much as they were in
the past as there is a set curriculum that teachers must
follow and these programs are not a part of the curriculum.
Additionally, legal counsel stated that the Teachers Union
requires that students receive an established amount of
instruction “minutes” of the curriculum and will protest if
they feel that students are not getting this instruction time.
Staff did however, said they will work with the San Diego
County Office of Education and the CWA to promote the programs
more.
• The Committee inquired about the status of the Water
Conservation Garden (WCG). It was indicated that the WCG
marketing committee has been meeting monthly to bi-monthly.
The committee consists of the PIO’s and/or conservation staff
from the JPA member agencies. The WCG is currently
experiencing a transitional period as it has a new Executive
Director and new employees who are currently engaged in
determining what programs have been done in the past and in
developing new programs and strategies for the WCG. Staff is
expecting that processes at the WCG should improve as we get
closer to the end of the year.
• Staff shared that the District’s annual contribution to the
Garden decreased in fiscal year 2019 to $96,000 from $96,450
(FY18) and will decrease again in fiscal year 2020 to $92,000.
• It was discussed that schoolteachers who have taken their
students on a field trip to the WCG have been happy with the
program. The District has budgeted for up to 35 field trips
for the last couple of years and typically all 35 tours are
utilized by the schools. The teachers who have participated
have completed survey forms providing their feedback on the
WCG tour and the Ms. Smarty Plants program. Staff can share
copies of the surveys with the board.
• The Committee inquired about the rebate programs and suggested
that the information about available rebates for new
appliances, turf replacement, etc., be added to the new
customer “Welcome Letter” that is sent by the Customer Service
department.
Upon completion of the discussion, the committee supported
staff’s recommendation and presentation to the full board as an
informational item.
STAFF REPORT
TYPE
MEETING:
Regular Board
MEETING
DATE:
July 3, 2019
SUBMITTED
BY:
Mark Watton
General Manager
W.O./G.F.
NO:
N/A DIV.
NO.
N/A
APPROVED BY:
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: General Manager’s Report
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:
GIS:
• Easement and Encroachment Mobile App – Along with the development
of the desktop application, staff completed the initial design of
the smartphone app for the easement and encroachment project. The
prototype has been presented to Engineering and Operations staff
for review and field test. The two applications will work directly
with the enterprise GIS database to share information collected by
staff in the office or in the field. This integrated approach will
streamline the easement/encroachment data collection and sharing
process.
Human Resources: • Deferred Compensation Plan Financial Advisor/Consultant - The
District conducted a request for quote and entered into a one-year
contract ($23,000/year) with Sageview Advisory Group to act as co-
fiduciary to the District’s Employee Deferred Compensation Plan.
This contract can be extended for up to two additional years for
the same annual cost. The consultant will be working with a
District committee to select investment options, conduct employee
meetings during the transition in deferred compensation carriers,
and the committee and consultant will meet on a semi-annual basis
to review and monitor for performance of the investment options.
• Deferred Compensation Plan Review - The District completed the
review of quotes received from five providers for the District’s
Deferred Compensation Plans. The District currently offers plans
through Nationwide and ICMA-RC. A committee was selected to assist
with the review process, which included the Chief Financial
2
Officer, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Administrative
Services, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Analyst, and two
members of the Employee Association. The committee selected Voya
Financial and the District will be working with the carriers to
implement the changes by the end of 2019. This will be a positive
change for the employees, resulting in significant fee savings for
employees.
• Performance Evaluation Refresher Training - Human Resources
conducted refresher training to provide tips on how to streamline
the process and provide valuable reviews for employees. Managers
and supervisors will be completing the annual performance
evaluations during the months of June and July.
• Recruitments:
o The District is currently recruiting for an Executive Assistant;
preparing to recruit for a Laboratory Analyst; and, is in the
selection process for a Utility Worker I/II.
o These positions are critical to District operations.
IT Operations:
Enterprise Fleet Management System Evaluation - Staff completed the
evaluation of several GPS fleet management software vendors for the
replacement of the District’s current system. The team assessed the
vendor’s proposed reliability, tracking, analytics, reporting and
customer service support. Given the evaluation results, staff will
be recommending Samsara Inc. as the District’s new GPS fleet
management system. Monthly GPS coverage and services will be
charged to the IT Department’s FY20 Operational Budget. A one-time
cost for the hardware devices is $6,100. The total cost of devices
and services for the 3-years totals $73,210. It is anticipated
that the system will be deployed at the beginning of the new fiscal
year.
• Monthly Board Audio Streaming - During the District’s June Board
meeting, 11 customers engaged in the listening of the live monthly
meeting. The live audio broadcast was aired for 2 hours and 29
minutes.
Purchasing & Facilities:
• San Diego County Hazardous Materials Division (HMD) Compliance
Inspection – The San Diego County Department of Environmental
Health (DEH) completed its annual inspection of the District’s Fuel
Island. DEH found the District to be in compliance in both
operations and recordkeeping. A minor violation related to the
diesel spill bucket cover not maintaining a “liquid-tight hold”
when it rains was repaired during the inspection and was observed
3
to hold against further water intrusion. No additional corrections
were noted, and no further recommendations were made. Due to a
heavy workload and being new to the position, the DEH inspector did
not conduct a review of the District’s remaining facilities for
hazardous materials compliance, but advised that a full inspection
would be conducted at the next meeting in May 2020. The annual pre-
HMD staff meeting held in April and the ongoing efforts by
Engineering, Fleet, Facilities and Environmental staff helps to
ensure that the District remains hazardous materials compliant.
• Public Services, Customer Service, and Lobby Enhancements Update:
o Public Service Conference Room – A solicitation to expand and
harden the conference room will be issued at the end of June to
time with the availability of 2020 funding. The solicitation is
to include demolition of the existing conference room, the
framing, drywall, paint and the incorporation of ballistic
protection for an expanded conference room.
o Lobby Enhancements – The Public Services Conference Room
solicitation will include the demolition of the Lobby feature
walls including repair and paint at the customer entrance and in
front of the Board room, where a bench seat will be installed to
cover the exposed floor and provide a sitting area for
customers. Similarly, a concrete planter will be installed at
the customers entrance to cover the exposed floor at that
location.
o Customer Service Desk Barrier Glass - A solicitation for barrier
glass has been issued with a close date of June 27, 2019, for
approximately 140 sq. ft. of Level 2 ballistic material.
Combined with the desk, the glass will provide an eight-foot
(8’) protective barrier between customers and service
staff. Depending on material fabrication lead time and
contractor schedule, installation is planned for late July into
early August.
• BidSync Solicitations - Currently there is one (1) solicitation
advertised on BidSync:
o “As-Needed Electrical Engineering Consulting Services FY 2020-
2022” – For the services of an engineering consulting firm to
provide professional Plan Check Services in support of the
Public Services Division in processing and performing plan
review for developer potable water and recycled water projects
on an as-needed basis, for a period of three fiscal years
(FY2020 - FY 2022) in an amount not-to-exceed $175,000. This
solicitation closes on July 19, 2019 4:00:00 PM PDT.
4
Safety & Security:
• America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA 2018) -- UPDATE –
SDCWA has taken the lead to develop an RFP for a risk assessment
consultant to assist local member agencies with meeting the AWIA
requirements to complete a Risk and Resiliency Assessment (RRA) and
Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The cost of the consultant would be
shared by the participating agencies. The last assessment completed
in 2004 had a cost of $90,000 (for FY20, Safety & Security has
budgeted $30,000). Free EPA training is available on the AWIA 2018
requirements and tools.
Note: EPA is still in the process of developing final guidelines,
which are estimated to be completed and available at the end of
August 2019. The deadline for compliance is March 2020 for the RRA,
and September 2020 for the ERP. Fines of $25,000 per day may be
assessed for non-compliance.
• Regulatory Training & Testing - All affected staff successfully
completed the annual required:
o Hearing Conservation Training and Testing
o Respiratory Protection
o Quantitative Testing
• HAZWOP and Emergency Response Team – The team completed regulatory
compliant HAZWOP team training and exercise. On June 26th and 27th,
the team participated in a joint confined space training and rescue
exercise with Cal Fire rescue teams.
• Monthly WebEOC Emergency Preparedness Exercise:
o EOC staff completed the last exercise for FY 2019. The exercise
consisted of: “Locate the Sample Action Plan for Earthquakes
under Plugins, File & map library, Sample Planning documents.
The water sector is under the Ops Construction & Engineering
branch”. The document was located, downloaded, and added to the
District’s internal website.
o EOC staff also received information on the required elements for
AWIA-2018 and its compliance, EPA’s available free training, and
a copy of EPA’s AWIA guidelines.
• Safety Committee – The committee held its quarterly meeting on
June 18. Topics covered and discussed included: Service Truck
Crane Operator Certification Cal/OSHA Requirements; Confined Space
GIS Layer; Safety Boots and Prescription Safety Glasses; Heat
Illness Prevention Quick E-Tool; Active Shooter; Cal/OSHA Guide
Safety Training Requirements; and, a demo on the District’s
5
internal Safety & Security site. The next meeting is scheduled for
September 17, 2019.
• Bionomics Training – On June 3rd, Dr. Clapper spent half a day
(cost-free) providing a follow-up to the March 12th, 13th and 14th
District-wide employee bionomics training sessions. Dr. Clapper
conducted field visits and a group stretch exercise session with
field staff. This was welcomed by staff and positive feedback was
received. Operations field staff have made bionomics stretching
part of their daily routine.
Finance:
• FY 2020 Budget - Staff is preparing the 2020 budget books, and
anticipate completion by the September/October timeframe. The
budget books are an excellent communication tool to share with our
customers and other interested parties. Staff will also submit the
books to the GFOA and CSMFO award programs. The deadline for
submission to the award programs is October 31, 2019.
• FY 2020 Rate Notices – Staff is preparing Rate Increase Notices,
effective January 1, 2020, which are scheduled to be mailed to
customers in the July/August timeframe.
• Chula Vista Sewer Billing – The City of Chula Vista is considering
placing their sewer charge on the County Tax Role. It is the
City’s option to terminate this service. If this were to happen,
the District would no longer bill for the City of Chula Vista
sewer. The District would remain, however, under contract to
provide customer water meter reads to the City,
• Audit – Teaman, Ramirez & Smith completed the interim audit field
work on May 22nd. The final audit field work is scheduled for
August 26th to 29th.
• Large Meter Replacement CIP - Beginning in FY 2017, a CIP for the
replacement of large meters was established. Many of the
District’s large meters were nearing end of life and, recognizing
the importance of large meter accuracy, a replacement program was
implemented. The District currently has 237 meters in the ground,
sized 3” or larger, representing less than .5% of the total meters
in the District. However, these meters record approximately 15% of
the District’s total annual water consumption. Since the program
was put into place in FY 2017, 113 large meters have been replaced
with 43 of them replaced this year. The decision to replace the
meters is based on annual test data that comes from the District’s
large meter testing program as well as a cost benefit analysis for
each meter to ensure the replacement cost is offset by more
accurate water usage readings.
6
Financial Reporting:
• The financial reporting for May 31, 2019 is as follows:
o For the eleven months ending May 31, 2019, there are total
revenues of $90,972,226 and total expenses of $92,718,355. The
expenses exceeded revenues by $1,746,129. Total rainfall was 12
inches for the eight-month period between October 2018 and
May 2019, compared to 3.3 inches for the same period of October
2017 to May 2018. As a result, residential, commercial
irrigation, and recycled irrigation sales were down because
customers watered their landscaping a lot less frequently.
• The financial reporting for investments for May 31, 2019 is as
follows:
o The market value shown in the Portfolio Summary and in the
Investment Portfolio Details as of May 31, 2019 total
$72,588,783 with an average yield to maturity of 1.877%. The
total earnings year-to-date are $1,121,432.
ENGINEERING AND WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS:
Engineering:
• 870-2 Pump Station Replacement: This project consists of a new Pump
Station to replace the existing Low Head 571-1 and High Head 870-1
Pump Stations. The project also includes the replacement of the
existing liner and cover for the 571-1 Reservoir (36.7 MG). In late
May 2019, the contractor took delivery and installed the station’s
pumps into the Pump Room. During the month of June 2019, Pacific
Hydrotech, the District’s construction contractor, continued work on
the station’s interior, including the installation of electrical
systems and fire sprinkler systems. It is anticipated that the
station’s engines will be delivered to the project in late
June/early July 2019. Alta Road tie-in work for the Station’s
electrical, gas, and sewer utility piping is anticipated in July
2019. Environmental compliance during construction is being
monitored by Helix Environmental. A Least Bell’s Vireo nest was
located on the County of San Diego’s property adjacent to the
project site. Noise blankets to mitigate construction noise are
being maintained on the existing property fence with approval
granted by the County of San Diego. The project is within budget
and scheduled to be completed in December 2019. (P2083 & P2562)
• Campo Road Sewer Replacement: The existing sanitary sewer from
Avocado Road to Singer Lane is undersized and located in
environmentally sensitive areas that are difficult to access. The
Campo Road Sewer Replacement project will install approximately
7
7,420 linear feet of new 15-inch gravity sewer pipe and includes
abandonment of the existing sewer main. The project’s construction
is guided by traffic lane closure permits that limit the work
within the traveled way to night time hours. The project’s
environmental permit also limits work adjacent to the
environmentally sensitive area during the months of February
through September.
The contractor completed installation of the planned sewer
facilities and reopened the Campo Road lanes with temporary
striping in June 2019. The contractor also began the installation
of new sewer across Via Mercado. This project is within budget and
it is anticipated that the overall project, which includes the
abandonment of the existing sewer located in the environmentally
sensitive area along Campo Road, will be completed in
December 2019. (S2024)
• Vista Vereda and Hidden Mesa Water Pipelines Replacement: The
existing 1950’s steel water line along Vista Vereda between Vista
Grande Road and Hidden Mesa Trail in the Hillsdale area has
experienced leaks and is nearing the end of its useful life. The
existing water main is located primarily within easements, many of
which have had significant improvements performed over the years
since the water line was constructed. This project will replace
the existing water lines with new water lines in both Vista Vereda
and Hidden Mesa Road. During June 2019, the District’s
construction contractor Cass Arietta, began the installation of the
new water main in Vista Vereda. Overall this project is within
budget and completion of the construction is scheduled for
September 2019. (P2574 & P2625)
• Temporary Lower Otay Pump Station Redundancy: This project will add
a second pump to the District’s existing temporary Lower Otay Pump
Station (TLOPS) to provide redundancy. The redundant trailer
vendor’s (Hawthorne) purchase agreement may be revised to include a
Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) emissions control system to
facilitate permitting with the Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
of San Diego County. The proposed SCR emission controls system was
submitted to APCD on April 22, 2019. A public works bid package,
including grading, mechanical, structural, electrical,
instrumentation & control, and installation of the trailer is
scheduled for award at the July 2019 board meeting. Two bid
protests were received and analyzed by staff and legal counsel and
they concluded that the project should be awarded to the lowest
responsible bidder since the bid protests did not have merit.
(P2619)
8
• Pipeline Cathodic Protection Replacement Program: This project
includes repairs to existing cathodic protection systems, such as
anode replacement, cathodic test station repairs, retrofit/repair of
isolation kits, and repair of existing impressed current systems and
anode beds. The first phase was completed on the District’s 1980
era RWCWRF 14-inch force main in 2017. A portion of the second
phase was bid and awarded with the District’s 870-2 Pump Station
project. The remainder of the second phase was awarded to M-Rae
Engineering, Inc. During June 2019, M-Rae substantially completed
work on the project and began the completion of punch list items
needed for contract acceptance. This project is within budget and
scheduled to complete in June 2019. (P2508)
• 711-3 Reservoir Cover/Liner Replacement: The existing cover/liner
at the 711-3 Reservoir was installed in 2002 and shows substantial
deterioration that has necessitated its replacement. During June
2019, Layfield, the construction contractor for the project,
completed punch list items associated with preparing the reservoir
for disinfection and filling. It is anticipated that the reservoir
will be filled in June in preparation for placing the reservoir back
in service. The project is within budget and scheduled to be
completed in June 2019. (P2561)
• 803-2 Reservoir Interior/Exterior Coating and Upgrades: This project
consists of removing and replacing the interior and exterior
coatings of the 803-2 (2.0 MG) Reservoir, along with providing
structural upgrades, to ensure the tank complies with both state and
federal OSHA standards as well as the American Water Works
Association and the County Health Department standards. During June
2019, Advanced Industrial Services, the construction contractor for
the project, completed the blasting and coating work for the
Reservoir’s interior shell and floor. It is anticipated that the
contractor will install scaffolding, wrap the reservoir exterior and
begin exterior blasting in July 2019. The project is within budget
and scheduled to complete in August 2019. (P2565)
• RWCWRF Fuel Lines Replacement: Existing below grade fuel oil
piping, which was partially installed with the original treatment
plant, will be replaced to gain compliance with a 2017 County of
San Diego inspection report and current codes. The existing piping
will be replaced, rather than retrofitted with a cathodic
protection system, because the piping has reached the end of its
useful life. The contractor, Jauregui & Culver, completed the
installation of the new below grade fuel lines and placed the lines
into service on April 29, 2019. The project’s fuel return tank is
being fabricated. The contractor is scheduled to remobilize and
install the new return tank in August 2019. The project is within
budget scheduled to be completed in August 2019. (R2147)
9
• Portable Trailer Mounted VFD Pumps: This project consists of
procurement of a portable trailer mounted hydropneumatic pump
station designed for deployment at up to seven (7) existing sites
including four (4) hydropneumatic pump stations and three (3) small
pressure zones each fed by a single gravity reservoir. A
cost/benefit and alternatives analysis were completed in
October 2018. District staff prepared drawings and a performance
specification in December 2018. Initial quotes were received and
analyzed in January 2019. Final quotes were received in May 2019.
The award to procure a single trailer is scheduled for the July
Board meeting. This project is on schedule. (P2640)
• 1485-2 Pump Station Diesel Fuel Leak: The District’s Pump Station
has a standby diesel fuel generator to provide power in case of an
emergency with a 500-gallon diesel fuel tank that provides fuel to
the generator through black iron pipe. The underground segment of
black iron pipe between the tank and the generator does not have
secondary containment.
On June 5, 2019, a property owner of the land adjacent to the Pump
Station noticed small staining on the retaining wall and what
appeared to be some type of fuel oil (due to the odor). It was
brought to the attention of District water system operators at the
site. District staff closed the valve from the storage tank,
evacuated the fuel from the lines, and potholed the pavement along
the line to try to determine the location of the leak. The
District’s fleet shop supervisor estimates that the quantity of
fuel that leaked was about 100 gallons and that it was a slow leak,
probably occurring over a year or longer. Although the majority of
the fuel was contained on District property, and out of an
abundance of caution, the County of San Diego (County) Department
of Environmental Health and the Office of Emergency Services were
notified of the leak on June 6, 2019. District staff is working
with geotechnical and environmental consulting firms to prepare a
work plan to remediate the impact of the leak on the District’s
property and the adjacent property owner’s site. Staff will be
seeking the assistance of County staff in the review and approval
of the work plan that will be developed for remediation of the
spill and for guidance on any additional work that might be needed
to ensure that the remediation work will meet all County
requirements.
It should be noted that staff was already in the process of
relocating and replacing the fuel lines at this site based on the
recommendation from the consultant. (P1210)
• Advanced Locator Training Workshop: District staff was
instrumental in organizing the July 19, 2019 “Advanced Locator
Training” workshop, which was conducted by Advanced Infrastructure
10
Technologies and held at the Otay Water District. Nineteen (19)
attendees were present from various Public Agencies including the
District and the Naval Facility-San Diego. Topics ranged from
locating theory to problem locate solutions.
• For the month of May 2019, the District sold 40 meters (45 EDUs),
generating $398,813 in revenue. Projection for this period was
60.8 meters (77.1 EDUs), with budgeted revenue of $672,173. Total
revenue for Fiscal Year 2019 is $7,350,725 against the annual
budget of $8,066,070.
Water System Operations (reporting for May):
• On Thursday May 2, a contractor working on a sewer rehabilitation
project for the City of San Diego pulled a one-inch air vac lateral
line while backfilling on Airway Road in Otay Mesa. Staff performed
an unplanned shutdown to install a new service saddle. No customers
were affected. The shutdown lasted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
• On Thursday May 9, staff performed an unplanned emergency shutdown
at 785 E. Palomar Street to repair a 2-inch air vac lateral leak.
One meter for the City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation was
affected. A water trailer was provided. The shutdown lasted from
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
• On Tuesday May 14, staff performed a planned shutdown on Hidden
Mesa and Hidden Trails for the contractor to tie-in a new 12-inch
pipeline. Twenty-three residential meters were affected. Three
water trailers were on site. The shutdown lasted from 8:00 AM to
7:00 PM.
• On Thursday May 16, staff performed a planned shutdown to delete a
2-inch service off of the 18-inch line that runs across the new
storage facility by the entrance of the Regulatory site. Three
commercial coustomers were affected. Water trailers were on site.
The shutdown lasted from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
11
Purchases and Change Orders:
• The following table summarizes purchases and Change Orders issued
during the period of May 20 through June 20, 2019 that were within
staff signatory authority:
Water Conservation and Sales:
• Water Conservation - May 2019 usage was 28% lower than March
2013. Since May 2018, customers have saved an average of 14% over
2013 levels.
Date
Action
Amount
Contractor/
Consultant Project
05/20/19 P.O. $5,000.00 SageView Advisory
Group, LLC
Retirement Plan
Consulting
05/21/19 P.O. $858.09 Protective Life
Insurance Co.
Annual Life
Insurance Premium
06/03/19 P.O. $36,000.00 ACC Business Internet Circuit
Services (3 Years)
06/06/19 P.O. $2,500.00 Safety-R-Us, LLC Confined Space
Training
06/20/2019 P.O. $18,548.39 Sealright Paving,
Inc.
Calavo Basin Sewer
Rehabilitation-
Phase 2 (S2049)
12
• The May potable water purchases were 2,091.9 acre-feet, which is
21.7% below the budget of 2,669.8 acre-feet. The cumulative
purchases through May were 24,857.7 acre-feet, which is 11.0% below
the cumulative budget of 27,939.7 acre-feet.
• The May recycled water purchases and production were 281.8 acre-
feet, which is 15.7% below the budget of 334.2 acre-feet. The
cumulative production and purchases through May were 3,034.1 acre-
feet, which is 5.1% below the cumulative budget of 3,198.0 acre-
feet.
13
Potable, Recycled, and Sewer (Reporting up to the month of May):
• Total number of potable water meters: 50,699.
• Total number of sewer connections: 4,737.
• Recycled water consumption for the month of May:
o Total consumption: 327.1 acre-feet or 106,585,862 gallons.
o Average daily consumption: 3,438,254 gallons per day.
o Total cumulative recycled water consumption since July 1, 2018:
3038.4 acre-feet.
o Total number of recycled water meters: 729.
• Wastewater flows for the month of May:
o Total basin flow: 1,620,277 gallons per day.
This is an increase of 4.15% from May 2018.
o Spring Valley Sanitation District Flow to Metro: 537,669 gallons
per day.
o Total Otay flow: 1,082,323 gallons per day.
o Flow processed at the Ralph W. Chapman Water Recycling Facility:
893,581 gallons per day.
o Flow to Metro from Otay Water District: 188,955 gallons per day.
• By the end of May there were 6,748 wastewater EDUs.