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Committee previews short-term Siemens contract to maintain airport automation system
Summary
Port Control presented a July request to enter a one-year requirement contract (with three one-year options) with Siemens to maintain and upgrade the Apogee building automation system, citing false alarms and legacy equipment compatibility as drivers.
The Transportation and Mobility Committee discussed a proposed requirement contract with Siemens Industry Inc. to provide software, labor and materials to maintain, repair, upgrade and expand the Apogee building automation system that monitors alarms and building systems across the airport concourses.
The assistant director said the Apogee system handles critical automation and alarm dispatch — from smoke and flood alarms to other building faults — and that the airport currently experiences many false alarms (for example, vaping in restrooms can trigger a full emergency dispatch). The contract would initially run one year with three one-year renewals exercisable by the director of Port Control to allow flexibility while the airport evaluates longer-term options.
Council members questioned vendor selection and procurement approach. The assistant director said Siemens has regional offices and can provide on-site response, and that the procurement was structured without a broad RFP due to legacy, somewhat-proprietary system components; staff said they aim to use RFPs in future procurements as systems modernize.
Council members also pressed whether the contractor is a Cleveland-based firm. Staff said Siemens operates nationwide with local teams and that staff would provide firm location details. Councilwoman Gray urged prioritizing city residents and Cleveland businesses where feasible in future contracting decisions.
No vote was taken; the item is scheduled for introduction and possible passage in July. Committee members asked for documentation on supplier location and the last RFP performance history before final action.
