HomeMy WebLinkAboutA015 - Resolution waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a contract to MoboTrex, LLC of Davenport, IA, for Emergency Vehicle Preemption systemsITEM #:17
DATE:10-14-25
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2025/26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM - EMERGENCY VEHICLE
PREEMPTION UPGRADES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Traffic Signal Program provides for both the replacing of older traffic signals and
constructing new traffic signals in the City. As part of this program, the City will upgrade
the emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) systems at intersections included in Phases 1
through 3 of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Program.
EVP systems allow emergency response vehicles such as police, fire, and emergency medical
services to have priority when approaching a signalized intersection. The EVP systems
recognize the unique frequency of emergency beacons and prompt the signal software to
change the signal operations to give priority to emergency response vehicles. Phases 4 & 5
of the ITS Program will include EVP upgrades during design and bidding phases.
The existing EVP systems, installed approximately 15 years ago, are now out of
warranty and cannot be repaired. To ensure continued reliable operation, these
outdated systems will be replaced. The new EVP units are fully compatible with the existing
emitters used in emergency vehicles, meaning that no vehicle equipment replacement will be
required. Additionally, the upgraded systems include a blue confirmation light, allowing
emergency responders to visually confirm that their preemption signal has been received by
the traffic signal.
To align with the original ITS project rollout, the EVP upgrades will also be completed
in three phases. The City’s existing EVP systems are eligible for a 10–20% trade-in credit,
which will be applied sequentially: systems removed during Phase 1 will be traded in to offset
the Phase 2 purchase, and so on, with the final credit applied after Phase 3 completion for
future EVP purchases.
The City of Ames utilizes Tomar-brand EVP systems, which are available exclusively
through MoboTrex, LLC of Davenport, Iowa, due to regional distribution rights. City
staff, therefore, solicited a single-source proposal from MoboTrex for the Phase 1
upgrades. After review, staff determined that the proposal is acceptable and consistent
with prior EVP purchases. The City’s existing EVP systems are eligible for a 10–20% trade-
in credit, which will be applied toward Phases 2 and 3 of the EVP replacements. City staff will
perform the installation of the new systems as schedules allow.
This project is identified in FY 2025/26 of the Capital Improvements Plan, with Road Use Tax
funding allocated in the amount of $200,000.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Waive the Purchasing Policies and Procedures requirement for formal bidding
procedures and award a contract to MoboTrex, LLC of Davenport, IA , in the amount of
$84,135 for Phase 1 of the 2025/26 Traffic Signal Program - EVP Upgrades.
2. Do not proceed with this project at this time and reject the emergency vehicle
preemption systems proposal.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will complete important emergency vehicle preemption upgrades providing
continuity for emergency response through signalized corridors. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Phase 1 Map.pdf
Ames Phase 1 quote.pdf
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Date:10/02/2025
Customer:AME0001 Expire Date:12/3/2025
Becker, Brad
City of Ames
2207 Edison St
Ames IA 50010-6505
United States
Prepared By:Zank, Justin D.
Contact:Becker, Brad
Phone:515-239-5535 o
Fax:
Email:bbecker@city.ames.ia.us
Description:Phase 1 Tomar Upgrade
Part #QuantityDescription Price Extended
MAST-SB-KIT DQG'(72&PDVWDUPPRXQWLQJNLWô´NPT 58 $95.00 $5,510.00
PXX13205-001 DETECTOR:STROBECOM,ASY W/LED,1-
HEAD,BLUE
58 $564.00 $32,712.00
PAX10968-001 STROBECOM II OPT SIG PROC 4CH W/LG& ENET 17 $2,623.00 $44,591.00
TOM-M913-500 Detector Cable, 3 Conductor Shielded - 5 1 $440.00 $440.00
TOM-M913-1000 Detector Cable, 3 Conductor Shielded - 1 1 $882.00 $882.00
Sale Amount:$84,135.00
Sales Tax:0.00
Misc Charges:0.00
Total Amount:$84,135.00
Terms:
THIS QUOTE IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE VALUE AND VOLUME OF ALL LINE ITEMS - Prices listed on this quote are valid only in the
event of purchase of all line items in the quantities listed, in their entirety. Purchases of individual line items will require a new quote
prior to acceptance of any purchase orders.
PAYMENT TERMS ARE NET 30 DAYS with prior approved credit. MoboTrex, LLC retains title to material until paid in full. A service
charge of 1.5% per month (18% annual rate) will be assessed against all past due accounts. Prices and delivery quoted are firm for 30
days from the data of bid. The above quote does not include installation of the products quoted. On-Site technical assistance is
available and will be quoted upon request.
Quotation does not include sales tax. Sales tax will be added at time of invoice unless a valid Sales Tax Exempt certificate has been
provided. Sales tax exempt certificate should accompany customer Purchase Order.
Limited Warranty: MoboTrex, LLC only obligations shall be to replace such quantity of the product proven to be defective.
Warranty Period: The length of warranty manufacturers have conveyed to the seller and which can be passed on to the buyer.
Additional terms and conditions apply - See MoboTrex, LLC Terms & Conditions document at our website: www.mobotrex.com.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this quote.
MoboTrex, LLC Page 1 of 1Thursday, October 2, 2025 11:57 AM
Quote
Quote Number: 1949035
109 West 55th Street | Davenport, IA 52806 | (563) 323-0009
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