Flow Meter Justification Memo.docx
DOCX document 23 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1314
- Issued by
- Idaho
About this file
This is a justification memorandum from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) supporting a brand name exemption request to the Department of Purchasing (DOP) for the procurement of Panametric TransPort PT900 portable ultrasonic flow meters. The IDWR is requesting authorization to purchase two (2) Panametric TransPort PT900 flow meters with compatible accessories as replacements for obsolete PT878 models currently used by staff in the Water Rights Section, Water Distribution Section, and regional offices. The exemption request was posted on April 29, 2026, with a submission deadline of May 4, 2026, allowing suppliers five days to provide information supporting or contradicting the agency's justification. No specific contract award date or contract term is identified in the documentation provided.
The IDWR's justification for the brand name exemption centers on equipment compatibility, operational efficiency, and cost considerations. The department has established that the PT900 model produces measurement results equal to or superior to the PT878 through annual testing at the USDA Research Center in Kimberly, Idaho, and that accessories from existing PT878 units—including cables, transducers, and mounting fixtures—are compatible with the PT900 model. Purchasing alternative manufacturers would necessitate new accessories, increase procurement costs, and eliminate the ability to utilize existing spare parts. Additionally, department staff have already received training on the PT878 and some on the PT900, making the transition to an alternative model impractical. The IDWR currently operates multiple PT878 flow meters and three PT900 units. No pricing information, budget allocation, or award value is disclosed in the exemption request. The approval of the brand name exemption remains entirely discretionary with the DOP Administrator, and suppliers retain no appeal rights regarding the final determination.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| TransPort PT900 Spec Sheet.pdf | ||
| IDWR - Ultrasonic flow meter 4-29-2026.pdf |
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Text version
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Glyn Roberts
From: Skyler Cheever
Date: 4/24/2026
Re: Justification for Purchase of Manufacturer Specific Flow Meters (Panametric, TransPort PT900)
The purpose of this memo is to justify the Department’s request to purchase specific portable ultrasonic flow meters (make and model). The Department would like to solicit bids for two (2) Panametrics TransPort PT900 (replacing the PT878 model) portable flow meters and compatible accessories. Currently, staff in the Water Rights Section, Water Distribution Section, and regional offices have relied primarily on Panametrics PT878 (formerly GE business) meters to measure flow rates in closed-conduit systems. As equipment reached the end of its life, the Department sought costly repair services. It was brought to our attention that the PT878 meters are being phased out as obsolete and replaced with the PT900 model. Consequently, the Department has developed a plan to replace them at the end of life as funding becomes available. The accuracy of a portable flow meter is paramount to the Department and its associated measurement programs. The implications of measurements made by the portable flow meters extend to Idaho water users’ financial and legal liability. Therefore, accurate measurement is critical. The Department conducts annual testing, training, and certification to ensure the flow meters meet high standards of accuracy, dependability, and ease of use. The PT878 meter has been and remains the preferred standard for Department staff and their field measurement objectives for the following reasons:
· An annual test is performed on all currently owned flow meters at the USDA Research Center in Kimberly, ID. The PT878 and PT900 outperform all similar ultrasonic flow meters. IDWR has determined, through successful testing, that the PT900 model produces results similar to, if not better than, those of the PT878 model.
· The Department currently owns a number of PT878 flow meters and three PT900 flow meters. The Department has determined that accessories from the PT878 units such as cables, transducers, and mounting fixtures are compatible with the newer PT900 model. Purchasing different makes and models of flow meters would require new accessories, increase costs, and reduce the ability to use existing parts and accessories.
· Department staff are already trained to use the PT878, and some have been trained to use the PT900. The PT900 has a similar functionality to the PT878, purchasing a different model would require additional training.
IDWR is requesting that the specific make and model be purchased when soliciting bids for two (2) portable ultrasonic flow meters.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .