PUC ratifies GWA contract for deep-well GAC treatment after cost and procurement questions

The Guam Public Utilities Commission on an informational and action item ratified a Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) contract to add granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment at northern Guam deep wells to address deldrin and PFAS concerns, and recorded a unanimous approval of the docket. The record describes an initial solicitation that drew six potential bidders, the cancellation of that solicitation after bids were judged high, and a subsequent award by sole‑source procurement for roughly $5.5 million, with a CCU resolution authorizing expenditures up to $6.1 million.

Commission discussion noted a February 2026 change order for about $191,763 that raised the project total to approximately $6.3 million. The presenters explained that the original scope included refurbishment and reuse of existing GAC vessels from specified deep wells, construction of a new GAC treatment system at site Y15, electrical and insulation work, and procurement of GAC media and media storage systems. The record also documents a recommendation to modify construction at Y15 to accommodate a four‑vessel system and to add dust barriers and measures to protect an endangered snail species where work will occur.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether GWA complied with the PUC contract‑review procedures and whether the agency should have filed for PUC review prior to awarding the contract; the record states GWA did not file an application before the sole‑source award. Staff walked the commission through contingency calculations: the CCU authorization included contingency line items (presentations referenced a 15% contingency and math that resulted in remaining contingency figures reported in the record). Presenters urged conservative application of remaining contingency and recommended that GWA seek prior PUC approval for any amounts in excess of the authorized totals.

A motion to approve the docket was made and seconded; the commission’s vote was recorded in the meeting as passing unanimously. The commission did not record a detailed roll‑call tally in the publicly posted transcript excerpt. The item closed with commissioners directing attention to implementation details and environmental protections noted in the proposed contract modifications.

What happens next: the commission’s action ratifies the record and authorizes GWA to proceed under the terms discussed, subject to the contract language and any required follow‑up PUC filings or approvals for amounts above the authorization. The transcript indicates staff should return with clarifications if additional authority or filings are needed.