TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kristin Daniels, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Jennifer Hyde, Procurement Manager
FROM: Shelby Ball, Procurement Specialist
DATE: February 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Award of Bid 2026015 for Operations of the Biosolids Dewatering Facility, Sludge Dewatering and Hauling
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BACKGROUND
On behalf of the Department of Utility Services, competitive sealed bids were solicited for the operation of the Biosolids Dewatering Facility located at the County Landfill located at 1350 74th Ave. SW, Vero Beach. The facility receives domestic residuals, septage and grease from Indian River County wastewater treatment facilities, local septic tank haulers, and recreational vehicles. The Contractor will operate the Biosolids Dewatering Facility and haul sludge from the three County owned wastewater treatment facilities to the Biosolids Dewatering Facility. The Contractor will also be responsible for dewatering the sludge and disposing of it in the County Landfill.
The current agreement for these services was awarded to Synagro South, LLC on February 16, 2021, and is set to expire on February 28, 2026. Excluding the month of February, 2026, the total paid to Synagro for these services during the previous five year term was $4,374,884.58. The term of the new agreement is one year, with four additional one- year extensions available, subject to vendor acceptance, satisfactory performance, and staff’s determination that renewal is in the best interest of the County.
ANALYSIS
BID RESULTS:
Advertising Date: December 23, 2025
Bid Opening Date: January 21, 2026
Broadcast to: 227 Subscribers
Specifications/Plans Downloaded by: 22 Vendors
Replies: 1 Vendor
Annual Price for Hauling Annual Price for Processing/Dewatering Annual Bid Price
$564,300 $577,200 $1,141,500
The Department of Utilities Services has determined Synagro South, LLC to be the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding will come from the Utilities operating funds, which are derived from water and sewer sales. Hauling from the Wastewater Treatment Plants will come from the Utilities Operating Fund Utilities/Wastewater Treatment/Sludge Removal (47121836-044730) account, and processing and dewatering costs will be paid from the Utilities Operating Fund Utilities/Sludge/Other Professional Services (47125736-033190) account.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board award Bid 2026015 to Synagro South, LLC, approve the sample agreement and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement after receipt and approval of the required public construction bond and insurance and after approval by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.