Report Prepared by: Cosmo Ordunez, Public Works Manager-Internal Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Award Bid to Razzari Ford for the Purchase of Two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD Vehicles for a Cost of $38,510.64 Each for the Merced Police Department to Replace Two (2) Detective Units, P-1315 and P-1316
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Razzari Ford as the lowest bidder for the purchase of two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD vehicles at the cost of 38,510.64 each, totaling $77,021.28, to replace Merced Police Department Detective Units P-1315 and P-1316 - both 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid detective vehicles identified for replacement in the City’s FY 2026/27 Vehicle Replacement schedule. Following a competitive solicitation that opened September 29, 2026, in which Razzari Ford’s bid demonstrated full compliance with all seventy-three specification requirements, offered a fifty-day delivery timeline, and was $17,330.62 less than the only other bid received from LYNK Group LLC, which did not fully comply with bid specifications.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to Razzari Ford for the purchase of two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD vehicles at a cost of $38,510.64 each, for a total amount of $77,021.28, for the Merced Police Department to replace Detective Units P-1315 and P-1316; and,
B. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the necessary Purchase Order(s); and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve subject to modification of specific items (specific items to be included in the motion); or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion); or,
5. Deny
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 3.04, Article III.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 26/27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Staff prepared bid specifications for two (2) 2026 or newer Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD vehicles, and advertised the invitation for bids in the Merced County Times newspaper and on the City’s website. Bids were publicly opened on September 29, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., with the following results:
• LYNK Group LLC
• Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD $47,175.95 EA
• Razzari Ford (Merced, CA)
• Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD $38,510.64 EA
Bids were evaluated based on the following criteria: purchase price, delivery time, warranty, and past performance.
Based on available funding, staff recommends awarding the bid to Razzari Ford for the purchase of two (2) Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD in the total amount of $77,021.28.
Replacing the existing vehicles will reduce the operational risk associated with aging fleet vehicles. Older, high-mileage vehicles typically require more frequent repairs and can experience increased downtime, which can limit the availability of personnel and vehicles for the Police Department operations. New vehicles will provide improved reliability and reduce the potential for unplanned maintenance interruptions, allowing detectives to remain available for investigative and other field responsibilities.
These will be equipped with the same communication package, lighting, sirens, and equipment storage as the units they are replacing. This allows the Department to maintain the necessary operational equipment and functionality while transitioning to a newer and more capable vehicle platform. Standardizing the replacement vehicles on the Ford Explorer platform also provides consistency within the Police Department fleet and simplifies future maintenance, parts availability, and fleet support.
The Ford Explorer Active 100A provides several operational advantages over the aging Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid detective vehicles. The Explorer’s SUV platform provides additional interior space, improved cargo capacity, and greater flexibility for transporting personnel, investigative equipment, and other necessary gear. This additional utility is particularly beneficial for detective operations, where personnel may need to carry equipment and materials while maintaining a professional, unmarked appearance. The Explorer platform also provides greater versatility for use across a variety of field conditions and assignments.
The purchase also supports the City’s ongoing vehicle replacement strategy by replacing vehicles that have reached the appropriate point in their service lifecycle rather than continuing to incur increasing maintenance and repair costs on aging assets. Investing in replacement vehicles at this stage helps maintain fleet reliability, reduce vehicle downtime, and provide Police Department personnel with dependable equipment necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Local Business Preference Policy
In 2018, City Council adopted the Local Business Preference Policy (See Resolution No. 2018-18). The policy allows a 5% local preference for quantitative comparisons. Based on the submitted bids, Razzari Ford was the lowest bidder without the 5% local preference (this does not reduce the amount ultimately paid to the vendor).
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
These vehicles were approved in the FY 2026/27 adopted budget under Fund 7006-Vehicle Replacement projects; no additional appropriation is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Razzari Ford Bid
2. LYNK Group LLC. Bid
3. RFB Notification - Ford Explorer Active 100A
4. Bid Opening Confirmation Email - September 29, 2026