TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Sole source purchase of Neptune AMR Water Meters, reading equipment, software, and repair and maintenance services from Sunstate Meter & Supply, Inc. on an as-needed basis for an annual estimated amount of $824,970.00 for FY 2019-20.
Recommended Action
Approve the sole source purchase of Neptune AMR Water Meters, reading equipment, software, and repair and maintenance services from Sunstate Meter & Supply, Inc. on an as-needed basis for an annual estimated amount of $824,970.00 for FY 2019-20.
Background Information
The Utilities Department purchases water meters and automated meter reading (AMR) equipment for routine replacement and installation of units within the distribution system. Purchasing standardized metering and communications equipment ensures compatibility, which helps to reduce costs and increase accuracy and efficiency.
The City utilizes AMR water meters manufactured by Neptune Technology Group, Inc. These meters, the necessary reading units, and software are strictly proprietary. Therefore, compatible meters, reading equipment, software and necessary repair and maintenance services may only be obtained or quoted through Neptune’s authorized representative. Sunstate Meter & Supply, Inc. is the sole Authorized Distributor for sales, services and warranty of Neptune water products and AMR systems for the State of Florida. The amount of $824,970.00 has been budgeted for the purchase of AMR meters, equipment, software and related services for fiscal year 2019-20, contingent upon Commission approval of the budget.
Due to the extensive efforts to standardize the meters and equipment to increase efficiency and improve customer service for Utilities customers, it would be most efficient for the City to continue the installation of Neptune AMR meters. Accordingly, staff recommends the continued purchase of these meters and maintenance for our equipment through Sunstate Meter & Supply, Inc. as they are the sole source supplier for the State of Florida.
Strategic Plan
Promote sustainable growth and development, while maintaining or enhancing quality of life in our City
Financial Impact
|
Account |
Estimated Expenditures |
|
420-6063-536.46-11 |
$5,850.00 |
|
420-6063-536.52-62 |
$819,120.00 |
Procurement
These goods and services are being procured pursuant to Section 2-407, of the City Procurement Code - Sole Source Guidelines.
Sunstate Meter & Supply, Inc., 14001 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669-2710
Attachments:
1. Sole Source Procurement Request Form
2. Manufacturer Sole Source Letter
3. Vendor Pricing 2019-2020
4. Florida Division of Corporations Document
Prepared by: Nicole Brown, Business Services Coordinator
Department Director: Rick Newkirk, Utilities Director