Feasibility Study - Smart Meter Replacement Program

The City of Casselberry, Florida issued Request for Proposals (RFP-2018-0395) for a comprehensive Feasibility Study for a Smart Meter Replacement Program, targeting optimization of meter reading, customer service, and water-use efficiency through Automated Meter Reading (AMR) or Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies. The project focuses on evaluating current business processes for approximately 20,000 water connections currently using Neptune and Sensus touch-read meters. The feasibility study will be conducted in two primary phases: Project Assessment and Analysis, and Project Planning and Implementation, with key deliverables including a detailed financial analysis covering economic metrics, direct and indirect benefits, cost estimates, payback period, return on investment, and net present value. The study requires a comprehensive assessment of the city's current software applications, metering technologies, and reporting needs, with an expectation of developing functional specifications and potential bidding documents for future meter replacement. The original proposal due date was October 16, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. local time, with anticipated City Commission contract approval on November 19, 2018. Three companies submitted proposals: Excergy Corporation, MeterSYS, and SL-SERCO, with Excergy Corporation ultimately receiving the Notice of Intent to Award on October 18, 2018.

The RFP did not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, and no specific disadvantaged enterprise requirements were highlighted in the documentation. The city currently operates with a Superion (Central Square) Naviline ERP System and Work Order Management System, which would require potential integration with any new meter reading infrastructure. Existing meter asset data includes detailed information such as meter ID numbers, installation dates, latitude/longitude, meter sizes, and meter types. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the city confirmed it had secured grant funding for the feasibility study and was seeking a consultant to identify associated costs and potential funding sources. The project involves a joint effort between the Finance and Public Works departments, with the ultimate goal of determining the most cost-effective solution for improving meter reading and customer communication. The timeline for potential full meter replacement system implementation remains contingent upon City Commission approval, securing funding, and coordination with the awarded consultant.