City of Lawrence

Finance Department

MEMORANDUM

DATE:	August 15, 2012
TO:	David L. Corliss
	City Manager
FROM:	Alan D. Landis
	Purchasing Specialist
ONE (1) SIDE Load Refuse TruckS – Public Works – Bid#1245

Public Works Solid Waste requested bids for a fully automated side load refuse truck to replace a 2004 rear load refuse truck, as part of the automation efforts as equipment is traded.  This truck includes the automated arm that will pick up and empty the polycarts. Solid Waste equipment is replaced according to our equipment replacement schedule.  The equipment replacement schedule is based on age, mileage, hours of use, and cost of maintenance and upkeep.  We received nineteen bids from five companies.  The difference in the bid amounts shown on the attachment is due to different combinations of the make of the chassis, the make of the packer, and transmission. 

The low bid from Truck Components Services did not meet specifications.  They bid a tilt to dump system and an eject to dump system was required.  Our recommendation is for the second low bid from Downing Sales and Service for $168,565.00. The Solid Waste Division field tested several side load units and would recommend the unit from Downing. We are also requesting additional training from Downing for unit operations and maintenance for an additional $1,800.00 totaling $170,365.00.  All other bids were higher.  (See bid tab and photos)

Solid Waste has a 2004 rear load refuse truck that meets the criteria for replacement. The low bid from Downing offered $55,000 for the truck as a trade in price.  We have been monitoring trucks on Gov Deals and they have recently sold three.  Two 2004s, one for $41,540 and the other for $33,250, and they sold a 2005 for $46,250.00. 

This purchase was approved in the 2012 budgeting process.

Recommendation Action:

Award bid for one (1) side load refuse trucks for Public Works Department to Downing Sales and Service for $170,365.00.  (Public Works/Solid Waste)

cc:	Cynthia Wagner	Chuck Soules	Steve Stewart
	Dianne Stoddard	Tammy Bennett	Diane Trybom
	Jonathan Douglass	Bobbie Walthall	Craig Pruett