Cree Distributor Claims Phoenix LED Tender Process Was Unfair

Cree Distributor

A Cree distributor has voiced concerns over streetlight bidding requirements in Phoenix, the largest city in the State of Arizona, U.S.

Stringent lighting requirements for the 90,000 streetlight upgrade project will only allow two potential companies to submit a bid approval, says Myron Manns, Director of Communications for CGE Energy, a distributor for Cree LED products.

Mann claims the bid was written in such a way to prevent other companies that are normally eligible to submit a bid.According to the Phoenix request for proposal (RFP), the bulb must have a lumen depreciation of 40 degrees Celsius, which basically demands the bulb must be capable of operating under certain hot temperatures. Mann claims the industry standard is 25 degrees Celsius, which significantly reduces potential bidding candidates to two.He also notes Phoenix’s RFP temperature requirements were unusually high compared to surrounding areas.

The Phoenix city government denies unfairness in its tendering process.”What we have to ensure or be very careful about is making sure that what we’re putting out in the streets for our residents is tested and proven,” says Charlene Reynolds,Deputy Street Transportation Director.Reynolds notes that Cree has gone through voluntary testing with the city since 2007, and knew their LED bulbs did not meet the requirements.

 

Related Articles

Changing Scene

Design

  • Stanpro: 3 Tips to Ensure Efficient Lighting for a Hairdressing Salon

    Stanpro: 3 Tips to Ensure Efficient Lighting for a Hairdressing Salon

    Remember your last hair appointment: you’re in the waiting room. Perhaps you’re reading a book or magazine while you wait your turn. You’re watching the hairdressers as they cut, style and dye your hair. Have you ever wondered about salon lighting? Indeed, all these activities entail specific lighting requirements: hairdressers need to be able to… Read More…

  • LightForm: Unboring Project – The Flamingo, A Mid-Century Revival in Surrey, BC

    LightForm: Unboring Project – The Flamingo, A Mid-Century Revival in Surrey, BC

    Reviving a story that already exists is a compelling undertaking, especially if that story is steeped in nostalgia and reinvention. The Flamingo Project in Surrey, BC draws inspiration from the original Flamingo Hotel that once stood in the same spot. It was a mid-century modern destination that opened in 1955. Once known as a stylish… Read More…

New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: Textured Finish, Decorative String Light Shade

    SATCO|NUVO: Textured Finish, Decorative String Light Shade

    Designed to reduce unwanted upward illumination while maintaining the warm, inviting atmosphere of decorative string lighting, SATCO’s Textured Finish String Light Shades deliver a more refined outdoor lighting experience. Featuring a textured metal finish for an industrial warm look, these shades are ideal for patios, restaurants, hospitality spaces, and outdoor gathering areas. Compatible with SATCO and many… Read More…

  • Cyclone Lighting Introduces New Stretto Luminaire

    Cyclone Lighting Introduces New Stretto Luminaire

    Cyclone has announced that it has released its Stretto luminaire. Stretto pairs a clean linear aesthetic with enduring performance for demanding urban environments. Stretto’s sleek, linear shape is designed to integrate naturally into contemporary urban environments. A subtle, continuous contour line wraps the luminaire, revealing two distinct sections that seamlessly unite into a single, composed… Read More…