Explanation
Roll-off container collection vehicles are an integral part of the Refuse Collection Division's mechanized collection system. Formal competitive bids were solicited and opened by the Purchasing Office on August 18, 2005 for solicitation #SA001714GRW. Bids were received from seven (7) different vendors (some vendors bid different combinations of cabs and chassis and bodies). Ordinance 1767-2005 passed by City Council December 12, 2005, authorized the purchase of two (2) roll-off container collection trucks from ESEC Corporation dba Columbus Peterbilt as the lowest, best, most responsive and most responsible vendor that submitted bids to replace two aging, high maintenance vehicles at a cost of $263,494.00. The trucks were purchased with engine warmers that improve vehicle start up during periods of extreme cold temperatures. This minimizes the need for extended idling periods, thus reducing fuel consumption.
The Refuse Collection Division now desires to purchase another such vehicle. Section 1.1 of the contract indicates that the "City of Columbus reserves the right to purchase up to the maximum quantity shown on the proposal page up to six (6) months from the bid opening date". This six month window of opportunity expired February 18, 2006; however, the vendor is willing to hold its pricing and terms and conditions relative to the purchase of an additional unit. It is anticipated that by avoiding the re-bidding of this truck at this time the division is saving a minimum of $8,000.00 in imminent manufacturer price increases needed to comply with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations. These new regulations were issued to affect "clean diesel" improvments, but many manufacturers are appealing the regulations due to the amount of time required to comply. Therefore it is likely that some manufacturers will not bid due to the uncertainty of the regulations. Accordingly this ordinance waives the City's formal competitive bi...
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