REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute the 3MTM ACCR Terms and Conditions of Sale and to Issue Future Purchase Orders to 3M Company for 3M 715 Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) Conductors and Accessories
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
In 2008, the City of Santa Clara's Electric Department, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) evaluated several options for reconductoring its electric lines within the city. Based on the performance of the 715 Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) on an existing 60kV line, SVP's Electric Engineering Division adopted 3M's ACCR as the standard conductor for SVP transmission lines. In its evaluation of 3M's ACCR, SVP considered ampacity rating, line clearance, compatibility with existing equipment (e.g., poles and insulators), resistance to damage (e.g., tree branches), and performance history.
As with any operational system, it is necessary to limit equipment variability in order to manage operations and repairs, especially during outages. Since 2008, SVP has exclusively utilized 3M ACCR.
DISCUSSION
Section 2.105.280 of the City Code of the City of Santa Clara (City Code) provides that the City may not write its specification in a manner that limits a procurement to a single manufacturer. The Purchasing Division Manager has determined that the proposed procurement of 3M's ACCR meets the single source criteria in Section 2.105.280(b)(2) of the City Code. This section provides, "[w]hen required to ensure operation or function to match other products with respect to repair, expansion, or completion of a system, existing structure or program currently in use by the City, including, but not limited to, utility and technology purchases required to achieve interoperability with existing systems or programs." Therefore, it is recommended that purchases for the ACCR are sourced directly from 3M.
SVP has several upcoming pr...
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