Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Eleven (11) Traffic Signal Controller Cabinets from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $123,495 and Authorize Future Purchases of Up to an Additional Twenty (20) Traffic Signal Controller Cabinets by the End of Calendar Year 2023, for a Total Cumulative Amount Not to Exceed $348,495. (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 traffic signal system is nearly 40 years old and has aged beyond its design life cycle. Modernization of the traffic signal system starts with the traffic signal cabinet which houses all of the electronic equipment managing the safe operations of an intersection. Staff would like to purchase eleven (11) traffic signal controller cabinets at the cost of $123,495 and will work with Econolite through the end of 2023 to purchase up to twenty (20) additional traffic signal controller cabinets at the current bid price, for a total cumulative amount not to exceed $348,495.
BACKGROUND
The City has an ongoing need to repair and replace traffic signal infrastructure. The City’s traffic signal system is comprised of approximately ninety (90) signalized traffic signals, seventy-seven (77) within the City’s right-of-way and thirteen (13) within Caltrans right-of-way.
The controller cabinet is an essential component of a signalized intersection. Not only does it house all of the electronics needed to operate the timing and lights at an intersection, it also provides the foundation for advanced detection and communication systems to be installed; greatly expanding the operational capabilities of an intersection. The existing, older, controller cabinets are not built to support multi-functional operations to efficiently serve the competing movements at an intersection. Currently, staff provides responsive support in maintaining our existing signal infrastructure; however, given the limited functionality of our aged controller cabinets, true optimization and multi-modal operations cannot be achieved until the cabinets are replaced with newer controller cabinets built to current standards. The demand for our aged system to perform beyond its current capabilities have steadily increased as Alameda’s land development and population have increased. Currently, out of the ninety (90) signalized intersections in Alameda, only about thirty (30) of them are equipped with a current traffic signal controller cabinet, leaving about sixty (60) intersections in need of updated controller cabinets. 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 the most aged controller cabinets with operational goals of serving all users of the road with the ability to install equipment for enhanced detection and efficient operation for transit, pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles, and automobiles. Today’s newer traffic signal equipment offers more advanced and flexible traffic-management tools that will improve operations, functionality, and data collection capabilities. These improved and advanced features will allow the City to make enhanced traffic operation decisions, improve efficiencies in overall traffic signal system timing, reduce traffic congestion and delays, and improve air quality by reducing idle time of vehicles at intersections.
DISCUSSION
To solicit the maximum number of bids and most competitive price, an invitation to bid was provided to sixteen (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 7, 2021. After a bidding period of twenty-two days, four bids were received. The bids were opened on January 28, 2021, and the results for the procurement of the eleven (11) signal controller cabinets are summarized below:
|
Bidder |
Location |
Bid Amount |
|
Econolite Control Products, Inc. |
Anaheim, CA |
$123,495 |
|
Oriux |
Houston, TX |
$126,640 |
|
Western Pacific Signal, LLC |
San Leandro, CA |
$155,915 |
|
Western Systems, Inc. |
Everett, WA |
$188,991 |
The lowest, responsible bidder was determined to be Econolite Control Products, Inc. with a bid amount of $123,495 for eleven (11) signal controller cabinets. The City may purchase additional cabinets over a two-year period at its discretion and as needed. The fixed unit cost for each additional traffic signal controller cabinet will be at the bid unit price as detailed in the bid tabulation (Exhibit 1).
The intersections most in need of the first round of cabinet installations have been identified to lack the necessary functionality to accommodate pedestrian and/or bicycle detection and operation. 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 amendment.
• Do not approve the purchase of traffic signal controller cabinets. The implication of not taking any action would result in aged and obsolete traffic signal controller cabinets with limited functionality operating traffic signals in Alameda.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The purchase of the initial eleven (11) controller cabinets 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.
The City is expecting to purchase up to another twenty (20) controller units over the next two years. These quantities may vary according to the City’s needs. The costs expended for the additional twenty (20) signal controller systems under this contract will be paid for with future appropriated capital improvement project funds, provided that sufficient funds are available for such purchase. Purchase orders encumbering funds under this contract will not exceed a cumulative total of $348,495. 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 controller cabinets allow for signal timing optimization which helps transit and vehicles travel efficiently through a corridor with less idling, delay, and emissions of greenhouse gases.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to purchase eleven (11) traffic signal controller cabinets from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $123,495 and authorize future purchases of up to twenty (20) additional traffic signal controller cabinets by the end of calendar year 2023, for a total cumulative amount not to exceed $348,495.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval.
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