PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
REQUEST TO APPROVE A CONTRACT FROM SYNAGRO SOUTH, LLC
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On May 14, 2025, Martin County received one responsive proposal to RFP 2025-3671 for Advanced Waste Residuals Processing and Beneficial Use Recovery. Synagro South, LLC, partnered with Sedron Technologies to propose the innovative Varcor® system - a proven, energy-efficient drying technology that converts dewatered biosolids into reclaimed water, liquid nitrogen fertilizer, and dry solids suitable for beneficial reuse or renewable fuel, while achieving PFAS destruction through high-temperature processing. Per Board direction, contracts valued at $1,000,000 or more require approval by the Board of County Commissioners.
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DEPARTMENT: Utilities and Solid Waste
PREPARED BY: Name: Matthew Graham
Title: Assistant County Administrator
REQUESTED BY:
PRESET: 10:30 AM
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Martin County currently manages approximately 8,000 wet tons per year of dewatered biosolids generated at the Jensen Beach and Tropical Farms Wastewater Treatment Facilities. In anticipation of emerging regulatory concerns regarding PFAS and the desire to move toward more sustainable, advanced processing technologies that maximize resource recovery and minimize environmental impact, the County formally solicited proposals under RFP 2025-3671 on March 28, 2025, seeking long-term advanced processing and beneficial use recovery services. The solicitation was published in the Stuart News and posted on DemandStar. Proposals were due May 14, 2025. DemandStar records indicate that 1,183 suppliers were notified, 27 firms downloaded the solicitation package, and one firm submitted a proposal (see attached List of Proposers). Other third-party bidding sites/plan rooms may also have picked up and shared the notice, but statistics from those sources are not available. The full reach of the solicitation is unknown, though it is assumed to be much greater than the DemandStar data reflects.
Section 17.1.E of the Martin County Purchasing Manual states that, “In the event only one responsive submittal is received, or the submittals received are over the County’s budget for the project, the County reserves the right to award to the sole responsive vendor, negotiate with the sole responsive vendor, re-advertise the solicitation, with or without making changes to the evaluation factors, or elect not to proceed.” Given the unique nature of this solicitation, the County chose to proceed with the Selection Committee process to ensure a thorough review and a well-supported recommendation for award.
ISSUES:
A Selection Committee consisting of five (5) members with relevant industry and environmental expertise convened on May 21, 2025 in a publicly advertised meeting to review and score the proposal. Following completion of the preliminary evaluations, the Committee recommended that the shortlisted firm provide a formal presentation. On June 16, 2025, Synagro presented its proposal to the Committee and addressed all questions. Upon conclusion of the presentation, the Committee reconvened to finalize scoring and issue its recommendation for award. Copies of the Selection Committee score sheets are attached. The Committee determined the proposal to be responsive, responsible, and highly advantageous to the County. The proposed Sedron Varcor® technology represents a significant advancement over traditional drying and land-application methods, offering:
• Up to 97% reduction in energy use compared to conventional thermal dryers
• Production of reclaimed water, liquid fertilizer, and >90% dry solids
• Verified PFAS destruction through subsequent high-temperature utilization
• A new regional facility to be constructed in Indiantown, Florida (construction anticipated 2025-2026)
The proposed pricing of $149.50 per wet ton ($122 processing + $27.50 transportation) is reasonable and competitive given the advanced technology and resource-recovery benefits provided.
On June 24, 2025, the County initiated negotiations with Synagro South, LLC to finalize the contract terms and conditions. The negotiated contract is included with this item.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
1. Move that the Board award the contract to Synagro South, LLC; and
2. Move that the Board authorize the County Administrator or designee to execute all documents related to this request.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Direct staff to re-issue the RFP and seek other proposals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
The proposed pricing of $149.50 per wet ton results in an estimated annual cost of $1,196,000 based on 8,000 wet tons. Funding is available in the Utilities and Solid Waste Fund.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.