Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position to award a 24-month framework agreement (an agreement for orders placed as needed) to Aqua Data inc. for batteries for drinking-water meters. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to keep the meters working and supplied with batteries.
- The proposed agreement has a maximum amount of $343,421.13, taxes included. Batteries would be supplied on request.
- The public call for tenders received three compliant bids. Aqua Data inc. was the lowest compliant bidder.
- The resolution also requires an evaluation of Aqua Data inc.’s performance.
- The resolution assigns the expenses to borough and central-service budgets, as needed.
What it means for you#
- City services and boroughs: They would be able to order batteries for the city’s drinking-water meters under the agreement. The decision does not directly change residents’ water bills or create a new service for residents.
- Residents: City staff say delaying the contract could put meter operation and data collection at risk. That is staff’s stated concern, not a guaranteed outcome.
Money#
The agreement is capped at $343,421.13, taxes included, but actual spending depends on orders.
- The amount is based on estimated needs of 600 batteries over two years; the resolution says spending will follow needs.
- The resolution charges expenses to borough and central-service budgets. City staff say orders would use credits already allocated to the requesting units’ capital or operating budgets.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not say how many batteries will actually be ordered or when.
- They do not describe how Aqua Data inc.’s performance will be evaluated.
- No renewal option is stated in the materials.
Case for#
- Aqua Data inc. submitted the lowest compliant bid, at 0.44% below the city’s estimate.
- City staff say the batteries are needed for meter operation and that a delay could risk losing data from industrial, commercial and institutional meters.
Case against#
- The agreement allows spending up to the stated maximum, but the actual quantity and total spending will depend on future orders.
- The second-lowest bid was only $2,297.20 higher. The materials do not explain whether any other factor besides price supports choosing the lowest bid.