REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: MIGUEL RAMIREZ, Senior Management Analyst
General Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the award of a Purchase Contract to Elk Grove Auto of Elk Grove, California, for the purchase of 30 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $1,664,466 for the Police Department (Bid File 12601282)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the award of a Purchase Contract to Elk Grove Auto of Elk Grove, California, for the purchase of 30 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $1,664,466.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Police Department is requesting approval to purchase 30 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles as replacements. To align with the fiscal and operational needs of the department, the vehicles will be purchased and financed in FY2026 through the Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement with the first payment estimated to be $187,732 in FY2027. The Purchasing Division notified multiple local vendors to gain interest, however no dealerships located within the City of Fresno submitted a responsive bid. The installation of patrol vehicle hardware and upfitting components for these units will be procured through a separate competitive process.
BACKGROUND
With an emphasis on community partnerships, the Police Department is responsible for daily policing operations within the city of Fresno. The overall goal of the Police Department is to maintain the highest level of service while keeping our community safe. To accomplish this goal, officers utilize 441 active marked units to conduct daily patrols, respond to emergency calls, and proactively engage in community outreach. The 30 units requested by the Police Department will replace vehicles that have been removed from service due to accidents or mechanical failure.
In FY2022, General Services, Fleet Management Division in collaboration with the Police Department selected the Dodge Durango Pursuit to replace aging Dodge Chargers and Ford Explorers. Since the adoption of the Durango, the Fresno Police Department has been pleased with the product and would like to continue to purchase for Marked Patrol moving forward.
Prior to the selection, both departments considered the three major American manufacturers. After reviewing basic specifications, the Chevrolet Tahoe was removed from consideration based on overall size and base price. A comparison between the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango was conducted at the Police Regional Training Center. Both units were driven by Police Department staff and feedback was given that the Dodge Durango was more comfortable, provided better handling, and included more standard features. Once delivered, the new SUV’s will be equipped with emergency lighting, prisoner restraint systems, and safety equipment to complete the vehicle.
The Dodge Durango is powered by a conventional gasoline combustion engine which has an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon. The Durango meets the latest vehicle emissions standard set by the California Air Resource Board and complies with all safety standards required for a vehicle of this class. Hybrid or electric powertrains are not offered by Dodge for marked patrol pursuit rated vehicles. Although hybrid or electric powertrains are not included in this purchase, the Police Department will continue to purchase hybrid vehicles for non-marked patrol purposes as required by the Administration.
Public safety vehicles are exempt from the Advanced Clean Fleet regulation and are not required to transition to zero emission technologies.
The Patrol units are on a ten-year or 100,000-mile replacement schedule which has been established by the Fleet Management Division as the optimum replacement time. The 30 units requested by the Police Department will replace vehicles that have been removed from service due to accidents or mechanical failure. The General Services Department recommends this purchase based on the needs of the Police Department.
Competitive bids were solicited for 30 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles (Bid File 12601282) on January 13, 2026. The Notice Inviting Bids was sent to one exchange and specifications were distributed to four potential bidders. The Fleet Management Division and Purchasing Division contacted dealerships located within the City of Fresno limits to gain interest, however no City of Fresno dealerships submitted a responsive bid. One responsive bid was received and opened publicly on February 3, 2026. Elk Grove Auto was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with a total bid price of $1,664,466. The contract amount of $1,664,466 includes the vehicle cost, delivery, and local sales tax at 8.35%. The Purchasing Division has approved this contract and recommends Council to approve.
Additionally, the patrol vehicle upfit for the 30 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles will be completed by qualified public safety upfitters who are equipped to manage installations of this scale and ensure the vehicles meet law enforcement standards. All patrol vehicle hardware, upfitting components, and installation will be competitively bid through a separate procurement process. Both the vehicles and the patrol vehicle upfit will be financed under one escrow account in FY2026 through the Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement, with the first payment to occur in FY2027.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this contract does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is applicable to this award, however no local businesses pursuant to FMC 4-108 submitted a responsive bid.
FISCAL IMPACT
General Funds will be used to lease purchase 30 Dodge Durango Pursuit marked patrol vehicles for the Police Department. The vehicles will be financed through the Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement (MELPA) over the course of five years with the first payment estimated to be $187,732 in FY2027. The funding to cover the biannual lease payments is included in the annual budget request for appropriations under the operations of the Police Department.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation 12601282