Title
Vote on a request to waive the competitive bid process, and award a piggyback bid for the purchase of activated carbon powder, provided in super sacks, for the Chatham County Water Treatment Plant to Cabot Norit.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to award a piggyback contract to Cabot Norit Americas, Inc., for the purchase of activated carbon powder, provided in super sacks, for the Chatham County Water Treatment Plant at $.80 per pound.
Introduction & Background: The Town of Cary conducted a formal bid for water treatment chemicals in February, 2018. The activated carbon was awarded to Cabot Norit Americas, Inc. as the low bid, by the town counsel on May 29, 2018.
Chatham County conducted a formal bid for chemicals in July 2018, with one bid for activated carbon, at twice the price from the prior vendor.
Cary and Chatham County both share responsibilities for maintaining the water quality at Jordan Lake. In years past, Cary and Chatham have used the same activated carbon with good results. Cary’s award in May of the February bid was awarded to a new vendor, Cabot Norit.
Chatham County would save money with the piggyback, as well as continue the same product as Cary.
Discussion & Analysis: North Carolina General Statute 143-129(g) authorizes local governments to purchase without bidding from a person or entity that has, within the last 12 months, contracted to furnish an item to another public agency.
The Town of Cary solicited for bids in February, 2018. They received six bids for the Activated Carbon-Super Sack, with Cabot Norit being the lowest bid. Cabot Norit is willing to extend the same pricing to Chatham County, at $.80 per pound.
Per General Statute 143-129(g) the vendor must be willing to extend the same or better pricing to the County. The piggyback award must take place at a regular scheduled board meeting, and the County must publish the Intent to Award a Piggyback Contract no less than 10 days prior to the scheduled board meeting. The advertisement is scheduled for the Chatham News on Thursday, August 8, 2018.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Provide infrastructure to support desired development and support economic development and environmental objectives - The use of carbon ensures that the quality of water treated by the County is as high as possible by removing potential contaminants. High quality treated water ensures confidence in the water system which is critical to a strong water infrastructure.
Budgetary Impact: Activated Carbon is a standard water treatment chemical and included in the budget for the Water Treatment Department.
Recommendation: Motion to award a piggyback contract to Cabot Norit Americas, Inc., for the purchase of activated carbon powder, provided in super sacks, for the Chatham County Water Treatment Plant at $.80 per pound.