Consent 1.A.2.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 05/14/2018
- TITLE
- Award for Airport's Purchase of Two New Heavy Duty Snow Plows
- PRESENTED BY:
- Kevin Ploehn
- Department:
- Airport
Presentation:
No
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
During snow events at the Airport, staff must utilize an array of snow removal equipment including rotary brooms and large snow plows to remove the snow from the Airport's runways, taxiways, and 440,000 square feet of air carrier ramp. Included in the Airport's Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program is the purchase of two new snow plows. The new snow plows will replace two 20-year-old snow plows with two new pieces of equipment that are capable of simultaneously plowing and sweeping snow and other contaminants off of the pavement surfaces in order to maintain/improve safety for all aircraft operations.
Due to their age and condition, the two existing snow plows have become unreliable, especially during prolonged snow events when this equipment is required to operate for extended periods of time. Additionally, the Airport's mechanics spend a lot of time troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining these two snow plows, and replacement parts are becoming difficult to find. During the past 20 years, equipment manufacturers have also improved upon the technology and design of this specialized equipment. This new equipment will allow the operators to plow and broom pavement surfaces simultaneously.
The new snow plows will ensure the Airport will continue to comply with its FAA approved Snow and Ice Control Plan and ultimately improve safety for the aircraft operating at the Billings Airport while enhancing the efficiency of the snow removal operations.
The purchase of Two Heavy Duty Snow Plows was advertised in the Yellowstone County News on March 23, 30, and April 6, and was posted on the City and Airport's Websites. On April 10, 2018, the following bids for this equipment were received:
COMPANY PRICE
Wausau $1,501,440
M-B Company $1,532,160
Staff reviewed the equipment specifications sent with each bid proposal and found that the equipment proposed by Wausau did not meet the requested specifications for this type of snow plow. Subsequently, at the April 28, 2018 City Council meeting, staff recommended that award of the contract be delayed until the May 14, 2018 City Council meeting, which the City Council approved. At the request of the Airport, Wausau sent additional information on the equipment they were offering. After reviewing Wausau's supplemental response, staff determined that the proposed equipment does not meet the required specifications. Consequently, staff recommends the award of the contract for the purchase of Two Heavy Duty Snow Plows to the M-B Company.
Due to their age and condition, the two existing snow plows have become unreliable, especially during prolonged snow events when this equipment is required to operate for extended periods of time. Additionally, the Airport's mechanics spend a lot of time troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining these two snow plows, and replacement parts are becoming difficult to find. During the past 20 years, equipment manufacturers have also improved upon the technology and design of this specialized equipment. This new equipment will allow the operators to plow and broom pavement surfaces simultaneously.
The new snow plows will ensure the Airport will continue to comply with its FAA approved Snow and Ice Control Plan and ultimately improve safety for the aircraft operating at the Billings Airport while enhancing the efficiency of the snow removal operations.
The purchase of Two Heavy Duty Snow Plows was advertised in the Yellowstone County News on March 23, 30, and April 6, and was posted on the City and Airport's Websites. On April 10, 2018, the following bids for this equipment were received:
COMPANY PRICE
Wausau $1,501,440
M-B Company $1,532,160
Staff reviewed the equipment specifications sent with each bid proposal and found that the equipment proposed by Wausau did not meet the requested specifications for this type of snow plow. Subsequently, at the April 28, 2018 City Council meeting, staff recommended that award of the contract be delayed until the May 14, 2018 City Council meeting, which the City Council approved. At the request of the Airport, Wausau sent additional information on the equipment they were offering. After reviewing Wausau's supplemental response, staff determined that the proposed equipment does not meet the required specifications. Consequently, staff recommends the award of the contract for the purchase of Two Heavy Duty Snow Plows to the M-B Company.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve the award for the purchase of Two Heavy Duty Snow Plows to M-B Company; or
- Decline to award the purchase, and direct staff on how to proceed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total cost of this new equipment is $1,532,160. The project will be paid for with Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds. These funds are available in the Airport's PFC account.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of Two New Heavy Duty Snow Plows from M-B Company for the amount of $1,532,160.