Agenda Item Wording:
title
Award annual contract for backflow testing, repairs, and maintenance services at various city owned locations - Authorize the City Manager to award contract to AAA Backflow Prevention for an annual amount not to exceed amount of $49,842.50.
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Prepared by: Daryl Tillman, Park Maintenance Supervisor 559-713-4435; daryl.tillman@visalia.gov; Zach Huff, Urban Forestry Supervisor; zach.huff@visalia.gov; 559-713-4295; Ivan Nicar, Parks and Facilities Manager 559-713-4564; ivan.nicar@visalia.gov; Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 559-713-4042; jason.glick@visalia.gov.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the award of an annual contract for backflow testing, repairs, and maintenance services to AAA Backflow Prevention, of Stockton, CA, for an annual amount not to exceed amount of $49,842.50. The initial agreement is for a 12-month period, with an option to renew annually for 4 one-year periods upon providing satisfactory performance and as mutually agreed.
Summary:
The City of Visalia maintains more than 785 backflow prevention devices that serve City-owned facilities, parks, trails, and landscape and lighting districts. To comply with Cal Water regulations, these devices must be tested annually by certified backflow technicians. In addition, the devices require ongoing maintenance and repairs. The cost of this contract is budgeted annually within the appropriate divisions that utilize these services.
Background Discussion:
On October 29, 2025, the City solicited bids by advertising in the Visalia Times-Delta with the RFB posted on Bid-Net. The City also mailed RFB notices, inviting vendors to participate in this bidding process.
On December 11, 2025, the City received bids from six (6) vendors, but two (2) were rejected due to failure to submit the proper bid form and the required documents. Staff have reviewed the bid for calculation errors and conformance with specifications outlined in the RFB.
BIDDER SUMMARY
|
Bidders Name |
Location |
Annual Cost |
|
AAA Backflow Prevention |
Stockton, CA |
$49,842.50 |
|
Parker & Parker |
Visalia, CA |
$104,800.00 |
|
Robert Marks Plumbing |
Visalia, CA |
$126,750.00 |
|
American Inc. |
Visalia, CA |
$133,145.60 |
The low bidder is AAA Backflow Prevention. Their DIR number and CSLB C-36 license are current, and they are not listed on the DLSE debarment list. Staff reviewed the submitted backflow certificate and verified that the company is included on Cal Water’s approved backflow provider list and meets all required qualifications. AAA Backflow Prevention has previously performed work for the City of Visalia, and staff also contacted the listed references to confirm qualifications and customer satisfaction.
Annual price adjustments at the time of contract renewal will be based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Costs for any future additions to the project area, if necessary, will be calculated by multiplying the contractor’s unit price for backflow testing and applicable hourly rates by the number of backflow devices added to the contract.
The initial agreement is for a 12-month period, with an option to renew annually for 4 one-year periods upon providing satisfactory performance and as mutually agreed.
Fiscal Impact: The services for this contract are budgeted in the parks maintenance fund, 1622-54024, and 2731-55100, landscape and lighting districts fund and will not need a budget amendment.
Prior Council Action: None
Other: None
Alternatives: Reject bid and go out for another request for bidders.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract for backflow testing, repairs, and maintenance services at various City-owned locations to AAA Backflow Prevention, of Stockton, CA, for an annual amount not to exceed amount of $49,842.50
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
Attachments: RFB 24-25-41, sample contract, D-1 list of current backflows, E-1 City of Visalia labor compliance manual, E-2 State of California prevailing wage, RFB 24-25-41 addendum 1, RFB 24-25-41 addendum 2, bid summary, bid form, and disclosure list.