Title
Requisition No. REQ-0002500
Southwest Water Treatment Plant Flocculation Improvements
CIP #113010 / BCE Score: N/A
Body
Agenda of: March 11, 2026
Item No.: 2026-092
Amount: $5,338,719.00
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: March 2, 2026
RE: Requisition No. REQ-0002500
Southwest Water Treatment Plant Flocculation Improvements
Vendor: CDM Smith Michigan, Inc.
Status: New Contract/PO
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Cheryl Porter, Chief Operating Officer - Water and Field Services, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), authorizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into Requisition No. REQ-0002500, “Southwest Water Treatment Plant Flocculation Improvements” with CDM Smith Michigan, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $5,338,719.00 for a duration of 2,012 days; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
The existing walking beam-style flocculators were installed in the early 2000s under Contract DWS-814 and are beyond the design life with frequent failures. The walking beam flocculation technology is unique for Southwest Water Treatment Plant (SWWTP) and uses many bearings that increase maintenance demands. This proposed engineering design services contract is for flocculator replacement at the SWWTP with new, vertical style units, and other necessary supporting improvements. Vertical style flocculators have been used successfully at the Water Works Water Treatment Plant and require less maintenance. This proposed contract provides design, construction administration, and resident project representative services.
JUSTIFICATION
Flocculator replacement at the SWWTP by July 31, 2031, is necessary to meet the Administrative Compliance Agreement (ACA-399-15-2023) between the Great Lakes Water Authority and the State of Michigan. Flocculator replacement best ensures the reliability, maintainability, safety, and performance of the plant’s flocculation system.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Summary: Sufficient funds are provided in the financial plan for this project.
Funding Source: 5519 - Water Construction Fund
Cost Center: 880000 - Capital Improvement Fund
Expense Type: 617950 - Design
Project: PRJ-113010
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Estimating Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year
FY 2026 Planned Spend $ 507,000.00
FY 2027 Planned Spend 1,022,000.00
FY 2028 Planned Spend 1,121,000.00
FY 2029 Planned Spend 690,000.00
FY 2030 Planned Spend 690,000.00
FY 2031 Planned Spend 690,000.00
FY 31-35 Planned Spend 175,000.00
Financial Plan Estimate $ 4,895,000.00
Proposed Contract Award 5,338,719.00
Estimating Variance $ (443,719.00)
FY 2026 Plan Spend per CIP $ 69,000.00
FY 2026 Plan Spend adjusted for award value 507,000.00
FY 2026 Estimating Variance $ 438,000.00
A budget amendment will be made to return the surplus to Capital Reserves for FY26 in the amount of $438,000.00. The balance of the original negative estimating variance of ($ 443,719.00) will be adjusted for in the future CIP Plan documents.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on March 11, 2026.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.