Report Prepared by: Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Resolution Declaring the Infeasibility of Using Public Bidding to Purchase Certain Vehicles and Authorizing Limited Direct Purchases
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution declaring the infeasibility of using Public Bidding to Purchase certain vehicles and authorizing limited direct purchases
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-46, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Declaring the Infeasibility of using Public Bidding to Purchase certain Vehicles and Authorizing Limited Direct Purchases.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended; or
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion; or
3. Deny; or
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 3.04.210 - Exemptions from Competitive Bidding:
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, competitive bidding requirements for purchases in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), the "bidding threshold", may be waived with the approval of the city council.
DISCUSSION
Current market conditions, including supply chain disruptions and long lead times, continue to make it impractical for the City to bid and award contracts for the purchase of vehicles that meet the City's immediate needs. When we have been successful getting vendors to respond to our bid processes, we have seen lead times increase from nine months up to 18-24 months or when we are ready to purchase, they can no longer honor the bid. The inability to obtain vehicles necessary in a timely manner is impacting the ability to provide essential services. City staff has determined that some vehicles may be obtained timely and at a reasonable price directly from a dealership manufacturer. California law provides that where ...
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