sr-032481-6dTo:
From:
Subject:
Santa Monica, California March 17, 198/1 j~
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Mayor and City Council
Staff
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF A GAS CHROP1ATOGRAPH/
°]ASS SPECTROPHOTOMETER
MAR 2 ~ 198i
Introduction
This report describes staff's study of available Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectro-
photometer's currently on the market. It recommends the Hewlett-Packard instrument
be purchased and the Council waive formal bids and authorize the City Manager to
negotiate for this purchase.
Background
In February 1981, Council appropriated funds for the purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/
~~ass Spectrophotometer. This instrument will. be used to test for organic
contaminants such as TCE in the City's drinking water. The staff report reviewed
the economics of accomplishing water analysis in-house with such an instrument
versus having a commercial laboratory conduct the same analysis for the City. The
conclusion of the staff report was that economics favored in-house analysis.
Since Council's appropriation of funds for this instrument, staff has determined
there are only two competitors within our budget which provide the amount and
quality of extended technical support beyond the time of purchase necessary for this
type of instrument. An investigation was conducted of these two instruments,
including review of their specifications, discussions with present owners, and
actual usage. The conclusion drawn from this investigation was the Hewlett-Packard
instrument was the better investment for the following reasons:
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MAk 2 4 1989
To: Mayor and City Council - 2 - March 17, 1987
1. It has the greatest Mass Spectrophotometer sensitivity.
2. It has the greatest memory storage capacity in the data system.
3. It has the lowest annual maintenance contract fee.
4. It requires and uses the least amount of electrical power.
5. It is entirely manufactured and serviced by one company.
6. It has the best history. of service performance.
7. It has the most reliable gas chromatograph.
Review of the quoted price of each machine indicates a difference of less than
$1,000. If the City orders its machine from Hewlett-Packard before March 31, 1981,
the City will save almost $2,400. Such savings will make the Hewlett-Packard
instrument the lowest priced Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrophotometer.
Alternatives
The alternative is to go to formal bids for this instrument. Such an alternative
would delay the delivery date necessitating additional expensive outside analysis
and probable price increases on both instruments.
Recommendation
It is recommended Council waive formal bids and authorize the City Manager to enter
into direct negotiations with Hewlett-Packard for the purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/
Mass Spectrophotometer for the amount not to exceed $131,000 with the intention of
ordering the instrument before March 31, 1981.
Prepared by: Stan Scholl
Ed Lash
Richard Aronoff