Item 6-M

Council Meeting: August 11, 1998 Santa Monica, California

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: City Staff

SUBJECT: Recommendation to Award Bid to Design, Manufacture and Install Window Guard System, Bid #2717

Introduction

This report recommends award of bid to design, manufacture and install a window guard system on buses for the Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines for the Transportation Department, at specified unit prices with two one-year renewal options. The estimated annual expenditure is $87,000.00.

Background

In response to published Notices Inviting Bids (published June 16 and June 17, 1998) in accordance with City specifications, bids were received and publicly opened and read on June 29, 1998. Proposal forms were mailed to three vendors and notices were advertised in accordance with City Charter and Municipal Code provisions. One proposal was received as follows:

Cost of a Representative

Vendor Array of Window Guard Replacements

Transit Care, Inc. $86,394.84

Window guards will be installed on buses to prevent vandals from etching the window glass which is very expensive to replace.

Two "no bids" were received from California Bus Sales and Service, Inc. who does not furnish this type of product and Complete Coach Works who is unable to provide the staff to install the window guard system.

Staff has evaluated the bid submitted by Transit Care, Inc. and finds that it meets City specifications.

Transit Care, Inc. provides health care benefits to the employees who will be working on City jobs. The employee pays $7 to $8 per pay period and the employer pays the remainder. General laborers will be paid hourly wages ranging from $6.50 to $9.00 depending on company seniority.

Budget/Financial Impact

Fiscal Year 1998-99 appropriation authority for this purchase is in the Capital Improvement Budget account number 41-750-657-20099-8900-99106, "Bus Component Replacement Program."

Recommendation

It is recommended that the award of Bid #2717 be made to Transit Care, Inc. at specified unit prices, and two one-year renewal options as the lowest responsible bidder.