Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for construction services for the Upper Harris Branch Wastewater Interceptor - Phase 1 project for Austin Water with S. J. Louis Construction of Texas, Ltd., in the amount of $18,814,464, plus a $1,881,447 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $20,695,911. Funding: $20,695,911 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Managing Department
Austin Capital Delivery Services.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1132 for these services. The solicitation was issued on August 4, 2025, and closed on October 9, 2025. Of the eleven bids received, the bid submitted by the recommended contractor was the lowest responsive bid received. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at <https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142959>.
MBE / WBE:
This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 5.74% MBE and 1.14% WBE participation.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
January 14, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
Austin Water’s collection system is a large and complex system, consisting of approximately 3,000 miles of wastewater mains and serving approximately 1 million customers, and is fundamental for the transfer of wastewater to Austin Water’s treatment plants. The Upper Harris Branch Wastewater Interceptor - Phase 1 project will construct the first section of a new wastewater line that provides gravity relief to the Dessau Wastewater Treatment Plant and multiple lift stations in the Harris Branch basin, enhancing wastewater service to properties in the area.
Work includes approximately 10,100 linear feet of new wastewater lines with approximately 3,300 linear feet being installed by trenchless methods. Work also includes connections to existing manholes, stormwater improvements, pedestrian and vehicular traffic control, trench safety standards, erosion control, tree protection, and vegetative restoration. These improvements combined with a future Phase 2 wastewater interceptor project will allow the abandonment of the Dessau Wastewater Treatment Plant and multiple lift stations.
Due to the potential for unforeseen conditions during construction phase, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. By authorizing the additional contingency funding, Council is authorizing any change orders within the contingency amount.
The project proposes lane closures and detours. The contractor will install appropriate traffic detour signs and barricades to safely guide motorists. Throughout construction, the contractor will make every effort to maintain driveway access for residents and businesses. If access must be temporarily restricted, written notice will be provided to affected property owner(s) at least 24 hours in advance.
If this contract is not approved, the wastewater system will be at risk for sanitary sewer overflows during wet weather events due to inflow and infiltration in the Harris Branch basin. In addition, costly upgrades may be required at the Dessau Wastewater Treatment Plant due to increased demand from surrounding customers.
The contract allows 800 calendar days for completion of this project.
This project is located within zip code 78653 (District 1) as well as the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.