Title
CATS Amenities Bus Stop Benches
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of transit bus stop benches, as authorized by the sole source exemption of G.S. 143-129 (e)(6),
B. Approve a unit price contract with Simme, LLC for the purchase of transit bus stop benches for a term of two years, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to three additional, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the City's business needs and the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Steve Warren, CATS
Sole Source Exemption
* G.S. 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.
* City Council must approve purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
* The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) currently uses Simme-Seats at bus stops selected for areas where traditional seating will not work due to limited location space.
* The seats are a unique design - the sign base and seats are combined into one surface mounted unit. Simme, LLC has a patent on the design, is the manufacturer of the product, and is the sole distributor of the product.
* The design enables CATS to provide bus stop seating in areas of limited right-of-way. This application saves $87 per unit compared to standard bench and bus stop sign base designs.
* The Simme-Seats unit can be installed without constructing the standard concrete bench pad, resulting in further savings of approximately $2,000 in construction costs.
* Additionally, the Simme-Seats enhance comfort, are popular among users, and are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
* Each S...
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