Title
Underground Boring Tools and Pipe Splitters
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of Underground Boring Tools and Pipe Splitters, as authorized by the sole source exemption of G.S. 143-129(e)(6),
B. Approve a contract with TT Technologies, Inc. for the purchase of Underground Boring Tools and Pipe Splitters for the term of five years, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Lee, Charlotte Water
Ron Hargrove, 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.
* The City Council must approve purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
* Charlotte Water currently has 25 boring tools and pipe splitters of this type in its inventory. This contract will be used to fully outfit each Field Operations crew with these tools, as well as have needed maintenance and repairs performed on the tools in the future.
* Charlotte Water uses underground boring tools and pipe splitters in order to replace pipes without compromising roadways and driveways.
* TT Technologies, Inc. is the only manufacturer that offers a spring-loaded head in their boring tool, which is key to making an accurate and successful bore. Without this feature, roadway disturbance is very likely due to an inability to make the bore and/or the boring tool rise toward the surface.
* The splitting tool is unique to TT Technologies, Inc. because of its four-blade pilot design, which is capable of effectively splitting both plastic (PVC) and copper pipe. The tool is used to split PVC lines and replace them with copper tubing from the m...
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