REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director Department of Transportation BY: SHARLEE FLORES, Senior Management Analyst Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title Award a two-year contract, with options for three one-year extensions, to Eppler Towing & Recovery (Eppler), for towing services for the FAX bus fleet, in the amount of $335,500 for the initial two-year base term. Service and product costs for the option years will adjust in accordance with the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a total for all five years not to exceed $1,100,000. (Bid File 12600085) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend Council award a two-year contract, with options for three one-year extensions, to Eppler, for towing services for the FAX bus fleet, in the amount of $335,500 for the initial two-year base term. Service and product costs for the option years will adjust in accordance with the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a total for all five years not to exceed $1,100,000. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) sought to establish a two-year base service contract with a tow truck company to provide towing services for our fixed-route bus fleet. A request for proposals (RFP) was issued July 11, 2025, via Bid File Number 12600085, which resulted in three proposal submissions. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals based on past performance and experience, price, technical approach and advantageous solutions, and record keeping procedures. After careful examination, the Selection Committee recommended Eppler for contract award. BACKGROUND FAX operates a fixed-route bus fleet of 138 heavy-duty compressed natural gas (CNG), battery electric buses (BEBs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), which provide 363 days of transit service to the residents of the City and County of Fresno. When a bus becomes inoperable due to mechanical failures, accidents, etc., it is imperative that FAX has a vehicle recover vendor able to promptly respond, remove the bus from the field, and tow it back to the yard. FAX needs a tow operator that is dependable, experienced, and has the proper equipment available to assist, especially if there are safety or traffic flow concerns, such as a bus stuck in a traffic lane or blocking the entrances to schools, hospitals, or businesses. The service contract is for two years with three optional one-year extensions. An RFP was issued July 11, 2025 and advertised in the Business Journal and on Planet Bids, via Bid File Number 12600085, and closed on August 12, 2025, which resulted in three proposal submissions. All three proposers were found to be responsive and responsible. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals based on the following criteria: Past Performance and Experience - Demonstrated experience and history in bus or heavy-duty vehicle towing services relevant to FAX's needs. Performance on contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity. Quality and relevance of references provided. Awards, recognition, or commendations received for past performance. Price - Scoring based on lowest price in relation to price offered. Technical Approach and Advantageous Solutions - Approach to ensuring safe, and timely towing services. Quality assurance procedures and response time capabilities to meet FAX's needs. Also included is Proposer's methodology to response calls, and standard equipment used in operating procedures. Record Keeping Procedures - Proposer demonstrates knowledge of accurate recordkeeping and maintains a proper reporting approach, including past documentation or current data-tracking systems such as online report access capability as well as data collection and presentation as it relates to client towing services. After careful examination, the Selection Committee recommended Eppler for award. The Director of Transportation concurs with the recommendation of the Selection Committee. Pricing conditions will remain fixed for the initial base contract term in the amount of $335,500 and option years for the service will adjust in accordance with the relevant CPI for a total not to exceed $1,100,000 for all five possible years. The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and approved it to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 the award of this contract does not qualify as a "project"; therefore, it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented because federal funding precludes the use of geographical preferences. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact to the General Fund from this action. Expenses from this contract shall be funded primarily through FTA Program 5307 funds. FAX enterprise funds will make up the required local match. Sufficient appropriations were included and are available in the FAX FY2026 budget. Attachments: Proposal Evaluation Form Bus Towing Services RFP 12600085 Eppler Towing Proposal Sample Contract