Background/Purpose of Request:
Brunswick County Utilities installs long-side water and sewer taps on a daily basis using a Ditch Witch Horizontal Directional Drill Machine. The HDD guidance system has partially failed such that the operator of the machine cannot use electronics to guide the drill head. An attempt to purchase the HDD Guidance System necessary to have a fully functional HDD rig discovered that the Subsite Electronics HDD Guidance System is only available through Ditch Witch so only one quote is available.
In accordance with NCGS 143-129 (e) (6) bidding exceptions may be granted to the local government for direct purchase of products when a needed product is available from only one source of supply and must be approved by the governing body. Staff recommends approval of the bidding exceptions for Subsite Electronics Horizontal Directional Drill Guidance Systems, for Public Utilities as an exception to the bidding requirements in accordance with NCGS 143-129. |