The Wellington Selection Committee convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss key financial considerations regarding the procurement of services from two competing vendors, Badger and Neptune. The primary focus of the meeting was to analyze the significant cost disparity between the two proposals, which amounted to approximately $4 million, with a capital expenditure (CapEx) difference of about $3.2 million.

During the discussions, committee members sought to understand the reasons behind the higher costs presented by Badger. It was noted that all cost items from Badger were higher across the board, prompting inquiries into the assumptions that might justify these elevated prices. However, the committee did not identify any specific factors that would explain the substantial cost difference.

The conversation also touched upon the installation services associated with the proposals. While the committee acknowledged that the pricing for installation was straightforward, they decided to defer a detailed discussion on the specifics of the installation process until later in the meeting.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to thoroughly evaluating the financial implications of their vendor choices, ensuring that all aspects of the proposals are carefully considered before making a final decision. Further discussions on installation services and additional cost evaluations are expected in subsequent meetings.