Report Prepared by: Juan Olmos, Public Works Manager-Tax Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approve the Purchase of Traffic Signal Preemption Opticom System Parts in the Amount not to Exceed $275,284.06
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 and approving the purchase of traffic signal preemption system parts in the amount not to exceed $275,284.06.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.4.210 for purchases necessary for standardization on particular types of equipment; and,
B. Approving the purchase of traffic signal preemption system parts from AM Signal LLC, in the amount not to exceed $275,284.06; and,
C. Authorizing the City buyer to issue the purchase order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or
conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 3.04.210 - Exemptions from Competitive Bidding:
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, competitive bidding requirements for purchases in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), the "bidding threshold”, may be waived with the approval of the city council. Waivers may be authorized for, but are not limited to, cooperative purchasing in conjunction with other governmental entities, professional services, annual service or supply agreements, or purchases necessary for standardization on particular types of equipment. The bidding threshold shall be adjusted for inflation utilizing the same index and methodology as the
bidding threshold in Section 3.04.080 of this code.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced Public Works Department utilizes a traffic signal preemption system to assign priority to emergency vehicles responding to emergency calls.
Public Works Department is currently utilizing the system at most signalized intersections with favorable results. The purchase of preemption signal detection systems will improve traffic signals, upgrading older detection cards to updated units which are compatible with future upgrades involving GPS technology, and adding preemption at 5 intersections as well as police cruisers.
The Public Works Department is requesting Council waive competitive bidding requirements to allow for the purchase of traffic signal camera detection system parts.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget for Project CP240004-GPS Opticom funded by Measure V and Measure C.
ATTACHMENTS
1. AM Signal LLC Quote
2. Sole Source Request