I07102 - Informal Bids Received September 15, 2023. Approve an award to Abacus Quality System Services, Inc. in the total amount of $39,000.00 for the purchase of flow meters for Houston Public Works.
Specific Explanation:
The Director of Houston Public Works (HPW) and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an award to Abacus Quality System Services, Inc. in the total amount of $39,000.00 for the purchase of flow meters and that authorization be given to issue a purchase order for Houston Public Works.
This is for the purchase of twelve (12) sludge ultrasonic flow meters. Flow meters are used to measure the volume flow of sludge and mud in pipelines. These meters measure the flow by detecting the effect of fluid flow on an ultrasonic beam (or ultrasonic pulse). Without this equipment, the dryer operator cannot adjust or regulate the amount of sludge flowing into the centrifuge, which could potentially cause over or underfeeding, which could be a hazard of overheating or clogging the flash dryer and stopping production. When sludge treatment plant equipment malfunctions, it becomes a safety hazard for the environment and citizens residing in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The existing equipment is old and beyond economic repair and needs to be replaced. The cost estimate for repairs exceeds 70% of the cost for new equipment. The unit shall be a direct replacement of existing equipment with no modifications to the system.
This project was advertised in accordance with the requirements of the State of Texas bid laws for an informal procurement. Abacus Quality System Services, Inc. has already received $55,163.69 for other goods and/or services this fiscal year. This vendor is above the $50,000 threshold and therefore requires Council action. Eighteen (18) prospective bidders downloaded the solicitation document from SPD’s e-bidding website and ten (10) bids were received as outlined below:
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Company
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Total Amount
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1. Abacus Quality System Services, Inc.
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$39,000.00
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2. GK Techstar, LLC
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$40,527.00
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3. SCM Consultants, Inc.
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$41,160.00
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4. h.m.t Services Corporation
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$42,420.00
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5. HD Supply, Inc.
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$42,666.00
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6. US Product Distributors, Inc.
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$44,462.16
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7. Tech Service Solutions, Inc.
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$45,497.88
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8. American Oilfield Standard
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$45,995.04
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9. Bevco Company
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$47,928.00
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10. Communication Square, LLC
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$50,742.00
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Abacus Quality System Services, Inc.: Award on its overall low bid meeting specifications in the total amount of $39,000.00.
MWBE Participation:
This procurement is exempt from the City’s MWBE subcontracting requirements as the total expenditure does not exceed the $100,000.00 threshold. However, HPW does solicit bids through SPD’s e-bidding website which is promoted to all registered MWBE vendors.
Hire Houston First:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Hire Houston First’ ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses, while supporting job creation. In this case, Abacus Quality System Services, Inc. does not meet the requirements of HHF designation, and no certified firms were within five percent.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY24 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
_____________________________________ ______________________________
Jedediah Greenfield, Chief Procurement Officer Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division Houston Public Works
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Estimated Spending Authority:
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Department
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FY2024
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Out Years
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Total
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Houston Public Works
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$39,000.00
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$0.00
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$39,000.00
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