SUBJECT
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Consideration to award service contract FY25-073 to HST Utility Inc, Saint Petersburg, Florida in an amount of $158,600.00 for Phase V to replace existing large water meters with Neptune Mach 10 ultrasonic water meters at various locations throughout the city. The Utilities Department reserves the right to award Phases I to IV which encompasses the entire city at later date and as it determines fit. Each phase will include the replacement of a specified number of meters. This contract shall be for an initial period of six (6) months from the commencement date. Funding is available in the Waterworks and Sewer System Funds.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong - The agenda item directly supports stated goals and policies in the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan that address efficient water system management, infrastructure modernization, and sustainable resource use.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): Goal 7.1 (p. 237):
"Maintain and enhance Laredo’s water system infrastructure to ensure reliable service, efficient operations, and sustainable use of resources."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan
Policy 7.1.2 (p. 238):
"Upgrade and replace aging water meters, lines, and related infrastructure to improve efficiency, reduce water loss, and enhance service reliability."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan
Policy 7.2.1 (p. 239):
"Implement technologies that increase accuracy in water measurement and billing, support conservation, and improve utility management."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan
Goal 9.3 (p. 310):
"Invest in utility infrastructure that supports economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and long-term community resilience."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan
Relevance:
• The replacement of large water meters with Neptune Mach 10 ultrasonic meters directly fulfills the call to replace aging water system infrastructure (Goal 7.1; Policy 7.1.2).
• The adoption of ultrasonic meter technology advances accurate water measurement, billing, and conservation (Policy 7.2.1).
By ensuring reliable water supply infrastructure, the project supports economic development and community resilience (Goal 9.3).
Summary of alignment: The agenda item to award a contract for the phased replacement of large water meters with modern ultrasonic meters is strongly aligned with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. It directly implements identified infrastructure priorities-upgrading aging meters, integrating advanced metering technologies, and ensuring sustainable and efficient water management. The project also intersects with broader planning themes, including public health (reliable water service), equity (accurate billing), economic development (supporting businesses and growth with reliable infrastructure), and sustainability (water conservation through precise measurement).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
The City received eight (8) proposals through Cit-E-Bid for awarding a contract for the replacement and installation of large water meters throughout the city. The Contractor shall remove existing large water meters (sizes 3", 4", 6", and 8" as applicable) and replace them with Neptune Mach 10 ultrasonic water meters provided by the City. Each phase will include the replacement of a specified number of meters. Installation cost shall include labor, equipment, parts, accessories, and appurtenances to complete the replacement project. This contract shall be for an initial period of six (6) months from the commencement date. This contract shall be the responsibility of and administered by the vendor and the City of Laredo Utilities Department.
In determining the best value for the City of Laredo, the following factors were considered by the Utilities Department, in accordance with corresponding weights, in evaluating the proposals:
Description Maximum Points
Contractor’s Profile, Qualifications, Experience, and Location. 65
Pricing and Discount. 35
Total 100
Average Scoring Summary:
Vendors Evaluation Score
HST Utility 78.33
Ratliff Utilities 61.67
RTS Water 58.33
Vanguard Utility 56.67
Bermex Inc. 55.00
Nick Benavides 45.00
DB Utility 43.33
Core & Main 43.33
A complete bid tabulation is attached (Pricing).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended that this contract be awarded.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: Yes
Source of Funds: 2024 Water Revenue Bond
Account #: 557-9884-533-5594
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: No.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
All services will be purchased on an as need basis. The purpose of this contract is to establish prices for the commodities or services needed should the City need to purchase these commodities or services. The City's obligation for performance of an annual supply contract beyond the current fiscal year is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payments for the contract purchases can be made. If no funds are appropriated and budgeted during the next fiscal year, this contract becomes null and void.