TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Alexander Dennis Double Deck Contract Extension
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager to sign a 12-month contract extension with Alexander Dennis Incorporated to purchase additional double deck-buses.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Service Quality
Double-deck buses carry over a third more seated passengers than other high-capacity buses in the AC Transit fleet. This allows the District to provide more capacity at the same operational cost instead of adding service to meet demand. In addition, passenger surveys have revealed double-deck buses enhance Transbay service quality.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. When District staff determines if additional double-deck buses are needed for Transbay service, staff will return to the Board to request authorization to purchase additional buses.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The current contract to purchase additional buses with Alexander Dennis Inc. ends on September 20, 2021. Alexander Dennis Inc. is willing to extend the current contract for an additional 12 months to provide additional time for the District to fully evaluate the need for these buses used in Transbay service, especially with possible changes in ridership patterns due to the pandemic. The District has secured funding to purchase five additional diesel double-deck buses between fiscal year (FY) 2021-22 and FY 2022-23. Purchasing staff has reviewed the current Alexander Dennis contract and confirmed that there are no options available to purchase battery electric double deck buses.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The advantage to extending the contract with Alexander Dennis Inc. is to provide District staff additional time to fully evaluate the Transbay service requirements for double-deck buses. There are no known disadvantages for extending the contract with Alexander Dennis Inc. for an additional 12 months beginning September 20, 2021.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The alternative to not secure the extension with Alexander Dennis Inc. would mean that beyond September 20, 2021, the District would need to establish and solicit a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for double-deck buses if needed. The process to re-solicit and provide a new contract would take considerable time and resources for District staff to perform, adding additional and avoidable cost.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 15-251 Procurement of up to Twenty (20) Double Deck Buses
Staff Report 15-251a Contract Award for Purchase of Double Deck Buses
Staff Report 15-251b Procurement of Five (5) Additional Double Deck Buses
Staff Report 20-012 Double Deck Evaluation
Board Policy 465 - Procurement Policy
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Stuart Hoffman, Technical Services Manager
In Collaboration with:
Michael Eshleman, Service Planning Manager
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Cheryl Sudduth, Contracts Services Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Robert del Rosario, Director of Service Development and Planning
Cecil Blandon, Director of Maintenance
Fred Walls, Director of Procurement and Materials
Salvador Llamas, Chief Operating Officer