U.S. Deportment 

of Tronsporto~on 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

Ms. Kathleen A. Bacik 

Osprey Southwest LLC 

February 12,2014 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/WZ-325 

10105 E. Via Linda, Suite 103-302 

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 

Dear Ms. Bacik: 

This letter is in response to your request for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to 

review a roadside safety system for eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway 

program. 

Name of system: 

Type of system: 

Test Level: 

Testing conducted by: 

Date of request: 

Complete package: 

Decision: 

Osprey Southwest LLC Safety Umbrella Sign System 

and Safety Umbrella Sign System with Rolling Base Structure 

Portable work zone flagger sign stand 

MASH Test Level 3 

KARCO Engineering 

August 13, 2013 

January 7, 2014 

The following device is eligible, with details provided in the form which is attached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

• Osprey Southwest LLC Safety Umbrella Sign System portable work zone flagger sign 

stand, with or without the optional Rolling Base Structure 

Based on a review of crash test results submitted by the manufacturer certifying the device 

described herein meets the crash test and evaluation criteria of the American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), the 

device is eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. Eligibility for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval or 

endorsement by the FHW A for any particular purpose or use. 

The FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do not 

endorse products or services and the issuance of a reimbursement eligibility letter is not an 

endorsement of any product or service. 
Requirements 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, roadside safety devices should meet the crash test 

and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 

Description 

The device and supporting documentation are described in the attached form. 

Summary and Standard Provisions 

Therefore, the system described and detailed in the attached form is eligible for reimbursement 

and may be installed under the range of conditions tested. 

Please note the following standard provisions that apply to FHW A eligibility letters: 

• This finding of eligibility does not cover other structural features of the systems, nor 

conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

• Any changes that may influence system conformance with MASH will require a new 

reimbursement eligibility letter. 

2 

• Should the FHW A discover that the qualification testing was flawed, that in-service 

performance reveals safety problems, or that the system is significantly different from the 

version that was crash tested, we reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter. 

• You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design and 

installation requirements to ensure proper performance. 

• You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same 

chemistry, mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it 

will meet the test and evaluation critiera of the MASH. 

• To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility is designated as number 

WZ-325 and shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed at our office upon request. 

• This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHW A to use, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 

The FHWA does not become involved in issues concerning patent law. Patent issues, if 

any, are to be resolved by the applicant. 
3 

• The Osprey Southwest umbrella sign systems are patented products and considered 

proprietary. If proprietary systems are specified by a highway agency for use on Federalaid projects: (a) they must be supplied through competitive bidding with equally suitable 

unpatented items; (b) the highway agency must certify that they are essential for 

synchronization with the existing highway facilities or that no equally suitable alternative 

exists; or (c) they must be used for research or for a distinctive type of construction on 

relatively short sections of road for experimental purposes. Our regulations concerning 

proprietary products are contained in Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 

635.411. 

Enclosures 

Sincerely yours, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 1 of 2 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: August 13, 2013 \e New (' Resubmission 

Name: Steven Matsusaka Signature: ~ -c_------ .. 

Ql Company: KARCO Engineering, LLC. 

.;; 

e Address: 9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 

.CI 

= Country: United States of America Ill 

To: 

MichaelS. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'WZ': Crash Worthy Work \e Physical Crash Testing Osprey Southwest LLC AASHTOMASH TL3 

Zone Traffic Control Devices (' FEA & V&V Analysis Safety Umbrella Sign 

System 

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety 

Hardware and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Kathleen A. Bacik Same as Submitter D 

Company Name: Osprey Southwest LLC Same as Submitter D 

Address: 101 OS E Via Linda, Suite 103-302, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Same as Submitter D 

Country: United States of America Same as Submitter D 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

New Hardware 

The Osprey Southwest Safety Umbrella Sign System is a work-zone traffic control 

device. The device consists of a base structure, a two (2) piece mast, an umbrella canopy, two 

(2) vinyl flags, and two (2) aluminum signs. 

The base structure consists of a PVC pipe mounted on a 21.0 in. (533 mm) by 24.0 in. 

(610 mm) rubber pad. The base structure has a break away feature located 4.0 in. (102 mm) 

from the bottom of the base. The mast consists of two (2) 1.5 in. (38 mm) diameter aluminum 

tubes with 0.1 in. (2 mm) wall thickness. Two (2) 24.0 in. (61 0 mm) aluminum signs are attached 

to the mast assembly via a swiveling mount. The aluminum signs are mounted 84.0 in (2.1 m) 

from the ground. The umbrella canopy mounts to the top ofthe mast assembly and measures 

65.5 in. (1.7 m) by 65.5 in. (1.7 m). Two (2) 24.0 in. (610 mm) vinyl flags are mounted to the top 

of the umbrella canopy. When assembled, the Safety Umbrella Sign System stands 125.0 in. 

(3.2 m) tall from the ground to the top of the vinyl flags. 

The Safety Umbrella Sign System weighs 59.0 lbs (26.8 kg). Forth is test, one (1) 22.0 

lb. (10.0 kg) sandbag was placed on top of the device's base structure. The total weight of the 

as-tested test article including the sandbag is 81 .0 lbs (36.7 kg). 
CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test Narrative 

Number Description 

3-70 (1100C) Test 3-70 was not performed due to the work-zone traffic control 

device weighing less than 220 lb (100 kg). 

The impact with the Safety Umbrella Sign System did not cause any 

significant damage to the vehicle and did not create a hazard to the 

3-71 (1100() driver. Upon impact, the test article yielded and the breakaway was 

activated. Test article debris was contained within the vicinity of the 

impact area. The test vehicle remained upright and did not leave Its 

lane. 

The impact with the Safety Umbrella Sign System did not cause any 

significant damage to the vehicle and did not create a hazard to the 

3-72 (2270P) driver. Upon impact, the test article yielded and the breakaway was 

activated. Test article debris was contained within the vicinity of the 

impact area. The test vehicle remained upright and did not leave its 

lane. 

Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 2 

Evaluation Results 

WAIVER REQUESTED 

PASS 

PASS 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Laboratory Name: KARCO Engineering, INC 

Laboratory Contact: Steven Matsusaka Same as Submitter 1:8] 

Address: 9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 Same as Submitter 1:8] 

Country: United States of America Same as Submitter 1:8] 

Accreditation Certificate TL-371 , November29, 2011 

Number and Date: 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

1) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

2) A drawing or drawings ofthe device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards). For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact 

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that 

are key to understanding the performance of the device should also be submitted to facilitate our 

review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

Of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: 1/28/2013 \ New r. Resubmission 

Name: Kathleen A Bacik Signature: 

... 

Q,l Company: Osprey Southwest LLC 

::: ·e Address: 101 OS E Via Linda- Suite 103-302, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 .Jl 

:I Country: USA Ill 

To: MichaelS. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'WZ': Crash Worthy Work {e Physical Crash Testing Osprey Southwest LLC AASHTOMASH TL3 

Zone Traffic Control Devices { FEA & V&V Analysis Safety Umbrella Rolling 

Base Structure 

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety 

Hardware and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Kathleen A Bacik Same as Submitter ~ 

Company Name: Osprey Southwest LLC Same as Submitter ~ 

Address: 101 OS E Via Linda- Suite 103-302, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Same as Submitter ~ 

Country: USA Same as Submitter ~ 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Modification to Existing Hardware Non-Significant- Effect is positive or Inconsequential 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 3 

The Osprey Southwest Safety Umbrella Rolling Base Structure is a work zone device to assist in keeping our 

Safety Umbrella in the upright position when in use and will allow the Safety Umbrella to be moved around the 

work zone without having to lift the umbrella and carry it to a new location. The device measures w: 24" x d: 

27.5" x h: 4" and weighs 211bs with 2 wheels that sit 1 /2" off the ground and are mounted to the end of the 

structure. Material: Steel. 

The center of the device has a 4" high round post (Breakaway Feature) that will allow for a 2" diameter PVC post 

that the safety umbrella slides into. Welded on to the side of the 4" high center post is a threaded knob that 

screws through the PVC post and applies pressure to the umbrella pole to stabilize. 

Variations to the successfully crash tested Rubber Base would be that the crash tested base weighed 561bs 

which included a 20ib sand bag and was made out of a rubber mold with a metal center post almost identical to 

the 211b Rolling Base Structure. Also, the rubber base had a slide through pin that ran through the entire PVC 

post to keep in place. The Rolling Base Structure is actually designed better so that if it is ever run over the PVC 

will breakaway at the same location as the Rubber Base but in an easier, faster motion. The Rolling Base 

Structure does require a 40ib sand bag for added support and "Likeness". To note, when analyzing both bases 

they are almost identical in design at the breakaway point where they should react in the same manner. 

KARCO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS: We spoke about the new design here and we think that the changes should 

not affect the way the sign reacts to an impact as long as the base is still weighed down with sandbags. We 

used a 20 lb bag for the rubber base, making the base plus sandbag approximately 56lbs. For the lighter weight 

rolling base I would actually suggest using a heavier sand bag; maybe a 40 lb bag. This would also increase the 

"likeness" between the two designs. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test Narrative Evaluation Results Number Description 

3-70 (11 OOC) 

3-71 (1100C) 

3-72 (2270P) 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Laboratory Name: 

Laboratory Contact: Same as Submitter D 

Address: Same as Submitter D 

Country: Same as Submitter D 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Date: 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

1) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

2) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact 

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 3 of 3 

are key to understanding the performance of the device should also be submitted to facilitate our 

review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

WZ-325 2/ 6/ 2013 Osprey Flagger umbrella stand 
February 1, 2014 

Osprey Southwest LLC 

Safety Umbrellas 

10105 E Via Linda- Ste 103-302 

Scottsdale, AZ 85258 

Mr. Nick Artimovich, II 

Highway Engineer 

Federal Highway Administration 

Office of Safety Design 

1200 New Jersey Ave- SE HSSD 

Washington, DC 20590 

Subject: Osprey Southwest LLC -Safety Sign System Umbrella -Work Zone Traffic 

Control Device 

Request for approval: Additional "Rolling Base Structure" device 

Mr. Artimovich, 

This letter is to formally request the approval of an additional- Rolling Base structure 

device to our WZ- Crash Worthy Work Zone Traffic Control Device application filed on 

August 13, 2013 for our Safety Sign System Umbrella. 

Based on the e-mail that I forwarded to you from Steven Matsusaka of Karco 

Engineering on January 7, 2014 our additional base structure with wheels for mobility 

should be considered as being "Non-Significant" - "Effect is Positive or Inconsequential" 

compared to our successfully crash tested base structure. To clarify, due to the lighter 

weight of the rolling base, Steven does request that we require the end user to use at 

least a 401b sand bag while in use to meet the "Likeness" of what was crash tested. 
Osprey Southwest LLC 

'WZ Work Zone Traffic Control Device Hardware 

Safety Umbrella Sign System 

Rolling Base Structure Specifications 

Weight: 211bs 

Weight w/ 401b Sand Bag: 611bs 

Overall Size: w: 24 x d: 27.5 x h: 4 

Note: 2 wheels sit W' off the ground 

Material: Steel 

A. Threaded Knob 

B. Center Post 

C. 24" PVC Post 

D. Rolling Base Frame 

24" 

..... 

I J 27.5" 24" 

-

' ' 
Based on the similar product design specifications and the fact that the Rolling Base 

Structure should react in the same manner if ever impacted, we request the approval of 

our rolling base structure and it be added to our existing application. 

Should you feel the need for additional information, please reach out to us at your 

convenience. 

Sincerely, 

Kathleen A Bacik 

Osprey Southwest LLC 

Safety Umbrellas 

480-227-8160 

info@safetyumbrellas.com 

www.FiaggerJoe.com 
Safety Sign System 

by Safety Umbrellas 

Patents Pending 

INTENDED USE 

The Safety Sign System is a temporary traffic control device that is intended to bring greater 

visibility and awareness to the present Flagger work zone as well as protect the Flaggers from 

excessive heat and rain. 

This device should not be left unattended at any time. 

The STOP/SLOW sign mount swivels independently of the umbrella 

pole which provides ease of use. When wind is present Safety Umbrellas recommends 

the removal of the canopy and the use of a higher visibility extension pole in its place. 

Specifications: 

Overall Width: 65.5" 

Overall Depth: 65.5" 

Overall Height: 125" 

Umbrella Weight: 1 Olbs 

Base Structure Weight: 361bs 

Sign Height (Ground to bottom of Sign): 6' 

Sign Size: 24" 

Sign Material: Aluminum 

Pole Diameter: 38mm - Aluminum 

Pole Wall Thickness: 2mm -Aluminum 

12mm Fiberglass Ribs 

Waterproof Canopy - 1500 Hour UV Protection 

24" Vinyl Flags 

For More Information Contact: 

Safety Umbrellas 

Kathleen A Bacik 

10105 E Via Linda -Suite 103 

Scottsdale, AZ. 85258 

888-329-3436 

E:Mail: info@SafetyUmbrellas.com 

United States & International Patents Pending 
72" 

y 

65.5" 

4" "Break Away" Feature 

0 

~ 24" 

24" Aluminum Signs 

Overall Dimensions 

Width: 65.5" 

Depth: 65.5" 

Height: 125" 

Safety Sign System 

by Safety Umbrellas 

Patents Pending 

.,I 

125" 

Safety Umbrellas- 10105 E Via Linda- Suite 103, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 

Contact: 888-329-3436 or E:Mail: info@SafetyUmbrellas.com 

United States & International Patents Pending 
From: 

To: 

Cc: 

Subject: 

Date: 

Attachments: 

Hi Nick, 

J Andrew Bacj k 

Artjmoyjch Njck CEHWA\ 

sales@f!aggedoe cgm ; smatsusaka@karcg com 

EW: Safety Umbrellas - New Rolling Base Design 

Tuesday, January 07, 2014 1:39:16 PM 

Osprey Southwest - Sa(ety Sign System Romng Base pdf 

One last detail regarding our Certificate. A couple weeks ago I mentioned to you that 

we wanted to add an optional "Rolling Base" that was basically the same size and 

dimension as our tested base. Attached is the image. 

You told me at that time that I needed to have Karco review the details and confirm 

that the rolling base would react in a similar manner as the base we crash tested. 

Below is their confirmation. Please let me know ifthere is a form we need to fill out or 

a letter I need to send along with more detailed information regarding this new option. 

Thanks! 

Andrew Bacik 

Direct: 480-227-8160 

Osprey Southwest LLC 

dba Safety Umbrellas 

From: Steven Matsusaka [ma ilto:smatsusaka@karco.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2014 9:58AM 

To: 'J Andrew Bacik' 

Cc: mdunlap@karco.com; sales@flaggerjoe.com; abeltran@karco.com; 'Matt Hubbard' 

Subject: RE: Safety Umbrellas - New Rolling Base Design 

Hi Andrew, 

I just wanted to follow up with you regarding your new rolling base design for the Safety Umbrella Sign System. 

We spoke about the new design here and think that the changes should not affect the way the sign reacts to an 

impact as long the base is still weighed down with sandbags. 

Last time we used a 20 lb bag for the rubber base, making the base plus sandbag approximately 56 lbs. I think this 

weight was pretty much the minimum that we could put on the base without having the sign fall over so for the 

lighter weight base I would actually suggest using a heavier bag; maybe a 40 lb bag. This would also increase the 

"likeness" between the two designs. 

Let me know if you need anything else regarding this matter. Hope you had a happy holiday season. 

Best Regards, 

Steven Matsusaka 

Engineering Department Supervisor 

KARCO Engineering, LLC. 
(760) 246-1672 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this email message is protected under the Electronic 

Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2310-2321. It is intended only for the use of the individual named above 

and privileges are not waived by virtue of this having been sent by email. If the person actually receiving this 

email or any other reader is not the named recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the 

named recipient, any use, distribution or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received 

this email in error, please immediately contact the sender at telephone 760 246-1672 and return the original 

message to jnfo@karco com 

From: J Andrew Bacik [mailto:abacjkll@g.com] 

Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 2:07PM 

To: smatsusaka@karco.com 

Cc: mdunlap@karco.com ; sales@flaggerjoe.com 

Subject: Safety Umbrellas - New Rolling Base Design 

Hi Steven I Mike, 

Subject: Osprey - Safety Umbrellas I New Design - Rolling Base 

Let us know what you guys think about the "Likeness" to the base we crash tested. 

We are wanting to offer the rolling base attached as an option for our customers and 

need product approval. Note that the wheels are 'W' off the ground and will not 

engage until the umbrella is tilted back. 

• The rolling base attached is basically the same size in width and height. 

• The rolling base attached will have the same exact break-away feature using the same 24" pvc 

post that will be held in place by a threaded screw in knob. This feature should offer a 

faster/cleaner breakaway as the crash tested base had a pin that ran through the post and 

through the 24" PVC. 

• The rolling base attached will weigh less unless a sand bag is added/required. 

Crash Tested Base: 361bs - Rolling Base: Estimated 181bs 

Keep us posted. Thanks Guys! 

Andrew 

480-227-8160 
Osprey Southwest LLC- dba Safety Umbrellas 

. 

/ \ 

= 

I I Rolling Base Structure 'l:::::o' 

Estimated Weight: 181bs 

Overall Dimensions: w:24" d:24" h : 4" 

Material: 2" Square Framing - 2mm Aluminum Wall Thickness 

Note: Wheels are 11'2'' off the ground so the base 

will remain stationary unless tilted back. 

___, ~ ~~