Tamarac awards community shuttle contract to ProCal Mobility after heated procurement debate
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Summary
The Tamarac City Commission approved a piggyback contract with ProCal Mobility for community shuttle service, 4-1, after residents and an excluded vendor pressed for a competitive bid and staff defended piggyback rules and ProCal's technology and county integration.
The Tamarac City Commission voted 4-1 on Nov. 12 to authorize a piggyback contract with Pro Transportation Inc., doing business as ProCal Mobility, for community shuttle service through Feb. 28, 2027, with an option to renew.
The vote followed a contested public comment period and extended commissioner questioning about procurement practices. Dwayne Dickerson, an attorney representing Limousines of South Florida (LSF), told the commission his client had been invited to piggyback on a Dania Beach contract and later excluded from award consideration; he asked the commission to defer the contract so LSF and other vendors could be evaluated. Dickerson said LSF's offer was roughly $8.27 an hour lower and could save the city about $32,000 a year compared with the award before the commission.
ProCal's founder Kelly Gonzales Jr. defended his company's service model and technical platform at the podium, describing it as a South Florida-based operation that has increased ridership in other cities and offers a custom app and community-benefit plans. "We're a South Florida based company," Gonzales said, stressing the company's local experience in Coral Springs and regional contracts.
Staff and procurement officials told the commission they had reviewed both vendors. Senior procurement specialist Paul Besser explained that piggyback contracts are a legitimate procurement method that relies on another jurisdiction's competitive solicitation and can be used when the original contract meets the city's specifications. Deputy City Manager Maxine Calloway and the city manager said staff found ProCal better matched Tamarac's needs because of its technology that connects with Broward County systems and evidence of ridership growth, while acknowledging communication lapses between departments.
Commissioners split during the debate. Vice Mayor Keisha Daniel and Commissioners Bolton and Wright cited ProCal's innovation and local engagement, while Mayor Michelle J. Gomez repeatedly pushed for a full competitive solicitation and questioned how projected savings would materialize when the service is funded by the county's transportation surtax. The city manager apologized for staff misuse of communication channels that led to vendor confusion.
The contract was approved 4-1. The city will implement ProCal's service under the piggyback agreement, and staff recorded several requests from commissioners to report back on implementation, driver transition and any cost-savings realized under the county funding arrangement.
What's next: Staff will finalize the contract and begin the transition with ProCal; commissioners asked staff to report on ridership, on-time performance and whether the vendor absorbed existing staff or offered jobs to city drivers.
