TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Beth Beatty, City Manager
SUBJECT:
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Purchase of GPS Survey Equipment from Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company Inc. (Seiler Geospatial) in the amount of $58,042.45
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BACKGROUND:
An accurate utility atlas network in GIS is critical for the Department of Public Utilities to best operate and maintain the City's water and sewer system. In 2023 the City implemented a new construction standard requiring contractors to collect real-time location data for water and sewer infrastructure as it is installed in the field during construction. Survey grade GPS units are utilized to collect this real-time location information. Last year the City purchased 17 GPS units to be used for this real time location information. Five (5) more GPS units are needed to have enough inventory to cover the quantity of projects planned for construction in 2024.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Public Utilities staff standardized on the Trimble R2 GPS units, of which Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company Inc. (Seiler Geospatial) is the sole source provider. Seiler Geospatial was requested to provide a quote for the purchase of five (5) GPS units. The quote, in the amount of $58,042.45, includes a 20% discount over standard pricing due to the volume of equipment the City purchases through Seiler Geospatial. Trimble support has proven to be very responsive and does not charge for their assistance. Each GPS unit is comprised of a GPS receiver, battery pack and charger, tripod legs, rod with rod extension, tablet holder, and a hard-shell case.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases over $25,000.00 may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(a) Purchases which may only be practicably made from a single source;
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3)...
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