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W A T E R E N E R G Y T I F F id& P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum DATE: DECEMBER 10, 2018 ITEM NO: 4 SUBJECT: VACUUM EXCAVATOR MODEL NUMBER VX50-500 FROM RDO EQUIPMENT CO., IN ACCORDANCE WITH PURCHASING RESOLUTION 23256, SECTION 602 (e) FOR AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $70,127.91 ISSUE: Approve the purchase of a vacuum excavator model number VX50-500, from RDO Equipment Co. in accordance with Purchasing Resolution 23256, Section 602 (e) in an estimated amount of $70,127.91. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve a purchase with RDO Equipment Co., Riverside, California, for a vacuum excavator for in an estimated amount of $70,127.91. BACKGROUND: Electric Field crews are regularly required to dig into the ground to locate cable and undertake necessary repairs and maintenance. In order for digging to be carried out in the safest and most effective manner, crews have been utilizing a vacuum excavator. The vacuum excavator combines a high-pressure water jet with a heavy-duty vacuum system to break up and collect soil. This is a safer way to expose buried electrical lines than digging with steel shovels. However, Electric Field does not own a vacuum excavator and has been borrowing one from the Water Division. This situation is less than ideal, as it means that tasks may be subject to delay due to field crews having to essentially `wait their turn' to use the equipment, as they do not have a dedicated excavator of their own. DISCUSSION: Due to the nature of the work required of field crews, there is a frequent need to dig to access underground infrastructure. While crews manually dig into the ground, the task to locate cable can be made less efficient and potentially more dangerous if crews have to physically remove debris when compared to utilizing equipment specifically designed for the task. A vacuum excavator will ensure that crews can access sites quickly and efficiently with minimal impact on their time. From a safety perspective, the excavator will remove excess residue and reduce the hazards associated with regular digging. Staff recommends the purchase of a new vacuum excavator to ensure Electric Field crews can access equipment necessary to deliver the most efficient and effective services for the Electric Utility and its customers.