Submitted By: Laurie Hornberger
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Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Water & Sewer
FORMAL TITLE:
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Purchase of multiple actuators for Water Treatment Plant No.1 filters and pipe actuators system from Floworks USA, LP, doing business as Flotech, Inc. with a total cost of $115,350
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Sole Source (SSP 239) released to the public on 2/3/2026
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala’s Water Treatment Plant No. 1 has been in continuous operation since 1972, serving as the sole provider of drinking water for more than 69,000 residents. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility produces an average of 15 million gallons of award-winning potable water daily. A team of trained and licensed operators is on-site around the clock, conducting water quality tests every two hours to ensure compliance with, and exceedance of, all drinking water standards.
Lime water softening is a chemical precipitation process used to remove calcium and magnesium hardness from Florida’s groundwater. By adding lime (calcium hydroxide) to raw water, the pH is raised to convert dissolved bicarbonates into insoluble calcium carbonate, which settles out and is removed as sludge. The softened water goes through multimedia filtration (usually sand or anthracite layers) to remove any remaining microscopic particles. Finally, disinfectants (such as chlorine or chloramines) are added before the water is sent to the tap.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On February 3, 2026 the City advertised Sole Source Posting (SSP) No. SSP-239 to verify that Floworks USA, LP, dba Flotech, Inc. was the exclusive distributor for Limitorque actuators. SSP-239 was advertised for a period of 15 business days as required by section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, and closed on 2/25/2026. There were no objections from any other vendors.
The sand filtration system consists of six trains comprising multiple actuators of various sizes, which operate sequentially during the filter backwashing process. This system has been in operation since the 1970s, and the most recent rehab was in the late 1990's. Currently, several actuators are exhibiting signs of wear and potential failure. To ensure continued reliability and maintain regulatory compliance, staff recommends approval of this purchase to initiate the replacement of these components.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for repair and maintenance of these units is available in account #308-030-266-533-53-46010.
PROCUREMENT
The procurement of these goods and services was conducted in compliance with the City’s Procurement policy.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods and services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City’s Standard Purchase Order Terms & Conditions will be utilized for the procurement of these goods
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
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• Deny