Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Stephen Farmer (Acting Director)
Department: Finance and Administrative Services Division: Purchasing
Information
Requested Action
title
A. MOTION TO APPROVE sole source designation and sole source standardization of Thor Guard, Inc. for Thor Guard, Inc. Lightning Prediction and Detection System for the Parks and Recreation Division.
B. MOTION TO AWARD fixed contract to sole source Thor Guard, Inc., for Thor Guard Lightning Prediction and Detection System Upgrade - Parks and FLL, Quotation No. BLD2131961Q1 (Parks and Recreation Group), for the Parks and Recreation Division in the not-to-exceed amount of $ 588,186, including allowances in the amount of $12,000.
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Why Action is Necessary
MOTION A. In accordance with the Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.25(a), a sole source procurement may be designated when the Director of Purchasing determines that there is only one source or one reasonable source; any non-standardized sole source procurement above the Director of Purchasing’s award authority must be approved by the Board.
In accordance with the Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.19(a), the Board is required to approve all standardizations above the award authority of the Director of Purchasing.
MOTION B: In accordance with Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.47(a), Award and Execution Authority, the Board shall make all awards, and authorize the execution of the associated contracts, with a value of more than $500,000, inclusive of the value of any renewals or extensions provided for in the contract.
What Action Accomplishes
Motion A: Designates and provides standardization of Thor Guard, Inc. as a sole source for lightning prediction and detection system, parts, maintenance and repair.
Motion B: Provides upgrades to lightning prediction and detection systems.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PURCHASING DIVISION AND THE PARKS and RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
The purpose of this action is to designate, standardize, and award the only one source, Thor Guard, Inc., as the manufacturer and provider of Thor Guard, Inc. (Thor Guard) lightning prediction and detection system, parts, and maintenance for the Parks and Recreation Division (PRD) and various other Broward County agencies that may have need of these services and/or products. The Thor Guard system alerts of approaching lightning storms (ex. strobes and sirens) so outside activities can be suspended, and shelter taken, until the system provides an all-clear. It is an important safety tool for the welfare of staff and the public.
On May 6, 2026, the Purchasing Division issued a Request for Information (RFI) to ascertain whether there were any other entities able to provide Thor Guard, Inc. TG-360 Lightning Prediction and Detection System at various County locations. Two RFI responses were received and provided to the using agency for review. The responding vendors can only provide their products, which cannot be used to retrofit PRD’s current lightning prediction and detection system. PRD currently utilizes Thor Guard lightning prediction and detection system at multiple park locations and continuing with a standard system at all park locations will maintain continuity for parts, maintenance and repairs. The manufacturer, Thor Guard, indicated it is the sole representative for the purchase of TG-360 Lightning Prediction and Detection System. In addition to PRD, Thor Guard lightning prediction and detection system is also used by the Port Everglades Department, Water and Wastewater Services and other County agencies. Due to multiple County agencies utilizing the same lightning prediction and detection system, the Director of Purchasing recommends approval of the sole source designation and standardization for purchases, maintenance, parts and repairs (Exhibit 1).
The allowances incorporated in the contract, in the total amount of $12,000, are for permit fees. Expenditures under this allowance must be approved by the Contract Administrator and will be reimbursed at the contractor’s actual cost without mark-up.
The Parks and Recreation Division has reviewed the quotation submitted by Thor Guard and concurs with the recommendation for award for Parks and Recreation Group (Exhibit 3).
The Purchasing Division has reviewed the pricing submitted by Thor Guard and determined that the prices submitted are fair and reasonable based on price analysis (Exhibit 4).
Three vendor performance evaluations were completed for Thor Guard; the firm has an overall performance rating of 4.06 out of possible rating of 5.0. Copies of the vendor performance evaluations are available upon request.
The contract consists of the County’s solicitation and the vendor’s response.
Source of Additional Information
Robert E. Gleason, Director, Purchasing Division, 954-357-6070
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The contract funding source is the Capital Fund in the amount of $588,186.
Requisition No. PRA0009232