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Commission awards temporary piggyback contract for utility locate services to CRA Smith amid procurement review
Summary
The commission authorized a blanket purchase agreement with C.R. A. Smith and Associates for utility locate services to bridge an ongoing procurement. Commissioners discussed a prior legal dispute with the vendor, recent settlement, and staff plans to re‑solicit a competitive procurement; staff said service continuity is needed to meet 811/locate
The City Commission voted May 7 to authorize a blanket purchase agreement with C.R. A. Smith and Associates (trading name in transcript as “Craig A. Smith”) to provide utility locate services at an annual not‑to‑exceed amount the agenda listed as up to $340,000. The purchase is proposed to be piggybacked off a contract from the Town of Pembroke Park to preserve continuity while procurement issues are resolved.
Public safety and utilities staff explained the background: the city relies on locate services to mark underground utilities for construction and maintenance; a prior solicitation produced bids that procurement rejected and staff recommended a qualifications‑based solicitation to follow. Meanwhile, the city needs a vendor to provide locate services without an interruption in coverage for 811 and other calls. Procurement reported it had identified other piggyback contracts to evaluate but recommended the Pembroke Park piggyback to bridge to a new RFP.
Commissioner Biederman reminded colleagues the city had been in litigation with C.R. A. Smith and that a settlement and nondisparagement provisions had been reached; the city attorney confirmed the lawsuit had been settled with no admission of liability. Commissioners discussed whether a temporary award via piggyback could be extended only long enough to complete a competitive procurement. Procurement staff said they would search for other piggyback options and bring alternatives back if available. Public utility leaders said the previously granted extension expired and that the city required services immediately.
After discussion and a request for staff to pursue other piggyback sources and a faster procurement, the commission approved the contract award unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to seek a short term bridge and return with results of any additional piggyback options or a schedule for a new RFP.
Why it matters: locate services are operationally essential to avoid utility damage and to comply with the 811 call system. The award preserves operational continuity, while procurement works on a longer‑term competitive approach.
