REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Assistant Director
Department of Transportation
BY: CLIFF TRAUGH, Business Manager
Department of Transportation, Municipal Fleet Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the award of a purchase contract to 72 Hour LLC of Watsonville, California, for the purchase of 91 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $3,635,531.35 for the Police Department. Delay of action on this item will result in an additional six months added to the procurement as a result of COVID-19 pandemic supply constraints (Bid File 3841).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the award of a purchase contract to 72 Hour LLC of Watsonville, California, for the purchase of 91 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles in the amount of $3,635,531.35.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Police Department (PD) is requesting approval to purchase 91 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 FY2022 budget as well as American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Municipal Fleet 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 November 16, 2021. The manufacturer is expected to begin accepting factory orders on model year 2022 pursuit vehicles in early December. Due to COVID-19 pandemic supply constraints the factory order window will close quickly. Should Council delay approval or reject all bids, the Municipal Fleet Division will lose the opportunity to purchase model year 2022 vehicles adding a delay of an additional six 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, PD officers utilize 397 active marked units to conduct daily patrols, respond to emergency calls, and proactively engage in community outreach.
To provide the most comprehensive analysis of police patrol SUV’s, the three major American manufacturers were considered. 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, better handling, and provided 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 equipment upfit contract will be submitted for Council approval in early 2022.
The Dodge Durango is powered by a conventional gasoline combustion engine which and 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.
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 91 units, 58 units have been identified for replacement as they are over this limit by age or mileage. The remaining 25 vehicles will be additions utilized as take-home vehicles for sworn officers. The Department of Transportation recommends this purchase based on the replacement schedule and the needs of the Police Department.
Competitive bids were solicited for the 91 Dodge Durango marked patrol vehicles on November 1, 2021, and advertised in the Fresno Business Journal. The Notice Inviting Bids was sent to 4 exchanges and specifications were distributed to 7 potential bidders. The Municipal Fleet 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 November 16, 2021. 72 Hour LLC was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with a total bid price of $3,635,531.35. 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 33 marked patrol vehicles. Funding to cover the first lease payment on these vehicles has been included in the FY2022 adopted budget under the operations of the Police Department. An additional 33 vehicles were proposed in the FY2022 budget hearing as well as an additional 25, that were subsequently added. These additional 58 units will be purchased as a cash acquisition, utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds included in 30th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2021-178 presented to Council on December 2, 2021.
Attachment: Bid Evaluation 3841