City Seeks Bids for New Landfill Cell

The City published another landfill related Request for Proposal.  The scope of work states:

The City of San Angelo is requesting bids for the construction of a 6.5 acre solid waste cell at the City of San Angelo Landfill. Construction of the cell will include general excavation, subgrade preparation, and installation of protective cover and leachate collection system components.

Submittals are due by May 23rd.   Oddly, the City's contract with Trashaway-Republic Services includes these very items as the contractor's responsibility.

What appeared to be a conflict in fact was not.  The City's contract with Trashaway-Republic prohibits the contractor from building a new cell in the last two years of the agreement without the express written consent of the city. 

I found the RFP evaluation criteria interesting in light of the varying criteria the city used for waste collection and landfill operation.

1.1.7. Evaluation Criteria
•Cost (75%)
Respondent shall provide detailed cost information as outlined in the Request. In analyzing Proposals, the City may take into consideration alternates and unit prices.
•Respondents Reputation for Products/ Services (20%)
Respondent shall provide a list of References for similar projects, including the identification of the City and contact information, a description of the project, and any relevant information regarding the similarities of past projects not otherwise readily apparent. (All references shall be for work completed in the last five (5) years). Additionally, respondent should identify whether any projects identified herein resulted in claims, litigation or arbitration.
• Past Relationship with the Municipality and Local Experience (5%)
Respondent shall provide a list of References for similar projects completed for the City of San Angelo, including a description of the project, and any relevant information regarding the similarities of past project not otherwise readily apparent. (All references shall be for work completed in the last five (5) years)
• Experience with Projects in the City Of San Angelo Area (within 150 mile Radius) (5%)
Respondent shall provide a list of References for similar projects completed in the general area of City of San Angelo, including a description of the project, City contact information, and any relevant information regarding the similarities of past project not otherwise readily apparent. (All references shall be for work completed in the last five (5) years)

The City's weighting adds up to 105%.  The varying cost weights in this arena are as follows:

Waste Collection - Cost 15%
Landfill Operation - Cost 35%
New Landfill Cell - Cost 75%

Disclosure:  This post was updated based on my finding contract language regarding new landfill cells in the City's Trashaway-Republic agreement.