April 25, 2006

SUBJECT:      Award of Bid No. F0511-36 for Solar-Powered Speed Radar Signs

REPORT IN BRIEF

Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Fortel Traffic, Inc., of Hollister for twenty-two solar-powered speed radar signs for the Department of Public Works Transportation and Traffic Division.

BACKGROUND

Transportation and Traffic staff have received numerous citizen complaints regarding speeding traffic in residential and school areas.  As a result of these complaints, staff evaluated various devices to address these issues.  In 2002, five radar speed signs were deployed at various problem locations in order to evaluate their effectiveness in impacting overall speed.  Upon completion of deployment, an increase in compliance with the posted speed limit was noted in the vicinity of the radar speed signs at all locations.

The scope of work for this project is to furnish and install solar-powered radar speed signs on City-owned light poles in the proximity of sensitive land use areas, such as schools and parks that generate high pedestrian activity.  These signs will display the posted speed limit; each passing vehicle’s current travel speed, if appropriate; and warning messages at various speed thresholds.  In addition, these signs are capable of displaying messages not specifically related to speed issues, such as Amber Alerts, Citywide alerts and warnings, traffic detours, road closings or emergency events and occurrences.

DISCUSSION

Bid specifications for the purchase of twenty-two speed radar signs were prepared by Public Works and Purchasing staff.  Invitation for Bids No. F0511-36 was advertised on the City’s internet site and broadcast to potential suppliers through the DemandStar by Onvia public procurement network. Twenty-four suppliers requested bid documents.

Sealed bids were received and publicly opened on January 18, 2006.  Three responsive bids were received.

An additional bid in the amount of $154,087 was received from the Information Display Company of Beaverton, Oregon.  However, the equipment offered did not meet all of the City’s technical specifications; and the bid is considered nonresponsive.

Staff recommends the acceptance of the bid from Fortel Traffic, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

FISCAL IMPACT

Total cost for twenty-two solar-powered speed radar signs, including sales tax, will be $178,613.  Funds are available in Capital Project No. 825130 – Radar Speed Signs for School Areas which is funded by Gas Tax monies.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council award a contract, in substantially the same form as the attached draft Purchase Order and in the amount of $178,613, to Fortel Traffic, Inc., for twenty-two solar-powered speed radar signs.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely

Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:

Mary J. Bradley

Director, Finance

Reviewed by:

Marvin Rose

Director, Public Works

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager

Attachment

A.  Draft Purchase Order (.pdf)