SR-506-003-06 (2)
Purch:PW:ML:
F:\FINANCE\PURCH\STFRPTS\SRBDBATTERY.DOC
Council Meeting: September 25, 2001 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Award Purchase Order for Battery Back-Up Systems
Introduction
This report recommends award of purchase order to J & J for battery back-up systems for
the Traffic Operations Division, Planning & Community Development Department in the
total amount of $402,000, including applicable sales tax.
Background
The State?s energy crisis this past summer prompted staff to evaluate purchasing
emergency back up batteries for the City?s traffic signals. Of the 165 signaled
intersections in the City, 95 were considered to be significant intersections that could
severely affect traffic safety during a power outage.
Discussion
The battery back-up system is to be integrated into a traffic signal controller?s power
source. In the event of a power loss (Southern California Edison rolling blackout or loss of
power due to accidents, for example), the back-up system will automatically be activated
and supply the necessary power to run the intersections at full capacity for approximately
four hours. When power is restored, the battery back-up system will automatically
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recharge itself and be ready for the next power loss. These back-up systems will be
installed at major intersections throughout the city and will keep the signalized
intersections running orderly for the safety of the motoring public.
Staff evaluated and tested three Caltrans approved battery back-up systems and found the
Dimensions Z-3 battery back-up system to be the most cost effective to purchase and the
most efficient to maintain. The Dimensions product provides back-up power three hours
longer than the other manufacturers' products. One manufacturer's product required
having two sizes of enclosures for the battery back-up system depending on the number of
batteries contained within them. This would require staff to have both sizes on hand when
equipment needs to be replaced. J & J is the sole provider of the Dimensions Z-3 battery
back-up system. Additionally, J & J is the provider of the Opticom signal sensor system
used by City emergency vehicles, and staff is confident that J & J will provide satisfactory
technical support based on past experience with the company.
Ordinance Number 1743 (CCS), Section 5, paragraph 2.24.080 (1) of the Santa Monica
Municipal Code allows exception to competitive bidding when goods are purchased from a
sole provider. Staff has evaluated the quotation submitted by J & J and finds that it meets
City specifications.
Budget/Financial Impact
Budget authority for this purchase is in the Traffic Operations Division, Planning &
Community Development Department, account number 01416PY.588500.
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Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council award a purchase order to J & J in the total amount of
$402,000, including applicable sales tax.
Prepared By: Diane Howell, Purchasing Agent
Richard Chiu, Buyer
David Roth, Traffic Operations Superintendent at PCD Traffic Operations
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