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AWWA ACE93203
- Membrane Procurement From a Municipal Utility Point of View
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 01/01/1993
- Publisher: AWWA
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A local government usually finds its procurement options limited only to those specified in the state code book. Typically, this will practically mandate competitive sealed bidding. Even if a municipality had the power to avoid sealed bids legally, there is a major question as to whether they could accomplish it politically. Government procurement not only has to follow the letter of the law, it must strictly adhere to the spirit of the law. Even the appearance of impropriety must be avoided; otherwise, the public's confidence in the governing body's ability to spend tax dollars fairly and efficiently will be severely eroded. Life cycle costs will certainly be a consideration in the design of a membrane facility; however, differences between the financial and political aspects of public agencies versus private agencies will ensure that life cycle costs are not the primary or only consideration. Initial costs, maximum competition in the market place, reliability and the ability to meet minimum specifications will also be considerations. In the end, there is little a membrane supplier can do to ensure that his product will be installed in a municipal membrane plant except to produce a high quality product at a very low price. This is one of three papers on membrane procurement from various points of view.