Staff recommends the City Council reject all bids and not award a contract for W.O. 23-23: Briarwood H2S Mitigation.

W.O. 23-23: Briarwood H2S Mitigation, provides a chemical injection system for the lower Briarwood sewer main near the lift station in order to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S).  A recent study of the waste water collection system in the City of Billings determined that there are several areas that have elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.  These levels of hydrogen sulfide create a corrosive environment that damages and greatly reduces the usable lifespan of the sewer lines.  In order to combat this problem, Jacobs Engineering designed a chemical injection system consisting of a chemical storage tank, chemical dosing pumps, and other miscellaneous equipment.  The study found that the lower Briarwood sewer contained the highest levels of H2S, which is why it was chosen as the site for this project.   

The project was advertised on February 9th, 16th, 23rd, and March 1st, 2024, in the Yellowstone County News and on the City’s website. Bids were opened on March 5th, 2024, and two bids were received. COP Construction submitted the lowest, responsible bid.  However, the low bid exceeds the available project budget.

Staff recommends rejecting bids.  Staff will review a lower cost solution and re-bid with a modified scope of work that will still work to mitigate hydrogen sulfide.  With a lower cost alternative, this type of system could be used in other areas of the City with elevated hydrogen sulfide levels. 

City Council may:

• Reject all bids. There are no viable alternatives to this action.

The following bids were received:

Contractor	Base Bid
COP Construction	$633,400.00
Western Municipal Construction	$799,800.00

The project was budgeted in FY24 using Wastewater Funds in the amount of $500,000.  Bids exceed the available project budget.