DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Purchase and Installation of an Outdoor Digital Billboard
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a contract for the purchase and installation of a double-sided outdoor digital display sign at the Bitters Recycling Center with GNAC, Inc. dba General Signs. The purchase and installation of this outdoor digital billboard sign will help San Antonio residents identify the location of the center as well as provide information about Solid Waste Management Department recycling services available at the center. The total cost for this project is $94,900.00, of which $17,294.00 will be funded from the FY2015 Solid Waste Operating Fund and the remaining balance of $77,606.00 will be funded from the FY2014 allocated Alamo Area Council of Governments grant fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In FY 2014, the Solid Waste Management Department applied for the Alamo Area Council of Governments Grant to fund the purchase of this outdoor digital display sign to assist in identifying the center's location which has become necessary due to the construction of Wurzbach Parkway. With new traffic flow on Wurzbach Parkway, the City has a new opportunity to reach San Antonio residents not familiar with the services provided at the facility. In addition, the billboard will provide recycling messages to the greater San Antonio community using the new east-west thoroughfare between Loops 410 and 1604. The sign will provide San Antonio residents with information regarding recycling and waste reduction services available at the facility and will instruct residents how to reduce the amount of waste thrown out that eventually ends up in local landfills. The sign will be installed at the facility and will be used on a daily basis.
The City issued a Formal Invitation for Bid (IFB) for "Purchase and Installation - Outdoor Digital Billboard" (RFx 6100005577) on February 11, 2015 with a submission deadline of February 27, 2015. Five bids were received. GNAC Inc. DBA General Signs submitted the low responsive bid in the amount of $94,900.00. The low bid submitted by ACM HUB, LLC did not meet bid requirements for future technical support.
ISSUE:
The new construction of Wurzbach Parkway has created a challenge with residents understanding how to access the facility. This contract is for the turnkey purchase and installation of a fully operational color digital billboard standing 25 feet high and has a viewable area measuring 6 feet high and 12 feet long. The sign will create an identifiable landmark for residents as well as provide a means for the Solid Waste Management Department to promote the variety of services offered at the facility such as brush recycling, Christmas tree recycling, yard waste recycling, proper disposal of household hazard waste and bulky waste disposal.
The Solid Waste Management Department has secured grant funding within their budget for this initiative as well as allocated the additional funds needed to promote their programs and services. Approval by City Council will allow the Solid Waste Management Department to efficiently spend funds allocated for this project in the FY15 budget and meet the deliverables of their work plans.
This contract is within the scope of the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program. However, due to the type of commodities/services being procured and value of the contract, no SBEDA tool is available.
The recommended award is to the lowest responsive bidder, who is also a local business. Therefore, application of the Local Preference Program was not required.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the Solid Waste Management Department will continue to promote the recycling services available at the center with the traditional means of pamphlets, door hangers, website and social media advertising, as well as meeting with homeowners. Unfortunately, the City would lose the grant funds allocated for this purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance will authorize a contract with GNAC, Inc. dba General Signs for the purchase and installation of a digital billboard for a total cost of $94,900.00, of which $17,294.00 will be funded from the FY2015 Solid Waste Operating Fund and the remaining balance of $77,606.00 will be funded from the FY2014 allocated Alamo Area Council Of Governments grant fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the authorization of the purchase and installation of the outdoor digital billboard from GNAC, Inc. dba General Signs for a total cost of $94,900.00 which will enable the Solid Waste Management Department's Bitters Recycling Center to be easily identified and promote the recycling services available at the location.