SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Change Order to Razorback LLC to extend the project completion date by 150 calendar days, from June 19, 2026 through November 16, 2026, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
To regulate concentrate flow rates into Injection Well IW-1 at Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant No. 2 (RO-2) and maintain a relatively constant level within the concentrate storage tank, the City of Clearwater (City) requires modifications to the wellhead piping. The project includes the installation of a modulating flow control valve in place of the existing 10-inch gate valve located adjacent to the wellhead tee. These improvements are intended to prevent cascading water from entering into the injection well.
Public Utilities issued Invitation to Bid 20-0020-UT for construction services for this project, which closed on February 12, 2025. Razorback LLC, of Tarpon Springs, FL submitted the lowest and only responsive bid in accordance with the plans and specifications. Following review, the Engineer of Record and City staff recommend awarding the construction contract to Razorback in the amount of $213,888.40.
On September 5, 2025, the City’s Public Utilities Department executed a construction contract with Razorback LLC for this project, and a Notice to Proceed was issued on November 6, 2025.
On January 29, 2026, The City was first informed of a valve delay. On April 1st, the Public Utilities Director approved change order #1 for a time extension of 90 days through June 09, 2026.
In June 2026, Razorback notified the City that delivery of the flow control valve had been delayed beyond the contract completion date and provided documentation from the manufacturer explaining the cause of the delay.
According to Flow-Tek, the manufacturer, the purchase order was received on September 26, 2025, and production was initially scheduled for February 11, 2026, based on the lead times provided for the required components. During fabrication, Flow-Tek discovered an inventory discrepancy involving the required V-ball component. The manufacturer expedited a replacement order; however, the shipment was subsequently lost in transit. After confirming the shipment could not be recovered, Flow-Tek placed a second expedited order for the replacement component. The manufacturer is currently awaiting delivery of the component to complete assembly and ship the valve to the construction site.
The contractor's most recent update indicates an anticipated shipping date of August 3, 2026. Based on the revised Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule submitted by the contractor, final completion is projected for October 7, 2026. Staff is recommending approval of a 150-calendar-day contract extension to November 16, 2026, to accommodate the manufacturing delay and provide sufficient time to complete installation, testing, and project closeout. No change to construction contract costs are anticipated.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
In furtherance of the Council’s Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts.
