ITB for Aluminum Based Coagulant

The City of Portland, Oregon Bureau of Environmental Services issued a multi-award ITB for aluminum-based coagulants for the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant, with bids due May 8, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. through the City's BuySpeed procurement portal. The solicitation was amended by Addendum No. 1, effective May 5, 2025, which modified pricing-firm provisions and clarified that prices remain firm only during the first 12 months of the contract period, with any subsequent pricing changes requiring written amendment.

The scope covers high-basicity polyaluminum chloride or high-basicity aluminum chlorohydrate meeting specified chemical parameters: aluminum fraction 12.1–12.8% w/w, aluminum oxide fraction 23.0–24.2% w/w, basicity 75–86%, and specific gravity 1.32–1.36 at 20 degrees Celsius. The City treats approximately 3 billion gallons of wastewater annually through its Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) system and estimates annual consumption of 35,000 gallons, totaling 175,000 gallons over the five-year contract term. Bidders must submit manufacturer certifications and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and comply with Oregon Hazard Communication Rules. Delivery must occur within three calendar days for regular orders and eight hours for emergency orders, between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., with trucks maintaining a minimum 3,600-gallon capacity. Prices must be FOB destination, freight prepaid, and inclusive of all permits, licenses, packing, handling, shipping, delivery, and unloading. General commercial liability insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence and automobile liability insurance of $2 million are mandatory. Bidders must obtain EEO certification, equal benefits compliance, a City of Portland business license tax account number, and Oregon business registration prior to award.

Award was based on the lowest responsive and responsible bid price. The City received two bids on May 8 and issued a Notice of Intent to Award Price Agreements on May 20, 2025, selecting Alumichem USA, Inc. of Richmond, British Columbia, and Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas. No pre-bid meeting or site visit was held.