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The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007801 with Metron-Farnier, LLC, for the purchase of water meters, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,607,250.00 and a term of three (3) years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
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Agenda of April 15, 2026
Item No. 2026-79
Contract: 6007801
Contractor: Metron-Farnier, LLC, 335 Centennial Parkway, Unit C, Louisville, CO 80027
Contract Amount: $1,607,250.00
Contract Terms: 3 years
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract 6007801
Purchase of Water Meters
Metron-Farnier, LLC
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Marqaicha Welch, Procurement Manager, the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007801 with Metron-Farnier, LLC, for the purchase of water meters, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,607,250.00 and a term of three (3) years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND / JUSTIFICATION
In 2025, DWSD’s Meter Operations Division replaced 13,159 cold water meters of various sizes, to provide customers with the most accurate and efficient water usage meter reading as necessary for their respective service needs. Each make and model, based on meter size, facility, and service type has qualities that fit certain service applications and must meet American Water Works Association standards and be
compatible with the latest automatic meter-reading technology. For optimal solicitation, the meters were divided based on size and quantity needed into three groups: Groups A, Positive Displacement Meters range in sizes 5/8” to 2”; Group B, Electronic Type Meters in sizes 1.5” to 10”; and Group C, Mechanical Meters in sizes 1.5” to 6”.
DWSD's concentrated efforts to replace aging meters have left stock levels nearly depleted. DWSD Meter Operations division is requesting approval to enter into the contracts listed below for a term of three (3) years for the continued replacement of water meters throughout the City of Detroit.
PROCUREMENT METHOD
This procurement was competitively solicited through a Request for Bids (RFB) per Requisition 534634, which was fully approved on 1/16/26. The RFB was advertised on the Michigan Inter-Governmental Trade Network (MITN) BidNet website for 34 calendar days (1/27/26 - 3/2/26). MITN published this opportunity to 532 companies, and 51 firms downloaded the bid package.
Five bids were received:
1. Metron-Farnier
2. Mueller Systems
3. Master Meters
4. Zenner USA, Inc.
5. Badger Meter, Inc.
Mueller Systems, LLC’s bid was deemed non-responsive due to bid exceptions which deviated from DWSD required contract terms and conditions.
The remaining (4) bids from Badger Meter, Inc, Master Meters Zenner USA, Inc. and Metron-Farnier were evaluated and deemed responsive and responsible based on the lowest price per Group C meter classification and contract term.
|
|
Badger Meter, Inc (1 year term) |
Zenner USA, Inc. (3 year term) |
Master Meter (3 year term) |
Metron-Farnier (3 year term) |
|
Group A Positive Displacement Meters (5/8’in - 1’in) |
$ 2,100,000.00 |
$ 1,854,696.00 |
$ 2,218,300.00 |
N/A |
|
Group B Electronic Type Billing Meters (1.5’in - 10’in) |
$ 1,236,150.00 |
$ 762,190.30 |
$ 1,134,190.00 |
N/A |
|
Group C Single Measuring Unit Mechanical Meters (1.5in - 6in) |
$ 800,000.00 |
$ 1,010,305.90 |
N/A |
$ 1,607,250.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Bid |
$ 4,136,150.00 |
$ 3,627,192.20 |
$ 3,352,490.00 |
$ 1,607,250.00 |
|
Total Award |
$ 2,100,000.00 |
$ 3,627,192.20 |
$ 2,218,300.00 |
$ 1,607,250.00 |
Evaluation of the bids per Meter Grouping (A, B & C), based on lowest price per line item & term
Based on the information above, DWSD recommends one of three multiple awards to Metron-Farnier, Inc., for a total contract not-to-exceed amount of $1,607,250.00 and a term of 3 years.
The recommendation to award multiple contracts is due to manufacturing lead times, increased operational demands and availability of inventory, as to not impact daily operations for meter installs. Meter Grouping is categorized by varying meter sizes and classifications.
Metron-Farnier, LLC clearances are valid with an expiration date of 10/27/26, and a formal contract is being routed for signature.
SUMMARY
A. Contract: 6007801
B. Contractor: Metron-Farnier, LLC
C. Contract Term: 3 years
D. Contract Amount: $1,607,250.00
E. Anticipated FY Breakdown: FY 27: $535,750.00
FY 28: $535,750.00
FY 29: $535,750.00
F. Funding Source: CIP Funds
G. GL String: 5721-20244-487711-645210-003461-30129-0000-000000
- 50% Water
5821-20243-497711-645210-003461-30129-0000-000000 - 50% Sewer
This proposed contract was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee on April 1, 2026. Per DWSD procurement protocol, Mayoral approval will also be obtained.