TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Contract Award for Tempo BRT Livery Production and Installation
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider approving contract award to InPrintz, Inc. for Tempo Bus Rapid Transit livery production and installation.
Body
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is seeking approval to utilize funds totaling $295,228 to execute decal production and installation for the 27 vehicles in the BRT fleet, as well as the ability to utilize the selected vendor for repair and replacement decals for the 24 months subsequent to the initial outfitting of the fleet.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
In April of 2016, staff presented three different base paint options to consider for the Tempo BRT vehicles and were given approval to move forward with the version featuring a metallic silver coach body with black roofcap. This paint scheme was intended to act as the underpinning to a branded decal treatment that would fully outfit these vehicles. Because of the high-profile nature of the BRT service, we needed to secure a vendor that specializes in large-format printing and vehicle decal work to ensure optimal execution of the design. It was also important that the same vendor be under contract to produce and install any necessary repair decals for future need. RFP 2019-1487 was posted on July 12 and closed on August 9, resulting in the submission of six proposals. After a panel evaluation of staff with relevant expertise to this project, it was determined that Inprintz, Inc. was the most responsive and qualified bidder. There is a parallel process underway to secure sponsorship of the BRT system. Sponsorship could include an alternate vehicle livery design however in order to be prepared for a December BRT opening it is critical that this procurement be in place should sponsorship not be secured for the December opening.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The advantage of approving the award of this contract is that it will ensure that the livery of this fleet of high-profile vehicles will be executed by a qualified vendor to the highest standard at a competitive lowest price reasonable for this scope of work. This contract will also make certain that Maintenance staff has the resources and process in place for quickly and efficiently repairing any damage that may occur to the body of a vehicle.
If this contract is not awarded, staff would need to utilize additional hours to find an alternate means by which to outfit the fleet of Tempo BRT vehicles and brand this service. A subpar execution of exterior vehicle livery would devalue the brand and lessen AC Transit’s ability to promote the BRT as its top of the line service offering.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff considered having New Flyer execute the external livery scheme but determined that our needs were beyond the scope of their core decaling services. Staff also considered having the internal Print Shop execute the intricate decals intended for this application. However, the size requirement for these 60-foot vehicles exceeds the capabilities of their production equipment, and installation of these decals would overtax our Maintenance staff with the number and complexity of the required wraps. To achieve the most efficient, highest quality execution of the required decal wraps for this project, a specialty vendor needed be procured that has expertise in both large-format printing and vehicle wraps and that can provide a warranty against peeling and fading during ongoing use.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report - 16-050 Approve recommendation to develop the Tempo visual brand identity.
Staff Report - 18-313 Issue Request for Proposals for BRT livery production and installation.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Approved by:
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Denise C. Standridge, General Counsel
Gene Clark, Director of Procurement and Materials
Reviewed by:
Michele Joseph, Director of Marketing and Communications
Nichele Laynes, Marketing Manager
Prepared by:
Amy Franjesevic, Marketing Administrator