HomeMy WebLinkAboutF-3.1. Award PSA Contract to Monroe Infrared for InspectionCONSENT ITEM F-3
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: JULY 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT CONTRACT TO
MONROE INFRARED FOR INSPECTION OF 1607 POWER POLES TO
COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION’S
GENERAL ORDER 165
BACKGROUND:
California Public Utility Commission’s General Order (“CPUC G.O”) 165 requires utilities to
perform detailed inspection of their electric overhead facilities every five years. Monroe Infrared
(“MI”) offers inspection utilizing a drone equipped with an infrared camera for high resolution
and accuracy and the ability to access hard-to-reach areas. In addition to MI’s vast experiences
in this field, it also employed former linemen staff to perform inspections. Thus, Staff is seeking
approval of Utility Board for awarding the Professional Service Agreement (PSA) to MI as a
sole source vendor to perform visual and thermal inspection of two substations and 1607 power
poles, which is about half the number of poles in the system.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following action:
1)Waive the competitive purchase requirements pursuant to Section 2-520 (b), Article
VII, Chapter 2 of the Azusa Municipal Code (Sole source Purchasing); and
2)Approve the award of Professional Service Agreement contract for poles and
substations thermal inspections to Monroe Infrared in the amount not-to-exceed
$105,244.90; and
3)Authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Monroe Infrared in the amount not-to-
exceed $105,244.90; and
Approved
Utility Board
07/28/2025
Award Monroe Infrared Professional Service Agreement Contract
July 28, 2025
Page 2
4) Authorize the Mayor to execute the Professional Service Agreement Contract in a
form acceptable to the City Attorney.
ANALYSIS:
CPUC GO 165 requires utilities to patrol and inspect their overhead facilities annually and
conduct a detailed inspection every five-year cycle. Azusa’s Electric division is due to inspect its
overhead facilities thoroughly. The Electric division has been utilizing Allied Reliability to
patrol and inspect its overhead power facilities for the past five years. However, Allied
Reliability only provides patrol inspection from the ground level. For detailed inspection, Staff
has solicited inspection service from Monroe Infrared, which utilizes a drone equipped with an
infrared camera to capture more accurate data at a distance of less than a foot above the power
pole and cross arm. In addition, Monroe Infrared inspectors are experienced former line workers
who have insights into the overhead facilities and thus can provide better assessment of the
inspection. Staff has received and reviewed the proposal for visual and thermal inspection of two
substations, and 1607 poles from Monroe Infrared, and determined that its proposal has met all
the specifications and requirements.
Staff recommends waiving competitive purchasing requirements and utilizing the sole source bid
by Monroe as an inspection service provider for Azusa overhead electric facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this purchase is $105,244.90. It was included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26
budget, and sufficient funds are available in account No. 33-40-735-930-6493.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Hien K. Vuong Danny Smith
Assistant General Manager – Electric Operations Admin & Finance Manager
Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Tikan Singh Sergio Gonzalez
General Manager City Manager
Attachment:
1) ADEPT Aerial Inspection Quote
2) Monroe Infrared Professional Services Agreement
3) Sole Source Justification Monroe Infrared