Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento for two Ford Expeditions for the Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division.

The requested vehicles are full-size with V8 engines and heavy-duty components appropriate for traffic and law enforcement usage. These will replace two existing Chevrolet Tahoes. The existing vehicles 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 vehicles are driven, vehicular failure of any type would potentially endanger the lives of the officers using the vehicles.

Although staff was aware that Ford Expeditions could be purchased from Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento using a State of California contract, experience has shown that the City can sometimes obtain better prices through its own competitive bid. For that reason, bid specifications were prepared by Fleet Maintenance and Purchasing staff; and Invitation for Bids F0204-84 was advertised on the City's internet site and broadcast to potential suppliers through the DemandStar by Onvia public procurement network.

No bids were received. In this situation, the Sunnyvale Municipal Code authorizes Council to approve a purchase in the open market. This is unnecessary, however, since there is a State contract in place which can be used. Staff, therefore, recommends purchasing the two vehicles from Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento at a cost of $60, 965, the current State contract pricing.

Total cost to the City will be $60,965 (includes sales tax, delivery and extended warranty) for two Ford Expeditions. Funds are available in Fleet Equipment Replacement Account No. 020700.

It is recommended that Council award a contract in the amount of $60,965 to Downtown Sales Ford for two Ford Expeditions and authorize the Purchasing Officer to issue a Purchase Order to that effect.