Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Ten Traffic Signal Controllers from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $41,940 and Authorize Future Purchases of Up to 30 Additional Traffic Signal Controllers by the End of Calendar Year 2023, for a Total Cumulative Amount Not to Exceed $146,790. (Public Works 310)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda’s (City) traffic signal system is functionally obsolete for many intersections throughout the city. The average traffic signal system in Alameda is over 40 years old and has aged beyond its design life cycle. Modernization of the traffic signal system includes an updated traffic signal controller. City has standardized the Econolite Cobalt controllers and have replaced old controllers on project-by-project basis. Procurement of the City’s standard traffic signal controllers will allow for an efficient upgrade of controllers where they are needed the most. Staff is recommending the purchase of ten traffic signal controller systems at the cost of $41,940 and with City Council approval, staff will coordinate with Econolite through the end of 2023 to purchase up to 30 additional traffic signal controllers at the current bid unit price, for a total cumulative amount not to exceed $146,790.
BACKGROUND
The City has an ongoing need to repair and replace the traffic signal infrastructure. The traffic signal system is comprised of approximately 90 traffic signals, 77 within the City’s right-of-way and 13 within Caltrans right-of-way.
The signal controller is the computer running the intersection. All controllers purchased will be replacing old and functionally limited controllers currently installed at intersections across the city. Staff has evaluated several signal controller systems and selected Econolite traffic signal controllers as the City’s standard controller based on functionality, ease of use, equipment maintenance, remote management, and feedback from other municipal users. Currently, out of the 90 signalized intersections in Alameda, only about 30 of them are equipped with a modern traffic controller, leaving about 60 intersections in need of updated controllers. Modernization of traffic signal equipment is inclusive of standardized signal equipment, software, and design.
The procurement of this equipment will allow staff to begin the modernization process of our critical traffic signal infrastructure by replacing old controllers with limited capabilities with new units which will help us better serve all users of the road and implement efficient operation for transit, pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles, and automobiles. This upgrade will improve overall traffic signal timing, reduce traffic congestion and delays, and improve air quality by reducing idle time of vehicles at intersections.
DISCUSSION
The City’s current standard controller is the Econolite Cobalt. All new intersection modification projects and newly installed traffic signals are built to include this traffic signal controller. However, only a few intersections are modified each year and the need to upgrade the older controllers is great. This investment will help the City greatly in expediting traffic signal modernization for safer, more efficient, and more reliable traffic signal system in Alameda.
To solicit the maximum number of bids and most competitive price, an invitation for bid was provided to 16 separate builders’ exchanges throughout the Bay Area. In addition, notices were placed on the City’s web page and published in the Alameda Sun on January 14, 2021. After a bidding period of 22 days, two bids were received. The bids were opened on February 4, 2021 and the results for the procurement of 10 traffic signal controller systems are listed below:
|
Bidder |
Location |
Bid Amount |
|
Econolite Control Products, Inc. |
Anaheim, CA |
$41,940 |
|
Western Pacific Signal, LLC. |
San Leandro, CA |
$48,500 |
The lowest, responsible bidder was determined to be Econolite Control Products, Inc. with a bid amount of $41,940 for 10 signal controllers. Staff is also requesting approval to purchase up to 30 additional traffic signal controllers over a two year period, as necessary. The fixed unit cost for each additional traffic signal controller will be at the bid unit price of $3,495 as detailed in the bid tabulation (Exhibit 1).
The intersections most in need of a new signal controller lack the necessary functionality to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and various vehicles for better signal operations. The locations are geographically spread throughout the city and have been identified through an equity lens, Vision Zero data to be high injury locations, and other considerations.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the purchase as recommended.
• Approve the purchase with amendments.
• Do not approve the purchase of signal controller system purchase. The implication of not taking any action would result in aged and obsolete traffic signal system and aged controllers with limited functionality operating traffic signals in Alameda.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The purchase of the initial ten traffic signal controllers are budgeted in the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Program (96012), Traffic Signal and Systems (Fund 310). No additional budget appropriation is needed.
As necessary, the City may purchase an additional 30 signal controller units over the next two years. These quantities may vary according to the City’s needs. The costs expended for the additional 30 signal controller systems under this contract will be paid for with future appropriation of capital improvement project funds, provided that sufficient funds are available. Purchase orders encumbering funds under this contract will not exceed a cumulative total of $146,790. There is no impact to the General Fund.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There is no impact to the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c), Existing Facilities, Section 15378, Project.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are positive climate impacts as a result of replacing obsolete traffic signal equipment at the intersection with modern traffic signal equipment. The installation of new traffic signal controllers will allow for better signal operations, communication, and overall travel efficiently through a corridor with less idling, delay, and emissions of greenhouse gases. Further, signals can also be better timed to ease movement for pedestrians and/or cyclists.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to purchase ten traffic signal controllers from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $41,940, and authorize future purchases of up to 30 additional traffic signal controllers by the end of calendar year 2023, for a total cumulative amount not to exceed $146,790.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval of the authorization to purchase ten traffic signal controllers from Econolite Control Products.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Donya Amiri, Principal Engineer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Annie To, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1 Bid Tabulation
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager