…title
ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO WESTERN COMMUNITIES TRANSPORTATION, INC. TO PROVIDE SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM SERVICES
REQUEST: Authorization to award a contract to Western Communities Transportation, Inc. to provide senior transportation program services, in the amount of approximately $80,000 annually.
EXPLANATION: The Village established the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) program to provide safe and affordable door-to-door taxi cab transportation for Wellington senior citizens sixty-two (62) years and older.
On October 23, 2019, Wellington released Bid #201919 for senior transportation program services. On November 15, 2019, Wellington received four (4) proposals meeting the required specifications:
|
Bidder |
One Way Trip |
Local Status |
|
Jai-Alexia Consulting, Inc. |
$19.00 |
Western Communities |
|
Pro Transportation |
$19.00 |
Palm Beach County |
|
Western Communities Transportation, Inc. |
$20.00 |
Western Communities |
|
Leisure Line Inc. |
$25.00 |
Palm Beach County |
In order to ensure the best possible transportation services for seniors, staff, including the Village’s fleet manager, inspected each firm’s proposed vehicles for year, mileage, condition, cleanliness, etc.
Western Communities, Inc. proposed to continue utilizing its existing fleet, which includes three late model vehicles (2017-2019) with low mileage (20,000-60,000) and in excellent condition. The other firms proposed utilizing older passenger vans (2010-2015) with many exceeding 100,000 miles, and in average condition.
Pursuant to language found in the Village’s bid documents: “there is no obligation on the part of Wellington to award the bid to the lowest bidder, or any bidder. Wellington reserves the right to make an award to a responsible bidder submitting a responsive bid most advantageous and in the best interest of Wellington”.
Based on the results of the inspections, staff recommends to continue utilizing Western Communities Transportation, Inc., (most advantageous and in the best interest of Wellington) to provide transportation services to Wellington seniors, at a cost of $20.00 per one-way ride. The initial term of the contract is for two (2) years from the date of award and includes a provision for three (3) additional one (1) year renewal periods. Western Communities, Inc. has provided the Village with superior service for approximately ten (10) years.
The program consists of eight (8) free one-way trips, for each eligible senior, provided monthly, to destinations such as medical facilities, food markets, and religious institutions, within the municipal boundaries of Wellington, Palms West Medical Center and U.S. Route 441 from Lake Worth Road to Southern Boulevard. The current contracted price is $20.00 per one-way trip, at no charge to residents.
Prior year expenditures are $63,000.00, plus an additional $5,000 the Village pays for a tracking software to manage the program. The Village utilizes $36,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to help fund the program, and the remainder is funded utilizing general funds.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds have been allocated in the FY 2019-2020 budget, including $36,000 as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Authorization to award a contract to Western Communities Transportation, Inc. to provide senior transportation program services, in the amount of approximately $80,000 annually.