HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Request for Sole Source FindingCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO :
FROM :
Annie Perez, Director
Purchasing Department
Maurice L. Kemp, Chief
Department of Fire escue
DATE : October 1st, 2015 FILE :
Request for Sole Source Finding:
SUBJECT: Authorizing the Purchase of the
WeatherBug Weather System and
accessories
REFERENCES:
ENCLOSURES:
The Department of Fire -Rescue is requesting a sole source finding for the acquisition of five (5)
WeatherBug Weather Systems and accessories for the Department of Fire -Rescue.
This memorandum serves to request that you approve a finding that Earth Networks, Inc. d/b/a
WeatherBug is a sole source vendor, manufacturer, and shipper that designs, develops, produces and
sells unique weather system hardware and software that interfaces with Earth Networks, Inc. d/b/a
WeatherBug's proprietary networks, applications, and web -services. Earth Networks, Inc., d/b/a
WeatherBug operates a proprietary weather observing network of 9,000+ weather stations. This
network is completely unique. Weather tracking stations, lightning detection sensors, and cameras
stream live data and imagery through their proprietary network architecture to over 20,000,000
active users every 2-seconds. It is the only real-time and highly dense combined network of weather
stations, lightning detection sensors and outdoor notification systems. There is no other comparable
network or source of data in the United States. Enterprise access to this data is provided through a
suite of proprietary applications and data feeds that are available only from Earth Networks -
WeatherBug.
The company has sole rights to the network, including the technology and software that provides
system compatibility and LAN, WAN, and Internet networking capability, . Throughout the United
States, government agencies and municipalities have repeatedly elected to work with Earth
Networks, Inc., d/b/a WeatherBug on a sole source basis based upon the above proprietary
capabilities.
There are currently five (5) weather stations that are in need of replacement/upgrade because they
are no longer functional. These cameras are necessary in order for this project to be 100% operable.
Each weather station will cost $9,250 for the camera system and the installation totaling $46,250.00.
Based upon the attached, the Department of Fire -Rescue is requesting that you take the necessary
steps to verify that Earth Networks, Inc., d/b/a Weatherbug located at 12410 Milestone Center Drive,
Suite 300, Germantown, MD 20876, is the designated sole source representative for the provision
of the aforementioned weather equipment, services, and installation, at a proposed cost of
$46,250.00.
Page 2
Funds for this particular purchase will be allocated from the Federal grant entitled, "Urban Area
Security Initiative Grant", Project No, 18-180064; Task — 01.02.01; Award No. 2121; Expenditure
Type — Equipment; Expenditure Organization — 189000; General Ledger Account Code No.
11100.189000.664000.0000.00000.
It is therefore respectfully requested, that you approve a Sole Source finding for WeatherBug by
Earth Networks, Inc.
MLK/JZ/AG/mtm
FINDING OF SOLE SOURCE APPROVED:
Annie P- Purchasing Director
Date