REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: CLIFFORD TRAUGH, Administrative Manager
General Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the award of a purchase contract to 72 Hour LLC of Watsonville, California, for the purchase of 80 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $3,619,710.04 for the Police Department (Bid File 12300303)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the award of a purchase contract to 72 HOUR LLC of Watsonville, California, for the purchase of 80 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $3,619,711.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Police Department is requesting approval to purchase 80 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles as replacements and additions. The new units will mobilize law enforcement officers and transport all needed equipment safely and securely. The vehicles will be purchased through a competitive bidding procurement process and will be funded by the adopted FY2023 budget. The Fleet Management Division and Purchasing Division contacted the Central California New Car Dealer Association (CCNCDA) and dealerships located within the City of Fresno limits to gain interest, however no City of Fresno located or CCNCDA dealerships submitted a bid.
Bids were received and reviewed on September 13, 2022. The manufacturer began to accept factory orders on model year 2023 pursuit vehicles in late September. Due to COVID-19 pandemic supply constraints the factory order window will close quickly. Should Council delay approval beyond October 19, 2022, or reject all bids, General Services will lose the opportunity to purchase model year 2023 vehicles adding a delay of an additional 12 months or more above normal lead times.
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 397 active marked units to conduct daily patrols, respond to emergency calls, and proactively engage in community outreach.
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. On December 2, 2022, Council approved the purchase of 91 units. The first batch of units will begin to enter service in October.
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. On September 21, 2021, 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. This upfit contract will be submitted for Council approval in early November 2022.
The Dodge Durango is powered by a conventional gasoline combustion engine which has an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon, versus 19 for the outgoing Ford Explorer. 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 electrical 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 plans to purchase hybrid vehicles for non-marked patrol purposes as required by the Administration in FY2023.
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. Of the 80 units, 60 units have been identified for replacement as they are over this limit by age or mileage. The remaining 20 vehicles will be additions for the Student Resource Officers assigned to the Fresno Unified School District. The General Services Department recommends this purchase based on the replacement schedule and the needs of the Police Department.
Competitive bids were solicited for the 80 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles on August 24, 2022, and advertised in the Fresno Business Journal. The Notice Inviting Bids was sent to two exchanges and specifications were distributed to eight potential bidders. The Fleet Management Division and Purchasing Division contacted the Central California New Car Dealer Association (CCNCDA) and dealerships located within the City of Fresno limits to gain interest, however no City of Fresno located or CCNCDA dealerships submitted a bid. One bid was received and reviewed on September 13, 2022. 72 HOUR LLC was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with a total bid price of $3,619,710.04. This price includes delivery and local sales tax at 8.35 percent. The Purchasing Division has approved this contract and recommends Council to approve. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this contract does not qualify as a project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is applicable to this award, however no local businesses pursuant to FMC 4-108 submitted a bid.
FISCAL IMPACT
General Funds will be used to lease purchase 80 marked patrol vehicles. Funding to cover the first lease payment on these vehicles has been included in the FY2023 adopted budget under the operations of the Police Department.
Attachments:
Bid Evaluation 12300303