Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007689 with EJ USA, Inc. (formally known as East Jordan) for fire hydrants conversion and breakable parts for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $5,616,746.38 and a term of 2 years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
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Agenda of February 18, 2026
Item No.: 2026-39
Contract No.: 6007689
Contractor: EJ USA, Inc., 301 Spring Street, East Jordan, MI 49727
Contract Amount: $5,616,746.38
Contract Term: 2/28/26 - 2/27/28 (2 year)
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract 6007689
Fire Hydrants Conversion and Breakable Parts
EJ USA, Inc.
MOTION
Upon 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 6007689 with EJ USA, Inc. (formally known as East Jordan) for fire hydrants conversion and breakable parts for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $5,616,746.38 and a term of 2 years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND / JUSTIFICATION
The DWSD Materials Management (Warehouse) team is responsible for inventory management and stock-level replenishment, to support DWSD Maintenance & Repair Operations.
This contract ensures the ability to replenish as-needed hydrants and hydrant parts. The conversion and breakable hydrants are used throughout the City of Detroit to gain direct access to water mains. Conversion hydrants are used to replace old standard hydrants when digging into the ground is not necessary. Breakable hydrants are required when digging and pipe replacement is necessary. This material is maintained as inventory and issued based on need and compliance.
This contract enables DWSD to isolate maintenance and repair during emergencies and serves to replenish stock levels, preventing emergency spot buys and possible work stoppage.
EJ USA is the DWSD Engineering approved sole manufacturer of hydrants used by DWSD in the City of Detroit and are based on the design from over 100 years ago. The information was confirmed by testing the market 3 years ago at which DWSD only received one bid.
PROCUREMENT METHOD - SOLE SOURCE
Requisition #541833 for this contract was submitted and approved by Budget on 11/10/25. Based on historical information, EJ USA is the only supplier and manufacturer of hydrants used by DWSD.
In accordance with Section 7.5.11 of the DWSD Procurement Policy, competitive solicitation is not required for sole source purchases. EJ USA has provided a sole source letter to DWSD procurement, confirming that they are the only firm that can provide these items to DWSD.
Based on the information above, DWSD Procurement recommends the contract be awarded to EJ USA, Inc. for a term of 2 years with a contract not-to-exceed amount of $5,616,746.38. This new contract will replace current DWSD Contract #6006040.
EJ USA clearances expire on 1/16/27 and a formal contract document is not required.
SUMMARY
A. Contract No.: 6007689
B. Contractor: EJ USA, Inc.
C. Contract Term: 2/28/26 - 2/27/28 (2 years)
D. Contract Amount: $5,616,746.38
E. Anticipated FY Spend:
FY 25-26: $1,616,746.38
FY 26-27: $2,000,000.00
FY 27-28: $2,000,000.00
F. Funding Source: O&M Funds
G. GL String:
5720-00000-000000-150100-000000-00000-0000-000000 - 100% (Water)
This proposed contract was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee on February 4, 2026. Per DWSD procurement protocol, Mayoral approval will also be obtained.