2026 33 45-Tons Neat of Bulk Liquid Zinc Orthophosphate “Carus 3280 or Approved Equal

The City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, solicited sealed bids through PennBid for 33 to 45 tons of bulk liquid zinc orthophosphate ("Carus 3280 or Approved Equal") for its potable water corrosion control, with bids due and opened electronically on August 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The solicitation is closed, and the bid tabulation identifies Carus LLC's bid as the lowest responsive of three. No set-aside or preference applies. The City "encourages women and minority businesses to bid," which is an encouragement rather than a participation goal.

The product must be certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 60, and bidders must show at least five years of experience furnishing similar goods or services. Bidders must also submit three references, technical service descriptions, technical support representative resumes, current Safety Data Sheets, and a current financial statement.

Deliveries are bulk tank truck loads of about 3,500 gallons to the City's Water Treatment Plant at 355 Granger Road, Northampton, Pennsylvania, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding holidays, within five working days of a telephone order. Each delivery requires a Certificate of Analysis identifying the manufacturing lot number. The product must perform at an equivalent dosage addition rate of 1.5 to 1.6 mg/L, with lead guaranteed below 1 ppm. Prices must be delivered and all-inclusive.

Bidders post a bid deposit of not less than 10% of the bid amount. The successful bidder furnishes performance and payment bonds, each equal to 100% of the total contract price, with sureties rated B+, A, or A+ by A.M. Best Company or equivalent.

The contract runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with four one-year renewal options and pricing negotiations beginning at least 90 days before each renewal. The tabulation reflects two options: a 12-month contract for 43 tons and an 18-month contract for the same quantity. Total bids were Carus LLC at $66,908.00, Shannon Chemical Corporation at $67,669.96, and George S. Coyne Chemical Co., Inc. at $79,064.20. For the 12-month option, unit prices per ton were $33,454.00 (Carus), $33,834.98 (Shannon), and $39,115.05 (Coyne).

The City will award to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder and reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities. Legal notices must run in the Bethlehem Press and online, and on the City website, on two consecutive Wednesdays beginning July 29, 2026, with a proof of publication affidavit required.