Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Seal Analytical, Inc. for the purchase of a complete nutrient auto analyzer system including installation and training for the Division of Power and Water (Water). This unit will be used by our Water Quality Assurance Laboratory (WQAL) section for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The primary testing parameters are for nitrate, nitrite, and phosphorus in drinking water. This instrument will allow the WQAL to maintain its OEPA certification.
The Purchasing Office advertised and solicited competitive bids in accordance with Section 329.06 (Solicitation SA004490). Forty-eight (48) vendors (46 MAJ, 1MBE, 1 FBE) were solicited and three (3) bids (3 MAJ) were received and opened on July 19, 2012. OI Corporation was the apparent low bid of $39,925.50. They, however, do not meet the following specifications:
Pump capacity offered 8 or 16 pump tunes, specifications called for 28
Pump offered did not have parts that currently would work with current equipment in the lab creating additional costs
Pump offered used plastic components specification called for glass. Plastic will break down when exposed to harsh chemicals used in the lab
Pump offered did not included a leak detector as specified in the bid
Pump did not allow the analysis of 3 chemicstries simultaneously as specified in the bid
Pump offered had a wavelength range of 420-880 nm, specifications called for a range of 350-900 nm
The second lowest bid was Seal Analytical Inc., at $44,521.00 and they meet our specifications. Therefore, the Division of Power and Water (Water) is recommending the award go to Seal Analytical, Inc. as the lowest responsive, responsible, and best bidder to meet our specifications. This award is for one (1) nutrient auto analyzer system. The total award will be for $44,521.00.
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
SUPPLIER: Seal Analytical, Inc., Contract Compliance Number: 81-0565037, expires 12/14/2012. This supplier does not hold MBE/FBE status.
FISCAL IMPACT: $60,000.00 is budgeted for this purchase. There were no similar purchases in 2010 or 2011.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Seal Analytical, Inc. for the purchase of a complete nutrient auto analyzer system including installation and training for the Division of Power and Water and to authorize the expenditure of $44,521.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($44,521.00)
Body
WHEREAS, a complete nutrient auto analyzer system including installation and training is required by the Division of Power and Water for laboratory testing; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office opened formal bids on July 19, 2012 for the purchase of a complete nutrient auto analyzer system including installation and training for the Division of Power and Water; and
WHEREAS, the apparent low bidder, OI Corporation did not meet bid specifications, and
WHEREAS, the Division of Power and Water recommends an award to be made to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Seal Analytical, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, a contract will be issued by the Purchasing Office in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of Solicitation Number: SA004490 on file in the Purchasing Office, for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now therefore,
BE IT ORADINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to establish a contract with Seal Analytical, Inc. for the purchase of a complete nutrient auto analyzer system including installation and training for the Division of Power and Water, in accordance with specifications on file in the Purchasing Office.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $44,521.00 much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized from Water Systems Operating Fund 600, Department 60-09, OCA Code 601989, Object Level One 06, Object Level Three 6697, to pay the cost thereof.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.