Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 3.4. 6/13/2023 File #: 23-0210
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. SUBJECT
Agreement with NexTech Systems, Inc. for as-needed sole source procurement and technical support of Carmanah Technologies Corporation rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and related electrical devices.
2. SUMMARY
Rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) are traffic equipment that help increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks and improve vehicle yield rates when activated. The City of Orange has successfully utilized rectangular rapid-flashing beacons manufactured by Carmanah Technologies Corporation since August 2016. The product is only available through NexTech Systems, Inc., therefore warranting a sole source procurement.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the agreement with NexTech Systems, Inc. in the amount of $100,000 for as-needed procurement and technical support of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and related electrical devices; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The total expenditure for this agreement is $100,000 and will be funded in Minor Traffic Control Devices (16302) through Capital Projects (500).
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community
b: Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
Rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) are traffic equipment that help increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks and improve vehicle yield rates when activated. Upon activation, RRFBs alert motorists that pedestrians are present at a crossing by flashing alternating high-intensity LEDs. They are placed on both sides of a crosswalk, between the pedestrian crossing sign and the diagonal downward arrow plaque pointing at the crossing.
In August 2016, City staff identified fourteen uncontrolled intersections to install RRFBs through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Pedestrian Crossings Upgrade at 14 Intersections project. Since then, a number of additional RRFBs systems have been installed City of Orange Printed on 6/5/2023Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 3.4. 6/13/2023 File #: 23-0210
Intersections project. Since then, a number of additional RRFBs systems have been installed Citywide, all of which are developed by Carmanah Technologies Corporation (Carmanah). Carmanah RRFBs were selected due to having the smallest profile and solar panel, which are less visually intrusive for installation-especially for locations in the Old Towne District. Carmanah RRFBs are only available through NexTech Systems, Inc., therefore warranting a sole source procurement.
Staff recommends continuing with Carmanah RRFBs to achieve consistency with existing infrastructure and maintenance efficiency, and NexTech Systems, Inc. is the only authorized vendor for the product in Southern California.
No budget appropriation is being requested at this time. The purchase order corresponding to this agreement will be funded incrementally and as needed, through one of the City’s budgeted “maintenance-type” capital improvement projects (Minor Traffic Control Devices).
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Agreement with NexTech Systems, Inc.
City of Orange Printed on 6/5/2023Page 2 of 2
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