HomeMy WebLinkAbout4427 Resolution - Sole Source Purchase for Caustic SodaResolution Sole Source Purchase of Caustic Soda - 1
RESOLUTION NO. 4427
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE 50%
SOLUTION (CAUSTIC SODA) FROM NORTHSTAR CHEMICAL, INC.
FOR THE CITY OF PASCO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
WHEREAS, it is critical for the City of Pasco (City) to have proper chemicals to perform
wastewater treatment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP); and
WHEREAS, the City has the need to purchase Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic
soda) on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, the City currently uses Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda)
supplied by Northstar Chemical, Inc. and Northstar Chemical-owned tanks; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Pasco hereby determines that the paramount
considerations in the acquisition of Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda) is compatible
with existing equipment, inventory and systems; and
WHEREAS, the use of Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda) equipment is
clearly and legitimately limited to a single source of supply, as detailed in the Sole Source
Worksheet attached hereto as Exhibit A, to support current operation standards, this purchase
becomes subject to waiving competitive bidding requirements per RCW 35.23.352(9) competitive
bidding requirements and RCW 39.04.280(1)(a) sole source and RCW 39.04.280 (1)(b) special
market conditions; and
WHEREAS, RCW 39.04.280(2)(a) requires that prior to utilizing the sole source
exemption the City Council must first adopt a Resolution reciting the factual basis supporting the
exemption; and
WHEREAS, the City Council pursuant to 39.04.280(2)(a) finds that such factual basis as
described herein and detailed in the Sole Source Worksheet does support application of the sole
source exemption as pertaining to the purchase of Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda)
for the WWTP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON:
The City Council of Pasco hereby find the above-described circumstance is justification
for the waiver of bidding requirements under the authority of RCW 35.23.352(9) and pursuant to
sole source provider (RCW 39.04.280(1)(a)) and special facilities or market conditions (RCW
39.04.280(1)(b)) and, therefore, the bidding requirement is hereby waived for the purchase of
Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda) from Northstar Chemical, Inc.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DE6296C4-725A-4840-85BF-8A3BCF2D040E
Resolution Sole Source Purchase of Caustic Soda - 2
Be It Further Resolved, that the City of Pasco Public Works Department purchase
Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution (caustic soda) from Northstar Chemical, Inc for a minimum
amount of 48,000 pounds throughout the 5-year agreement. As a note, in 2023 the City of Pasco
Public Works Department spent $420,462.85 purchasing Sodium Hydroxide 50% solution
(caustic soda) for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Be It Further Resolved, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 4th day of March, 2024.
_____________________________
Pete Serrano
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorneys
DocuSign Envelope ID: DE6296C4-725A-4840-85BF-8A3BCF2D040E
Resolution Sole Source Purchase of Caustic Soda - 3
Exhibit A
SOLE SOURCE WORKSHEET
Requisition Item: Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution (Caustic Soda) Requisition No.
Prior Purchase Order Number (if item had been approved previously): signed agreement October 29, 2014.
1. Please describe the items and its function: Chemical used in wastewater treatment for at the City
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
2. This is a sole source because:
☒ sole provider of a licensed or patented good or service
☒ sole provider of items that are compatible with existing equipment, inventory, systems,
programs or services
☒ sole provider of goods and services for which the City has established a standard
☐ sole provider of goods or services that will meet the specialized needs of the City or
perform the intended function (please detail below or in an attachment)
☐ the vendor/distributor is a holder of a used item that would represent good value and is
advantageous to the City (please attach information on market price survey, availability,
etc.)
3. What necessary features does this vendor provide which are not available from other vendors?
Please be specific. The vendor owns & provides the chemical tank and equipment necessary onsite
for storing the chemical (sodium hydroxide 50% solution/caustic soda).
4. What steps were taken to verify that these features are not available elsewhere?
☐ Other brands/manufacturers were examined (please list phone numbers and names and
explain why these were not suitable).
☐ Other vendors were contacted (please list phone numbers and names and explain why these
were not suitable).
X Vendor owns existing equipment and is replacing failed equipment.
5. Sole source vendor certifies that the City is getting the lowest price offered for the item.
Certification of Need
This recommendation for sole source is based upon an objective review of the product/service required and
appears to be in the best interest of the City. I know of no conflict of interest on my part of personal
involvement in any way with this request. No gratuities, favors or comprising actions have been taken.
Neither has my personal familiarity with particular brands, types or equipment, materials or firm been a
deciding influence on my request to sole source this purchase.
By: Puna Clarke, PE - Public Works Senior Engineer Date: 01-31-2024
Sole source purchases are defined as clearly and legitimately limited to a single supplier. Sole source
purchases are normally not allowed except when based upon strong technological grounds such as
operational compatibility with existing equipment and related parts or upon a clearly unique and cost
effective feature requirement.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DE6296C4-725A-4840-85BF-8A3BCF2D040E