Treatment of our potable drinking water requires the addition of sulfuric acid to the raw water coming into the plant. This lowers the water's pH for proper performance of the treatment membranes. We use approximately 4,855 tons of acid per year, depending on water demand at the Norwood Water Treatment Plant.
In line with the North Miami Beach Strategic Plan’s mission of providing exceptional municipal services and being financially responsible, the City routinely participates with the Southeast Florida Governmental Cooperative Purchasing Group. The group is comprised of government entities from the southeast region of Florida and provides cost savings and cost avoidances to member entities by utilizing the buying power of combined requirements for common basic items.
The City of Deerfield Beach, acting as the lead agency issued Bid #2018-19/22 “Sulfuric Acid 93% for Water Treatment Plant Operations”. The contract was awarded to Sulfuric Acid Trading Company, Inc. (SATCO) a three-year contract, with provisions for up to three one-year renewals, starting on June 1, 2019. There is a semiannual regular price adjustments based on market indexes because the cost of sulfuric acid can vary depending on worldwide demand, so that the City can always be assured of paying a fair market price. The current price is $190.00 per ton.
Section 3-2.2 of the City’s Code of Ordinances provides that the Chief Procurement Officer has the authority to join with other governmental entities in cooperative purchasing plans, when the best interests of the City would be served. The City has estimated an annual expenditure of $922,537 for the purchase of 93% sulfuric acid.
Section 3-3.14 of the City’s Code of Ordinances provides that contracts in excess of fifty thousand ($50,000.00) dollars shall be awarded by City Commission.