Title
Approve a Purchase Order with Worthington Products Inc., in the amount not-to-exceed $640,000 for the procurement of materials for a TUFFBoom boat safety barrier system for San Antonio Dam; and authorize the General Manager to execute the Purchase Order. (Staff: Manuel Saavedra)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Approve a Purchase Order with Worthington Products Inc., in the amount not-to-exceed $640,000 for the procurement of materials for a TUFFBoom boat safety barrier system for San Antonio Dam; and authorize the General Manager to execute the Purchase Order.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 15, 2026, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors approved a Professional Services Agreement for the design, procurement, and installation of a TUFFBoom boat barrier system and for additional TUFFBoom parts for Nacimiento Dam. Subsequently, on September 21, 2026, the Board approved a second Professional Services Agreement with Worthington to provide engineering services for the design of a TUFFBoom boat safety barrier system at San Antonio Dam.
To ensure the buoy line installation remains on schedule, staff recommend procuring the required materials and components while the engineering design is still underway. This approach reduces exposure to cost escalation related to materials, manufacturing, and shipping, and mitigates the risk of schedule delays associated with long lead times for specialized components. Early procurement ensures that all TUFFBoom elements are available when needed for construction sequencing and supports the Agency’s reservoir-safety commitments. The estimated cost for the buoy line materials is $640,000, including a 30-percent contingency to account for supply-chain variability and market fluctuations.
The proposed buoy line will serve as a critical public-safety barrier by establishing a clearly defined recreation boundary and preventing reservoir users and debris from approaching the dam face, intake, and spillway structures. Implementing the buoy system enhances dam-safety operations, reduces the operational risks during high-flow conditions, limits unauthorized access to restricted areas, and reduces the Agency’s liability exposure. These improvements align with contemporary industry best practices for reservoir public-safety management.
The procurement strategy described here is fully supported by the FY 2026-2027 Adopted Budget and reimbursable through SB 104 Grant Agreement No. 4600015764. Locking in material acquisition early provides greater financial predictability, reduces the risk of budget overruns, and ensures the Agency remains on track to deliver its planned multi-year reservoir safety improvements within the approved funding framework.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams will need to approve the TUFFBoom boat safety barrier system anchor design prior to design finalization and installation.
FINANCING:
The costs for this project are payable from Fund 1503 and included in the FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget and are reimbursable by the SB 104 Grant, Agreement No. 4600015764.
Prepared by: Manuel Saavedra, Associate Water Resources Engineer, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments: None