Council Meeting: December 14, 1999 Santa Monica, California

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: City Staff

SUBJECT: Recommendation to Award a Sole Source Purchase Order to Sico North America, Inc. to Furnish and Deliver Folding Seating Risers

This report recommends award of a sole source purchase order to Sico North America, Inc. to furnish and deliver folding seating risers for the Community and Senior Programs Division, Community and Cultural Services Department in the total amount of $38,411.97, including applicable sales tax.

Miles Memorial Playhouse reopened in December 1998 as a cultural venue for the youth of Santa Monica and to date sixty-eight performances have been held in the refurbished theater. During the past year, staff has been working diligently to outfit the theater with appropriate equipment, including lighting, sound, theatrical drapes and chairs. Without risers, seating for the audience is all at the same level, creating poor visibility while watching performances, especially for youth. In an effort to alleviate this problem, installation of seating risers of varying heights is recommended. These risers will be a new addition to the equipment at the Playhouse.

Staff evaluated several seating riser systems produced by various manufacturers. Sico North America, Inc. was the only manufacturer of 6' by 8' folding seating risers with integral casters. The integral caster design allows for quick set up and take down of the risers which is important, as week day classes as well as evening performances are held in the same space.

Ordinance Number 1743 (CCS), Section 5, paragraph 2.24.080 (1) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code allows exception to competitive bidding when products are purchased from a sole provider. Staff has evaluated the quote submitted by Sico North America, Inc. and finds that it meets City specifications.

It is recommended that a sole source purchase order be awarded to Sico North America, Inc. in the total amount of $38,411.97, including applicable sales tax, as the most responsible bidder.

Prepared By: Diane Howell, Acting Purchasing Agent

Kathy Kucharski, Manager, Community and Senior Programs

Lorrie Brown, Civil Engineer Associate