Approval is requested for the award of a contract to S & C Ford, Inc., of San Francisco for the purchase of five police patrol sedans for the Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division.

The requested vehicles are full-size sedans with V-8 engines and heavy-duty components appropriate for traffic and law enforcement use. The vehicles will replace existing vehicles that have been driven a minimum of 85,000 miles and are beginning to show signs of mechanical stress with the potential for major component failure. Because of the conditions under which police patrol sedans are driven, vehicular failure of any type would potentially endanger the lives of the officers using the vehicles.

Bid specifications were prepared by Public Works/Fleet and Purchasing staff. Invitation for Bids No. F0203-79 was advertised on the City's Internet site and broadcast to potential suppliers through the DemandStar by Onvia public procurement network.

Staff has determined that the police patrol sedans offered by S & C Ford, Inc., meet City specifications. S & C Ford has agreed to sell five California Highway Patrol-equipped, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles to the City for a cost that is $841 less than the State of California contract price.

Total cost to the City will be $123,727 for five vehicles, including sales tax, delivery to the Corporation Yard and a 75,000 mile/36-month extended warranty with zero deductible. Funds are available in Fleet Equipment Replacement Account No. 020700.