Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Finance and Management Director to issue blanket purchase orders for various automotive equipment, parts, supplies, and services for the Fleet Management Division without the use of formal competitive bidding and to issue blanket purchase orders for various sole source automotive equipment parts, supplies, and services for the Fleet Management Division.
The vehicles needing sole source parts and services are specific to particular duties. For emergency services, refuse collection, snow removal and related services, repair work must be done to meet the division's needs to keep this equipment operational within a minimal amount of time (sometimes less than 24 hours).
The sole source vendors listed herein are 1) local makers and distributors of vehicle equipment and parts, 2) the local authorized dealers for manufacturer's parts, or 3) the only authorized facility to perform manufacturer or warranty repairs within a geographic area (City of Columbus, Franklin County).
Attempts have been made to formally bid many of these parts and services. However, these vendors generally do not bid, recognizing that they are the only authorized dealer in the immediate geographic area to perform services or supply parts.
Fee/pricing structure is determined by the vendor at the time of repair or acquisition of the part due to the exclusive nature of being the sole authorized dealer.
Other blanket purchase orders authorized by this ordinance are awarded through bid waivers. Fleet Management is in the process of completing universal term contracts through formal bidding for several of these parts and services; however these will not be completed prior to 2008. Other informal bids have been solicited without vendors submitting quotes, including lift cab pump assemblies, pothole patcher augers, skid loader weights, and freeway mower aerators.
Given the diversity of the City's fleet of approximately 3,200...
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