Body
Department City Manager’s Office
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS WATER ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE, ACCEPTING THE BID OF MOUNTAIN STATES PIPE & SUPPLY (MSPS) AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) SYSTEM FOR WATER UTILITIES AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION SYSTEM PROJECT TO MSPS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE DOLLARS ($388,673.00), AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THERETO
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: Michael Woodruff, Director of Infrastructure
Date Prepared: December 12, 2018
PURPOSE
To request City Council approval of a formal solicitation for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System for Water Utilities and Customer Information System Project to the most responsive and responsible bidder, and approving the resolution giving the Mayor authority to sign the contract.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
Supportive, Sustainable Infrastructure
Financially Responsible
Innovative, Data-Driven Results-Focused City Government
BACKGROUND
One of the components of the 75-day Work Plan is identifying, purchasing and implementing a “smart reader system” that will focus billing cycles to a range of no more than 28-31 days each month, which will allow for more consistent billing. Staff immediately began the task of researching the options available for the implementation of a “smart reader system” to address this 75-day Work Plan objective. Although such a system was believed to be too cost prohibitive and operationally unfeasible just months ago, staff was determined to find a solution and immediately began its research.
As a result of staff’s research, an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System was identified that is compatible with the City’s existing metering infrastructure. The system is called the Itron Choice Connect Fixed Network AMI System (“AMI System”).
The AMI System is directly compatible and an upgrade to the City’s current Itron Automated Meter Reading (AMR) metering program. The AMI System will utilize the recently-installed Itron 100W+ Communication Modules (ERTs) on our metering system, making transition to the AMI System both less complicated and less costly.
Currently, the City performs meter readings utilizing the AMR system by driving throughout the City and collecting meter reads through a unit contained inside the vehicle on four weekly routes each month. The data is then downloaded into our billing system for processing and billing. At this time, billing cycle days fluctuate on a month-to-month basis, with some customers receiving bills that exceed 31 days of use one month and fewer days in another month.
The AMI Fixed Network automates meter data collection using wireless communications to collect meter readings and data. Collector units and repeaters are located at various locations throughout the City to collect detailed meter readings and data on a regular and ongoing basis. Through software integration, the information is then processed through the City’s billing system. The system is also compatible with the City’s “Water Smart” program and will provide an available, easy-to-use information portal for residents to view information regarding their water consumption and conservation efforts. The system will also allow the City to refine its current billing sequence to achieve a targeted 28- to 31-day billing cycle.
In addition, two-way communications to the meter and time-synchronized interval data collection provide advanced data collection capabilities for increases in operational efficiencies, enhanced levels of customer service, and improvements in system integrity.
While not proposed in this initial implementation, the AMI System does allow for system enhancements such as remote shut-off/turn-off to be added to the system in the future at additional costs.
• Staff prepared an RFP which was advertised on November 20, 2018.
• A Mandatory Pre Proposal Conference was held on November 30, 2018.
Mountain States Pipe & Supply (MSPS) and National Meter & Automation attended the Pre Proposal Conference.
• Bids were received on December 10, 2018, at 2:00 PM.
A qualified bid was received from MSPS.
A “No Bid” response was received from National Meter & Automation.
The accompanying PowerPoint presentation will further outline the proposed AMI System.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding up to $1,500,000 was budgeted in the 2019 Water Activity Enterprise Fund for the AMI System for Water Utilities and Customer Information System Project. The bid from MSPS is within the budgeted amount.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
In completing the review and evaluation of this bid, the recommendation of the Infrastructure Department/Utilities Division staff is to award to the most responsive and responsible bid of MSPS in the total amount not-to-exceed Three Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Seventy-Three Dollars ($388,673.00).
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Ø Approve as presented
Ø Reject
Ø Require new bids be solicited
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
PowerPoint Presentation