Title
Resolution Determining Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. to be the Only Source Practicably Available From Which to Procure Materials and Service for Integrated Boiler Digital Control Systems and Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Purchase Contract with Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. as “Sole Source”
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. has been a sole source vendor at the Hampton/NASA Steam Plant since 2006. Prior to that, they were a sole source vendor under the name Control Dynamics. Recently, in order to comply with the required procedures for City procurements made using federal grant funds under the Uniform Guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the Steam Plant was directed to review and renew its Sole Source vendors in accordance with Article 6 of §2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia.
Discussion:
The Hampton/NASA Steam Plant’s boilers require a complex digital software suite in order to operate with the minimum staffing we employ and still meet all our VA DEQ permit emissions and reporting requirements. RE Mason, Inc. has supplied that digital control suite to us, and to the NASA Bldg. 1215 Plant, in their proprietary Delta V system. Not only does the suite control boiler remote and automatic operations, it monitors and maintains a history of employee initiated commands and interactions as well as a running record and inventory of all boiler emissions. RE Mason technicians remain on call to troubleshoot and repair any inconsistencies in operations and failures. They preform routing calibration and maintenance. They also ensure the two systems (Hampton and NASA) remain in sync with one another (though not in direct communication).
Impact:
The boiler cannot operate without a calibrated and functioning digital control system. The emissions recording and data recordkeeping function cannot be maintained with the same. Both features are integral to the Delta V system...
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