TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6861 for Communication Systems, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Camera Systems, Signal Modification and Advanced Traffic Control System (ATCS) Integration at Atlantic Avenue Improvement Project; award the project to and authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract with FlatIron Electric Group, Incorporated, in an estimated amount of $2,475,971, plus a 10 percent contingency of $247,597, for a total of $2,723,568, and to execute any necessary amendments thereto without exceeding the contract limit; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $3,485,918; and authorize City Manager to execute grant agreements and any amendments thereto. (Districts 1,2,6,7)
DISCUSSION
The proposed project is for the installation of an ATCS and associated traffic control modifications on Atlantic Avenue as recommended by the City Traffic Engineer. This ATCS has been designed to enhance traffic flow and intersection safety on Atlantic Avenue by interconnecting all of the traffic signals between Ocean Boulevard and Wardlow Road (27 intersections). The interconnection, as well as the installation of new control software, will allow the signal system to continuously react to traffic flows throughout the day rather than be set at fixed time intervals as they currently operate. By being able to adjust to varying traffic volumes during the day, the system will minimize traffic delays, and reduce vehicle idling, which in turn will reduce vehicle emissions along this corridor. The project will include the following elements:
· Installation of seven CCTV camera units with graphical user interface (GUI) software.
· Installation of conduits and pull boxes between intersections on Atlantic Avenue and connection to City's traffic management center (TMC) in City Hall.
· Installation of fiber-optic cables and modems for adaptive traffic signal control system and CCTV communication.
· Installation of the Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System, including signal controller upgrades related to traffic signal equipment at 27 intersections.
City Council's adoption of the plans and specifications, and award of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder are being recommended concurrently in order to expedite implementation of this project. The project was advertised for bids on September 8, 2011, and bids were opened on October 5, 2011. In addition to placing an advertisement for bids in the Long Beach Press Telegram, bid documents were made available through the City's weblink at, <http://www.PlanetBids.com> in a continuing effort to increase participation of local businesses, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Bid documents were also sent to several trade publications and plan rooms catering to these groups within the construction industry.
For this bid, 1,409 firms registered on the website were notified via automatic email notice, including 154 located in Long Beach. Twenty-three sets of bid documents were purchased by prospective bidders, and five bids were received. Of the bidding firms, none are a local business, MBE or WBE. There were no DBE registered firms that submitted bids. FlatIron Electric Group, Incorporated, of Chino, California, has been determined to be the lowest responsive bidder.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on October 19, 2011, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 24, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
The proposed Atlantic Avenue Advance Traffic Control System is projected to reduce vehicle delays by 10 percent. Approximately 28,000 vehicles per day travel through this corridor with an average travel time of 30 minutes. With a 10 percent reduction in vehicle travel time, the system is projected to save 1,400 hours of engine idling and the associated pollution.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on November 8, 2011, to authorize commencement of this Public Works project. Construction is projected to begin in March 2012 and is expected to take approximately 90 working days.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated project cost is $3,685,918, which is funded by $2,064,114 granted by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and $1,621,804 in Transportation Impact Fees.
Since the MTA grant and a portion of the Transportation Impact Fees are not currently budgeted, appropriation increases are requested as part of the recommendation. There is no impact to the General Fund. This project will create an estimated 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER