Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: SPARK PLUGS
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a two-year, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity Contract No. MA69672000 to Cummins Incorporated, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for spark plugs for Metro's bus engines. The Contract one-year base amount is $909,973 inclusive of sales tax, and the one-year option amount is $939,154, inclusive of sales tax, for a total contract amount of $1,849,127, subject to resolution of protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
This procurement is for the acquisition of spark plugs which are required to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the Cummins natural gas engines in the current bus fleet. Award of this contract will ensure that Bus Maintenance has adequate inventory to repair and maintain the buses according to Metro maintenance standards.
Background
BACKGROUND
Natural gas vehicle engines use an ignition system, including spark plugs and coils, to ignite a fuel/oxygen mixture. The spark plugs in the ignition system are a critical part of the engine operation. Ignition problems can significantly impact engine performance. Engine manufacturers identify specific mileage intervals for spark plug replacement to avoid performance problems and unnecessary engine failures that could result in increased maintenance costs.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Spark plugs are an electrical ignition device that fits into the cylinder head of a natural gas engine and ignites the air-fuel mixture needed for combustion to power the engine. In accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, spark plugs are required to be changed at pre-determined intervals based on mileage. Replacement of the spark plugs are essential for the proper maintenance of Metro's bus fleet and ensures that bus engines run efficiently, and as designed. The spark plugs a...
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