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TMLP approves series of network and equipment contract awards, including Calix sole‑source ONT purchase
Summary
Taunton Municipal Light Plant commissioners approved multiple procurement awards Dec. 3, 2024, including a sole‑source purchase from Calix to replace 769 aging ONTs for $77,727.85 and network refresh and WAN contracts to Insight and E Plus totaling roughly $1.1 million.
Taunton Municipal Light Plant commissioners on Dec. 3 approved a package of vendor awards to update the utility’s network and equipment, including a sole‑source purchase to replace 769 unsupported optical network terminals (ONTs).
Staff told the commission that Kallax ISG equipment deployed during a network cutover did not support the utility’s 10– to 15‑year‑old ONTs. Calix offered a one‑time discount to replace the 769 unsupported ONTs; staff reported the equipment total normally would be $151,327.85, the one‑time discount was $75,000, and estimated shipping was $1,400, for a discounted total of $77,727.85. The commission voted to accept Calix as the sole‑source provider for the purchase; the motion passed unanimously.
In related network procurements, TMLP’s MIS and Internet Services groups recommended several lowest‑responsive bidders meeting specifications. The commission awarded the Network Refresh Project (IFB 20423) to Insight for $451,027.13 and approved E Plus for the City WAN network upgrade (IFB 2424) at $282,385.80. Commissioners also approved E Plus as the lowest bidder for the Internet core router replacement (IFB 20425) at $360,000; staff explained that industry practice can reduce the number of competing bidders because early vendor outreach to manufacturers often determines best pricing.
Other equipment awards approved included a Transmission/Distribution IFB (20422) for a dead‑front loop‑feed transformer assembly recommended to E.L. Flowers (quoting Umco) for $221,432 and an award for air compressors and associated equipment (IFB 20421) to A and M Compressed Air Products for $83,542.
All motions were made, seconded and carried by recorded voice vote of 'Aye' with no opposition. Commissioners asked clarifying questions during the reports, including a brief explanation of 'dead front loop feed' and why some IFBs yield few responses.
The awards cover a range of TMLP projects: immediate replacement of manufacturer‑unsupported customer premise equipment, broader network refresh work, core infrastructure replacements and production equipment purchases. Many of the bids referenced detailed line‑item attachments and unit pricing, which staff said are provided in the procurement files.
