Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
MARCH 16, 2023
Subject
SUBJECT: METRO FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to execute contract modifications for four current Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) contracts in an aggregate amount of $4,645,000 thereby increasing the contract amounts from $18,020,679 to $22,665,679 and extending the periods of performance for the following contracts:
• Beat 24: T.G. Towing, Inc. Contract No. FSP2833200FSP1424, for $710,000 for up to 5 months, increasing the total contract amount from $4,696,302 to $5,406,302;
• Beat 29: Platinum Tow & Transport, Inc. Contract No. FSP3470600B29, for $495,000 for up to 5 months, increasing the total contract amount from $4,145,024 to $4,640,024;
• Beat 42: Platinum Tow & Transport Contract No. FSP2842100FSP1442, for $275,000 for up to 5 months, increasing the total contract amount from $3,964,231 to $4,239,231; and
• Beat 61: All City Towing Contract No. FSP5769100B61, for $3,165,000 for up to 25 months, increasing the total contract amount from $5,215,122 to $8,380,122.
Issue
ISSUE
Three current FSP contracts require modifications to avoid a gap in service until new contracts can be awarded and mobilized to provide service. An additional existing FSP contract also requires modification to continue providing service utilizing high-cost heavy duty tow trucks which were underutilized during the pandemic due to reduced service levels.
Background
BACKGROUND
The FSP program is managed in partnership with Metro, CHP and Caltrans serving motorists on all major freeways in Los Angeles County. Metro’s FSP program is the largest of its kind in the nation and maintains the highest level of benefit to cost ratio of all 14 FSP programs within California.
The program utilizes a fleet of roving tow and service trucks designed to reduce traffic congestion by efficiently rendering disabled vehicles operational by changing out flat tires, providing a jump start, adding water to the radiator, taping leaking hoses, or by quickly towing those vehicles from the freeway to a designated safe location. These services are free to motorists. Quickly removal of motorists and their disabled vehicles from the freeway reduces the chances of further incidents caused by onlookers and impatient drivers. FSP helps save fuel and reduce air polluting emissions by reducing stop-and-go traffic through the provision of free services to motorists and operates seven days a week during peak commuting hours.
Metro contracts with independent tow service providers for Freeway Service Patrol Light Duty (FSPLD) tow service on general purpose lanes on all major freeways in Los Angeles County, 2 Freeway Service Patrol ExpressLanes (FSPEL) contracts on the (I-110 and I-10), and 2 Freeway Service Patrol Heavy Duty (FSPHD) contracts (I-710 and SR-91) to assist large commercial vehicles. (Attachment D) Each weekday, 138 tow and service trucks are deployed during peak commuting hours.
FSP light duty contracts are re-procured approximately every 4 years to replace aging vehicles, encourage competition by providing tow service contractors the opportunity to bid on new contracts, and allow new contracts to reset rates using current industry prices.
The annual benefit of the program is as follows:
• For individual beats, an annual Benefit to Cost Ratio of 9:1 - For every $1 spent there is a $9 benefit to motorists
• 300,000 motorist assists
• 5,175,845 hours motorists saved from sitting in traffic
• 8,897,277 gallons of fuel savings
• Approximately 78,296,040 kg of CO2 reductions
• The average motorist wait time for FSP service is 7 minutes (the average wait time for other roadside service is over 30 minutes)
• The Los Angeles County FSP program generates one-half of the cumulative benefits of the 14 FSP programs in the state.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The recommendation requests funding to extend periods of performance for three FSPLD beats (24 (Santa Clarita SR14), 29 (Westlake US101), & 42 (Santa Clarita I5)) to avoid a gap in service provision while staff work to complete the solicitation, currently in progress, to replace the older light duty tow service contracts. Authorizing contract modifications will ensure seamless and efficient operation of the FSP program until contract awards have been completed. It will also provide funds to address increased operating costs such as increased insurance premiums, major maintenance expenses, fluctuating fuel prices, and to replenish funding to contracts that provide support to Caltrans construction projects through a Cooperative Agreement which reimburses Metro for FSP support. Upon completion of the solicitation process for FSPLD contracts, staff expects to return to the Board at the appropriate time for authorization to award the new contracts.
The recommendation will also increase funding and extend the period of performance for the Beat 61 FSPHD contract operating on the SR-91 freeway. Extending the contract for 25 months allows Metro to continue to most cost efficiently and effectively provide the service using the existing high-cost/long-life vehicles that were underutilized for 2 years during the pandemic due to service reductions. Heavy duty tow trucks cost upwards of $750,000 and can operate effectively for over 1 million miles. In August 2022, the board authorized funding to extend the period of performance for the Beat 60 FSPHD contract operating on the I-710 freeway when presented with the same circumstances of underutilization and potentially higher costs if this contract expires and is replaced with a new contract.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The FSP Program enhances safety on Los Angeles County freeways by assisting motorists with disabled vehicles, towing vehicles from freeway lanes to prevent secondary accidents and removing debris/obstacles from lanes that can be a hazard to motorists.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The amount of $998,463 for the modifications is included in the FY23 budget in cost center 3352, Metro Freeway Service Patrol. Since some of the contracts requires a multi-year contract, the cost center manager will provide the required funding in future years.
Impact to Budget
The FSP program is funded through a combination of dedicated state funds, SB1 funding and Proposition C 25% sales tax revenues. These funds are not eligible for Metro Bus and Rail Operating and Capital expenses. Metro is also reimbursed for the services provided to support Caltrans construction projects.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
DEOD has implemented a two-phased Small Business Recruitment Strategy to increase the number of SBE/DVBE certified vendors specific to the towing industry and tow service providers. Through DEOD’s Metro Connect Outreach Program, FSP’s program management and Contract Administration staff have scheduled separate pre-solicitation outreach events targeting untapped SBE, DVBE, and DBE-eligible firms within specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. In addition, FSP program management staff continue their outreach to the towing community and potential SBE/DVBE vendors to provide information on contracting opportunities in Metro’s programs. These efforts include attending the largest towing convention on the west coast (sponsored by the California Tow Truck Association), contact local towing firms via phone or in person, and reach out to former FSP tow contractors.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The FSP Program aligns with Strategic Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling. The program mitigates congestion on all major freeways in Los Angeles County.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may decide not to authorize the increase in contract modifications. This alternative is not recommended as it could adversely impact the level and quality of FSP service provided in Los Angeles County.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval, staff will execute the necessary contract modifications to assure efficient and seamless delivery of the FSP program. Staff will work on new procurements to address needs beyond FY23. Barring additional unforeseen impacts, staff will return to the Board at the appropriate time to secure approval for new contracts with services to commence in FY24.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - Contract Modification Summary
Attachment C - Contract Modification/Change Order Log
Attachment D - FSP Beat Map
Attachment E - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: John Takahashi, Senior Highway Operations Manager, (213) 418-3271
Mark Linsenmayer, Deputy Executive Officer, Congestion Reduction, (213) 922-5569
Debra Avila Deputy Chief, Vendor/Contract Management, (213)
418-3051
Shahrzad Amiri, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Shared Mobility
(213) 922-3061
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by:
Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
