Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007800 with Master Meter, for the purchase of water meters., for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,218,300.00 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.
Body
Agenda of April 15, 2026
Item No. 2026-78
Contract: 6007800
Contractor: Master Meter, Inc. 101 Regency Parkway, Mansfield, Texas 760063
Contract Amount: $2,218,300.00
Contract Term: 1 year
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract 6007800
Purchase of Water Meters
Master Meter, Inc.
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 6007800 with Master Meter, for the purchase of water meters., for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,218,300.00 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 the contracts listed below for a term of one (1) year 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 543634, 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, LLC
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 Metron-Farnier, Master Meters, Zenner USA, Inc. and Badger Meter, Inc., were evaluated and deemed responsive and responsible based on the lowest price per line item.
|
|
Metron-Farnier (3 year term) |
Master Meter (3 year term) |
Zenner USA, Inc. (3 year term) |
Badger Meter, Inc (1 year term) |
|
Group A Positive Displacement Meters (5/8’in - 1’in) |
N/A |
$ 2,218,300.00 |
$ 1,854,696.00 |
$2,100,000.00 |
|
Group B Electronic Type Billing Meters (1.5’in - 10’in) |
N/A |
$ 1,134,190.00 |
$ 762,190.30 |
$1,236,150.00 |
|
Group C Single Measuring Unit Mechanical Meters (1.5in - 6in) |
$1,607,250.00 |
N/A |
$ 1,010,305.90 |
$800,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Bid |
$1,607,250.00 |
$ 3,352,490.00 |
$3,627,192.20 |
$4,136,150.00 |
|
Total Award |
$1,607,250.00 |
$ 2,218,300.00 |
$3,627,192.20 |
$2,100,000.00 |
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 Master Meter, Inc., for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,218,300.00 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.
Badger Meter, Inc., clearances are valid with an expiration date of 2/25/27, and a formal contract is being routed for signature.
SUMMARY
A. Contract: 6007800
B. Contractor: Master Meter, Inc.
C. Contract Term: 3 years
D. Contract Amount: $2,218,300.00
E. Anticipated FY Breakdown: FY 27: $739,433.34
FY 28: $739,433.33
FY29: $739,433.33
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.