SUBJECT
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Approve agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc.to test their technology to reduce Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) from the Upper Saddle Creek surface waters. ($2,300,000.00 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The nutrient levels in Lake Hancock and contributing streams are above the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's water quality standards. Upper Saddle Creek is the primary nutrient loading source to Lake Hancock. This project sets out to test a new algae harvesting technique to remove nutrients in Upper Saddle Creek waters before they flow into Lake Hancock. This is part of the ongoing and variety of water quality improvement projects the County is working on to improve surface water quality.
Polk County submitted an application, "Advanced Algae Cultivation Technology for Nutrient Removal from Florida Surface Waters" to the State's Innovative Technology Grants program in 2023. On November 19, 2024, the Board executed Standard Grant Agreement #INV51, an Innovative Technology Grant from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in the amount of $2,300,000.00.
The grant requires applicants to test the application of Advanced Algae Cultivation Technology (AACT), developed by AECOM. AECOM has a patent pending for this technology and is the only vendor who can supply and use AACT.
As AACT technology is propriety to AECOM, the Parks and Natural Resources division requested Procurement approve a Sole Source (SS) with AECOM to provide the services as required under the grant. SS No. 25-318 was issued on May 7, 2025, and the attached agreement is a result of the SS. The #INV51 grant funds the entire project, to be implemented by AECOM.
The term of the agreement is through completion of the work or upon the grant expiration.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to test their technology to reduce (HABs) from the upper Saddle Creek surface waters in the amount of $2,300,000.0...
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