HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 4.11(c)--Authorize the Sole Source of Variable Frequency Drives to Yaskawa for Public Works
CITY OF REDDING
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Recommendation
Approve the sole source purchase of all Department Variable Frequency Drives and find that the
name of Yaskawa Variable Frequency Drives in the specifications for Public Works projects is
authorized by Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(2) in order to match other products in use
by the City of Redding Public Works Department.
Fiscal Impact
Typically, the cost of variable frequency devices (VFDs) range between $10,000 and $20,000
each. The purchase of VFDs is done on an as needed basis. Funds are budgeted in Public Work’s
Water and Wastewater Utility’s capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) budgets.
Alternative Action
The City Council may choose not to make a finding to sole source all VFDs to Yaskawa. The
City of Redding (City) would continue the current practice of using a variety of brands, requiring
additional inventory and training for each brand.
Background/Analysis
A VFD is a motor drive system that controls the speed and torque of a mechanical device
(pumps) by varying the frequenc y of the input electricity. VFDs are used extensively throughout
the City at its water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, wells, and lift stations. The
Water Utility alone currently has 33 Yaskawa VFDs installed at the various sites. In the past, the
City has replaced older electrical drive units/VFDs with newer style Yaskawa drives. Public
Works Utilities is requesting to standardize this brand because of its durability in industrial
environments, longevity of current Yaskawa VFDs, compatibility with existing equipment, and
readily available local support. Currently, the utilities have various older Motortronics, GE, and
MEETING DATE: November 7, 2023
ITEM NO. 4.11(c)
FROM:
***APPROVED BY***
caukland@ci.redding.ca.us
btippin@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 4.11(c)--Make a Finding to Sole Source Variable Frequency Drives to Yaskawa
Chuck Aukland, Public
Works Director
Report to Redding City Council November 1, 2023
Re: 4.11(c)--Authorize the Sole Source of Variable Frequency Drives to Yaskawa for Public
Works Page 2
Fuji drives that have had compatibility issues with existing equipment such as communication
problems with Programable Logic Controllers.
In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(2)., the Council may make a finding
for a material, product, or service by specific brand or trade name in order to match other
products in use within the City’s water and wastewater system. In addition, Section 4.20.080 A.6
of the Redding Municipal Code provides a provision to dispense with bidding when the
equipment to be purchased represents best value to the City taking into consideration values
other than solely price. Such findings would allow the benefits described above to be realized.
Environmental Review
This activity is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, and no
further action is required.
Council Priority/City Manager Goals
• Government of the 21st Century – “Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and
challenges of today’s residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better
decisions today.”