HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - approving procurement of single-source methane generator engine services, in accordance with Purchasing Policies, and award contract to Interstate Power Systems of Altoona, Iowa, $99,597 RESOLUTION NO. 22-515
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF SINGLE-SOURCE
METHANE GENERATOR ENGINE SERVICES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
ADOPTED PURCHASING POLICIES,AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO
INTERSTATE POWER SYSTEMS OF ALTOONA, IOWA
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) utilizes combined heat and
power by operating methane generator engines from gas produced as a byproduct of the anaerobic
digestion process. The methane generator engines, in turn, supply heat to maintain the temperature
of the digesters and offset approximately twenty percent of the electrical costs for plant operations;
and,
WHEREAS, the methane generator engine's manufacturer recommends 8-year cycles
between overhauls due to the nature of gas produced by the anaerobic digestion process. The gas
is referred to as "sour gas" and is harsher on the engines than natural gas because of impurities
such as hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes; and,
WHEREAS, Methane Generator Engine No. 2 (MG-2) is original to the plant and was
installed in 1988. MG-2 was last overhauled in 2013 and is now in need of repair. Since the last
overhaul, a project to replace Methane Generator Engine No. 1 with a boiler was completed.
During that project, MG-2 was damaged and an emergency repair was completed by Interstate
Power Systems. The repair was sufficient at the time, but the engine is now showing decreased
efficiency and needs a full overhaul with the replacement of main components such as cylinders
1, 3, and 8. Additionally, the exhaust gas heat exchanger has not been functional for several years
which has decreased the efficiency of this system. Currently, MG-2 is out of operation due to the
required maintenance, resulting in higher electrical costs for WPCF; and,
WHEREAS, the methane generator engines are unique and require specialized knowledge
and expertise that has been demonstrated by Interstate Power Systems. They have performed
several economical upgrades to the cogeneration system, and the cost for the proposed work is
consistent with previous repairs. Staff has discussed this project with Purchasing to confirm it
meets the single source purchasing requirements. For these reasons, staff is recommending single
sourcing this work through Interstate Power Systems; and,
WHEREAS, the adopted CIP includes $250,000 for maintenance associated with the
cogeneration system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the authorization of the procurement of single-source methane generator engine services, in
accordance with the adopted Purchasing Policies, and awarding of a contract to Interstate Power
Systems of Altoona, Iowa, in the amount of$99,597 is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 271h day of September, 2022.
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Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Betcher
Seconded by: Beatty-Hansen
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 271h day of September, 2022.