SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls is locking in three year standing agreements with five engineering firms to support ongoing operational and capital projects in the town’s water and wastewater division.
Andrew MacNaughton, manager of Smiths Falls water and wastewater treatment, presented a report at the Nov. 10 committee of the whole meeting. He said the agreements will ensure timely access to specialized engineering work and help maintain reliable and compliant water and wastewater systems.
Following a recent request for proposals, staff recommended entering into standing arrangements with five qualified firms: SEMA, EVB Engineering, RV Anderson Associates, J.L. Richards Associates and MAP Engineering.
MacNaughton said all five firms have local offices in eastern Ontario and have previously worked with the town. Maintaining those existing relationships will cut down on onboarding time and keep costs predictable within approved budgets.
“These agreements help us streamline procurement, improve response times and maintain consistency across projects,” he told council. “The agreements will also lock in rates for the next three years, providing cost stability and predictability with approved budgets.”
Projects currently underway include electrical work at the wastewater facility, support for the new water tower project, clarifier and gate replacement work at the wastewater plant, and pipe replacement. MacNaughton said having standing agreements allows staff to assign work based on a firm’s expertise and available capacity.
Assignments will be distributed as needed, and firms may be removed from the list if service levels drop.
Coun. Jennifer Miller asked for examples of when staff would call on the firms. MacNaughton said plant staff know the water and wastewater systems well, but engineering partners are needed for structural, mechanical or electrical design.
“Working with companies that have worked with us in the past has only allowed us to keep costs within budgeted amounts,” he said.
Smiths Falls council members expressed support and a motion will come forward at a future council meeting.
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