Board authorizes purchase of 20,000 ft of 1/0 aluminum utility wire from TriState for $71,800

The Office Building Board on Aug. 14 authorized staff to enter a contract to purchase 20,000 feet of 1/0 aluminum utility conductor from TriState Utility Products of Marietta, Georgia, for $71,800.

Procurement staff said 11 vendors were solicited under bid reference 2582 but only one bid was submitted. The purchase was requested to replenish the warehouse’s inventory so crews have standard conductor on hand for planned capital projects and routine emergency repairs. A staff representative explained that 20,000 feet is a typical on‑hand level and that lead time from the vendor is about 6–8 weeks.

Warehouse staff and utilities staff explained that the city is transitioning some copper replacements to industry‑standard aluminum conductor and that ongoing capital projects may draw on the new stock. One board member asked why more vendors did not bid; staff said some suppliers offered the material to private customers at higher margins and declined to bid for local government business on this solicitation.

The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the contract authorization.

What was authorized: staff is authorized to execute a purchase order with TriState Utility Products for 20,000 feet of 1/0 aluminum conductor, delivery in approximately 6–8 weeks, total price $71,800.

Next steps: procurement will issue the purchase order and coordinate delivery timing with the warehouse and capital projects schedule.