REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Chau Vu, Director of Public Works
PREPARED BY: Chris Davis, Senior Management Analyst
Subject:
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Approve and Authorize Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling
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Statement of Issue:
Staff is requesting approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc., for water quality analysis and sampling services.
Financial Impact:
Funds in the amount of $100,000 are included in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 approved budget in Business Unit 50685802.69365. Funding for the remaining two (2) years of the agreement will be included in future budget requests.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute “Service Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling”, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for a three-year term.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the agreement and provide staff with direction. If the agreement is not approved, the City would need to issue a new Request for Proposals to secure water quality testing and analysis services.
Analysis:
On March 19, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals on Planetbids.com for on-call Water Quality Analysis and Sampling services. Four (4) proposals were received. Two (2) respondents were disqualified because their laboratories were located outside the required geographic area. Proximity is necessary because sample integrity can degrade over time, even with refrigeration, and because some test results are needed on an expedited basis. A panel of three (3) reviewers evaluated the remaining two (2) qualifying proposals and determined that Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. was the most qualified. While cost was not a scoring criterion, Sierra did have the lowest rates.
To comply with drinking water regulations administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (SWRCB‑DDW), the City must ensure that all potable water meets or exceeds applicable state and federal standards. A State-certified laboratory performs bacteriological analysis of water samples collected throughout the City’s production and distribution system. The laboratory also conducts specialized sampling and analysis to support permit requirements, including those associated with pipeline construction and other field activities. These services are essential to maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting public health.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
Attachment(s):
1. RCA Contract Agreement Summary
2. Professional Services Agreement
3. PowerPoint Presentation