REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 24, 2022
FROM
ANGELA GODWIN, Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer, Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures
SUBJECT
Title
Purchase of Program Supplies Including 2-Kilogram Calibrated Weights, Storage Cases and Calibration Certificates
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Authorize the purchase of a total of seven, 2-kilogram calibrated weights, weight cases, and calibration certificates, including a quote with non-standard terms, used for testing the accuracy of commercial jewelry scales, for a total cost of $4,716.25.
(Presenter: Angela Godwin, Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer, 387-2117)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) will fund the purchase of a total of seven, 2-kilogram calibrated weights, weight cases, and calibration certificates with existing appropriation in the AWM 2021-22 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This item seeks approval to purchase a total of seven, 2-kilogram calibrated weights that will be used to test the accuracy of commercial jewelry scales. The 2-kilogram calibrated weights are used to ensure that commercially operated jewelry scales are accurate when used in a commercial transaction. AWM currently has two 2-kilogram calibrated weight standards in use that were previously purchased from Rice Lake Weighing Systems, under the same terms and conditions as those being presented with this item. This program is state mandated as outlined in Business & Professions Code §12210. Each Sealer shall, within his or her county inspect, try, and test all mechanical devices for measurement, and tools, appliances and accessories connected with any or all such instruments or measures, sold or used by any proprietor, agent, lessee, or employee for commercial purposes.
In addition to the seven 2-kilogram calibrated weights, AWM will also be purchasing individual storage cases and the calibration certificate for each weight. The storage case will protect the weight when it is not in use. The calibration certificate for each weight certifies that the weight is accurate and meets the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements for weight standards.
The Sales Order contains the following non-standard terms, which require Board of Supervisors approval:
1. The Sales Order’s venue of law is that the contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
• The County Standard Term indicates that governing law is the State of California, and venue is San Bernardino County.
• Potential Impact: Inclusion of this non-standard term would require the County to seek any legal relief, in the event necessary, by filing a lawsuit in Wisconsin utilizing Wisconsin law, which may be more unfavorable than California law. The County would need to be represented by an attorney who is licensed in the State of Wisconsin as well.
AWM recommends approval of the purchase of seven 2-kilogram weights, individual storage cases and the calibration certificates for each weight, including the non-standard terms, as these will allow AWM to meet the state mandate for inspection.
PROCUREMENT
AWM recommends purchase of the seven 2-kilogram calibrated weight standards from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. Rice Lake Weighing Systems was selected as the vendor for this purchase through a competitive bid process. Four quotes were obtained by AWM staff for the purchase of the 2-kilogram calibrated weights, weight cases and calibration certificates. Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ price per weight is $528 before tax and shipping. Bids were received from three other vendors: Zorro with a price per weight of $549 before tax and shipping; Mettler Toledo with a price per weight of $1,040 before tax and shipping; and Transcat with a price per weight of $890.23 before tax and shipping.
Based on the bids received and price per weight, AWM recommends the purchase of the seven 2-kilogram calibrated weight standards, individual cases and calibration certificates for each weight from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. The cases for each weight standard and the calibration certificate for these specific 2-kilogram calibrated weight standards are only available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniel Pasek, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 27, 2022; Purchasing (Bruce Cole, Supervising Buyer, 387-2148) on May 2, 2022; Finance (Elias Duenas, Administrative Analyst, 387-4052) on May 2, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-4052) on May 3, 2022.