MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager
DATE: July 31, 2008
SUBJECT: Award of Contract to the Colonial Equipment Company for the Acquisition
of a Senior Citizen Bus
R-49-08
The Bowie Senior Center provides transportation for users of the facility. Funds to replace vehicles used to provide this transportation can be found in the City Budget within the Equipment and Acquisition Fund. Bus 70, originally scheduled for replacement in FY10, has been removed from service due to continuing maintenance costs. Our Fleet Manager has recommended that it not be repaired further, and that the City declare it surplus property and dispose of it.
In that regard, staff has identified a United States Government Services Administration (GSA) contract GS-30F-S0013, which has a 14-passenger handicapped accessible (lift for two seats) bus available through Colonial Equipment Company of Frederick, Maryland for $66,938.00. This vehicle has the same features found on other City of Bowie buses and would not be available from a different source at a comparable price.
Section 61 of the City Charter allows the Council by a 2/3 vote to waive the competitive bidding requirements for good cause.
$57,600 is currently available in Fiscal Year 2009 Equipment and Acquisition Fund for the replacement of Bus 70. The cost to replace this vehicle is $66,938. A transfer of funds will be required and supplemental budget ordinance (0-3-08) is on the Council Agenda for August 4, 2008.
I recommend that Council proceed with the transfer of funds and waive the competitive building requirement, in accordance with Section 61 of the City Charter authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Colonial Equipment Company for the acquisition of a Senior Center Bus in accordance with R-49-08.