TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. ITB FM-23-241 and award a contract to Los Angeles Truck Centers, LLC, dba Velocity Truck Centers, of Whittier, CA, for the purchase of one CNG powered Freightliner 114SD crane truck, in a total amount not to exceed $534,567, inclusive of taxes and fees; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Los Angeles Truck Centers, LLC, dba Velocity Truck Centers, for the purchase of one CNG powered Freightliner 114SD crane truck. The proposed unit will be used by the Department of Public Works (PW), Public Service Bureau, Traffic and Signal Division to support daily operations. The proposed unit is specially equipped with a 17-ton crane body, which includes a 4-section telescopic boom, 5-ton swivel hook and accompanying heavy-duty hydraulic systems necessary for the PW Department’s more intensive lift operations. The Traffic and Signal Division keeps the City of Long Beach’s (City) 550 traffic signals operating 24 hours a day and upkeeps the City’s street signs and street striping of legends and curbs. They also provide crucial support to the City during emergency operations, including rapid response to unplanned incidents such as storms, accidents, power outages, and City special events.
The proposed unit is replacing an older crane truck and is on the approved Fiscal Year 2018 replacement plan. Sufficient funding has been collected for replacement of this unit. The current unit is 22 years old, 13 years past its useful life, and is becoming increasingly more expensive to maintain. Failure to replace the unit in a timely manner could result in increased downtime and service interruptions.
The bid was advertised in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on March 1, 2023, and seven potential bidders specializing in transportation, automotive parts, and services were notified of the bid opportunity. Of those bidders, one downloaded the bid via the City’s electronic bid system. The bid document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the sixth floor of City Hall, and the Division’s website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing <http://www.longbeach.gov/purchasing>. A bid announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division’s weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 39 local, minority-owned, and women-owned business groups. One bid was received on March 9, 2023. The bidder was not a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), or Long Beach vendor (Local).
Los Angeles Truck Centers LLC, of Whittier, CA (not a MBE, WBE, SBE or Local), was the lowest responsible bidder.
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This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor Anderson on July 17, 2023, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on July 14, 2023, and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on July 20, 2023.
SUSTAINABILITY
The City is a recognized leader in the use of alternative fuels, having been named number two municipal Green Fleet in the nation by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) in 2022. The City is embracing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as quickly as they become available (along with funding and infrastructure support). The fleet includes 81 ZEVs (including its first fully electric pickup) and 90 plug-in hybrids.
Zero-emission crane trucks are not yet available on the market; however, this truck is powered by renewable compressed natural gas fuel and is in full compliance with local Air Quality Management District regulations, significantly reducing particulate matter and toxic emissions from fuel combustion.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt Specifications No. ITB FM-23-241 and award a contract concurrently is requested on August 8, 2023, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the contract will not exceed $534,567, inclusive of taxes and fees. Funding for the purchase has been collected from the Public Works Department and is budgeted in the Fleet Services Fund Group in the Financial Management Department. Annual ongoing maintenance, fuel, and replacement costs for the unit are estimated at $69,212 and will be billed to the General Fund Group in the Public Works Department through the Fleet Services Bureau Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with City Council priorities. The award of this contract will provide continued support to our local economy by assisting in the preservation of employment for ten full-time employees residing in Long Beach.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KEVIN RIPER
DIRECTOR
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER