Staff recommends that City Council approve the Professional Services Contract with AE2S for W.O. 22-45: Willett and Christensen Pump Station Improvements, in the amount of $227,000.

Within the City of Billings water distribution system, pressure zone #2 serves "mid-town" Billings.  Willett Pump Station supplies water to Zone 2, as well as maintains adequate storage in the Staples reservoirs.  To achieve more efficiency and flexibility in providing water to Zone 2, Willett Pump Station needs a third pump installed.  This station has another pump slot available, so the project will add a third pump and an associated variable frequency drive (VFD).  Also included at Willett Pump Station is the relocation of an existing flow meter; and evaluations of hydraulics, piping, valves, and the building structure to determine other improvements that may be needed in the future to further benefit the entire operating system.

Pressure zone #6 provides water to northwest Billings, north of Highway 3.  Christensen Pump Station, located by Logan Reservoir near the airport, serves Zone 6.  It is currently the only means of providing water to Zone 6, so pumps inside Christensen Pump Station operate continuously.  Due to recent developments within Zone 6 and the lack of Zone 6 storage, the existing fire flow pumps in Christensen Pump Station is not large enough to provide sufficient flows.  This project will replace the existing fire flow pump with a larger one controlled by a VFD.  There is the possibility that one of the existing duty pumps needs to be replaced and upsized in Christensen Pump Station as well, and this determination is part of the project.  Also included in the project is an evaluation of the hydraulics and operating scenarios between the pump station and the anticipated Zone 6 water storage reservoir that will be constructed in the future.

The scope of work includes sizing the pumps at both locations, design of all associated electrical and process improvements, full design for installation, bidding, and construction contract administration (including part-time inspection).

The City requested proposals for professional engineering services from a prequalified list derived from the established Statement of Qualifications.  Two proposals were received, and AE2S was selected for the project using the proposal process.  The consultant selection was based on Project Team and Availability, Project Approach, and Firm Qualifications and Experience related to the project needs.

City Council may:

• Approve award of a Professional Services Contract with AE2S; or,
• Not approve a contract with AE2S.  If this agreement is not approved, this required work will be delayed, which could adversely affect the City's ability to provide sufficient quantities of water to the respective zones.  

The contract is in the amount of $227,000 and is being funded with water funds as approved in the FY23 budget.  There are adequate funds available for this contract amount.