SR-506-003-06 (17)
Council Meeting: September 14, 2004 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recision of Council approval to purchase an Advanced Traffic
Management System for the downtown area from Econolite and
authorize the purchase from Siemens
Introduction
This staff report recommends that the City Council amend the past approval of
the purchase of a central traffic signal control system from Econolite Control
Products, Inc. (Econolite), and instead authorize its purchase from Siemens
Energy and Automation, Inc. (Siemens).
Background
On September 9, 2003, the Council approved the purchase of an Advanced
Traffic Management System (ATMS) from Econolite, the sole software vendor
who could provide a complete solution for the City?s specific needs for remote
control of traffic signals, for $260,000, excluding contingency. At the time,
Econolite was offering the icons system in partnership with Siemens. Siemens
developed the system software ? with Econolite providing technical support - to
be fully compatible with Econolite?s ASC/2 traffic signal controller (the city?s
principal signal controller). Under the partnership agreement, Econolite
marketed the system and provided operational support, while Siemens provided
software support and software maintenance.
During the City?s contract negotiations with Econolite, the partnership terminated.
As a result of the termination agreement, Econolite and Siemens can each
market their version of the system, modifying and enhancing it as they see fit.
Discussion
Shortly after execution of the Econolite/Siemens termination agreement, contract
negotiations with Econolite were suspended in order to evaluate the City?s
options presented by the agreement. Staff determined that it would be prudent to
solicit from Siemens for a proposal for their i2TMS system (their version of
icons). Since six months had passed since the Council approved purchase of
the icons ATMS, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the ATMS was published.
One additional vendor replied, but that proposal did not meet the City?s
specifications.
Since the icons system and the i2TMS system are virtually alike at this time, the
two companies were evaluated for their ability to provide operational support,
system development and upgrades. Based on these criteria, Siemens has the
clear advantage. As the software developers, Siemens? personnel are the most
familiar with the system and thus the most able to continue to support and
enhance it.
Budget/Financial Impact
Funds for the purchase are available in account C01040701.589000.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc. in the amount of
$211,807 (including 10% contingency) for the purchase of the i2 TMS system for
the 53 intersections located in the downtown area. It is also recommended that
the Council rescind the authorization granted on September 9, 2003, to purchase
a similar system from Econolite Control Products, Inc.
Prepared By: Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning and Community Development
Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager
Gerald Tom, Transportation Engineer
David Yeskel, Systems Analyst