Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for powder activated carbon for Austin Water with Arq Purification, LLC d/b/a Arq Purification, for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $4,300,000. Funding: $358,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Water.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $358,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 2200 JRN1038 for these goods. The solicitation was published on February 2, 2026, and closed on March 2, 2026. Of the seven offers 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=143708.
MBE/WBE:
This contract will be awarded in compliance with the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
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:
May 20, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Austin Water and Wastewater Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide powder activated carbon (PAC) for the treatment of the City’s drinking water. PAC is used to remove taste and odor compounds, ensuring water quality and palatability. Historically, elevated levels of plankton and algae in Lake Austin and Lake Travis have contributed to taste and odor issues. More recently, the presence of zebra mussels in the source water has necessitated the continuous use of PAC at all three water treatment plants. This proactive approach helps mitigate taste and odor concerns that may arise from zebra mussel die-offs.
The contract replaces a contract expiring on August 17, 2026. The requested authorization amount is based on historical usage and projected future needs. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these goods.
If a contract is not secured, Austin Water would be unable to properly treat drinking water, potentially impacting current water treatment operations.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
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Initial Term |
2 years |
$1,720,000 |
|
Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$860,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$860,000 |
|
Optional Extension 3 |
1 year |
$860,000 |
|
Total |
5 years |
$4,300,000 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.