Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
Subject
SUBJECT: LIQUID WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES
Action
ACTION: APPROVE CONTRACT AWARD
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a five-year, firm fixed unit rate Contract No. OP64570000 to Western Environmental Services for Liquid Waste Removal Services in an amount not-to-exceed $6,961,410, effective December 16, 2019, subject to resolution of protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
The liquid waste removed from Metro facilities must be evacuated from the wastewater processing systems by a licensed transporter and transported to a fully permitted Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF). This contract award for liquid waste removal services will ensure that Metro facilities are safely disposing of liquid waste and remain in compliance with hazardous and non-hazardous material laws and regulations.
On July 30, 2019, invitation for bid was issued in accordance with Metro’s Acquisition Policy and the contract type is a firm fixed unit price. A Pre-Bid Conference was held on August 7, 2019. One bid was received on the due date of August 26, 2019 from Western Environmental Services, current contractor, which was determined to be responsive and responsible to the minimum qualification requirements.
Background
BACKGROUND
Metro Bus and Rail Operation facilities generate approximately 1.7 million gallons of liquid waste each year during the servicing of wastewater processing systems (e.g., clarifiers, sump pits, storage tanks, stormceptors and caustic tanks). These wastewater processing systems collect liquid waste associated with the steam cleaning of bus and rail car components, chassis jet cleaning of buses, interior and exterior washing of buses and rail cars, stormceptors and waste storage tanks.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
As a generator of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste, Metro is required to comply with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. This includes ensuring the waste is legally removed and transported by a licensed transporter to a permitted TSDF for proper treatment and disposal. Additionally, the routine servicing of the various wastewater processing systems shall ensure their efficient and effective operation as well as ensure Metro is compliant with applicable hazardous and non-hazardous laws and regulations.
Metro’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations will greatly reduce Metro’s liability, minimizing the possibility of regulatory fines/notice to comply orders and negative publicity. Furthermore, Metro will preserve and protect the safety of the environment, the public and Metro staff.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The approval of this contract will ensure that hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste is properly transported and disposed at permitted and fully licensed facilities. The services provided under this contract shall ensure Metro facilities accumulate and schedule the removal of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste in compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The funding of $625,000 for this service is included in the FY20 budget in cost center 3120, Quality Assurance, Service Contract Services, under project number 306002, 300022, 300033, 300044, 300055 and 300066 Bus and Rail Operation Maintenance.
Since this is a multi-year contract, the cost center manager and Senior Executive Officer, Maintenance will be accountable for budgeting the cost in future years.
Impact to Budget
The current year funding for this action will come from Enterprise operating fund. The source of funds for this procurement will come from Federal, State and local funding sources including sales tax and fares that are eligible for Bus and Rail Operating Projects. These funding sources will maximize the use of funds for these activities.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommended contract award supports Metro Vision 2028 Strategic Goal 5: Provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance; Initiative 5.2- Metro will exercise good public policy judgement and sound fiscal stewardship. The approval of this contract will ensure that Metro compliant with all local, state and federal laws and regulations, and ensure compliance with Metro environmental compliance policies and procedures.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Metro may engage the services of a contractor to provide liquid waste removal services on an as-needed basis. This alternative is not recommended because without fixed unit-rate pricing and a routine service schedule, costs can vary, and pick-up schedules may not meet Metro’s service requirements.
We also considered providing the services through Metro in-house staff. However, this alternative is not recommended since a licensed transporter is required to remove and transport hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste from Metro facilities. Furthermore, the treatment and disposal of the liquid waste can only be performed by a permitted TSDF. Metro does not have the necessary vehicles, facilities, equipment, licenses, permits or trained personnel to transport or dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid waste.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval by the Board, staff will execute Contract No. OP64570000 with Western Environmental Services, for liquid waste removal service.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Daniel Ramirez, Division Maintenance Superintendent, (213) 922-5197
James Jimenez, Sr. Manager Environmental Compliance & Services, (213) 922-5870
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: James T. Gallagher, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3108
Debra Avila, Chief, Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 418-3051
