TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any documents necessary including any necessary amendments, with MobilityCloud, Inc., of New York, NY, for the one-time purchase of 1,500 proprietary 4G Controllers for the City of Long Beach BikeShare Program, in a total amount not to exceed $364,400, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with MobilityCloud, Inc., for the purchase of 4G controllers for the City’s existing BikeShare Program bicycles, in an amount not to exceed $364,400.
On February 11, 2020 <http://longbeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4323381&GUID=49C0FBB3-6F8A-464F-9D4D-9753E1794947>, the City Council authorized approval of Contract No. 35493 with MobilityCloud, Inc., for the licensing and operation of proprietary backend software for the City’s BikeShare Program. Each BikeShare bicycle is equipped with a controller that connects to the cellular network and allows users to rent a bicycle through the user app. Each of the controllers has a GPS and communicates trip and bicycle status data to the backend software interface. Because cellular service providers have already started their transition from 3G to 4G service in some markets, the purchase and installation of new 4G controllers is necessary to keep Long Beach BikeShare operational before the current 3G controllers become obsolete. The 4G cellular service is expected to be implemented in Long Beach as soon as July 2021, at which time the existing 3G controllers will cease to function. The purchase and installation of the new 4G controllers will allow the City to avoid any service gaps for the 46,600 current members. In January 2021, MobilityCloud began manufacturing 5,000 new 4G controllers. The new controllers are operated via QR Code, eliminating the need for keypads, or RFID Card (TAP Card), enhancing the user experience.
The controllers are designed to operate in conjunction with the MobilityCloud mobile application and backend software that Long Beach currently uses to operate its BikeShare program. Because it is a proprietary system, MobilityCloud is the only source for these controllers. The new controllers will be installed as part of the existing BikeShare Operations and Maintenance contract with Pedal Movement.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process but allows for awards without a competitive bid process if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on February 17, 2021, Business Services Bureau Manager Tara Yeats on February 12, 2021, and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on February 24, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on March 16, 2021, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the contract will not exceed $364,400 for this one-time purchase. Costs are supported by Proposition A transportation funds. Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER