2024-ISS-162_SS_1752_Att_A.pdf

The document is an Exemption Revision Form and Sole Source Form from Sarasota County Public Utilities, specifically the Wastewater Division, seeking to renew a sole source procurement with Huber Technology Inc. for the Huber STEPSCREEN® machine used in wastewater treatment at the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility. The procurement is for parts and service for a machine that filters sewage from sewer lines, screening incoming wastewater effluent, collecting and separating solids from liquids. The renewal is for a one-year period from 5/24/2024 to 5/23/2025, with an estimated expenditure of $50,000.00 per fiscal year.

The sole source justification is based on the proprietary nature of the STEPSCREEN® technology, with Huber Technology Inc. being the only authorized vendor for parts and service. The county argues that changing to another process would require complete re-engineering of the existing collection system, and the current brand has been field-tested in Sarasota County for many years. The staff is familiar with the system and platform, and no other vendors can supply a similar product or service. The procurement has been approved by the county's procurement officials, with authorization for expenditures up to $50,000 prior to final approval by county administrators.