Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Three-Year Contract with Auto Plus Towing for Zero Compensation. (Police 10031100)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) Police Department (APD) needs a vendor to provide contractual emergency and abandoned vehicle towing services. After conducting a competitive bidding process, Auto Plus Towing has been identified as the police department's preferred choice for a reliable and efficient solution.
BACKGROUND
APD is currently in a non-contractual agreement with S and F Towing for emergency and abandoned vehicle towing services. This agreement was reached after an unexpected business closure with the previous contractual tow service provider: Ken Betts. The current agreement does not have the protection of contractual language to ensure the desires of the City are met regarding fees imposed on vehicle owners, storage, and capability.
Previously, APD was in a contractual agreement with Ken Betts Towing; however the company ceased operations after the owner passed away in October 2020. This change occurred with less than one month's warning. Given the urgency to continue maintaining tow services to the community, APD staff determined the best solution was to enter into a short-term agreement with S and F Towing.
DISCUSSION
In the interest of obtaining a new contract with a qualified vendor to provide emergency and abandoned vehicle towing services, APD published a Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 24, 2023.The RFP was well-publicized through print media and the City's website. The RFP was open to all tow vendors in the local tow industry. Police staff was not contacted regarding any follow-up questions or concerns from any vendors. APD received one proposal from Auto Plus Towing on February 21, 2023. S and F Towing did not submit a bid in response to the RFP. S and F T...
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