Submitted By: Tom Duncan
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Presentation By: Tom Duncan
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the purchase of three Federal Transit Administration Category 3 cutaway style buses in the amount of $561,168
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: SunTran proposes to purchase three Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Category 3 cutaway-style buses (standard cutaway, transit minibus, and low floor cutaway vehicles) using the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) TRIPS-22-CA-MB-LF-ABC (TRIPS) contract with ABC Bus, Inc. The total cost for the procurement is $561,168. This purchase includes two replacements for buses that have reached their FTA-defined end of life and one backup vehicle to support operational needs.
The selection of ABC Bus, Inc. was based on their ability to provide essential operational items not available through other vendors under the TRIPS contract. Key components influencing this decision include:
• TSI Camera System for security monitoring.
• Avail System for real-time bus tracking.
• Luminator on-board display and destination signs for improved rider communication.
Alternative vendors, such as Model 1 and National Bus, could not provide comparable configurations within the TRIPS contract, precluding a direct price comparison.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The FDOT TRIPS-22-CA-MB-LF-ABC contract, effective July 28, 2023, offers a firm fixed price for bus manufacturing and delivery. This contract is renewed annually until its expiration on July 27, 2028. Procuring these buses aligns with SunTran’s operational needs, addressing fleet dependability and service quality.
Fiscal Impact: Funding for this procurement is secured through a 5307 FTA Consolidated Capital Grant approved by the City Council in 2024. This grant covers the $561,168 expenditure, ensuring no local matches are needed. Funds for this purchase reside in account 494-060-454-544-66-64010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: The purchase of these vehicles complies with the City’s Procurement Policies and FTA regulations.
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A. The City’s standard and approved purchase order terms and conditions will govern this purchase.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny