SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Award a construction contract to JDS Pipe, Inc. for the FDEM-HMGP Lift Station Platforms project in the amount of $6,336,305.80, pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 26-0022-UT; approve a time extension for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Grant 4337-484-R Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The City of Clearwater owns and operates seven lift stations located throughout Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Beach, and Island Estates, many of which are situated adjacent to beach and dock areas. During Hurricane Irma, it became evident that historic storm surge events were traveling further inland and reaching greater depths, resulting in flooding impacts to several lift stations.
If storm surge or flooding inundates the lift stations’ telemetry systems, control panels, and/or power connections, the facilities may lose power, sustain damage, or become inoperable. Failure of these control systems could result in sanitary sewer overflows and associated service disruptions.
On April 22, 2026, the city opened bidding seeking a company that could make certain improvements to the City’s lift stations to address storm surge and flooding concerns and subsequently received two bids from pre-qualified bidders. JDS Pipe Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder and the other bidder was Cathcart Construction Company - Florida, LLC.
The proposed improvements to be provided by JDS Pipe Inc. will elevate the telemetry systems, control panels, and power connections at Lift Stations LS-09, LS-10, LS-11, LS-28, LS-35, LS-39, and LS-80 above established Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood hazard elevation. These improvements are intended to reduce the risk of damage and service disruptions caused by storm surge flooding during severe weather events.
In addition, this construction contract will focus on furnishing and installing wet wells, valve vaults, and duplex pumping systems to increase capacity at LS-9 and LS-10, as recommended in the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan, City Project Number 17-0006-UT.
On December 15, 2022, City Council approved a federal subaward grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FDEM) for the 4337-484-R Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in the amount of $462,000.00, which was originally set to expire on January 31, 2024. The grant was provided to fund a portion of the lift station improvements detailed herein. The term of the agreement has been previously extended and was set to expire on December 31, 2026. However, FDEM has now agreed to extend the term of the grant agreement to March 31, 2027.
Therefore, staff seeks approval of a construction contract with JDS Pipe Inc. to provide the aforementioned improvements to the lift stations as well as approval of the extension of the term of the grant agreement with FDEM.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3217321-546900-M2604 $5,328,513.34
3277327-546900-M2604 $1,007,486.66
Funding is available in capital project M2604, Lift Station Point Repairs & Improvements, funded by revenues from the Water & Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Establishing this contract offers a high level of service to our residents. It meets the City’s Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts. It also meets the City’s Strategic Plan to achieve Environmental Stewardship to implement proactive solutions for a sustainable and resilient community.
