February 3, 1998
SUBJECT: Award of Bid - Retrofit of Existing Red Incandescent Bulbs in Traffic Signals with Red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (TR-97-1) RTC #98-039
REPORT IN BRIEF
On January 21, 1998, the City opened sealed bids for Retrofit of Existing Red Incandescent Bulbs in Traffic Signals with Red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (TR-97-4). There were eight (8) bids received. Staff recommends award of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Republic Electric, Incorporated in the amount of $273,558.00 for this project.
BACKGROUND
Studies conducted by City staff at various intersections show that retrofitting the existing red incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with red LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) will provide a substantial reduction in energy cost. Red LED’s provide numerous benefits over red bulbs. These benefits include much lower energy use and costs, longer expected life, the virtual elimination of burn-outs, improved safety at intersections, reduced maintenance cost, and reduced city liability in cases of accidents. On October 21, 1997, City Council authorized City staff to proceed with the retrofitting of red incandescent bulbs in city maintained traffic signals with red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
EXISTING POLICY
Efficient Transportation Policy C3.3, Optimize city traffic signal system performance.
DISCUSSION
This project provides for the replacement of red incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) at signalized intersections within the City of Sunnyvale. The project is partially funded in the form of a rebate by PG&E approximately in the amount of $58,800, which will be paid to the City after installation of LEDs.
The bids ranged from $273,558 to $533,500. For comparison purposes, the eight bids received are as follows:
| Republic Electric, Inc. | $273,558.00 |
| Richard A Heaps | $357,219.00 |
| Neresco | $370,676.29 |
| Steiny and Co. | $396,005.00 |
| GAB Construction | $402,940.00 |
| Mike Brown Electric | $407,143.90 |
| HECI | $437,347.33 |
| Hillside Contractors | $533,500.00 |
Staff has reviewed all bids submitted for conformance with bid requirements and staff believes that Republic Electric, Incorporated is the lowest responsible bidder. Republic Electric’s bid of $273,558.00 is substantially lower than the engineer’s estimate of $294,000.00. This results in an approximate savings of $21,000.00 to the City due to the reduction in project cost.
Fiscal Impact
The low bid received for Republic Electric, Incorporated is within the amount budgeted for this project. In Fiscal Year 97-98 the City Council approved a budget modification of $367,000.00 for this project.
Project Cost
| Retrofit of Traffic Signals with Red LEDs | $273,558.00 |
| Contingencies | $ 27,408.00 |
| Administrative Cost | $ 41,034.00 |
| Total Cost | $342,000.00 |
Budgeted Funds
Available Fiscal Year 97/98 $367,000.00
PUBLIC CONTACT
Publication and posting of the Council Agenda. Reports to Council are also available in the Sunnyvale Library and on the City’s Internet home page.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council award the contract for Retrofit of Existing Red Incandescent Bulbs in Traffic Signals with Red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to Republic Electric, Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $273,558.00.
Prepared by:
Dennis Ng
Traffic Engineering Assistant II
Reviewed by:
Raymond C. Williamson
City Traffic Engineer
Reviewed by:
Marvin A. Rose
Director, Department of Public Works
Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager