Title
Thermal Hydrolysis Process Design-Build Construction Phase
Action
Action:
Approve a guaranteed maximum price of $12,064,319 with PC Construction Company for design-build construction services for the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Thermal Hydrolysis and Biosolids Improvements project.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Charles, Charlotte Water
David Czerr, Charlotte Water
Chuck Bliss, Charlotte Water
Explanation
§ This project will construct a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) system at the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in the Town of Pineville (adjacent to Council District 7).
§ THP is an enhanced biosolids treatment process that destroys pathogens and reduces the volume of biosolids. This process supports the city’s Strategic Energy Action Plan goals by enhancing biogas production and on-site energy generation.
§ Design-build projects consist of two phases. The design phase delivers the project design, and the construction phase will provide one or more guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to finalize the design and construct the project.
§ On November 14, 2022, following a competitive solicitation process, City Council approved a contract for $14,145,000 with PC Construction Company for design-build design services for the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Thermal Hydrolysis and Biosolids Improvements project.
§ The city’s design-build delivery method is in conformance with NC General Statute Section 143-128.1(a) and consistent with the Design-Build Institute of America best practices.
§ The project is anticipated to be complete by the second quarter of 2032.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Effective July 1, 2026, Session Law 2026-41 eliminated the authority of North Carolina local governments to use race-conscious and gender-conscious contracting requirements. In compliance with the new law, no MBE/WBE/MWBE/MSBE/WSBE/MWSBE goals or compliance requirements will be included in city contracts. SBE goals are not affected and shall continue to be used in compliance with the CBI program and applicable law.
Small Business Participation
The city negotiates small business contract participation for design-build contracts after scopes of work are defined for design and construction services. PC Construction Company has committed $414,275 or 4.28% of total construction services contract amount to the following certified firm(s) after excluding the $2,376,947 submittal cost for equipment because the scope of work does not present subcontracting opportunities:
§ CA Clean (SBE) ($9,275) (janitorial services)
§ M & C Investments, Inc. dba Cochrane Steel (SBE) ($405,000) (reinforcing steel submittal production and fabrication)
Fiscal Note
Funding: Charlotte Water Capital Investment Plan