TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA
TITLE: Approve the Sole Source Purchase of Neptune AMR Water Meters, Reading Equipment, Software, and Repair and Maintenance Services from Ferguson Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Sunstate Meter & Supply on an As-Needed Basis, Based on Unit Pricing, for an Annual Estimated Amount of $906,050.00 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Recommended Action
Approve the sole source purchase of Neptune Automatic Meter Read (AMR) Water Meters, reading equipment, software, and repair and maintenance services from Ferguson Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Sunstate Meter & Supply on an as-needed basis, based on unit pricing, for an annual estimated amount of $906,050.00 for fiscal year 2023-2024.
Background Information
The Utilities Department purchases Neptune Technology Group, Inc. water meters and automated meter reading (AMR) equipment for routine replacement and new installation within the distribution system. Purchasing standardized metering and communications equipment ensures compatibility, which helps to reduce costs and increase accuracy and efficiency. 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., the only authorized representative for Neptune water products, was purchased by Ferguson Enterprises, LLC in October 2021. Therefore, Ferguson Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Sunstate Meter & Supply is currently the sole authorized distributor for sales, services and warranty of Neptune water products and AMR systems for the State of Florida.
The amount of $906,050.00 has been budgeted for the purchase of AMR meters, equipment, software, and related services for fiscal year 2023-2024. Accordingly, staff recommends the continued purchase of Neptune meters and maintenance for this equipment through Ferguson Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Sunstate Meter Supply as they are the sole source supplier for the State of Florida.
Strategic Plan
Infrastructure & Facilities
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Funding has been allocated in the fiscal year 2023-2024 Utilities Department budget in the following account numbers:
Account |
Estimated Expenditures |
420-6063-536.46-11 |
$30,850.00 |
420-6063-536.52-62 |
$875,200.00 |
Procurement
These goods and services are being procured pursuant to Section 2-407, of the City Procurement Code - Sole Source Guidelines.
Attachments:
1. Sole Source Procurement Request Form
2. Manufacturer Sole Source Letter
3. Vendor Pricing 2023-2024
4. Florida Division of Corporations Document
Prepared by: Brittany Kammerer, Utilities Business Services Coordinator
Department Director: Nancy Gallinaro, Utilities Director