The Distribution and Collection Division of the Public Works Department FY 2012 Budget includes funds to purchase one new tracked excavator for use in the pipe bursting program.  The vehicle is included in the approved Equipment Replacement Plan.  The Public Works Department obtained bids for the excavator and recommends its purchase. 

The Council may:

• Award the bid as recommended; or
• Not award the bid and the new excavator will not be added to the fleet, which will hamper the pipe bursting program.

The bid was advertised on October 13 and 20, 2011.  There is sufficient funding in the FY 12 budget to make the purchase.  Seven bids were received on October 25, 2011, as follows:
 

Vendor	Bid Amount
Tractor & Equipment Co.	$62,744.87
Bobcat of Big Sky, Inc.	$51,629.00
RDO Equipment – Hitachi Z50U	$55,920.00
Titan Machinery	$59,547.61
H & E Equipment Services	$59,500.00
Tri-State Truck & Equipment, Inc.	$59,900.00
RDO Equipment – Hitachi Z60U	$62,445.00

After reviewing the bids and specifications for the excavator, staff determined that only one bidder (the high bidder) met the minimum bid specifications.  As such, staff recommends that Council award the bid for one (1) new current model 12,000-pound tracked excavator to Tractor & Equipment Co. in the amount of $62,744.87.