West Basin extends Inframark distribution O&M contract to refine asset data

West Basin extends Inframark distribution O&M contract to refine asset dataThe district approved a two-year extension to its recycled water distribution system agreement, delaying a competitive bid process to incorporate data from a recently launched asset management program.

The Board approved a two-year extension of the Inframark agreement through June 2028, increasing the budget from $4.3 million to $6.6 million.

Staff suggested the extension would allow a new asset management software, launched in August 2025, to generate data for a more accurate future scope of work.

The decision was debated, with Director Desi Alvarez arguing for an immediate RFP to ensure competitive bidding.

The contract budget increase reflects rising repair costs, with the average number of system leaks increasing from 12 to 15 per year.

The West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors voted to extend its distribution system operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement with Inframark for two years, bypassing an immediate competitive bidding process in favor of operational continuity and data collection. The decision extends the current contract, originally set to expire in June 2026, through June 30, 2028. The amendment increases the total agreement budget from approximately $4.32 million to $6.63 million. The agreement covers the operation and maintenance of the district’s recycled water distribution system. Operations Supervisor Frank Fuchs presented the Board with two options: issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2026 or extending the current deal. While staff stated they were "agnostic" regarding the choice, they highlighted the benefits of an extension linked to the district's new asset management program, which launched in August 2025. Fuchs explained that the district currently lacks sufficient data to refine performance goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). Extending the contract allows the district to track preventative versus corrective maintenance hours over the next two years, theoretically leading to a more precise scope of work for a future RFP. Inframark agreed to hold its staff labor rates at current levels for the extension period. The cost increase is largely driven by under-budgeted repair needs. West Basin operates one of Southern California's largest recycled water systems, producing approximately 30 million gallons daily. While the $362,000 annual repair cost is considered efficient for a system of this scale, it is significantly higher than the contracted budget of $224,000. Operations Supervisor Frank Fuchs noted that over the past three years, the average number of distribution system leaks increased from 12 to 15 annually. The extension adjusts the repair budget to reflect these actual costs and adds hours for a superintendent to manage the increased repair volume. The decision faced opposition during discussion. Director Desi Alvarez argued that the district and public are not "well served by just an automatically renewing contract." He contended that while more data is always beneficial, the asset management system could likely provide sufficient metrics within a year. Alvarez noted that when the contract was last extended, the Board's intent was to rebid the services upon expiration to ensure competition. "I can't support that," Alvarez said regarding the further extension. Director Tommy Faavae supported the extension after confirming with Inframark representatives that the firm and its subcontractors comply with prevailing wage requirements and utilize a skilled, trained workforce. Despite the concerns raised regarding competitive bidding, the motion to approve the extension passed.