SUBJECT
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Consideration to select and negotiate FY25-074 professional consulting services contract with the top two scorers, GHD, Auburn, CA and E-Source Companies LLC, Boulder, CO for an assessment study for the Utility Advanced Metering Infrastructure/Automated Meter Reading System and Customer Information System (CIS) Solution Evaluation. This assessment will produce a clear migration roadmap and present the best solution for the Utilities Department to advance its metering modernization and digital water transformation. The firms that responded to the RFQ were:
1. GHD, Auburn, CA
2. E-Source Companies LLC, Boulder, CO
3. Utility Solution Partners, Washington, DC
4. Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC, Portland, ME
5. Atlas Design Services, LLC, Austin, TX
6. Brio Consulting LLC, Houston, TX
7. Schmidt Utility Advisors, LLC, Verona, WI
8. SL-serco, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
9. LER Advanced Utility Solutions, Columbus, IN
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None
BACKGROUND
The City received nine (9) proposals through Cit-E-Bid. The City of Laredo Utilities Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional consulting services to conduct an assessment study for the proposed AMI/AMR System and CIS System. The RFQ was publicly advertised and posted in accordance with the City’s procurement policies. Funding is available through the Utilities Department.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Moderate - Indirectly supports or contributes to the intent of a verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Plan.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): Here are relevant excerpts from the Viva Laredo Plan that connect to the agenda item:
•“Laredo is looking to the future with a resolve to diversify its economy, increase employment opportunities, celebrate its history and unique culture, improve the health
of its residents, improve affordability, and upgrade its quality of life.” (Page unspecified) vivalaredo+2City of Laredo+2
Relevance: The infrastructure modernization of utilities supports “upgrade its quality of life” and can facilitate economic diversification by improving a foundational service.
•In the Able City summary: “…The working group focused on the following areas: … Infrastructure; Environmental and Natural Resources Education; Technology and Communications…” Able City
Relevance: The agenda item deals with technology (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) and infrastructure (utilities), aligning with the “Infrastructure … Technology and Communications” focus.
•From the Plan & Policy Review summary: “The city’s comprehensive plan provides the basis for public policy in Laredo regarding physical and economic development. Viva Laredo establishes priorities for public-sector action…” visionzerowebblaredo.com+1
Relevance: The agenda item is about a public sector action (utility system modernization) that is consistent with establishing priorities in the City plan.
Note: I was unable to locate a verbatim goal or policy statement that explicitly mentions utility metering infrastructure, CIS systems, or digital water transformation in the publicly accessible segments of the Viva Laredo Plan. Therefore, the above links are to broader vision statements and focus areas rather than specific numbered policies.
Summary of alignment: The agenda item proposes awarding a professional consulting services contract to perform an assessment study for modernizing the utilities department’s metering infrastructure (AMI/AMR) and customer information system (CIS). This study aims to produce a migration roadmap and recommend the best solution to advance digital water transformation, which inherently improves system efficiency, data transparency, operational performance, and potentially customer service and affordability over time.
This aligns moderately with the Viva Laredo plan because:
•It contributes to upgrading the City’s infrastructure and technology systems, thereby advancing the Plan’s vision of improving quality of life, leveraging infrastructure/technology, and supporting public-sector modernization.
•It is a forward-looking investment in utilities that underpins the long-term sustainability and efficiency of services, which is in line with the Plan’s focus on infrastructure and technology
•However, because the Plan does not state a specific policy that mentions advanced metering, digital CIS systems, or utility metering modernization by name, the alignment is indirect rather than “Strong-Directly supports a clearly stated and verbatim goal or policy.”
In broader planning themes: This initiative intersects with sustainability (through efficient
utility operations and potential water loss reduction), equity (modern metering systems can support fairer billing and transparency), and economic development (reliable utilities are foundational for growth and business attraction). It also touches on service modernization/innovation which is increasingly relevant for municipal governance.
Given the evidence, the selected level of alignment - Moderate - is justified.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended that the contract be awarded.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Waterworks and Sewer Construction Funds
Account #: 557-4150-538-8572 (Water)
559-4240-538-8572 (Sewer)
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None