Posting Language
Title
Authorize two contracts for sodium bisulfate for Austin Water with Gasochem International LLC d/b/a Gasochem International and Univar Solutions USA LLC d/b/a Univar Solutions USA or Univar USA, for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $2,920,000. Funding: $150,000 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 $150,000 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 BYS1051REBID for these goods. The solicitation was published on May 11, 2026, and closed on June 9, 2026. Of the three offers received, the bids submitted by the recommended contractors were the lowest responsive bids 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=144089.
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. However, the recommended contractor identified subcontracting opportunities.
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:
August 19, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
These contracts will provide sodium bisulfate, which is used to reduce residual chlorine in treated effluent whenever the primary sulfur dioxide dosing system is offline. Chlorine reduction is crucial to protect aquatic life and the environment.
The contracts replace a contract expiring August 4, 2027. The contracts were solicited early due to increased needs associated with the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, where the primary sulfur dioxide system will be taken offline. The requested authorization is based on historical spending and projected future needs. The recommended contractors are not the current suppliers of these goods.
A delay in contract approval could impact the City’s ability to maintain an adequate backup system, potentially harming aquatic life and the environment, which could result in a fine from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
|
Initial Term |
2 years |
$1,800,000 |
|
Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$900,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$110,000 |
|
Optional Extension 3 |
1 year |
$110,000 |
|
Total |
5 years |
$2,920,000 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.