Submitted By: Marie Brooks
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Presentation By: Doug Peebles
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Department: Electric Utility
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the purchase of electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with an estimated expenditure of $250,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Sole source released to the public: 11/9/2022
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala Electric Utility (“OEU”) routinely purchases electric meters and holds them in stock at the city warehouse until used in new construction or as replacements. These meters represent a necessary ongoing operational expense and ensure accurate measurement of electricity sold to residential and commercial customers. Over the past five years, the city has purchased an average of 2,500 meters annually to support operations. OEU anticipates needing an additional 1,250 meters for planned development projects. This purchase is anticipated to last until the end of the fiscal year.
On November 9, 2022, the city released its Request for Information (“RFI”) No. 230038, Sole Source Posting (“SSP”) 195 for Honeywell electrical meters. The sole source was posted for fifteen (15) business days per Florida Statute requirements. Wesco Distribution, Inc. is the only authorized distributor of Honeywell electrical meters for the City of Ocala. These meters are proprietary Honeywell products and the only meter that communicates with the advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”) data collection software (Connexo NetSense).
On December 20, 2022, staff recommended, and Council approved the purchase of meters at an estimated cost of $750,000 from Wesco Distribution, Inc. This request increases that amount by $250,000.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff continues to experience lengthy manufacture lead times and price increases due to the demand for AMI meters. Based on the lead times and aging meters, staff resorted to the purchase of non-AMI meters that will be repurposed as AMI meters are received. Staff is taking the proactive approach to procure additional meters for future operational needs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Inventory items are accounted for using account #457-141-000-000-41-14100. User department(s) will adhere to budgeted expenditures for items issued through the Utility Services Warehouse.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A. The City’s Standard Purchase Order Terms & Conditions will be utilized for the procurement of these goods.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny