West Basin overrides lowest bidder to award rain barrel contract to US manufacturer

West Basin overrides lowest bidder to award rain barrel contract to US manufacturerA California water district committee opted to pay a premium for its 2026-2027 rain barrel supply, leveraging recent procurement directives to favor a domestic small business over a Canadian competitor.

The committee approved a $105,665 contract with Illinois-based UpCycle Products for 1,500 rain barrels and accessories.

Staff initially recommended the lowest bidder, Canadian firm Greenlane Environmental, which submitted a bid of $82,875.

Board members cited recently adopted directives prioritizing small, local, veteran-owned, and 'Made in America' businesses to justify the higher-priced award.

The West Basin Municipal Water District's Public Information and Education Committee voted on August 17, 2026, to award a rain barrel procurement contract to the second-lowest bidder, citing the district's recent "Made in America" and small business policy directives. The committee approved a $105,665 purchase order with Morris, Illinois-based UpCycle Products for 1,500 rain barrels, 1,500 flex hoses, and delivery costs. The district plans to distribute the barrels to residents at public events between October 2026 and March 2027. District staff had originally recommended awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Ontario, Canada-based Greenlane Environmental, which submitted a bid of $82,875. A staff member explained that the district's administrative code requires staff to recommend the cheapest option, but noted the Board of Directors had recently directed staff to focus on small, local, veteran-owned, and domestic businesses. Eight companies submitted proposals for the contract. To account for the board's new directives, procurement staff applied a percentage reduction to the evaluation scores of eligible bids. While UpCycle's evaluated score dropped to $90,079 with incentives, Greenlane's unadjusted $82,875 bid remained the lowest. However, the district will pay the actual bid price of $105,665 for the UpCycle contract. During public comment, UpCycle owner Rich Fielding urged the board to select his American-owned company, noting its history as a district supplier from 2014 to 2019 and its provision of living wages and benefits to local employees. Following the discussion, Committee Chair Tommy Faavae motioned to select UpCycle, explicitly noting that the company meets the district's small business and "Made in America" directives. Director Scott Houston seconded the motion, adding that he was inclined to go with the US-based supplier despite the higher cost. The approved item will move to the board's consent calendar for final authorization.