Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Central Maintenance Garage

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Steve Stewart,  Fleet Manager
CC:	Chuck Soules,  Director of Public Works
Date:	3/20/2009
RE:	Tire Shop RFP

Please include the following item on the City Commission Consent Agenda for consideration at the March 31, 2009 meeting:

Background Information:

Staff issued a request for proposal for tire shop heating and air exchange unit. An air exchange system is required by city code to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide in the building. The RFP was mailed to local contractors and placed on Demand Star. Three companies responded to the request and sent proposals. The proposals were reviewed by Building Maintenance and Central Maintenance staff. Internet research was conducted and interviews with personnel from area vehicle maintenance operations for recommendations as to the type of system that would have the lowest overall operating costs throughout the life cycle of the equipment. Based on our research infrared tube heaters will reduce operating costs by twenty percent.

Current Status:

The following proposals were received and reviewed:

Niehoff Dunco Heating and Cooling: Installation of forced air gas furnaces and air exchange system $12,890.00.

P1 Group, Inc.: Installation of infrared tube heaters and air exchange system $18,500.00.

Central Mechanical Construction: Installation of forced air gas furnaces and air exchange system $19,025.00.

Funding: 

Funding is available in the Central Maintenance capital equipment replacement line of the 2009 budget.

Action Request:

Award proposal to P1 Group, Inc. for the installation of infrared heating and air exchange system. Staff believes the additional expense over the low proposal will be more than off set by the reduced natural gas and electricity use over the life of the equipment.