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CONSIDERATION AND AWARDING OF BID 1718-14 FOR THE PURCHASE OF RADIO READ WATER METERS FOR THE LINE MAINTENANCE DIVISION.
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BACKGROUND: On August 24, 2017 bids were opened on Bid 1718-14 for Automatic Meter Read (AMR) cold water meters for the Utilities Line Maintenance Division. Funds have been allocated in the fiscal year 2017-2018 (FYE18) budget for the purchases.
On February 27, 2007 the Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) approved Contract K-0607-129 with U. S. Bronco Services, Inc., to perform large water meter replacements and upgrade to radio-read technology. U. S. Bronco Services, Inc. proposed to utilize the Badger Meter Orion system which met the criteria and specifications. The replacement program consisted of replacing seventy-seven (77) large water meters ranging in size from three inch (3”) to eight inch (8”).
Beginning in FYE08, the Utilities Line Maintenance Division included in the bid specifications for cold water meters an option to purchase radio-read water meters utilizing the Badger Orion system. This option allowed the Division to continue the program for installation of radio-read water meters in remote locations throughout the City of Norman. Since the inception of radio-read water meters and up through the current fiscal year, the Division has installed and replaced 2,940 water meters ranging in size from ¾” to 2” located in areas deemed to have poor accessibility by the Meter Reading Division. It is important that the radio-read meters maintain uniformity and compatability with our meter-reading technology.
DISCUSSION: Proposals were sent to five (5) suppliers who sell waters meters meeting City specifications. The bid provides for the purchase, on an “as needed” basis, of approximately 200 residential radio-read cold water meters for replacement and new installation. There was one response which met specifications regarding the billing software program and the existing Radix Data Collector system used by the Meter Reading Division.
Out of five suppliers, only one approved water meter manufacturer that meets City of Norman specifications regarding the billing software program and the existing Radix Data Collector system used by the Meter Reading Division submitted a proposal to Bid No. 1718-14.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Bid 1718-14 be awarded to National Meter & Automation, Inc. as the lowest and sole bidder meeting specifications. Funds in the amount of $130,253 for FYE18 are available in Maintenance Supplies/Meter Sets/Repairs (031-5551-462.32-18).