Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: June 5, 2026
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, FNIGP, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Troy Layton, P.E., Manager II, Field Services Division
PHONE: 407-254-9794
SUBJECT: Ratification of Purchase Order M121470, Emergency Repair of Existing 24” Force Main Replacement at Balcombe Road Near Pump Station 3849
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Ratification of Purchase Order M121470, Emergency Repair of Existing 24” Force Main Replacement at Balcombe Road Near Pump Station 3849, with Metro Equipment Service, Inc., in the total estimated amount of $1,800,000. ([Utilities Department Field Services Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
The purchase order provides for the emergency repair of a 24-inch wastewater force main crossing Balcombe Road north of the 417 Expressway. This project is located in District 4.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 4420-038-1347-3843.
APPROVALS:
The Field Services Division concurs with this recommendation.
REMARKS:
Emergent circumstances required immediate procurement action to secure the construction services necessary to complete permanent repairs to a failed wastewater transmission force main located on Balcombe Road, north of State Road 417. Immediate action was required because the force main serves a critical portion of Orange County Utilities' (OCU) wastewater collection system, and the existing failure poses an ongoing risk of additional pipe failures, service disruptions, and sanitary sewer overflows. While temporary stabilization measures have been implemented to mitigate immediate impacts, a permanent repair is necessary to protect public health and safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure the continued reliable operation of the wastewater collection system.
The project includes the installation of approximately 300 linear feet of replacement force main and associated work, including flow bypass operations, line stops, and large-diameter pipe tapping. These specialized construction methods and equipment are not available through OCU’s in-house resources. Due to the advanced corrosion of the existing pipe, additional failures may occur before a formal solicitation and award process can be completed, creating an ongoing risk to the wastewater collection system.
Metro Equipment Service, Inc. is an experienced underground utility contractor that has successfully completed numerous projects for OCU, including emergency utility repairs. The firm has the personnel, specialized equipment, industry relationships, and technical expertise necessary to mobilize immediately and perform the required work. Metro Equipment Service, Inc. has also identified material suppliers and specialty subcontractors needed to complete the repairs and is prepared to order long-lead materials upon issuance of a purchase order.
The proposed project cost is an estimate based on the specialized nature of the work, site constraints, required bypass operations, and the potential for unforeseen field conditions. Prompt action was necessary to facilitate the procurement of materials and commencement of construction activities to minimize the risk of additional force main failures and ensure continued reliable wastewater service.
Price reasonableness was established through a review of the contractor’s estimated labor, equipment, and material costs. Equipment costs were developed using Equipment Blue Book rates, material costs were supported by distributor quotations, and the overall estimate was based on the anticipated project schedule and resources required to complete the work. Additionally, the estimated costs were compared to a similar emergency project completed in 2025 by a different contractor and were determined to be consistent with prevailing market rates for comparable emergency services.