Title
Water Quality Laboratory Testing Equipment and Supplies
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of water quality laboratory testing equipment and supplies, by the sole source exemption,
B. Approve a contract with Hach Company for the purchase of water quality laboratory testing equipment and supplies for the term of three years, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to two, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Charles, Charlotte Water
Ron Hargrove, Charlotte Water
Joseph Lockler, 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 standardization and compatibility is the overriding consideration.
§ City Council approval is required for any purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
§ This contract will provide for water quality analytical instruments and supplies needed to test for compliance with state and federal regulations.
§ Hach Company is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of chemical, sampling, and testing equipment required to meet these regulations.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $550,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Per CBI’s Administrative Procedures Manual (8.21.5), 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. Sole sourcing was required for this contract due to the need for standardization and compatibility of the equipment. This aligns with what is required by NC Statute Section 143-129(e)(3).
Fiscal Note
Funding: Charlotte Water Operating Budget