One of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) 39 projects is the  purchase of a new High Speed Runway Broom used to clear the runways, taxiways, and ramp areas of snow, ice, and other debris. This equipment was approved in the City's Equipment Replacement Program and budget process. This specialized equipment is critical to ensuring safe air carrier flight operations, since "brooming" the runways and taxiways soon after the snowfall begins can prevent ice from developing on these surfaces, thereby providing a safe surface for aircraft landing and takeoffs. This specialized piece of equipment is unique to airports and will replace a 15 year old  runway broom that has over 5,000 hours of use. This High Speed Runway Broom has a large 22' rotary broom, 2 Detroit diesel engines, numerous pumps, hydraulic and auxiliary systems.  This project was advertised in the Billings Times and was posted on the City's Web Site.  On July 27, 2010, we received a single bid for this equipment:

COMPANY	BID
Team Eagle, Inc.	$523,000
ESTIMATE	$500,000

The City Council may:

• Approve the award of the purchase of the  High Speed Runway Broom; or
• Decline to approve the award of  the High Speed Runway Broom, reject all bids, and not complete the project at this time.

The total cost of this project is $523,000, and is funded with a 95% FAA AIP Entitlement grant and a 5% local match.  The FAA portion is $496,850, and the City's match $26,150.  Local match funds are budgeted and available in the Airport's Capital account.

Staff recommends the City Council approve the award of the AIP 39 Purchase of a New High Speed Runway Broom to the low bidder, Team Eagle, Inc., for the amount of $523,000.