Meeting_Body
Operations, Safety, and Customer Experience Committee
OCTOBER 16, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: TRANSIT OPERATIONS SUPERVISORS UNIFORM SERVICES
Action
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a five-year firm fixed unit rate Contract No. OP52832000 to Becnel Uniforms, Inc. to provide uniforms for Bus and Rail Transit Operations Supervisors (R/TOS) in the Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amount of $1,713,163.00 effective January 1, 2026; subject to the resolution of any properly submitted protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
Per the current American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Metro is required to provide each eligible full-time R/TOS an annual uniform allowance on the employee’s AFSCME classification date, specifically, for the purchase of approved garments. The existing uniform contracts No. PS113404000 with Becnel Uniforms, Inc. and No. PS127019000 with LA Uniform and Tailoring, Inc. will expire on December 31, 2025. A new uniform contract is required to comply with the CBA.
..Background
BACKGROUND
This contract facilitates the standardization of R/TOS uniforms. Due to the high visibility of Metro R/TOS, the appearance and fit of the uniforms are important as they reflect Metro’s image to its patrons. Metro customers and emergency first responders will be able to readily identify Metro R/TOS for assistance. Metro also seeks to promote professionalism in the work environment by providing quality garments that have been pre-selected with Metro’s management approval. The approved garments are made to withstand prolonged wear and facilitate ease of maintenance.
Currently, Becnel provides R/TOS with uniforms and has provided satisfactory performance in terms of quality garments and hands-on customer service throughout the length of the contract.
A R/TOS Uniform Committee comprised of representatives from management and labor meets annually to review employee feedback regarding the uniforms.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Based on the R/TOS uniform committee’s decision, there will be no major changes in color or style from the existing uniform. The selection and choices of uniform garments may be expanded or changed in the future, contingent on input from the uniform committee and approval from Metro management.
The contract will provide R/TOS personnel with a source to purchase uniform item(s) at a pre-determined price. Each R/TOS will receive an annual voucher to use with the selected vendor. The Supervisors will travel to the physical location of the vendor’s store to purchase the uniform item(s). The amount on each voucher will be in accordance with the union agreement, which currently provides for an annual allowance to purchase uniform item(s).
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The approval of this item will ensure the supply of uniforms that clearly identify Metro-represented R/TOS employees as well as the continued delivery of safe, quality, on-time, and reliable services system-wide.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding of $146,370.31 for this contract is included in the FY26 budget in multiple transportation cost centers, account - 50215 (Fringe Benefit Uniforms), projects 306001 (Operations Transportation), 300022 (A Line Operations), 300033 (C Line Operations) 300044 (B/D Line Operations), 300066 (E Line Operations), 300077 (K Line Operations), and 301012 (G Line Operations). Since this is a multi-year contract, the cost center manager will be accountable for budgeting the cost in future fiscal years.
Impact to Budget
The source of funds for this procurement will come from the enterprise operating fund.
Specific funding sources are Federal Transit Administration (FTA), State, and Local funding, including sales tax and fares that are eligible for Bus and Rail Operating projects. These funding sources will maximize the use of funds for these activities.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This contract will support ongoing transportation operations by meeting the terms of the AFSCME CBA. It will also benefit the customer and employee experience on the system by enhancing the appearance and visibility of the R/TOS.
The solicitation was issued under the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Prime (Set-Aside) Program. Becnel Uniforms, Inc., an SBE Prime, made a 100% SBE commitment.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. While this item does not directly encourage taking transit, sharing a ride, or using active transportation, it is a vital part of Metro operations, as Metro must provide TOS uniforms per the AFSCME CBA. Readily visible R/TOS uniforms create a professional working environment vital to transit operations. Because the Metro Board has adopted an agency-wide VMT Reduction Target, and this item supports the overall function of the agency, this item is consistent with the goals of reducing VMT.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The uniform committee considered working with vendors who provided online ordering services. It was determined that having a vendor provide hands-on customer service at a walk-in store would provide the best results for standardizing a well-fitted uniform. As a result, vendors who provided only an online service were not considered for this contract.
Additionally, the Board can choose not to approve this contract award; however, this is not recommended. This would interrupt Metro’s R/TOS from obtaining their uniforms in a timely manner. A lapse in contract would violate Metro’s current CBA with AFSCME.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval, staff will execute Contract No. OP52832000 to Becnel Uniforms, Inc., effective January 1, 2026, to fulfill the AFSCME CBA requirement to provide uniform services to Metro R/TOS.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by:
Jeremy Santos, Transportation Planner, (213) 922-2246
Liz Elkins, Manager, Transportation Planning, (213) 418-3321
Demetrius Jones, Service Operations Superintendent, (213) 922-4220
Debra Avila, Deputy Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 418-3051
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by:
Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
