Background:
The Utilities Department requires a continuous supply of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) for the treatment of both wastewater and potable water. When injected into wastewater, CO2 forms carbonic acid, which naturally adjusts the pH to a suitable level. In water treatment, CO2 is added following lime softening to reduce pH and improve the chemical stability of the treated water.
The City participates in the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing Cooperative Group, with the City of Pompano Beach serving as the lead agency for the procurement of liquid carbon dioxide. Pompano Beach previously awarded a cooperative contract for these services, under which Airgas USA, LLC has been providing reliable CO2 delivery to the participating agencies since 2019.
As the prior cooperative contract has expired, the City of Pompano Beach awarded a new solicitation, ITB26-036 - Carbon Dioxide Liquid Bulk Delivery, on behalf of the Cooperative Group on June 23, 2026. The solicitation was competitively advertised, evaluated, and awarded to Airgas USA, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The new price of $590.00 per ton, or 0.295 per lb, is a 1.7% increase over the previous contract.
Approval is requested for the City of Sunrise to purchase liquid carbon dioxide through this newly awarded cooperative contract, ITB26-036, with the City of Pompano Beach as the lead agency. The new contract will be effective for a term of three years, with two optional one-year renewals. Utilizing this cooperative contract enables the City of Sunrise to benefit from leveraged pricing and the combined purchasing power of multiple agencies.
Since these purchases will be made under an existing governmental contract awarded through a competitive process, the City’s formal bidding procedures are waived pursuant to Section 5-173(c)(4) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Sunrise.