SR-205-003 (603)
Purch:DH:RAH:
F:\FINANCE\PURCH\STFRPTS\SRBD2865.DOC
Council Meeting: March 23, 2004 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Award Bid to Furnish and Deliver Two Service Trucks, Bid #2865
Introduction
This report recommends award of bid to furnish and deliver two service trucks for the
Water Division, Environmental & Public Works Management Department, in the total
amount of $313,253.86, including applicable sales tax, funded by contributions from the
Water Fund to the Vehicle Replacement Program.
Background
The compressed natural gas (CNG) powered service trucks will be used by Water
personnel to perform tasks ranging from routine water service installations to
emergencies such as major water main breaks. Specifications for these trucks took
three years to design. These service trucks could be considered “warehouses on
wheels”. For example, they will carry welding and portable power equipment, one-ton
cranes, saws and boring machines, pipe, valves, fittings, air compressors, and jack
hammers. Essentially, anything needed to complete a job in a timely and efficient
manner would be on-board these trucks. The design of these trucks makes them safe
and efficient to operate in the City’s narrow alleys. Also, the design takes into
consideration the heavy duty usage of the trucks and provides for service vehicles that
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will last for years to come. They will replace one 1983 and one 1990 truck which are no
longer cost effective to maintain and are part of the Vehicle Replacement Program.
Discussion
In response to published Notices Inviting Bids (published November 6 and 7, 2003) in
accordance with City specifications, bids were received and publicly opened and read
on December 4, 2003. Proposal forms were sent to twenty-six vendors and notices
were advertised in accordance with City Charter and Municipal Code provisions. Two
proposals were received as follows:
VENDOR AMOUNT
Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc. $214,605.53
Los Angeles Freightliner $313,253.86
The bid submitted by Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc does not meet City
specifications in several critical areas as follows:
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Engine – Bid specifications required an engine of 8.3 liters minimum and
Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc. offered only 8.1 liters. Specifications also
asked for a minimum of 660lbs/ft torque and Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc.
offered 440lbs/ft of torque. Maximum available torque is required due to the
combined weight of the vehicle and the tools and equipment it carries. In
addition, this vehicle will also be used to tow a portable compressor. An engine
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with less than 660lbs/ft of torque would reduce the effectiveness of the operation
and impact department operations.
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Fuel Tanks – Bid specifications required that the CNG fuel tanks be frame
mounted underneath the left and right cab doors to keep the overall length to a
minimum. The shortest possible length is needed to allow this vehicle access to
City alleys and other confined areas. Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc. offered a
vehicle with frame mounted between cab and body, which increases the vehicle’s
overall length.
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Transmission – Bid specifications required a 6-speed MD-3060 transmission and
Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc. offered a 2000 Series 5-speed transmission.
The 6-speed MD-3060 is a heavier duty transmission and helps increase fuel
economy. Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc.’s bid also stated that its
transmission is the “largest automatic available with gasoline engine” but the
City’s specifications asked for a dedicated CNG engine.
Staff has evaluated the bid submitted by Los Angeles Freightliner for two CNG powered
service trucks and finds that they meet City specifications. The purchase of these CNG
powered service trucks from Los Angeles Freightliner is consistent with the City’s
reduced emissions fuel policy.
Budget/Financial Impact
Budget authority for this purchase is in the following Fleet Vehicles Replacement
Program accounts:
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C54016700.589000 - $ 13,418.82
C54016701.589000 - $156,626.93
C54016702.589000 - $143,208.11
Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council:
1. Reject the bid submitted by Reynolds Buick/GMC Trucks, Inc.; and
2. Award Bid #2865 to Los Angeles Freightliner as the best bidder for two CNG
powered service trucks, in the total amount of $313,253.86, including applicable
sales tax.
Prepared By: Dave Rodriguez, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Diane Howell, Purchasing Agent
Richard Chiu, Buyer
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