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 additional electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with an estimated expenditure of $150,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
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 needed for new construction or replacement. These meters are 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 a need for an additional 750 meters for planned development projects.
On November 9, 2022, City released its Request for Information (“RFI”) No. 230038, Sole Source Posting (“SSP”) 195 for Honeywell electrical meters. The sole source was posted for 15 business days in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy and Florida Statute. Wesco Distribution, Inc. is the only authorized distributor of Honeywell electrical meters for the state of Florida. These meters are proprietary Honeywell products and the only meters that communicate 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. The additional meters needed increase the approved expenditure amount by $150,000.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff continues to experience lengthy manufacturer lead times and price increases. Staff is taking a proactive approach to procuring 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