Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Sole Source Contract #20260319 for the Purchase of Horizontal Chopper Pumps with F.J. Nugent & Associates, Inc.
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Submitted By: Alaina Knofla, Procurement Manager, Procurement Management Division (PMD).
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Alaina Knofla, Procurement Management Division (PMD).
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and F.J. Nugent & Associates, Inc.
3. Purpose: To replace the existing pumps at the Utility Systems Department’s (“USD”) Glades Repump Station with new chopper pumps.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: One year from execution date.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Replacement of the existing pumps at the Glades Repump Station with new chopper pumps will help prevent clogs before they occur, resulting in decreased service disruptions and lower maintenance needs. This improvement will provide more reliable service for residents, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and help ensure a smoother and more dependable system.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): Not to exceed $329,922.00 ($109,974.00 per pump; three (3) pumps total).
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council waive formal bidding, per City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.08(a)(25)(a)(1) (sole source where the compatibility of equipment, accessories, or replacement parts is of paramount consideration), and approve Contract #20260319 for the purchase of Horizontal Chopper Pumps with F.J. Nugent & Associates, Inc.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Sole Source Contract #20260319.
2. Move that the Council not approve Sole Source Contract #20260319 and provide staff with direction.
Background: The existing pumps at the Glades Repump Station are prone to clogging caused by solids and fibrous materials in the wastewater stream, including disposable wipes, rags, and paper products. These materials frequently obstruct pump impellers, resulting in reduced pumping capacity, unplanned shutdowns, and repeated maintenance interventions. This recurring issue affects operational reliability and increases long-term costs. In 2025, a chopper pump was purchased to test the product’s capability. Based on the results, replacing the existing units with chopper pumps will eliminate clogging by macerating debris before it reaches the impellers. This upgrade will improve system performance, reduce service disruptions, and lower maintenance requirements, ensuring a more dependable and efficient wastewater operation for the Utility Systems Department.
Issues/Analysis: F.J. Nugent & Associates, Inc. is the appointed distributor and sole source provider for Vaughan Company Inc. pumps in the State of Florida, providing exclusive access to all sales, services, and genuine parts. Based on this sole-source designation and the assurance of authorized support, staff recommends proceeding with this purchase.
Financial Information: Funds are appropriated within the USD Renewal & Replacement Fund for the Glades Wastewater Treatment Facility: 438-3513-563000.
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: Glades Repump Station.
Attachments:
1. Signed Contract.
2. Sole Source Approval.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26230-04.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.