Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for a biogas membrane for Austin Water with EWT Holdings III Corp dba Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, for a one-time purchase in an amount not to exceed $767,357. Funding: $767,357 is available in Austin Water’s Operating Budget.
De
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Water.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $767,357 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water.
MBE/WBE:
Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
July 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Austin Water and Wastewater Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide the City with a replacement biogas storage membrane for the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant. This storage membrane will replace the failing membrane currently in service and allow for the facility to continue to beneficially use the biogas produced by the treatment process. This membrane is critical to the plant’s biogas system, which fuels the onsite cogeneration unit.
This is a sole source purchase as the biogas membranes are unique in design as they form a particular shape when interfacing with the existing infrastructure and restraining cables. Evoqua holds the pattern trademark for these membranes and can guarantee that the replacement membranes will fit Hornsby’s digester and profile when installed with the existing cables. Achieving a proper fit/seal is critical to prevent leakage of a potentially ignitable biogas (60% methane) which presents a safety concern.
A delay in contract approval could impact the functionality of anaerobic digesters, reducing the facility’s capacity and elevating the risk to operations.