Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for modernization of an elevator at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for the Department of Aviation with Schindler Elevator Corp. for a term of fifteen months in an amount not to exceed $724,758. Funding: $724,758 is available in the Capital Budget of the Department of Aviation.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Department of Aviation.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Capital Budget of the Department of Aviation.
Purchasing Language:
Sole Source.
MBE/WBE:
Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
August 13, 2025 - Approved by the Airport Advisory Commission on a 10-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Hendricks absent.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide full modernization to escalator #6 located in the Federal Inspections Services Corridor (FIS) at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport where international passengers proceed to U.S. Customs and Border Protections. Original to the airport, the escalator is 25+ years old and has exceeded its serviceable life span. The current escalator operates less than 50% of the time and requires ongoing maintenance and repair to maintain this limited functionality. Given the high volume of passengers moving through the FIS corridor, a full-scale replacement is impractical, as it would necessitate major construction efforts, including structural modifications to the building and the use of a crane. This modernization will further the airport’s goals of providing accessibility to the flying public while bringing the escalators safety features and functions up to current industry standards.
The contractor is the sole source of this upgrade as their proprietary system allows for a complete replacement of parts without the involvement of multiple trades and major construction within the restricted FIS corridor. The proprietary modernization system offers the best value as the corridor will remain open during the refurbishment, allowing the airport to continue to accommodate international flight passengers.
This is a one-time purchase that includes all labor and materials to modernize the existing equipment. The contractor is licensed and qualified to work on a variety of lift equipment including the equipment referenced.
A delay in contract approval will impact airport accessibility and safety for passengers.