Approval is requested for the award of a three-year contract in an amount not to exceed $125,000 to Economic Driving School of San Jose to provide driver's education classes for the Department of Parks and Recreation Youth and Teen Services Division.

The City began offering driver's education classes approximately eleven years ago due to the limited number of classes offered through the high schools. Since the City introduced this special interest class, the number of registrants has steadily increased. Currently, approximately fourteen driver's education classes are offered per year for students aged fourteen and over. At this time, the cost per student is $98 for residents and $124 for non-residents; and the maximum number of students per class is forty-five.

Economic Driving School has provided driver's education instructors for the City since the classes began. Its instructors are all classroom teachers with teaching credentials in public or private high schools. Many have credentials specifically in driver's education and driver's training in addition to being licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Economic Driving School has proven to be a reliable contractor. A high percentage of teens who have taken the driver's education classes offered by the City have passed the written exam on the first attempt; and the classes have consistently received high marks on Parks and Recreation satisfaction surveys.

In the past, contracts have been awarded on an annual basis in amounts less than $50,000. Staff now recommends the award of a three-year contract, thereby necessitating Council award of contract.

Section 2.08.070(b) exempts professional services, including instructors, from the City's competitive bidding requirements.

The fee paid to Economic Driving School under the recommended contract will be $65 per student, and the total three-year contract amount will not exceed $125,000. Funds are budgeted in Parks and Recreation Activity 642500 - Provide for High School Program.