Subject: REPORT ON BIDS FOR PARATRANSIT VAN CONVERSIONS

RECOMMENDATION

Report on bids and award the purchase of four (4) paratransit van conversions to the sole bidder, New Ability Driving Systems (San Jose), at a total cost of $91,432.80, including tax, and authorize the Director of General Services to execute the purchase order for the:

a. immediate purchase of four (4) paratransit van conversions; and

b. subsequent purchase of additional conversions at the same bid price without further Council action other than the appropriation of necessary funds.

BACKGROUND

The General Services Department/Fleet Management Division has requested the conversion of four (4) City owned vans to transit type vans. The conversion includes adding seats, lighting and wheelchair ramp to meet ADA requirements. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services will utilize these units for senior center transportation needs.

The vans were purchased from Folsom Lake Ford as a cooperative purchase off the State of California bid at a cost of $23,155.20 per unit, including tax. As soon as they are delivered to General Services Fleet Management division, they will be shuttled to New Ability for paratransit modifications.

These units are fleet additions.

ANALYSIS

A notice inviting bids was published April 17, 2001. Additionally, bid packages were mailed to nine (9) vendors. This resulted in receipt of only one bid which was opened on April 30, 2001 and is listed below:

BID 8% TAX TOTAL

New Ability Driving Systems (San Jose) $84,660.00 $6,772.80 $91,432.80

New Ability was the sole bidder meeting the specifications. New Abililty has provided similar work in the past with excellent workmanship.

San Jose Municipal Code Section 4.12.148 entitled "Additional Quantities," states "...the City Manager may purchase additional quantities at the award price..., if such options for additional quantities was approved by Council."

In all formal bids issued, the Department of General Services asks each vendor if the price will be guaranteed for additional quantities. When that option is offered, the Department seeks Council approval to make future awards should the need arise for additional units.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

This bid was advertised in the San Jose Post Record and was placed on the City of San Jose web site.

COORDINATION

This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, Budget Office, and the Department of Transportation.

BUDGE REFERENCE

Fund: General Fund – 001

Amount: $315,000

Budget Document: 2000-01 Adopted Operating Budget, Pg. 555, item 4

FRANCIS B. MCVEY

Acting Director, General Services Department