Title
Water and Wastewater Programmable Logic Controllers
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of programmable logic controllers and related electrical components by the sole source exemption, and
B. Approve a contract with AutomationDirect.com Inc. for the purchase of programmable logic controllers and related electrical components for a term of five years.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Charles, Charlotte Water
Ron Hargrove, Charlotte Water
Travis Hunnicutt, Charlotte Water
Sole Source Exemption
§ NC General Statute Section 143-129(e)(6) provides that formal bidding requirements do not apply when:
- Performance or price competition are not available;
- A needed product is available from only one source or supply; or
- Standardization or compatibility is the overriding consideration.
§ Sole sourcing is necessary for this contract because there is only one supply source, and standardization is an important consideration.
§ City Council approval is required for any purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
§ This contract will allow for the purchase of standardized programmable logic controllers used to automate processes throughout the water, wastewater, and lift station operating systems while generating necessary data.
§ Charlotte Water standardized its programmable logic controllers in the early 1990s to reduce spare parts inventory, support equipment, training requirements, and cost of maintenance.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $300,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Sole sourcing was required for this contract because there is only one vendor that can supply the programmable logic controllers and related electrical components that are standard with the existing system parts and components. Sole source contracts are exempt from CBI Program goals, as these contracts do not involve a competitive bidding process and do not present opportunities for subcontracting. This aligns with what is required by North Carolina State Statute §143-129(e)(3).
Fiscal Note
Funding: Charlotte Water Operating Budget and Charlotte Water Capital Investment Plan