Report Prepared by: Cosmo Ordunez, Public Works Manager-Internal Services
Title
SUBJECT: Award Bid to Razzari Ford for the Purchase of Three (3) 2026 or Newer Ford F-150 Police Responder Supercrew Pickups for a Cost of $55,864.86 Each for the Merced Police Department to Replace Three Patrol Units, P-1502, P-1503, & P-1504
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Razzari Ford for the purchase of three (3) 2026 or newer Police Responder Supercrew Pickups for the Police Department for a total cost of $167,594.58.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to Razzari Ford for the supply of three (3) 2026 or newer Police Responder Supercrew Pickups for the Police Department for a total cost of $167,594.58; and,
B. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny; 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).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 3.04, Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than forty-one thousand dollars ($41,000.00), the "contract threshold," shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 26/27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Staff prepared bid specifications for up to five (5) 2026 or newer Police Responder Supercrew Pickups, and the invitation for bids was advertised both in the Merced County Times newspaper and the City’s website. Bids were publicly opened on August 11, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., with the following results:
• Santos Ford (Los Banos, CA)
• Police Responder Supercrew Pickups $57,713.77 EA
• Razzari Ford (Merced, CA)
• Police Responder Supercrew Pickups $55,864.86 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 three (3) Police Responder Supercrew Pickups in the total amount of $167,594.58.
The purchase of these new Police units offers a dual benefit: replacing aging, high-mileage vehicles that have reached the end of their service life and expanding the overall fleet capacity. These three units are 2019 model year and already have more than 100,000 miles on each unit. Replacing these older units reduces maintenance costs associated with frequent repairs and ensures greater reliability in the field. These older vehicles often experience increased downtime, impacting patrol coverage and response times. The new units, equipped with modern technology and improved safety features, enhances officer safety and effectiveness.
These new vehicles are rated as pursuit-capable response vehicles and will be outfitted with the same equipment as a patrol car or SUV unit. They will be equipped with the same communication package, lighting, sirens, prisoner transport capabilities, and equipment storage. Merced PD currently has three (3) pickup patrol units in its fleet. Their capability in the field has been an asset to the department, with the ability to load items in the bed, which gives the department the versatility of having a mix of patrol SUVs, cars, and trucks.
Adding new units also expands the fleet, allowing for increased patrol presence, faster response times to calls for service, and greater flexibility in deploying resources during peak hours or special events. This expansion also provides a buffer for vehicles undergoing maintenance, ensuring consistent coverage and minimizing disruptions to police operations.
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. Santos Ford Bid
2. Razzari Ford Bid
3. Resolution 2018-18 - Local Business Preference