DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Radar Vehicle Detection Equipment
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a contract with Twincrest, Inc. dba Twincrest Technologies to provide radar vehicle detection equipment for the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department for a total cost of $64,390.00. Funding for this one-time expenditure is available through the General Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Submitted for Council consideration and action is the offer submitted by Twincrest, Inc. dba Twincrest Technologies to provide radar vehicle detection equipment to detect the presence of vehicles at signalized intersections in various locations throughout the City.
The Radar Vehicle Detection System utilizes radar electromagnetic waves to detect the presence of motor vehicles approaching intersections in all types of weather conditions such as rain, sleet, fog, glaring sunlight and deep shadow conditions where a standard video image results in false vehicle presence messages sent to the signal controller.
This purchase will provide the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department with replacement parts that will be used for the maintenance of current signalized intersections equipped with radar vehicle detection equipment which must be compatible with existing equipment. The Radar Vehicle Detection Equipment has been thoroughly field tested and found by staff to operate substantially better than video imaging detection technology resulting in fewer false calls from the signal controller.
ISSUE:
This contract will provide the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department with the capability to detect, track, and identify approaching vehicles to an intersection in all types of weather conditions. This results in a more controlled traffic and safety environment due to proper detection zone and range of determined accuracy by the presence of any moving vehicle.
This purchase is made from Twincrest, Inc. dba Twincrest Technologies utilizing the Cooperative Purchasing Contract number PE05-17 through Houston/Galveston Cooperative Program passed on Resolution No. 96-41-48 dated 10/10/1996.
The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Ordinance requirements were waived due to the lack of small, minority, and/or women businesses available to provide these goods and services.
The recommended award is an exception to the Local Preference Program.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, Traffic Management Division will be required to procure materials/equipment on an as needed basis. The City could lose the pricing advantage that is afforded through a cooperative contract which affords volume discounts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of a contract with Twincrest, Inc. dba Twincrest Technologies to provide radar vehicle detection equipment for the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department in an amount not to exceed $64,390.00. Funds for the purchase of this radar equipment are included and available in the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department’s FY 2019 General Fund budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of this contract with Twincrest, Inc. dba Twincrest Technologies in the amount of $64,390.00 to provide Transportation and Capital Improvements Department with replacement radar vehicle detection equipment.
This contract is procured by means of cooperative contract and a Contract Disclosure Form is not required.