HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemosCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO
FROM :
Joe Arriola
Chief Administrator/City Manager
os, D ector
ment Officer
DATE :
SUBJECT:
REFERENCES
ENCLOSURES:
September 15, 2004
FILE :
Sky Watch Sentinel Observation
Platform
An investigation was conducted by staff to determine whether New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., a Non-
Minority/Non-Local vendor, located at 1640 Powers Ferry Road, Building 16, Suite 350, Marietta, Ga. 30067, is
the sole source provider for the purchase of a Sky Watch Sentinel Observation Platform, for the Department of
Police ("Department").
The Department is seeking to obtain the Sky Watch Sentinel Observation Platform to be used at major events that
are potential targets and Homeland Security incidents. According to the Department, the platform will provide a
high profile physical presence and excellent observation point for an officer working the event/incident, and will
be equipped with spotlights, regular and thermal video camera, and air conditioning. The platform will rise to
approximately 24 feet above the ground, and is trailer mounted with a hydraulic lift mechanism and generator.
According to New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., the Sky Watch is a patented product by New Heights
Manufacturing, and it is the sole manufacturer and distributor for their products. No other product combines its
many features and construction into one system, and its unique features include elevated surveillance and
deterrence; a fully enclosed cab equipped with heating and air conditioning; stand-alone capability; portability;
generator as well as shore power source; and more. The Police Department of Grapevine, Texas procured the
platform product in 2003 as a sole source acquisition, and the Broward Sheriff's Office also recently purchased a
platform in 2004. Staff was unable to locate any other observation platform with all the unique features of this
product.
Therefore, 1 am recommending that the requirements for formal competitive sealed bidding be waived, and these
findings be approved: New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., a Non-Minority/Non-Local vendor, located at 1640
Powers Ferry Road, Building 16, Suite 350, Marietta, Ga. 30067, is the sole source provider for the purchase of a
Sky Watch Sentinel Observation Platform. Funding, at an amount not to exceed $ 97,146.00, is available from the
Capital Improvement Program Homeland Defense Preparedness Bond, Account Code No.
312048.299307.6.840.
APPROVED BY:
JAILMHIGMIPEB
Joe Arriola
Administrator/City Manager
DATE:
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO :
FROM :
Glenn Marcos, Director
Chief Procurement Officer
/6a4.7"4)
Pamela Burns, CPPB
Sr. Procurement Contracts Officer
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCES:
ENCLOSURES:
September 15, 2004
FILE :
Sky Watch Sentinel Observation
Platform
I conducted an investigation to determine whether New
vendor, located at 1640 Powers Ferry Road, Building
provider for the purchase of a Sky Watch Sentinel
("Department").
Heights Manufacturing, Inc., a Non-Minority/Non-Local
16, Suite 350, Marietta, Ga. 30067, is the sole source
Observation Platform, for the Department of Police
The Department is seeking to obtain the Sky Watch Sentinel Observation Platform to be used at major events that
are potential targets and Homeland Security incidents. According to the Department, the platform will provide a
high profile physical presence and excellent observation point for an officer working the event/incident, and will
be equipped with spotlights, regular and thermal video camera, and air conditioning. The platform will rise to
approximately 24 feet above the ground, and is trailer mounted with a hydraulic lift mechanism and generator.
According to New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., the Sky Watch is a patented product by New Heights
Manufacturing, and it is the sole manufacturer and distributor for their products. No other product combines its
many features and construction into one system, and its unique features include elevated surveillance and
deterrence; a fully enclosed cab equipped with heating and air conditioning; stand-alone capability; portability;
generator as well as shore power source; and more. The Police Department of Grapevine, Texas procured the
platform product in 2003 as a sole source acquisition, and the Broward Sheriff's Office also recently purchased a
platform in 2004. I was unable to locate any other observation platform with all the unique features of this
product.
Therefore, I am recommending that the requirements for formal competitive sealed bidding be waived, and these
findings be approved: New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., a Non-Minority/Non-Local vendor, located at 1640
Powers Ferry Road, Building 16, Suite 350, Marietta, Ga. 30067, is the sole source provider for the purchase of a
Sky Watch Sentinel Observation Platform. Funding, at an amount not to exceed $ 97,146.00, is available from the
Capital Improvement Program, Police Homeland Defense Preparedness Bond, Account Code No.
31204 8.29 93 07.6. 840 .
APPROVED BY:
DATE:
1/7/6
CITY OF MIAMI
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
A public hearing will be held by the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida on
at a.m., in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall,
3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, for the purpose of waiving the requirements of
obtaining sealed bids for the sole source purchase of a Sky Watch Sentinel Observation
Platform, from New Heights Manufacturing, Inc., for the Department of Police, in an amount not
to exceed $97,146.
Inquiries from other potential sources of such a package who feel that they might be able to
satisfy the City's requirements for this item may contact Pamela Burns, Sr. Procurement
Contracts Officer, at the City of Miami Purchasing Department at (305) 416-1905.