Title
Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Distribution Automation Project (B)
Staff recommends approval of the final ranking of firms and authorization to negotiate in order of ranking a contract with those firms for infrastructure and software applications necessary to implement the project.
Explanation
The utility has very limited capability to remotely communicate with electric, gas and water meters and other utility distribution systems equipment. The acquisition and implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) includes a robust two-way communications platform that will enable the deployment of advanced metering applications in all systems as well as the adoption of reliability and quality focused operating practices for those utilities.
AMI enables meters to be read on a scheduled and "on demand" basis, customer accounts to be initiated or terminated remotely, and service reliability and quality to be monitored and enhanced. All such services enable a more efficient servicing of accounts and the opportunity to realize the utility's goal of Total Service Excellence.
AMI also provides utility operators with an enhanced and detailed view of the distribution systems' performance, the ability to remotely operate and manage system devices and equipment, and the ability to apply automated switching and isolation strategies (DA). All of these advanced capabilities will promote a reduction in the magnitude and duration of service interruptions and service quality concerns.
The utility has developed a two phase pilot project that will evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of an AMI and its associated advanced communication system. This approach will enable bi-directional data sharing on a trial basis with specific metering infrastructure and distribution systems equipment. The AMI project will be deployed initially within the boundaries of the Innovation District and will enable the delivery of enhanced utility services along with advanced distribution system monitoring and control. The second phase of the project will focus on the build-out of the communications infrastructure within the footprint of the electric distribution system to extend the projected operational benefits to all customers.
Utilities Purchasing issued an Invitation to Negotiate which was posted on GRU's website and sent to twenty-six firms that provide AMI and DA systems. Seven responses were received and evaluated based on respondent's qualifications and experience, project management and development team, project solution, feasibility analysis, software component, past performance, distinguishing characteristics, and local preference. As a result, three firms were selected for negotiations, a process which included presentations, customer site visits, follow-up discussions, and best and final offers. The best and final offers were then evaluated based on the same criteria and ranked by consensus. The ranking is as follows:
Tantalus Systems Inc.
Silver Spring Networks
Sensus USA Inc.
The evaluation team included a representative from the electric, gas, water/wastewater operating areas, field services and customer service with additional input from Information Technology Department and Systems Control Division. The final negotiations will result in a Master Agreement including software license from which Task Assignments will be issued for various phases of the project as determined by the needs of GRU. The initial term of the Master Agreement will be for five years with the option to renew for two additional two year periods.
Fiscal Note
The estimated cost of the pilot project (for all systems) is $600,000. Funding in the amount of $200,000 has been requested in FY 14 and an additional $400,000 will be requested in FY 15. Additional funds may be requested in subsequent fiscal years as required.
Recommendation:
The City Commission: 1) approve the final ranking of firms to deploy a small scale Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Distribution Automation (DA) project; 2) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to initiate contract negotiations with the firms in order of ranking; and 3) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, upon successful negotiations, to execute a five-year Master Agreement, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality, in an amount not to exceed budgeted amounts for this project, and subject to final appropriation of funds for each year of the contract.