Title
Resolution Approving a Contract in the Amount of $28,964,028.20 with Sensus USA, Inc. for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Project
Body
Priority: Maintain Infrastructure & Provide Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Department: Water Resources
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Michael Borchers, 336-373-2494
Contact 2 and Phone: Kristine Williams, 336-373-2556
PURPOSE:
The Water Resources Department requests approval of a contract with Sensus USA, Inc. for the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the amount of $28,964,028.20.
BACKGROUND:
Water meters have been read with drive-by automated meter reading technology using battery powered encoder receiver transmitters (ERTs) since 2006. The department is currently experiencing battery power end-of-life to our ERTs and need to transition to updated technology. A feasibility study conducted in 2019 evaluated the benefits of moving to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). It was found that AMI supports Greensboro's vision of providing exceptional customer service, improving communication and transparency, and creating a sustainable and resilient community. This can be done while maintaining reliability, security and confidence with internal and external stakeholders.
On June 2, 2020 the Water Resources Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Nine firms submitted proposals by the July 16, 2020 deadline. The firms who submitted a proposal were Aclara, Core and Main, Fortiline Waterworks, Honeywell, Mueller, Sensus, Smart Earth Technologies, UMS, and Vanguard. A selection committee evaluated and scored the proposals submitted by each firm. The committee evaluated the submissions based on experience and qualifications of the firm, proposed technical and implementation solution, solution extensibility, cost, and MWBE participation. Sensus USA, Inc. obtained the highest score and was selected as the best-qualified firm to perform services based on the chosen criteria.
This contract will establish a network-as-a-service products and services agreement along with a statement of work to replace and retrofit approximately 108,500 water meters. The Sensus solution also has effective analytical tools that can be used by our asset management group to perform water distribution analysis and help identify needed maintenance activities. A customer engagement solution was also required in the City’s RFP, and Sensus partnered with WaterSmart, which will be used by customers to monitor near real-time water usage, and receive notifications regarding potential water leaks and other billing-related alerts if desired.
The MWBE commitment proposed is 11.34% (MBE 9.34% and WBE 1.96%).
BUDGET IMPACT:
The contract amount of $28,964,028.20 is budgeted in the following Water Resources Revenue Bond Fund accounts: 516-7012-01.6059 for $25,671,660, 516-7012-01.5410 for $3,063,119, and 516-7012-01.6058 for $229,250.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Water Resources requests City Council approval of a contract in the amount of $28,964,028.20 with Sensus USA, Inc. for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Project.