SR-09-10-2013-3EReport
City of I Council
Santa Monica®
City Council Meeting: September 10, 2013
Agenda Item: 3-E
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David Martin, Director of Planning and Community Development
Subject: Purchase of General Electric LED Signal Products
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council award a sole source purchase order for the
purchase of General Electric signal products to JAM Services, Inc., a California-based
company, in an amount not to exceed $60,000, with four one-year renewal options for a
total amount not to exceed $300,000 over a five-year period, with future year funding
contingent on Council budget approval.
Executive Summary
The City replaced traditional incandescent traffic signal indications with light emitting
diodes (LED) indications in 2001. The LED indications have a normal service life of 6
years. The current LED's have surpassed their normal service life and will be replaced
over the next 5 years using CIP funds.
The LED indications from General Electric (GE) are the only product that meets the City
specifications. Through experience and observation, the GE LED's have proven to be
the most reliable and efficient product. JAM Services, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of
GE LED's for the State of California.
Background
Previous Council Actions
On January 23, 2001, the City Council awarded bid #2825 to Synchronex for the
purchase of LED indications for Vehicle Signal Heads. Synchronex supplied
proximately 1,800 GE LED traffic signal indications to the City.
Discussion
The City has purchased GE LED signal products since 2001 when the City began
implementing a 5 year city-wide LED signal indication upgrade program. Upon
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completion of the phased installment of the LED indications, electricity costs for the
traffic signals were reduced by 90%. The GE indications have a visual appearance
similar to that of an incandescent lamp, without the individual LED's being visible. Other
products do not have an incandescent look or look slightly different from the GE
indications. Providing a consistent appearance at every signalized intersection within
the City will provide better safety and reduce confusion for motorists and pedestrians.
Vendor Selection
The GE LED's are the only product that meets Equipment and Materials Standards of
the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Caltrans, and City standards. City
specifications for LED indications also require the external lens to have a sloped front
face to reduce sun reflections. When sun rays hit a non -sloped lens, they reflect back
to the motorist and the indication may appear to be on when it is not. City requirements
also specify that replacement shall not require the removal of the existing lamp reflector
or socket assembly, whereby reducing field replacement time and costs.
When other products were used, traffic signal maintenance staff reported noticeable
deficiencies and aesthetic differences that were unacceptable and not meeting City
standards. Other vendors such as Leotek and Dialight do not have sloped lenses and
have at least a 50% higher rate of failure. Prior to failure, these lenses tend to show
extreme pixilation and do not provide a solid indication.
The City purchased GE LED signal products in 2001 through a vendor named
Synchronex. Synchronex is no longer in business and JAM Services, Inc. is now the
sole distributor of GE LED signal products for the entire state of California. Staff
recommends a sole source purchase order with JAM Services, Inc. to keep traffic signal
equipment uniform and to ensure lower maintenance costs.
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Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The purchase order to be awarded to JAM Services, Inc. is for an amount not to exceed
$300,000. Funds in the amount of $60,000 are included in the FY2013-14 Capital
Improvement Program budget at account 0010407.589000. Budget authority for
subsequent budget years will be requested in each budget for Council approval. Future
funding is contingent upon Council approval and budget adoption.
Prepared by: Andrew Maximous, P.E., T.E., Transportation Engineer
Approved:
Davi Martin, Director
Planning and Community Development
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Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager