New Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB) Disposal System Project

OCWS Self-Performing the Construction and Procurement  

The County has chosen to implement the construction of the new 200 acre, 10 mgd rapid infiltration basins (RIBs) effluent disposal system by self-performing the work using OCWS staff and equipment, supplemented by some leased equipment and potentially temporary contract labor.  OCWS has implemented the construction of the RIBs in accordance with Chapter 255,  Public Property and Publicly Owned Buildings, Florida State Statues (F.S), Section 255.20, Local bids and contracts for public construction works; specification of state-produced lumber.  This statute states that a County government may “self-perform” public works projects valued at greater than $200,000 … “When the governing board of the local government, after public notice, conducts a public meeting under s. 286.011 and finds by a majority vote of the governing board that it is in the public's best interest to perform the project using its own services, employees, and equipment.”  As required in this statute, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) held a public meeting to discuss the County’s proposal to construct the 200 acre RIB Effluent Disposal Project for the Arbennie Pritchett WRF using OCWS staff and equipment, as supplemented in accordance with County Ordinances and State Statutes.  Further, the BCC voted to approve OCWS to self-perform this work.

Self-performing the project provides the following benefits to the County:

• OCWS estimates that self-performing the project could reduce the project costs by $3 million to $4 million dollars over contracting with an outside construction company. 
• OCWS has reviewed the construction requirements for the project and has determined that they have the necessary qualifications, labor, and available time to complete the project. 
• Self-performing the project will not require an increase in the current number of full-time staff, and that any additional increase in staffing will be by temporary contract employees if required.
• The construction will not increase the cost to the customers but will help to maintain the existing rate structure and costs.
• This implementation method may allow OCWS to invest in some equipment items that will have residual value and benefit to the County after this project is completed.
• There will be no significant impact on local economic development or small or minority business owners
• Since this is a project to construct new wastewater facilities there will be no significant impact on state or local tax revenues.
• OCWS will be better positioned to control the sequencing of activities to coordinate with other construction activities associated with the construction of the new Arbennie Pritchett WRF.
• OCWS can control the construction schedule and quality of the construction.

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