Council reconsiders OPG RFP amendment, sends matter back to committee for clarification

The Los Angeles City Council voted to reconsider an amendment to the OPG (operators/parking/garage) RFP language that was adopted at a prior meeting and to send the matter back to committee for clarification and uniform policy language. The motion to reconsider and refer the matter to committee passed by roll call (13 ayes).

Why it matters: Council members said the RFP language and an accompanying chart were internally inconsistent — different acreage sizes and standards for the city’s 18 divisions — and that the adopted amendment risked creating unequal preferences for incumbent operators in some divisions. The council moved to pause final action and review the language in committee to ensure a level playing field for competition.

Members who spoke described the technical problem: a chart in the RFP listed different acreage sizes for secondary sites by division while separate language described a uniform approach. One councilmember said the current structure gave preference to existing operators by effectively favoring locations concentrated in certain neighborhoods, and urged a consistent citywide policy so bidders compete on equal terms. The council directed the item to Public Safety committee and Personnel (and possibly Budget & Finance) as needed and set a two-week continuation timeline while committee review proceeds.

The council’s vote was 13 ayes on the motion to reconsider and send the item back to committee. The motion included direction that staff and the city attorney clarify RFP language quickly so the procurement can go out on a consistent basis.