Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
JULY 18, 2024
Subject
SUBJECT: BUS OPERATOR SEAT ASSEMBLIES
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
...Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a two-year, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract No. MA120707 to Gillig LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for bus operator seat assemblies in a not-to-exceed (NTE) amount of $1,260,596, inclusive of sales tax, and subject to the resolution of any properly submitted protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
This procurement is for the acquisition of new bus operator seat assemblies, which are required for maintaining the safe and reliable operation of Metro's bus fleet. The design of bus operator seats used in transit buses are very complex, with the focus of reducing the potential for injury to bus drivers. Bus operator seats are equipped with an air suspension system, shock absorbers, lumbar supports, and several other safety features that can wear over time. Since Metro buses operate nearly all hours of the day, the bus operator seats require replacement when major seat components fail. Bus mechanics replace bus operator seats with major defects at the Divisions and during the midlife refurbishment program. The award of this contract will ensure that Bus Maintenance has an adequate inventory to repair and maintain buses according to Metro maintenance standards.
Background
BACKGROUND
The component usage reports from Material Management concluded that nearly 80 bus operator seat assemblies were issued to Bus Maintenance on an annual basis to replace failed seat assemblies and support replacement during the bus midlife program. Metro Mechanics install the bus operator seat assemblies at the central maintenance shops and at all bus operating divisions. Buses cannot operate safely without a properly functioning operator seat assembly.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The USSC Q91 series seats purchased through this procurement are designed to reduce day-to-day operator fatigue and stress. The seat is designed so that the operator remains centered over the seat scissor suspension system at all adjustment locations, which reduces suspension torque, minimizes maintenance, and increases the life of the seat suspension. The operator seat belts are mounted directly to the seat frame, move with the seat, and provide a completely integrated restraint system for optimized sensitivity for operator comfort and functional use. The USSC Q91 seats have been proven in both transit and off-road applications and provide durability for extreme-use and multiple-operator environments.
The contract to be awarded is a “requirements type” agreement that commits to order only from the awardee, up to the specified quantity for a specific duration of time, but there is no obligation or commitment to order any or all of the bus operator seat assemblies that may be required. The bid quantities are estimates only, with deliveries to be ordered and released as necessary. The purchased bus operator seat assemblies are installed by Metro Mechanics.
Material Management will purchase, maintain, and manage bus operator seat assemblies in inventory. As they are issued, the appropriate budget project numbers and accounts will be charged.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Award of contract will ensure that all operating divisions and the Central Maintenance Facility have an adequate inventory to maintain equipment according to Metro Maintenance standards, enhancing the safety level for bus operators.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $630,298 for these bus operator seat assemblies is included in the FY25 budget under account 50441, Parts - Revenue Vehicle in multiple bus operating cost centers under project 306002 Operations Maintenance, and the Central Maintenance cost center 3366, under project 203050 Midlife Project.
Since this is a multi-year contract, the cost center managers and Chief Operations Officer will be accountable for budgeting costs in future fiscal years.
Impact to Budget
The current funding sources for this action include Federal Section 5307, Measure M, Measure R, PC40, and TDA. Given approved funding provisions and guidelines, this funding source currently maximizes allowable project fund allocations. It is eligible for Capital and Operating Projects.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
The benefits of this action are to ensure the bus drivers, many of whom come from Equity Focus Communities that operate the fleet, are protected from injury and fatigue and can safely complete their jobs. It also ensures that the fleet that serves Los Angeles County, including many Equity Focus Communities (EFCs), can provide vital transportation services to neighborhoods where disparities within the region can exist between residents’ access to jobs, housing, education, health, and safety. Bus transportation provides an essential lifeline for the residents in EFCs. The Metro bus maintenance programs ensure the proper State of Good Repair of the bus fleet to provide transportation for these communities.
The Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD) established a two percent (2%) DBE goal and verified the successful bidder's commitment to this procurement.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Approval of this recommendation supports the following Metro Strategic Plan Goal: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling. The new bus operator seat assemblies will help maintain safety and reliability standards in an effort to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The alternative is not to award the Contract and procure bus operator seat assemblies on the open market on an as-needed basis, which is not recommended since it does not provide a commitment from the supplier to ensure availability and price stability.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Metro’s requirements for bus operator seat assemblies will be fulfilled under the provisions of the Contract.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared By: Harold Torres, Senior Director, Central Maintenance, (213) 922-5714
James Pachan, Senior Executive Officer (213) 922-5804
Matthew Dake, Deputy Chief Operations Officer (213) 922-4061
Debra Avila, Chief Vendor/Contract Management (213) 418-3051
Reviewed by
Reviewed by: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer (213) 418-3034
