Title
Robotic Assistance Purchase and Services Contract - RFA 26-0350 Request for Award (Ordinance S-53226) - District 8
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract with Intuitive Robotics, Inc. to provide maintenance and expansion of the waste-sorting system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for the Aviation Department (Aviation). Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The total value of the contract will not exceed $350,000.
Report
Summary
This contract will provide for the purchase and maintenance of Oscar Sort units as well as continued access to the Oscar Portal for waste-sorting services at PHX. The Oscar Sort unit is an AI-driven robotic system that identifies and separates waste into recycling and landfill categories. Using computer visions and machine learning patterns, it improves sorting accuracy, reduces contamination, and provides consistent performance in high-traffic areas in the PHX terminals. These Oscar Sort units reduce Aviation's manual labor needs, improves recycling outcomes, and supports sustainability reporting and diversion targets.
The Oscar Portal is the cloud-based analytics platform that interfaces with each Oscar Sort unit. It captures data on waste streams, material capture rates, and contamination levels, which provides Aviation with actionable insights and performance dashboards. The Oscar Portal enables progress tracking toward sustainability goals, helps evaluate sorting operations, and supports strategic planning for waste-reduction efforts. Expanding deployment will allow Aviation to provide consistent waste-sorting guidance and standardized operational practices across facilities in support of waste diversion accuracy and sustainability goals.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Procurement Information
According to Administrative Regulation 3.10, standard competition was waived as a result of an approved Determination Memo based on the following reason: Special Circumstances Without Competition. Given the proprietary nature of the hardware and software, Intuitive Robotics, Inc. is the only vendor authorized to provide maintenance and support of these Oscar Sort units. Inability to contract with Intuitive Robotics, Inc. will result in the current units being unsupported and a new system would require significant investment.
Contract Term
The term of the contract is five years that will begin on or about Nov. 1, 2026. There are no options to extend the term.
Financial Impact
The contract value will not exceed $350,000 over the five-year term.
Funding is available in the Aviation's Operating budget.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 2485 E. Buckeye Road
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Frank McCune and the Aviation Department.