DATE:
January 28, 2025
06
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE APPROVAL OF BRAND NAME VEHICLES IN PROCUREMENT OF COUNTY FLEET VEHICLES AND EXPANDED USE OF SIMPLIFIED PROCUREMENT PROCESS TO ALLOW SOLICITING LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR NEW VEHICLE PURCHASES, OUTFITTING, AND REPAIR SERVICES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Over the past 25 years, the County of San Diego (County) has standardized its fleet to Ford Motor Company (Ford) products. On December 7, 1999 (6), the Board of Supervisors (Board) initially approved the County to standardize the makes, models, and types of vehicles acquired for use by various County departments. Subsequently, 78% of the Fleet are Ford brand vehicles. Similarly, the Board approved specifying vehicle manufacturers in support of covert, undercover operations since March 22, 2005 (8). The remaining portion of the fleet consists of various brands to meet department orders, such as off-highway construction equipment, forklifts, and buses. As a result of automotive industry shortages or cancellations, as well as State and County sustainability regulations and goals, the Department of General Services (DGS) Fleet Services Division (Fleet) and the Department of Purchasing and Contracting (DPC) need the flexibility to specify makes, models, and outfitting for the portion of the Fleet (22%) that cannot standardize to Ford or qualify as covert in order to fulfill departments' orders and successfully achieve sustainability goals.
Historically, Fleet and DPC have managed vehicle purchases through competitive procurement, with a significant portion of awarded contracts coming through cooperative agreements outside of the County (e.g. Sourcewell). Since the pandemic, Fleet has moved away from cooperative agreement contracts in favor of maximizing business with local dealers through simplified procurement methods. This strategy circumvents industry shortages and cancellations and promotes the local economy. Further, Fleet needs ...
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