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CC - Authorization to Release a Request for Proposals for the Replacement of On-Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas Tank Cylinders.
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Contact Person/Dept: Paul Condran
Phone Number: (310) 253-6520
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Commission Name:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (02/18/16)
Department Approval: Art Ida, Director of Transportation (02/12/16)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the replacement of up to 57 on-vehicle compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tank cylinders.
BACKGROUND
For nearly 20 years, Culver City has owned and operated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. Today, the City operates a fleet of approximately 106 CNG vehicles, and in Fiscal Year 2014/2015 CNG accounted for more than 80% of the City’s total dispensed fuel.
CNG tank manufacturers must list the expiration dates on each CNG tank cylinder after they are manufactured. Older fuel cylinders were manufactured for a service life of 15 years and expire at the manufacturer’s end-of-life dates. Unless the tanks are replaced, these CNG vehicles are required to be taken out of service. Today, most new CNG fuel cylinders have a 20-year service life.
DISCUSSION
Culver City is in possession of seven 2001 transit buses (seven tanks per vehicle) and two refuse vehicles (four tanks per vehicle) that are in need of CNG tank replacement. Staff recommends that a request for proposal for the replacement of up to 57 CNG tanks for use in up to nine vehicles be released. Replacement tasks will include the removal and disposal of expiring tanks, the installation of new tanks, and appropriate fueling system verification.
The replacement of these CNG tank cylinders are exempt from the formal competitive bid process, pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.07.045.B. However, staff recommends that an RFP be released in this case in order to find the best price, quality and service for this replacement project.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with the authorization to release an RFP. However, the ultimate award of a contract to a successful bidder will create a fiscal impact, at which time, staff will return to request the City Council’s approval of contract award. Costs associated with this proposed project will be included in the City Manager’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2016/2017.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
Authorize the release of a Request for Proposals for the Replacement of On-Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas Tank Cylinders.