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Chino council approves purchase of 13 police vehicles after vendor withdrawal
Summary
After the lowest bidder withdrew, the Chino City Council voted to cancel a prior award to Fritz Ford and approve a $787,544.29 purchase from Fairview Ford Sales Inc. for 13 police interceptor utility vehicles. Councilmembers said supply-chain and vendor reliability issues are prompting a review of the city's vehicle procurement process.
The Chino City Council on May 20 voted to cancel a previously awarded purchase with Warren Anderson dba Fritz Ford and approve a $787,544.29 purchase of 13 police interceptor utility vehicles from Fairview Ford Sales Inc. The vehicles will replace aging units and fill four additions to the fleet; the purchase price is within the $929,550 budgeted for the procurement.
Musette Ayala, senior management analyst, told the council the city awarded the order in December 2024 to Fritz Ford for $588,165.50, but the dealer later said it could not fulfill the order. Staff contacted remaining bidders; Elk Grove Auto's Dodge Durango proposal did not meet the city's fleet specifications, and Fairview Ford confirmed its original bid price remained valid. Ayala said sufficient funds exist in the FY 2024-25 equipment management fund to cover the revised purchase price.
Council members asked staff about breach or settlement concerns. City Attorney Fred Delonte reported the city entered a settlement agreement with Fritz Ford and that Fritz Ford paid damages to the city. Council also asked the police chief about vehicle types; Chief Minson said Ford Explorers remain the preferred platform for the department because of existing maintenance capabilities and parts availability, and staff will continue to monitor other models and electric-vehicle options used by peer agencies.
Council members and staff said the procurement experience underscores problems obtaining vehicles since the COVID-19 pandemic and recommended updating the city's vehicle purchasing processes to get priority with dealers once the budget is approved. The motion to cancel the Fritz Ford purchase and approve the Fairview Ford procurement was made by Councilmember Flores, seconded by Councilmember Comstock, and carried unanimously with the mayor absent.
The city will place the order with Fairview Ford, which will forward it to the manufacturer; staff did not provide a firm delivery schedule but said vehicles will be routed through the manufacturer and delivered according to factory timelines. Ayala said the 13 vehicles are carryover replacements and additions that have been delayed for several years due to supply constraints.
