A Cree distributor has voiced concerns over streetlight bidding requirements in Phoenix, the largest city in the State of Arizona, U.S., reported CBS 5.

At stake is a massive 90,000 streetlight upgrade project, where stringent lighting requirements will only allow two potential companies to submit a bid approval, said Myron Manns, the director of communications for CGE Energy, a distributor for Cree LED products.

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 went on to note Phoenix’s RFP temperature requirements were unusually high compared to surrounding areas.

Mann added the bid was written in such a way to prevent other companies that are normally eligible to submit a bid.

The Phoenix city government has vehemently denied 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," said Charlene Reynolds, the deputy street transportation director.

In addition, Reynolds noted Cree had went through voluntary testing with the city since 2007, and knew their LED bulbs did not meet the requirements.