BACKGROUND

Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) are valuable weather resources that provide remote data including pavement and air temperature, wind speed and direction, and whether the pavement is wet or dry.  Our systems also provide a live video feed.  This data is a critical part of our Snow and Ice Control Operations and provides real-time pavement information.

The approved FY16 Capital Projects budget includes $22,000 for the installation of the Village's fourth RWIS.  Currently, the Village has three RWIS installations in the northeast, northwest, and southwest part of the Village.

Staff is proposing to improve our coverage of the town with a fourth installation near Goebbert and Golf Roads, covering our southeast part of the Village.

In 2013, Traffic Control Corporation was the lowest of the three bidders and won the bid with a 20% margin.  In 2015, Traffic Control Corporation was the lowest of two bids with a 40% margin.  Staff has been pleased with the RWIS provided by Traffic Control Corporation and would recommend using their RWIS system for the fourth and final station and standardize all four stations with the same software and equipment. Traffic Control Corporation provided the requested quote with a cost of $20,578 which is in line with the previous two sealed winning bids in 2013 and 2015, and is within the $22,000 budget. 

Traffic Control Corporation is local, and has provided the low bid and excellent service for the two previous installations, their product would provide continuity with current software, and also provide a uniform of parts for repairs and software maintenance, keeping all four stations identical. Staff is recommending that competitive bids be waived and the contract for the fourth RWIS be awarded to Traffic Control Corporation of Woodridge, IL, in the amount not-to-exceed $20,578.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board waive competitive bids and award a contract for the fourth Road Weather Information System Station to Traffic Control Corporation of Woodridge, IL, in an amount not-to-exceed $20,578 and authorize Staff to execute the necessary documents.