4. Award Bid - Dual Frequency GPS System - Public Works DeptCity of Kalispell Public Works Department
Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831
REPORT TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jim Hansz, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Award Bid For Survey Grade GPS Equipment
MEETING DATE: September 4, 2001
BACKGROUND: Over the past few years significant advances have been made in the
technology of surveying. Chief among these advances has been the use of Global Positioning
System (GPS) technology to obtain high levels of accuracy with fewer personnel involved in the
surveying process. With these advances have come the potential for savings in personnel costs
and greater productivity through the release of personnel to perform other work for the
organization. Also, as the technology has improved to its current high level the cost of equipment
has dropped and its reliability has increased. It is time for the City to adopt this technology and
gain its benefits. The current budget includes funding in the Water Fund, Sewer Fund, and Storm
Drainage Fund for purchase of survey grade GPS equipment. These funds total $44,000.00.
Equipment specifications were developed and on August 27, 2001 two bids were received for
equipment meeting the specifications for a Dual Frequency GPS System. Both bids were in
proper form and included the required security. The bids were from: Inland GPS of Cody,
Wyoming for a Trimble system at a cost of $35,734.70 plus $3,180.00 for the radio
communication module, and from Selby's ESSCO of Billings for a Leica system at a cost of
$33,500.00. plus $1,250.00 for the communication module and adaptive hardware. The systems
are comparable but rely on different communication links. The Trimble system is radio based
and the Leica system is cell phone based. We believe the lower cost Leica system is best for the
City's cun-ent needs and its cell phone link will offer greater flexibility at a lower cost than a
radio link.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends award of the bid for survey grade Leica system
GPS equipment to Selby's ESSCO of Billings, Montana (Missoula office) based on their total
low bid of $34,750.00.
ACTION REQUESTED: A MOTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR SURVEY GRADE GPS
EQUIPMENT TO SELBY'S ESSCO OF BILLINGS, MONTANA (MISSOULA OFFICE).
FISCAL EFFECTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council
Respectfully
James C. Hansz, P.E. V Chris A. Kukulski
Director of Public Works / City Engineer City Manager
Report compiled August 29, 2001