HomeMy WebLinkAboutA014 - Resolution awarding contract to Wulfekuhle Injection and Pumping of Peosta, IA, for FY 2025/26 WPC Biosolids Disposal Contract using unit prices as bid in a total amount not to exceed $104,687.50ITEM #:15
DATE:07-08-25
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY THREE-YEAR BIOSOLIDS
HAULING CONTRACT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) produces approximately 30,000
gallons of Class II biosolids each day. Throughout the year, biosolids are stored in the
facility’s biosolids storage lagoon and secondary digester and ultimately disposed of by land
application as fertilizer on City-owned farm ground directly adjacent to the WPCF.
The bulk of the land application occurs in the fall after crops have been harvested; however,
some land application is performed throughout the year to maintain adequate storage
capacity. Primary hauling in the fall is conducted by a contracted hauler and periodic hauling
throughout the year is performed by City staff.
On June 10, 2025 City Council accepted completion of the 2024/25 Biosolids Disposal
Contract, which then expired on June 30, 2025. On May 15, 2025, a request for proposals
was issued for a new three-year Biosolids Hauling Contract. The work was bid on a unit price
basis, as the exact number of gallons disposed may vary from year to year. On Friday, June
5, 2025, two bid submittals were received as follows.
Bidders
Lagoon Cleaning Digester Cleaning
Total Bid
Amount
Mobilization/
Demobilization
Unit Price per
Gallon
(based on
2,500,000
gallons)
Mobilization/
Demobilization
Unit Price per
Gallon
(based on
175,000
gallons)
Midwest
Injection, Inc.$5,000.00 $0.0269 $5,000.00 $0.14 $101,750.00
Wulfekuhle
Injection &
Pumping
$5,000.00 $0.0225 $5,000.00 $0.10 $83,750.00
Both bidders provided fixed pricing across all three years of the contract with no
annual cost escalator in the second or third years.
The adopted FY 2025/26 operating budget includes $115,000 for this work. Award of the
second and third years of the contract will be made annually based on satisfactory
performance of the contractor and on the appropriation of funding.
Based on the total bid amounts presented above, staff recommends that an award be
made to Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping. Wulfekuhle held the prior contract, and
performed acceptably. Because the work takes place in a very short window each fall, staff
1
is recommending that the award include a “not to exceed” amount that is higher than the
budget amount. The rationale for this unusual step is that it would not be possible to obtain
Council approval for a change order on short notice if one was necessary during the fall
hauling window. Staff is recommending that the contract’s not-to-exceed amount be 25%
higher than the contract amount, or $104,687.50 for FY 2025/26.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award the FY 2025/26 contract for biosolids disposal to Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping
of Peosta, Iowa, with payment based on the unit prices bid of $5,000 per
mobilization/demobilization, $0.0225 per gallon for annual lagoon biosolids hauling
operations, $0.10 per gallon for annual digester biosolids hauling, and with the total
contract amount not to exceed $104,687.50.
2. Award a contract to the other bidder.
3. Do not award a contract and direct staff to obtain spot market pricing for biosolids
disposal.
4. Do not award a contract for biosolids and direct staff to purchase the additional
equipment necessary to perform the work with City staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Disposal of biosolids at the WPC Facility is necessary for uninterrupted operation of the
facility and continued compliance with the facility’s permit. Wulfekuhle Injection &
Pumping successfully completed the prior 3-year Biosolids Hauling Contract, and has
been determined to be the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the next contract.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as described above.
2