HomeMy WebLinkAboutA013 - 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 Services for Phase 2ITEM #:13
DATE:10-27-26
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outdated systems will be replaced.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 to each respective phase.
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 2
upgrades. After review, staff determined that the proposal is acceptable and the cost is
consistent with prior EVP purchases. City staff will perform the installation of the new
systems.
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. The table below shows the respective costs for
each phase, with Phase 3 implementation planned for fall of 2027.
1
Phase Cost
Phase 1 $76,427 (Completed)
Phase 2 $63,958 (This Council Action)
Phase 3 $55,000 (Estimated)
TOTAL $195,385
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
$63,958 for Phase 2 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. The proposed
hardware is consistent with the prior phase, thus eliminating the need to integrate
different hardware solutions into the traffic signals thus lowering installation costs.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Estimate 4E00000514.pdf
ITS Cumulative Phase Map.pdf
2
10/19/2026 3:40:36 PM
MoboTrex, LLC
109 W 55th Street
Davenport IA 52806
United States
563-323-0009
Customer: AME0001
City of Ames
2207 Edison St
Ames IA 50010-6505
United States
Phone:RFQ:
Email:Description:
Quote Terms Quote Date Expiration Date Salesperson Customer Currency
4E00000514 Net 30 Days 9/21/2026 11/28/2026 Justin Z USD US Dollar
U/M Qty Item Description Unit Price Extended Price
EA 15 T/I-TOM 4090-1-ST-IC-B (10) T/IN PUR4090-1-ST-IC-B(10)(PXX13205-001)507.60 7,614.00
EA 15 T/I-TOM DISC4090-1ST-IC-B (10) DISCOUNT FOR TRADE-IN 4090-1ST-IC-B (10)56.40 846.00
EA 7 T/I-TOM 4090-22-ST-IC-B (10) T/INPUR4090-22-ST-IC-B(10)(PXX13750-001)842.40 5,896.80
EA 7 T/I-TOMDISC4090-22-ST-IC-B(10) DISC FOR TRADE-IN 4090-22-ST-IC-B (10)93.60 655.20
EA 7 T/I-TOM 4140V2-4 (10)T/IN PUR 4140V2-4 (10) (PAX10968-001)2,360.70 16,524.90
EA 7 T/I-TOM DISC 4140V2-4 (10) DISCOUNT FOR TRADE-IN 4140V2-4 (10)262.30 1,836.10
EA 40 PMR13217-001 MAST ARM:MNTING KT,4090/DETOC,3/4"-14NPT 95.00 3,800.00
EA 9 T/I-TOM 4090-22-ST-IC-B (10) T/INPUR4090-22-ST-IC-B(10)(PXX13750-001)842.40 7,581.60
EA 9 T/I-TOMDISC4090-22-ST-IC-B(10) DISC FOR TRADE-IN 4090-22-ST-IC-B (10)93.60 842.40
EA 7 PAX10968-001 STROBECOM II OPT SIG PROC 4CH W/LG&
ENET
2,623.00 18,361.00
Sale Amount:63,958.00
Order Disc( 0.0000%):0.00
Surcharge:N/A
Sales Tax:0.00
Misc Charges:0.00
Total Amount:63,958.00
10IAD04
jzank@mobotrex.com
MoboTrex, LLC Page of 1 1
3
4