3-26-0072 Bid Specs.pdf

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Specifications for the Purchase of Completed Traffic Signs and Traffic Sign Faces

City of Sioux Falls Bid # 26-0072

1.0 Intent

It is the intent of this specification to provide for the purchase of completed traffic signs and traffic sign faces.

A contract will be awarded to the bidder submitting the lowest responsible bid meeting the requirements of the specification.

2.0 Equivalent Product

Bids will be accepted for consideration on any make or model that is equal or superior to the items specified. Decisions of equivalency will be at the sole interpretation of the City of Sioux Falls items. A blanket statement that equipment proposed will meet all requirements will not be sufficient to establish equivalence. Original manufacturer’s brochures of the proposed unit are to be submitted with the proposal.

All modifications made to the standard production unit described in the manufacturer’s brochures must be certified by the manufacturer and submitted with the bid, or the bid will be deemed “nonresponsive” and rejected without further review. Bidder must be prepared to demonstrate a unit similar to the one proposed, if requested.

3.0 Single Bid Response

If only one bid is received in response to the invitation for bids, a detailed cost proposal may be requested of the single offeror. A cost/price analysis and evaluation and/or audit may be performed of the cost proposal in order to determine if the price is fair and reasonable.

4.0 Interpretations

In order to be fair to all bidders, no oral interpretations will be given to any bidder as to the meaning of the specification documents or any part thereof. All requests for interpretation shall be made in writing to the City Purchasing Division. Based upon such inquiry, the City may choose to issue an addendum. All addendums must be acknowledged or your bid may be rendered incomplete.

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Technical Bid Specifications

1.0 Scope

These specifications cover the fabrication and supply of traffic sign faces and finished traffic signs using retroreflective sheeting in colors compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (latest FHWA-adopted edition).

All materials shall:

• Meet or exceed the latest requirements of ASTM D4956 for Type IV and Type

XI sheeting

• Comply with applicable guidance from the Federal Highway Administration

• Be part of a complete, compatible system (sheeting, inks, overlay films, and adhesives)

2.0 Prequalification and No-Charge Items

2.1 Manufacturer Experience

The manufacturer shall provide documentation demonstrating that the proposed sheeting has been successfully used in comparable traffic sign applications for a minimum of three (3) years under similar environmental conditions.

2.2 System Compatibility

All components (sheeting, inks, overlay films) shall be:

• From a single manufacturer; or

• Certified as a compatible system by the sheeting manufacturer

2.3 Washers

Protective washers for mounting hardware shall be provided at no additional cost in quantities sufficient for installation.

3.0 Applicable Standards

The following standards (latest editions) apply:

• ASTM D4956—Retroreflective Sheeting

• ASTM B209—Aluminum Sheet

• ASTM E810—Retroreflectivity Measurement

• ASTM D523—Gloss Measurement

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

• FHWA Standard Highway Alphabets

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4.0 Materials

4.1 Retroreflective Sheeting

• Type IV (high-intensity prismatic) or Type XI (diamond grade prismatic)

• Pressure-sensitive adhesive

• Pre-coated, with removable liner

• Designed for outdoor traffic sign use

• Listed on FHWA APL

4.2 Aluminum Substrates

• Must meet ASTM B209

• Alloy: 5052-H38 or 6061-T6

Minimum thickness:

• ≤ 30" signs: 0.080"

• 30"–36": 0.100"

• 36" or higher: 0.125"

Blanks shall be:

• Flat, free of defects

• Deburred with smooth edges

4.3 Digital Printing

All digitally printed signs shall:

• Use manufacturer-approved traffic sign inks

• Be printed using thermal transfer, eco-solvent, latex, or UV systems approved by the sheeting manufacturer

• Maintain:

o Color compliance with MUTCD o Retroreflectivity ≥ 70% of corresponding sheeting color values o Maintain required contrast ratios

Printed graphics shall:

• Be sharp, legible, and free from banding or distortion

• Match FHWA Standard Highway Alphabets

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4.4 Overlay/Protective Film

All permanent signs using:

• Digital printing; or

• Screen-printed inks

Shall include a protective overlay film.

Overlay requirements:

• UV-resistant

• Anti-graffiti (when specified)

• Compatible with sheeting system

• Shall not reduce retroreflectivity below ASTM minimums

Approved films:

• 3M ElectroCut Film 1170C

• 3M Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9740i

• Or approved equal

Overlay is not required for cut film systems unless specified by the manufacturer.

4.5 ElectroCut Film

For signs fabricated using cut film (non-digital legend application), the following shall apply:

• Legends, borders, symbols, and backgrounds shall be applied using colored ElectroCut film compatible with the retroreflective sheeting

• Film shall be:

o Transparent or translucent as required to maintain retroreflectivity o Designed specifically for traffic sign applications

• Film shall be plotter-cut and applied to the reflective sheeting surface

• Overlay film is not required for ElectroCut systems unless required by the manufacturer.

Approved examples include:

• 3M ElectroCut Film 1160C

• Or approved equal

All ElectroCut films shall:

• Be part of a manufacturer-approved matched system

• Maintain required MUTCD color and retroreflectivity performance

• Be suitable for outdoor exposure and long-term durability

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5.0 Performance Requirements

5.1 Retroreflectivity

Measured per ASTM E810.

Type XI—Minimum Initial Retroreflectivity (cd/lux/m²)

5.2 Wet Retroreflectivity

• Type XI sheeting shall meet ASTM wet performance requirements

• Minimum: ≥ 90% of dry values (or per manufacturer spec if ASTM-certified)

5.3 Color

• Must meet MUTCD chromaticity limits

• Verified via spectrophotometer

5.4 Durability

After weathering:

• No cracking, peeling, or blistering

• Retain ≥ 80% retroreflectivity

Color 0.2° / -4° 0.5° / -4° White 270 100 Yellow 200 75 Red 45 15 Green 45 15 Blue 20 7 Brown 12 4

Type IV – Minimum Initial Retroreflectivity (cd/lux/m²)

Color 0.2° / -4° 0.5° / -4° White 700 250 Yellow 525 200 Red 90 30 Green 90 30 Blue 40 15 Brown 25 8

Type XI – Minimum Initial Retroreflectivity (cd/lux/m²)

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5.5 Adhesion

• No lifting, curling, or delamination

• Must pass manufacturer adhesion standards

5.6 Workmanship

Signs shall:

• Be free of defects

• Have clean edges and sharp legends

• Show no visible seams or wrinkles

5.7 Fabrication Tolerances

• Legend placement: ±1/16"

• Sign dimensions: ±1/8"

• Hole placement: ±1/32"

6.0 Fabrication Requirements

6.1 Sign Faces

• Cut square with no edge defects

• Corners rounded per MUTCD

6.2 Finished Signs

• Mounted to aluminum blanks

• Holes punched cleanly

• Include washers (no extra cost)

6.3 Legend Application

• Must use one of the following:

o Digital printing + approved overlay film o Screen print + approved overlay film o ElectroCut film applied to reflective sheeting

7.0 Warranty/Performance

7.1 Minimum Warranty Period

• Type IV: 10 years

• Type XI: 12 years typical (or manufacturer standard)

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7.2 Failure Criteria

Sign is considered failed if:

• Retroreflectivity falls below MUTCD minimums

• Significant fading, cracking, or delamination occurs

8.0 Intellectual Property

Supplier shall indemnify the agency against patent infringement claims and cover associated legal costs.

9.0 Packaging and delivery

Signs shall be packed to prevent damage and scratches. Protective masking shall remain until installation.

Each sign shall be labeled with the manufacturer and date of fabrication.

10.0 Basis of Award

• Award will be made by lot to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder

• All items within a lot must be bid

• Equivalent colors/products may be requested at time of order

• Incomplete bids may be rejected