CI
TY OF SIMI VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
F
ebruary 9, 2026
To: B
oard of Directors, Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 Fr
om: Public Works Department
Ron Fuchiwaki, Public Works Director
Subject: Authorization to waive the bidding process pursuant to the Simi Valley Municipal Code and award a contract to D&H Water Systems , Inc. for the replacement of the hypochlorite generation system at the Tapo Canyon Water Treatment Plant, CP76300061
S
taff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the Board of Directors:
1. F
ind that equipment produced by Evoqua Water Technologies (Evoqua) is necessary to ensure uniformity and compatibility with the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8’s (District) existing Tapo Canyon Water Treatment Plant (TCWTP) and determine that D&H Water Systems, Inc. (D&H) is the only distributor for such equipment; and
2. B
ased upon such findings, waive bidding requirements and award a contract to D&H (Attachment A) in the amount of $ 235,000 for the replacement of the hypochlorite generation system at the TCWTP.
B
ackground
D
esigned by D&H in 2010, the TCWTP was constructed that same year to produce approximately 30 million gallons of water annually for direct distribution within the District’s water system. The TCWTP’s hypochlorite generation system —including the brine storage tank, hypochlorite storage tank, associated piping, and electronic components—requires redesign and replacement to meet current standards and ensure the continued safe and reliable disinfection of the District’s drinking water.
T
he existing hypochlorite generation system, manufactured by Evoqua, has exceeded its expected service life of five to eight years. A new system will provide operational benefits, including improved energy efficiency and reduced chemical and maintenance costs.
W
hile other hypochlorite generation technologies are available, D&H is also the exclusive distributor and authorized service provider for Evoqua’s OSEC L Hypochlorite Generation System. Additionally, evaluating alternative equipment would require a detailed engineering analysis of plant processes, upstream compatibility, and integration with AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (3)
existing control systems. Staff determined that this evaluation would significantly increase project cost and delay implementation. Replacing the existing unit in -kind maintains operational continuity with proven equipment and avoids unnecessary expenditures on analysis and modifications.
Discussion
D&H has provided water quality analytical equipment, chemical feed equipment, reservoir mixing systems, and disinfectant management systems to the City/District for more than 15 years. Their expertise and familiarity with the District’s infrastructure enable them to design and implement an optimized replacement that considers space limitations, environmental factors, and local water quality standards.
D&H is also the exclusive distributor and authorized service provider for Evoqua’s OSEC L Hypochlorite Generation System, which eliminates the need to handle hazardous chemicals and is suitable for the TCWTP’s compact layout.
Based on proven performance, technical understanding of the project scope, and direct experience with the TCWTP, staff determined that D&H is highly qualified to provide the replacement equipment. Engaging D&H also minimizes staff time otherwise required t o communicate detailed system information to a new vendor. The design and installation phases are anticipated to be completed by September 2026.
Given D&H’s familiarity with the facility, its status as an exclusive supplier and service provider, and the absence of competitive alternatives, utilizing a bidding process would not produce any public benefit. Therefore, this agreement meets the bidding procedure “Exception” requirements in Simi Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Section 2-9.201(e).
Financial Impact
$235,000. The cost was included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget for the Hypochlorite Generation System Project, CP76300061. No additional funds are required.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Reliable Infrastructure Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to:
1. Find that equipment produced by Evoqua is necessary to ensure uniformity and compatibility with the District’s existing TCWTP and determine that D&H is the only distributor for such equipment; and
2. Based upon such findings, waive bidding requirements and award a contract to D&H in the amount of $235,000 for the replacement of the hypochlorite generation system at the TCWTP.
2 Summary
Designed by D&H in 2010, the TCWTP was constructed that same year to produce approximately 30 million gallons of water annually for direct distribution within the District’s water system. The TCWTP’s hypochlorite generation system —including the brine storage tank, hypochlorite storage tank, associated piping, and electronic components—requires redesign and replacement to meet current standards and ensure the continued safe and reliable disinfection of the District’s drinking water. It is recommended that th e Board of Directors f ind that equipment produced by Evoqua is necessary to ensure uniformity and compatibility with the District ’s existing TCWTP and determine that D&H is the only distributor for such equipment; and, based upon such findings, waive bidding requirements and award a contract to D&H in the amount of $235,000 for the replacement of the hypochlorite generation system at the TCWTP.
Prepared by: Michel Kadah, Principal Engineer
Attachments
Attachment A - Agreement
3 Attachment A
AGREEMENT NO. 3260664
Services Agreement
CONTRACTOR: D& H WATER SYSTEMS, INC. DATE MAILED: 02/ 09/2026 Below you will find a checklist relating to Insurance and other requirements that are required for doing business with the Ci ty of Simi Valley. Only those items checked- off are MANDATORY, however if your standard policies exceed the minimum requirements please include. Commercial general liability insurance must meet or exceed the requirements of ISO -CGL Form No. CG 00 01 11 85 or 88, or equivalent. The amount of insurance set forth below will be a combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. Liability policies will be endorsed to name the City, its officials, and employees as “additional insureds” under said insurance coverage and to state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by the City will be excess thereto. Such insurance must be on an “occurrence,” not a “claims made,” basis and will not be cancelable or subject to reduction except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the City.