TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2014
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to increase cost estimate for Contract 02-111-3M TARP Pump No. 8 Rehabilitation, Main Stream Pumping Station, from $2,500,000.00 to $4,500,000.00, Account 401-50000-645700, Requisition 1345011
Body
Dear Sir:
On August 9, 2012, the Board of Commissioners authorized the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to advertise Contract 02-111-3M TARP Pump No. 8 Rehabilitation, Main Stream Pumping Station, at an engineer's estimated cost of $2,500,000.00. The sole bidder's cost was $9,272,000.00.
Since that time, the Engineering Department has reviewed the scope of work and adjusted the required work for the contract. The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate TARP Pump No. 8, including the full on-site inspection of electrical and mechanical components with replacement, as necessary. The pump is a critical component of the TARP system and requires rehabilitation to improve its efficiency and ensure that it can continue functioning properly. While TARP Pump No. 8 has been maintained and is in service, it is over 25 years old and has never been rehabilitated since its installation. Our evaluation has determined that the clearances between the wear rings have increased beyond the maximum recommended by the pump manufacturer. This increased clearance leads to increased recirculation within the pump and a decrease in the pump efficiency. The energy lost due to the excessive wear is estimated to cost approximately $68,500/year. Also, the increased wear ring clearance has led to the pump mechanical seal operating under a pressure that is 170% of its design condition and the motor thrust bearing seeing a 160% increased thrust load from design condition. Therefore, due to its condition and age, the increased risk of failure necessitates its rehabilitation to ensure the appropriate level of service and increase the pump's efficiency. All ancillary work originally included in the contract has since been removed.
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to increase the cost estimate for Contract 02-111-3M from $2,500,000.00 to $4,500,000.00.
Funds for the revised cost estimate are available in Account 401-50000-645700.
Requested, Catherine A. O'Connor, Director of Engineering, MVL:JAW
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 6, 2014