CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: June 24, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Approval of rankings of Driver Training Simulator for StarMetro Contract RFP No. 0031-09-BM-RC
TARGET ISSUE: N/A
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
StarMetro requests the City Commission’s approval to negotiate with the organizations responding to RFP No. 0031-09-BM-RC. The selection committee was comprised of members from Human Resources, Solid Waste, Fire Department, and StarMetro. This RFP is for the purchase, installation, training, and service related to a driver training simulation system offered by each of the responding organizations. Technician and instructor training by manufacturer-trained technicians are included. Negotiations will begin with the number one ranked organization, Doron Precision Systems, Inc., of Binghamton, New York, and continue according to the rankings until an agreement has been achieved.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option 1 – Approval for the committee to negotiate with Doron Precision Systems, Inc., the number one ranked organization according to RFP No. 0031-09-BM-RC.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City Commission approved the Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on April 23, 2008. The JPA provides $271,000 in capital and operating assistance for the driver simulator to go along with the City funds ($400,600 including revenue) already set aside for the project. Additional state funding may be available in year two to be applied to this project. It is anticipated the simulator will generate $25,000 revenue from potential clients over three years. The Budget Office and Procurement Office have reviewed this agenda item and concur that it meets City budget guidelines.
Ronald L. Garrison, Director, StarMetro
Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager
For Information, please contact: Alphonso Menendez, Supervisor of Operations, 891-5210.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
A committee with representatives from Human Resources, Solid Waste, Fire Department, and StarMetro participated in the evaluation of RFP No. 0031-09-BM-RC.
The committee evaluated the proposals submitted by the responding organizations and utilized the following resources to contribute to the ranking;
· Held pre-bid meetings that all of the organizations participating in this RFP attended.
· Held presentations by all of the organizations participating in this RFP.
· Participated in site visits to all of the organizations participating in this RFP.
· Received input from StarMetro personnel (drivers, mechanics and supervisors).
· Talked with customers of all of the organizations participating in this RFP.
The selection committee recommends Doron Precision Systems, Inc. (based on acceptance after negotiations) as the single provider for purchases, installation, service and training of a driver training simulation system. Technician and instructor training, by manufacturer-trained technicians, are included.
The purpose of the vehicle-training simulator is to prepare and train drivers before they take a bus into service. By using this simulator, the drivers will gain more on-the-road experience without actually operating a vehicle on City/County streets. This will render cost savings by reducing: accidents; the amount of fuel consumed by the buses; and pollution. In addition, the simulator could be used to produce additional revenue by contracting with City Departments, outside agencies (county school bus, county transit agencies, garbage services, etc) and private trucking companies to utilize the simulator for the training of their respective employees.
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Proposals were received from two vendors. Award not based on Charitable Contribution Preference, as funding to be provided by the State of Florida and the City of Tallahassee exempted by Charitable Contribution Ordinance.
OPTIONS
1. Approval for the committee to negotiate with Doron Precision Systems, Inc., the number one ranked organization according to RFP No. 0031-09-BM-RC.
Pros: Drivers will gain more on-the-road experience without actually operating a vehicle on City/County streets.
Reduces the amount of fuel consumed and pollution produced by the buses.
Simulator could generate additional revenue by contracting with City Departments, outside agencies (county school bus, county transit agencies, garbage services, etc) and private trucking companies for training.Should reduce the number of bus accidents in the future.
Cons: The City of Tallahassee dedicates matching funds to this project.
2. Do not approve negotiations between the Committee and Doron Precision Systems, Inc.
Pros: The City of Tallahassee may reallocate the local matching funds.
Cons: The City of Tallahassee loses $271,000 in Florida Department of Transportation matching funds.
Inexperienced drivers would take buses on the roads leading to increased risk for accidents, increased fuel consumption, and increased pollution.
Lost opportunity to generate additional revenue through partnerships.
3. Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES