Agenda Item Wording:
title
Award of annual contract for analytical laboratory services - Authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract, not to exceed $260,000 per year, with four (4) annual renewal options to Moore Twining Associates for analytical laboratory services in support of regulatory compliance and operational monitoring for the City of Visalia.
body
Agenda Date: 02/17/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, 559-713-4671, ben.litwack@visalia.gov
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, 559-713-4052, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract, not to exceed $260,000 per year, with four (4) annual renewal options to Moore Twining Associates, Inc. for analytical laboratory services in support of regulatory compliance and operational monitoring for the City of Visalia.
Summary:
This item authorizes the award of an annual professional services contract for analytical laboratory testing services required to support regulatory compliance and operational decision-making across multiple City programs, including the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), Pretreatment Program, and Stormwater Program.
Background Discussion:
The City issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 24-25-32 on October 10, 2025, seeking qualified analytical laboratories to provide routine and specialized testing services. These services are essential for process control, regulatory compliance, and reporting obligations associated with wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, and stormwater monitoring.
Two firms submitted proposals in response to the RFP: BSK Associates and Moore Twining Associates, Inc. Staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation of both written proposals and interviewed each firm. Evaluation criteria included technical qualifications, analytical capabilities, experience with regulatory compliance, quality assurance and quality control procedures, responsiveness, and overall value to the City.
Following the evaluation process, staff determined that Moore Twining Associates, Inc. submitted the highest-rated proposal and demonstrated superior technical expertise, depth of services, and understanding of the City’s regulatory and operational needs.
The contract will primarily support the Water Reclamation Facility by providing analytical testing required for process control and compliance with state and federal wastewater regulations. The Pretreatment Program will also utilize the laboratory for analysis of samples collected from industrial dischargers to monitor permit compliance and calculate user billing. Additionally, the Public Works Corporation Yard will use the laboratory to analyze stormwater samples collected after qualifying storm events in accordance with the City’s Industrial General Permit.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The proposed agreement is an annual contract with a not-to-exceed (NTE) amount of $260,000, with four (4) annual renewal options. The majority of contract costs will be funded through the Wastewater Fund (431), primarily within the Quality Assurance (QA) and Biosolids divisions, 4333 and 4336, respectively. Analytical testing associated with stormwater sampling at the Corporation Yard will be funded by the respective operating divisions that have staff or vehicles located at the Corporation Yard. Sufficient funding is included in the adopted operating budgets, and no additional appropriations are requested.
Prior Council Action:
December 16, 2019: Awarded annual contract to Moore Twining Associates, Inc. for analytical laboratory services.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract, not to exceed $260,000 per year, with four (4) annual renewal options to Moore Twining Associates, Inc. for analytical laboratory services in support of regulatory compliance and operational monitoring for the City of Visalia.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 02/17/2026
Attachments: 1) RFP 24-25-32; 2) Moore Twining Proposal; 3) Moore Twining Fee; 4) Proposal 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 |