Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Sole Source Contract #20260281 for the Purchase of Polymer Utilized for Wastewater Treatment from Polydyne, 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 Polydyne, Inc.
3. Purpose: The Utility Systems Department (USD) requests approval to contract with Polydyne, Inc. as they are the sole source provider for the polymer used in the dewatering centrifuges at both wastewater treatment plants. Polymer is essential for proper centrifuge operation and is required as part of standard plant processes.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: One (1) Year contract to begin on January 1, 2027, with four (4) additional one (1) year renewal options.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Using Polydyne’s polymer ensures reliable and effective operation of the dewatering centrifuges, which depend on polymer to function properly. Polydyne’s formulas have proven uniquely compatible with the specific sludge characteristics at both wastewater treatment plants, helping to maintain consistent process stability and treatment efficiency. This helps to reduce operational disruptions that may occur when using untested or inferior polymers and supports continued compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, relying on a proven polymer reduces the need for repeated vendor testing, troubleshooting, or operational adjustments, ultimately saving staff time and decreasing operational risk to the City.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): $1.60 per pound, not to exceed $500,000.00 annually.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council waive the 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), as there are no commercially available substitutes for these components and/or replacement parts, which can only be purchased from the manufacture or distributor, and approve Contract #20260281 for the Purchase of Polymer Utilized for Wastewater Treatment from Polydyne, Inc.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Sole Source Contract #20260281.
2. Move that the Council not approve Sole Source Contract #20260281 and provide staff with direction.
Background: Both wastewater treatment plants require polymer to treat sludge during the dewatering process. Each polymer composition must closely match the unique chemical and physical characteristics of the sludge at each individual plant. Polydyne’s formulations have consistently been effective for the City’s specific operating environment, and no alternative vendor has produced a polymer composition that meets or exceeds the performance of Polydyne’s formulas.
Issues/Analysis: Polydyne, Inc. is the only supplier capable of providing the specific polymer products required to meet the USD’s operational, performance, and compatibility standards. Their polymers have demonstrated consistent and reliable results in our processes, and no alternative product has been able to meet the technical specifications or performance requirements necessary for uninterrupted operations.
Financial Information: Funds are appropriated within the USD Sewer Chemical Inventory Account (#431-00000-141006).
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Attachments:
1. Contract #20260281.
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: 26205-03.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.