Temple — The City Council approved a local-preference procurement on Oct. 16 to purchase four medium-size 4x4 SUVs from Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln of Temple for an estimated $167,682.

Staff explained bids were opened Feb. 11 and nine vendors submitted for multiple vehicle categories. The originally awarded low bid (Don Ringler Chevrolet) for four vehicles was later rejected in July because the delivered Chevrolet Blazers did not meet the specified engine horsepower and towing-package requirements. With that award declined, staff recommended moving to the next-lowest responsive bidder. The next bid amounts included Randall Reed Planet Ford (Garland) at $163,100 and Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln of Temple at $167,682.

Temple’s local-preference policy can be applied where a local bidder's price is within 5% of the lowest bid and the bidder has declared local preference. Council chose the local-preference option and recognized Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln of Temple as offering "the best combination of price and additional economic development opportunities under the city's local preference policy." The motion to award under local preference passed 4–0.

Staff said the city will proceed with purchase from the local dealer under the terms recommended by procurement.