DEPARTMENT MAKING REQUEST
Budget & Admin Services
Title
title
26-285, Approve Change Order 1, Ford E450, 2026 Turtle Top Odyssey Cutaway Transit Bus (Transit)
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REQUESTED MOTION/ACTION
recommendation
Recommended Action:
Approve Change Order 1 to upgrade the purchase of three (3) Ford E450, 2026 Turtle Top Odyssey Cutaway Transit Buses to three (3) Ford E550 2026 Turtle Top Terra Transit HD Cutaway, per the FDOT Contract #TRIPS-22-CA-MD-LF-NBC Standard Cutaway and Minibus Chassis Type Transit Vehicles, and award to Nations Bus Corporation, located in St. Augustine, Florida for an additional purchase price of $22,603 per bus, resulting in new total cost per unit of $184,591, reflecting the previous approval of $161,988 per unit. The change is necessary due to the larger chassis size required for each vehicle to accommodate the increased seating capacity originally ordered.
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budget
Budgeted Action:
No action needed. Included in the approved FY26 Budget for Transit. Capital grant funds, including the required 20% match, are included in the FY26 budget for Transit. Transportation Development Credits will be used to fulfill the match requirement. Grant funding will be provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5339 Grant. Transportation Development Credits will be used as a “soft match”, which allows the federal share to be reimbursed up to 100% as authorized by Chapter 53 of the Title 49 U.S.C.
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BACKGROUND (Why is this Action Necessary, and What Action will be accomplished)
body
Background:
The purpose of this Change Order 1 purchase is to secure a firm price for the purchase and delivery of three (3) Ford E550 2026 Turtle Top Terra Transit HD Cutaway Bus. This adjustment is needed because the larger chassis size is required to accommodate the seating capacity than was initially specified. The new buses will be utilized in the public transportation sector for transit. The three (3) buses are as follows: Ford E550 2026 Turtle Top Terra Transit HD Cutaway, 31’, 19,500 #GVWR with a 7.3 L Engine, 18 standard seats, 4 Fold-away seats, USSCE volution G2E with pedestal, drive safety partition, powder coated handrails and stanchions, remote controlled exterior mirrors with heat, Hawkeye reverse assistance system, Braun 1000 lb. lift, Tran sign LED Destinator with front and side includes controller and software, TDSS tie down storage, watch your step entry step riser, and deceleration lights.
The buses will have an approximately 23-year useful life, with a 5 year/200,000-mile warranty. The new buses will replace the older unit assets #36806, 37437, and 37440, which will be sold via auction. To satisfy grant requirements, the buses must be purchased in accordance with the Transit Research Inspection Procurement Service (TRIPS). Through the TRIPS, Florida’s public and private non-profit transportation agencies can provide well-equipped, well-built transit vehicles at reduced costs by means of centrally administered statewide contracts for vehicle procurement.
The program ensures that the procurements adhere to and are consistent with all applicable federal, state and FDOT guidelines, requirements, industry standards, and certificates. The purchase of these buses is authorized in our Section Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5339 Grant Agreement. The Section 5339 FTA Grant FY23 Agreement was approved by the Board on 11/3/23 and The Section 5339 FTA Grant FY24 on 7/30/24.
Therefore, it has been determined to be in the best interest of the County to approve the Change Order #1, purchase of three (3) Ford E550 2026 Turtle Top Terra Transit HD Cutaway, per the FDOT Contract #TRIPS-22-CA-MB-LF-NBC, Standard Cutaway and Minibus Chassis Type Transit Vehicles, and award to Nations Bus Corporation, located in St. Augustine, Florida for an additional purchase price of $22,603 per bus, resulting in new total cost per unit of $184,591, reflecting the previous approval of $161,988 per unit. The change is necessary due to the larger chassis size required for each vehicle to accommodate the increased seating capacity originally ordered.
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