Included in the Technology Replacement Plan for Fiscal Year 2020 is the replacement of three Windows 7 computers and all associated hardware and software to upgrade the Airport's Airfield Lighting Computer System Equipment.  This unique and specialized computer system has exceeded its useable life, is obsolete, and cannot be updated since the current system is operated through Windows 7.  The new Windows 10 industrial computers will be installed in the Air Traffic Control Tower, Airfield Lighting Vault, and Airport Operations Center to control approximately 1,250 runway, ramp/taxiway lights, 120 guidance signs, including many other airfield lighting systems and aircraft navigational aids.  In 2005, the Billings Logan International Airport competitively advertised and received bids on a new airport lighting control system. The successful bidder was Airside Solutions, Inc. (formerly WestCoast Sales & Marketing), which installed a Siemens Airfield Lighting Control System. In 2012, an update of this system was performed and now approximately eight years later the Airport needs to upgrade the software and equipment again in order to keep up with changing technology, and maintain a safe and reliable system.  Airport staff received a quote of $115,656 to complete this work.  This is sole source/proprietary work, since the Airport must coordinate this work through Airside Solutions who is the sole manufacturer's representative/contractor.  Airside will then work with the manufacturer of the Siemens System as required. This project will replace obsolete equipment with new Windows 10 hardware/software, design technical specifications, perform factory operational and system acceptance testing, and send a technician to install, commission, and train personnel on the use of the equipment.   This is an extremely important Airport equipment upgrade since it controls all airfield lighting that every aircraft relies on, along with other navigational aids when operating during inclement weather and at night.  If the airfield lighting system becomes inoperable, the Airport would need to close due to FAA rules/regulations and to protect the safety of the traveling public.  A copy of the Service Agreement with Airside Solutions, Inc. is attached.

 

City Council may:

• Approve the sole source/proprietary Airfield Lighting Computer System Equipment Upgrade Agreement with Airside Solutions; or
• Disapprove the Agreement, delay the project, and provide direction to staff on how to proceed.

The total cost of this project is $115,656.  Funding for this project is available in the Airport's Local Capital fund.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Airfield Lighting Computer System Equipment Upgrade Agreement with the sole source/proprietary vendor Airside Solutions, Inc. for the amount of $115,656.