Agenda Item
vii. Contract Renewal ~ Single Source Vendor ~ Control Concepts, Inc. ~ HVAC Instrumentation Installation and Controls (Not to Exceed $300,000) ~ Updated 7.9.2026
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“the Board”) approve Controls Concepts, Inc., as a single source vendor for the installation of HVAC Instrumentation and Controls district wide in the amount not to exceed $300,000.
Why: Approval of this renewal will allow the DeKalb County School District to maintain system-wide compatibility, operational continuity, and manufacturer-supported service for its Building Automation System (BAS). Due to the proprietary nature of the District’s controls platform and established standardization, Control Concepts, Inc. remains the only qualified provider capable of supporting, expanding, and maintaining the District’s HVAC controls infrastructure.
Details: The iNTREO system supports the current Staefa/Talon System; continued use of this system will allow the DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) to maintain compatibility throughout all facilities utilizing the Staefa/Talon System. The Staefa/Talon system is used for building automation and control; together they manage a building’s security, lighting and HVAC systems.
Delta Controls is the exclusive manufacturer of the iNTREO brand of HVAC product nationally. Control Concepts, Inc., is the exclusive sole source distributer and installer of the iNTREO system in the State of Georgia, per the attached supporting documentation.
The DeKalb County School Board of Education previously approved Control Concepts, Inc. as a sole-source vendor on January 11, 2016, and again on October 19, 2020, for the installation of HVAC instrumentation and controls districtwide.
This agenda item represents a renewal of the contract approval to ensure continued compatibility, integration, and support of the District’s BAS infrastructure across approximately 140+ facilities.
Financial impact: The total contract amount for these services will be allocated from the General Fund Budget, Deferred Maintenance (100.2600.543013.00011.7520.9990.8013.040.0000 not to exceed $300,000.
Single purchases exceeding $100,000 will be presented to the Board of Education for approval in accordance with Purchasing Board Policy DJE -III-D3D.
Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Keith Ball, Executive Director of Facilities and Capital Improvement,Divison of Operations, 678.676.1478
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
I am writing to propose the adoption of [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor] as
the exclusive provider for building automation controls in our district. This decision aligns with
our district's strategic plan and will bring several key benefits.
Compatibility of Platform and Network Security: One of the primary advantages of
choosing [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor] is the seamless
compatibility of its platform with our existing network infrastructure. The interoperability of
this system ensures efficient communication with the various systems already in use
across our district. Furthermore, [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor]
prioritizes robust security measures, ensuring our network remains protected from
threats. This compatibility minimizes disruptions, enhances reliability, and fosters a more
secure environment for our operations.
Standardization Across Schools and Facilities: Standardization is crucial for
streamlining operations and maintenance across our diverse schools and facilities.
Adopting [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor] as the sole provider
ensures a consistent and standardized approach to building automation controls. With 56
schools and facilities already utilizing this platform, the transition will be smooth, and the
benefits of standardization will be felt district-wide. This consistency facilitates easier
management, troubleshooting, and scalability as our district continues to grow.
Serviceability and Technician Training: The third key advantage lies in the
serviceability of [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor]. The vendor not only
provides state-of-the-art technology but also invests in comprehensive training programs
for technicians in control systems. Our control technicians will benefit from specialized
training, enhancing their expertise in managing and troubleshooting the [Single Source
Building Automation Control Vendor] platform. This increased proficiency will result in
quicker issue resolution, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency.
Resilience and System Durability: The resilience of a building automation control
system is critical for our district's long-term success. [Single Source Building Automation
Control Vendor] is renowned for its commitment to system resilience. Regular updates
and maintenance options ensure the system remains up-to-date with the latest
advancements and security protocols. Additionally, the controllers' durability in the [Single
Source Building Automation Control Vendor] system ensures a longer lifespan, reducing
the need for frequent replacements and minimizing associated costs.
In conclusion, adopting [Single Source Building Automation Control Vendor] aligns with our
district's strategic plan by providing a compatible, standardized, serviceable, and resilient
solution. This decision supports our current infrastructure and positions us for future growth and
technological advancements.
Michael Burdette
HVAC Manager II
DCSD