STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: February 26, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
EXECUTIVE: Dev Rastogi
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a three-year service price agreement for E. coli testing in rivers and lakes for the Dallas Water Utilities Department with Texas A & M AgriLife Research through an interlocal agreement with Texas A & M System - Estimated amount of $369,600.00 - Financing: Stormwater Drainage Management Fund (subject to annual appropriations)
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BACKGROUND
This action does not encumber funds; the purpose of a service price agreement is to establish firm pricing for services, for a specific term, which are ordered on an as needed basis according to annual budgetary appropriations. The estimated amount is intended as guidance rather than a cap on spending under the agreement, so that actual need combined with the amount budgeted will determine the amount spent under this agreement.
This service price agreement will provide the City of Dallas with a bacterial source tracking approach that uses two DNA fingerprinting techniques (ERIC-PCR and Riboprinting) to characterize E. coli from unknown sources and compare them against E. coli from known sources in the Texas E. coli BST Library.
The bacterial source tracking approach is based on known-source samples collected from various sources in Texas waterways, including humans, domesticated animals, and numerous wildlife species. Other primary source tracking providers include Source Molecular and Microbial Insights. These source-tracking approaches are generally based on quantitative detection (qPCR) of markers specific to certain source classes (e.g., humans). Good markers are available for some sources (e.g., humans, cattle), but markers for some sources, especially wildlife, are limited.
Dr. Gentry’s lab is the only lab currently offering BST services based on the Texas E. coli BST Library. In addition, their unique analysis technique provides more specific source identification for E. coli, thus promoting targeted BMP implementation for E. coli reduction in our impaired water bodies throughout the city of Dallas.
With the establishment of the monitoring program, we will initiate the BST process for the impaired sites. The first step involves using the E. coli DNA Testing Method (Vendor - Terry Gentry - Texas A&M) to determine the origin of E. coli: human or animal (domesticated or wild). This data will then guide the development of appropriate BMPs. For instance, if the bacteria are of human origin, it suggests nearby/upstream SSO or illegal sanitary connections. Therefore, we will collaborate with the Wastewater Team to inspect the surrounding sanitary lines for leaks or connections and rectify them. Conversely, if the bacteria are of animal origin, particularly domesticated animals, we will work with the Outreach Team to establish an outreach program to educate residents about proper pet waste disposal.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality mandates the City of Dallas to implement a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program to enhance water quality in rivers, lakes, and estuaries. The BST sampling plays a crucial role in this program, enabling the City of Dallas to put the TMDL into action by identifying the sources of pollutant loads and outlining measures to reduce them through regulatory and voluntary activities. The TMDL-BST Program is designed to meet the requirements of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act and its implementing regulations.
On November 10, 2015, the City Council authorized a living wage policy that requires contractors to pay their employees a “living wage” rate as established annually by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator for Dallas County by Resolution No. 15-2141. The current calculated living wage during the solicitation process of this contract is $22.05; the selected vendor meets this requirement.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On December 8, 2021, the City Council authorized a service price agreement contract with Texas A & M AgriLife Research for E. coli testing in rivers by Resolution No. 21-1988.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
Stormwater Drainage Management Fund |
$100,000.00 |
$123,200.00 |
$146,400.00 |
M/WBE INFORMATION
In accordance with the City’s Business Inclusion and Development Policy adopted on September 23, 2020, by Resolution No. 20-1430, as amended, the M/WBE participation on this contract is as follows:
|
Contract Amount |
Procurement Category |
M/WBE Goal |
|
$369,600.00 |
Other Services |
N/A |
|
M/WBE Subcontracting % |
M/WBE Overall % |
M/WBE Overall Participation $ |
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
• The Business Inclusion and Development Policy does not apply to Interlocal Purchasing Agreements. |
|
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research - Non-local; Workforce - 0.00% Local |
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
Method of Evaluation for Award Type:
|
Interlocal Agreement/Inter governmental Agreement |
• Interlocal agreements/intergovernmental agreements allow the City to take advantage of competitively bid contracts by a State agency or local government and enable the City to purchase goods or services at lower prices |
|
|
• Interlocal agreements/intergovernmental agreements are an alternative method of meeting the requirements for competitive bidding or competitive sealed proposals, not an exception from that requirement |
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OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
600 John Kimbrough Blvd.
College Station, TX 77843
Loree Lewis, Executive Director
MAP
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