Agenda Item Wording:
title
Award a contract for the supply of ferric chloride - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to California Water Technologies for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility for a one-year term, with four annual renewal options, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $167,000 for a total contract limit of $835,000.
body
Agenda Date: 04/06/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, ben.litwack@visalia.city, 559-713-4671
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to award a one-year contract, with four annual renewal options, to California Water Technologies for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $167,000 and a total contract limit of $835,000 over the five-year term.
Summary:
Following award and execution of the ferric chloride supply contract to Pur Water, LLC under RFB 25-26-28, Pur Water notified the City that it would not be able to supply ferric chloride at its bid price. Staff subsequently evaluated the next lowest bidder, Mar Vista Resources, who also informed the City that they could not honor their bid pricing. Staff now recommends awarding the contract to the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder, California Water Technologies. The contract term will be one year with four additional annual renewal options. The recommended contract includes an annual not-to-exceed amount of $167,000 and a total five-year limit of $835,000.
Background Discussion:
Ferric chloride is an essential treatment chemical used at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to control hydrogen sulfide production in the digesters. By suppressing hydrogen sulfide generation, ferric chloride helps preserve digester infrastructure and supports compliance with emissions requirements established by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
On August 11, 2025, the City of Visalia issued Request for Bids (RFB) 25-26-28 for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the WRF. Bids were received on September 3, 2025, and Pur Water, LLC submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid, followed by Mar Vista Resources and California Water Technologies.
After contract award and execution, Pur Water informed the City that it would not be able to supply ferric chloride at its bid price. Staff then evaluated the next lowest bidder, Mar Vista Resources, who also indicated they could not honor their bid pricing. As a result, staff evaluated the remaining bidders and determined that California Water Technologies is the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder capable of providing the required chemical supply.
Staff recommends awarding a one-year contract, with four annual renewal options, to California Water Technologies for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the WRF.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
Staff is requesting an annual not-to-exceed (NTE) amount of $167,000. This amount reflects a proportional increase over California Water Technologies’ bid ($147,600) consistent with the contingency applied in the original award to account for potential annual price escalation and increased chemical usage as flows and loadings increase at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility.
The contract will not exceed $167,000 annually, with a total NTE of $835,000 over the full five-year term. Funds are budgeted annually in the Wastewater Operations Budget within 4332-54450.
Prior Council Action:
May 16, 2019 - Awarded $50,000 annual contract with four renewal options to Pencco.
November 18, 2024 - Awarded $125,000 sole source contract to Pencco.
October 6, 2025 - Awarded a contract to Pur Water, LLC for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility under RFB 25-26-08.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to award a one-year contract, with four annual renewal options, to California Water Technologies for the supply and delivery of ferric chloride to the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $167,000 and a total contract limit of $835,000 over the five-year term.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 04/06/2026
Attachments:
RFB 25-26-08
Addendum No. 1
California Water Technologies Bid
Ownership Disclosure
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
|
☐ Economic Vitality |
☐  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☒  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |