REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Director Department of Public Utilities BY: JESUS A. GONZALEZ, PE, Assistant Director Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering SAMUEL NADORES, Professional Engineer Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering SUBJECT ..Title Approve a consultant services agreement with Tetra Tech BAS, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $363,700, to conduct a composting facility feasibility study for the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Council District 3). ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Council approve a consultant services agreement with Tetra Tech BAS, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $363,700, inclusive of a $33,100 contingency, for a Composting Facility Feasibility Study at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Biosolids generated at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) are currently hauled offsite by a third-party, which has been increasingly expensive and presents long-term logistical concerns. The Wastewater Management Division (WMD) is seeking the services of Tetra Tech BAS, Inc., (Tetra Tech), to conduct a composting facility feasibility study for the RWRF, which would include evaluation of potential options with associated costs for an on-site composting facility that would process biosolids generated at the RWRF. BACKGROUND The RWRF is a biological, secondary level treatment facility, treating approximately 60 million gallons per day of wastewater, resulting in over 250 wet tons of Class B biosolids. The facility also receives Anaerobically Digestible Material such as fats, oils, and grease and a variety of food waste from processing plants, commercial kitchens, and industrial plants for co-digestion. All biosolids are currently taken offsite by a third-party hauler to different venues for reuse, including direct land application, composting, and mine remediation. This practice has been relatively costly for the WMD. Additionally, logistical issues with haulers for keeping up with the increased biosolids production and the RWRF's limited capacity to store biosolids onsite has also been an increasing concern. The feasibility study will evaluate having an onsite composting facility that will process the biosolids, Tetra Tech will review current and anticipated future regulations for its impact on the City's current biosolids management practices. In accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 4, Article 1, and Administrative Order 6-19, the Department of Public Utilities conducted a competitive process for selecting a consultant to provide the requested professional services for this Project. On March 10, 2023, a Request for Proposals was published in the Business Journal and posted on the City's Planet Bids website. On April 20, 2023, four sealed proposals were received. A selection committee, consisting of representatives from WMD, the Solid Waste Management Division, and the Utilities Planning and Engineering Division evaluated the proposals. Upon review of the qualifications for meeting the various criteria and analysis of the proposed fee, Tetra Tech was ultimately selected based on having met the criteria of the evaluation. Staff recommends City Council approve a consultant services agreement with Tetra Tech for a total amount not to exceed $363,700, which includes a contingency amount of $33,100. Funding for this Project is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Wastewater Enterprise Fund. A standardized consultant service agreement has been approved as to form by the City Attorney's Office and has been used in accordance with Administrative Order 4-4. The consultant's Certificates of Insurance has been approved by the City's Risk Management Division. Upon approval by the City Council, the consultant service agreement will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities, or designee. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this Consultant Services Agreement is not a "project" for the purposes of CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented per Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-109(b)(3), as staff believes there are less than three local firms providing the specific consulting service within the area of expertise for the subject matter of work. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact to the General Fund. This Project is located within Council District 3. Funding for this Project is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Wastewater Enterprise Fund. Attachments: Attachment 1 - Consultant Services Agreement Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map