DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Fire Alarm System Controls Upgrade for the Aviation Department
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) utilizing a sole source exemption to provide the Aviation Department and the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) with a Fire Alarm System Controls Upgrade for a total cost of $548,809.54. Funding is available from the Airport Capital Improvement Funds.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Terminal A fire alarm system controls at SAT are required for fire protection and evacuation purposes throughout the terminal. Some of the controls, such as the smoke detectors, are required by the National Fire Protection Association standards to be replaced every ten years. Although operable, the current smoke detectors are out of compliance. As the equipment ages, the system can become unreliable and, as a consequence, needs to be replaced to ensure the safety of airport passengers and personnel as well as protection of the facility.
In 2017, a proprietary JCI fire alarm system was installed in the new Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC), which is intended to integrate with the existing fire alarm system in Terminal A. Upon complete integration, both systems will use the same monitoring services and computer workstation within the Airport Communications Center. For integration to be achieved, the Terminal A system must be upgraded with components only available from JCI. Additionally, the work to be performed coordinates with a future budgeted Capital Improvements Project that will integrate fire alarm systems for all Aviation buildings into a single system to reduce maintenance costs, simplify training for emergency dispatchers, and decrease response times in emergency situations.
The City of San Antonio, Aviation Department solicited an offer from Johnson Controls Inc. for the purchase, delivery and installation of fire alarm system control upgrades to existing JCI fire alarm system equipment at SAT based on a sole source exemption.
ISSUE:
The current equipment is more than ten years old and has reached a point where failures are beginning to occur. Replacement equipment consisting of amplifiers, smoke detectors, power supplies, notification devices and annunciators is needed to comply with NFPA standards.
These items are being purchased as Sole Source according to the provisions of Texas Statutes Local Government Code 252.022.07. No other source can supply the items listed nor can any comparable item fulfill the same requirements.
This contract is exempt from competitive bidding and is excluded from the scope of the SBEDA program.
This contract is an exception to the Local Preference Program.
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 Aviation Department will continue to operate a fire alarm system with equipment that is beyond its expected useful life. As a result, downtime and the cost of repairs will continue to increase. If this system upgrade is not approved, the Department’s ability to effectively operate the fire alarm system at SAT, in accordance with NFPA 72 Standards, will be compromised.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost for the fire alarm system control upgrade is $548,809.54 and will be funded through Airport Capital Improvement Funds. This project is included in the FY 2018 - FY 2023 Capital Improvement Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of this contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. for a total cost of $548,809.54. This contract is procured by means of a sole source exemption and a Discretionary Contract Disclosure Form is not required.