Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007107 with the US Army Corps of Engineers, for the Design and Construction Assistance for the Detroit Lead Service Line Cutting Project, for a 25% percent cost to DWSD for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,000,000.00 and a term of one year, through 6/30/26. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
Body
Agenda of April 16, 2025
Item No.: 2025-78
Contract Number: 6007107
Contractor: US Army Corps of Engineers
Address: 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Contract Amount: $1,000,000.00
Contract Term: 5/1/25 - 6/30/26 (tentative upon BOWC approval)
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract 6007107
Lead Service Line Cutting Project
US Army Corps of Engineers
MOTION
Upon the recommendation of Marqaicha Welch, Procurement Manager, The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007107 with the US Army Corps of Engineers, for the Design and Construction Assistance for the Detroit Lead Service Line Cutting Project, for a 25% percent cost to DWSD for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,000,000.00 and a term of one year, through 6/30/26. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
There are over 50,000 properties in the City of Detroit where a structure has been demolished. Historically, the lead service line at demolished properties remained connected to the water main, was cut at the structure, “crimped” at the cut, and then left in the ground.
To protect public health and to comply with both state and federal lead and copper rules, abandoned lead lines must be cut at the corporation stop to ensure there is never a backflow or surge of potentially lead-tainted water from the abandoned lead lines into the public water system. The corporation stop is located at the main within the city’s right of way, primarily in the street or the berm. (See graphic at right)
The United States Army’s authority to provide design and construction assistance to cut lead service lines from the main is through Section 219 (f) (157) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102-580, as amended (hereinafter “Section 219”). Section 219 allows the Army Corps to assist non-federal entities in carrying out water-related environmental infrastructure projects, including design and planning assistance for projects like wastewater treatment facilities, water supply systems, and related resource protection initiatives; essentially allowing the Corps to help local communities with environmental infrastructure development through technical support and design work.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS AGREEMENT
Highlights of this proposed agreement include:
1. Detroit Water and Sewerage Department will provide GIS mapping that overlaps the list of demolished homes with its current lead service line inventory to identify worksites.
2. U.S. Army Corps will:
a. Conduct preliminary planning, including site assessment, obtaining all permits and approvals, and locating utilities.
b. Prepare the site, excavate the ground to expose the corporation stop, and perform required shoring and trenching activities.
c. Expose the lead service line at the point of connection to the water main. Use appropriate cutting tools to serve the lead service line as close as possible to the existing corporation stop.
d. Backfill and restore the site.
e. Document the entire process, including photographs, permits, inspection reports, and other relevant records.
3. Project to begin during 2026 construction season.
4. We anticipate 1,500 lines can be removed from the DWSD lead line inventory with the first funding increment.
PROCUREMENT METHOD
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will handle the procurement process and select contractors.
BUDGET
Construction costs for the initial increment of work are projected to be $4,000,000, with the amount of Federal funds available for the work limited to $3,000,000. DWSD’s share of construction costs for the initial increment of work is projected to be $1,000,000. Increments in work going forward will share costs at 75% Federal and 25% DWSD. Additional funds can be added to the project/this agreement. For new increments, DWSD and the City will need to coordinate through the Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project Funding process.
The contract agreement was requested through Requisition #531610. The contract was procured as a single source, exception to competitive solicitation due to the joint agreement between the US Army Corps and DWSD. The agreement is terminated when there is no funding for further increments.
SUMMARY
A. Contract Number: 6007107
B. Contractor: US Army Corps of Engineers
C. Contract Term: 5/1/25 - 6/30/26 (tentative upon BOWC approval)
D. Total Contract Amount: $1,000,000.00
E. Projected Fiscal Year (FY) Contract Expenditures:
FY 25-26: $1,000,000.00
E. Funding Source: CIP Funds
F. GL String:
5721-20244-487711-617900-900399-10792-0000-000000 - 100% Water
This proposed contract was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee on April 2, 2025. Per DWSD Procurement Policy. Mayoral and City Council approvals will also be obtained.