Report Prepared by: Karen Baker, Economic Development, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements Utilizing Cooperative Purchasing Agreements with Sourcewell and Belcorp Ag, LLC., and Authorizing the Purchase of One (1) John Deere Industrial Mower for $ 76,095.19
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 to purchase currently budgeted industrial mower through the government procurement program Sourcewell.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 to utilize cooperative purchasing agreements through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and,
B. Approving the purchase of one John Deer Industrial Mower from Belkorp Ag, LLC. Through Sourcewell contract # 30497926; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above and an approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the appropriate budget adjustments and City Buyer to issue the Purchase Orders.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion) or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter, Section 200. Municipal Code Section 3.04.210-Exemptions from competitive bidding.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for the FY 23/24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Yosemite Regional Airport is requesting Council authorize the purchase of one currently budgeted industrial mower utilizing the nationwide government procurement service Sourcewell via Belcorp Ag, LLC. of Merced. The current mower used by the Airport was manufactured in 2006, acquired by the Public Works Department, then handed down to the Airport in 2008.
The current Toro mower is used for trimming grass in smaller and tight areas, fence lines, and around buildings in the airfield where the tractor mower cannot reach. Regular mowing at the airfield is required maintenance and to keep wildlife away from the landing and takeoff approaches and taxiways. The aging mower is breaking down more frequently and parts are getting harder to acquire. The John Deere mower is an industrial model that is designed and manufactured for heavy duty uses such as the airfield.
Funding the John Deere mower is through the FAA CARES ACT program. Federal and FAA purchasing requirements mandate that the equipment be made in America. The John Deere mower is American-made and meets the purchasing specifications of the FAA.
Sourcewell Participation
Sourcewell offers an equipment/vehicle purchase program to government entities nationwide; specifications are created, and Request for Bids are sought by Sourcewell for a wide variety of equipment used by local governments. As a result of the nationwide scope of these programs, the City can purchase specialized equipment for much less than the more traditional method of creating specifications and soliciting bids in-house.
Over the last several years, the City has purchased a variety of equipment not provided by local vendors including, street sweepers, leaf trucks, fire trucks, refuse trucks, etc. through the Sourcewell government procurement program with great success.
Waiver of Competitive Bidding Requirements
Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code provides that the City Council can approve a waiver of the City’s competitive bidding requirements when such purchases are made pursuant to cooperative purchasing in conjunction with other governmental entities.
Staff requests waiving the bidding requirements to allowing the City to benefit from the government pricing provided through the Sourcewell membership.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The vehicle was approved in the FY 23/24 Council Adopted budget; no additional funding is needed. All vehicles will be purchased using funds budgeted in Airport Enterprise Fund 6003.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Belkorp Ag, LLC. ( John Deere Mower)
2. Sourcewell Certificate of Membership