HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-034-05/20/2014-APPROVING AN EXCEPTION TO THE USE OF A COMPETITIVE PROCESS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SEALED-DESIGN, MEDIUM RESOLUTION 2014-034
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING AN EXCEPTION TO THE USE OF A COMPETITIVE PROCESS FOR
THE PURCHASE OF SEALED-DESIGN, MEDIUM VOLTAGE ELECTRIC
CIRCUIT SWITCHES FROM S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
WHEREAS; the City Electric Utility has, for many years, purchased and used sealed-
design, medium voltage electric circuit switches that are designed for use where robust circuit-
switching capability and reliability are of paramount importance ("Switches"); and
WHEREAS, for the past twenty years, the City has purchased these Switches from the
S&C Electric Company ("S&C") and from G&W Electric ("G&W"); and
WHEREAS, over the years, the Electric Utility has experienced significant problems
with G&W's Switches leaking sulfur hexafluoride, which is a gas used as an insulator in the
Switches, creating both an environmental concern and operational issues; and
WHEREAS, the Electric Utility has not experienced this same problem with S&C's
Switches, which have proven to be much more efficient and reliable than G&W Switches; and
WHEREAS, the Switches needed by the Electric Utility are currently manufactured by
S&C and G&W; and
WHEREAS, City Code Section 8-160(d)(1)b authorizes the City's Purchasing Agent to
negotiate the purchase of equipment without utilizing a .competitive process where the
Purchasing Agent determines that although that equipment is available from more than one
responsible source, a competitive process cannot reasonably be used, or if used, will result in a
substantially higher cost to the City, will otherwise injure the City's financial interests, or will
substantially impede the City's administrative functions or the delivery of services to the public;
and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent has determined that using a source for the Switches
other than S&C would result in the City purchasing a less reliable product that would
substantially impede the City's delivery of electrical services to the public; and
WHEREAS, as required by the City Code, the Purchasing Agent has submitted for the
City Manager's approval his written justification for the purchase of the Switches from S&C
without a competitive process; and
WHEREAS, the Electric Utility needs to purchase five Switches, the total purchase price
for which is over $200,000; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager concurs in the Purchasing Agent's determination that it is
in the best interests of the City that the needed five Switches be acquired from S&C as an
exception to the competitive process; and
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WHEREAS, City Code Section 8-161(d)(3) requires approval of this procurement by the
City Council since it involves a purchase of more than M0,000; and
WHEREAS, City Code Section 8-161(d)(4) provides that any procurement approved by
the City Manager or the City Council as an exception to competitive purchasing requirements
may be used as the basis for a negotiated purchase of additional quantities of the same materials
or services within a period of five years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF.
FORT COLLINS that the City Council hereby approves the purchase of five Switches from S&C
as an exception to the City's competitive procurement requirements for the reasons set forth
herein and further authorizes the Purchasing Agent to negotiate additional purchases of Switches
from S&C at any time during the next five years from the date of this Resolution.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
20th day of May, A.D. 2014.
FoRT CO< Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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COt,GRPO
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