Title
Charlotte Water Metering Equipment
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of water meters, registers, transmitters and replacement meter parts, as authorized by the sole source exemption of G.S. 143-129 (e)(6),
B. Approve unit price contracts with Badger Meter, Inc., Mueller Systems, LLC, HD Supply Waterworks, LTD, and Itron, Inc. for the purchase of water meters, registers, transmitters and replacement meter parts for the initial term of two years,
C. Approve a contract with Itron, Inc. for maintenance for as long as the City uses the equipment, and
D. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contracts with Badger Meter, Inc., Mueller Systems, LLC, HD Supply Waterworks, LTD, and Itron, Inc. for up to three 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):
Barry Gullet, Charlotte Water
David Czerr, Charlotte Water
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. Badger Meter, Inc., Mueller Systems, LLC, and HD Supply Waterworks, LTD are the only authorized distributors for each brand of meter. Itron, Inc. is the only manufacturer for its brand of meter reading equipment.
§ The City Council must approve purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
§ The four contracts will provide parts for routine replacement of worn, broken, and malfunctioning water meter parts, registers, transmitters, and new installations on residential, commercial, and industrial meters.
§ The replacement meter parts, registers, and transmitters must be compatible with the existing meters.
§ Total annual expenditures for equipment are estimated to be $1,400,000; total estimated annual maintenance costs are $82,000.
§ All radio equipment and related components require compatibility with the City and County systems.
§ Annual price adjustments will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon.
Charlotte Business INClusion
This is a sole source contract and is exempt (Part A: Appendix 1.27 of the Charlotte Business INClusion Policy).
Fiscal Note
Funding: Charlotte Water Community Investment Plan and Operating Budget