Subject: SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF AIRPORT COVERED PASSENGER WALKWAYS

RECOMMENDATION

Award the purchase of Commute-a-Walk, Airport Covered Walkways, to Infra-Structures Inc., as a sole source purchase, for the total cost of $1,749,592, including tax, delivery and installation and authorize the Director of General Services to execute the purchase order.

BACKGROUND

In June of 2000, the San Jose International Airport purchased covered, mobile passenger walkways for two gates at Terminal C as a pilot project. The walkway system consists of flexible, weatherproof, moveable, covered corridors that provide protection for passengers walking from the Terminal gate to the aircraft. The covered walkways were well received by the passengers and the airlines. The Airport has decided to purchase enough covered walkways to equip all of the ground level boarding gates at the Airport.

ANALYSIS

The Director of General Services has standardized on Commute-a-Walk covered, mobile passenger walkways for the following reasons:

· Repair and maintenance costs would be minimized due to the availability of spare parts, supplies, equipment and knowledge of order and delivery schedules.

· User personnel training would be minimized due to the familiarity of airport personnel with existing walkway specifications, materials and equipment.

· Familiarity of service personnel with the equipment will avoid potential time delays for placing the walkways into service, which is critical to the continued uninterrupted operations of the airport.

· Matching the existing walkways will provide uniform appearance.

The General Services Department/Purchasing Division conducted a formal bid process in June of 2000, which revealed that the Commute-a-Walk system, manufactured by Infra-Structures Inc., was the only mobile, covered airport walkway system available on the market. Additionally, the General Services Department/Purchasing Division has confirmed that Commute-a-Walk mobile, covered walkways are only available directly from the manufacturer, Infra-Structures, Inc., therefore, this is a sole source purchase, pursuant to subsection 4.12.020.D of the Municipal Code.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

Not applicable.

COORDINATION

This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, Budget Office, and the Airport Department.

CEQA

Resolution No. 67380.

BUDGET REFERENCE

Fund: Airport-Renewal and Replacement Fund - 527

Budget Amount: 3,333,000

Budget Document: 2000-2001 Proposed Capital Budget, Page 37, Project #21

FRANCIS B. MC VEY

Acting Director, General Services Department