RTA board unanimously approves CNG-dispensers contract and updates to procurement and vehicle-transfer policies
Summary
The Riverside Transit Agency board unanimously authorized a $547,808 low bid (plus 10% contingency) contract to replace four CNG dispensers, approved revisions to the procurement manual raising the CEO contract threshold to $250,000 and adding a local-business match option for Riverside County, and adopted updated surplus vehicle transfer rules that add non-revenue support vehicles.
The Riverside Transit Agency board unanimously approved three administrative actions during its meeting: awarding agreement C25136F for replacement of four compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers, adopting revisions to the procurement policies and procedures manual, and updating the agency's policy for transferring title of surplus vehicles.
Item 8: CNG dispensers Melissa Blankenship, RTA's director of contracts, told the board that staff received a low bid of $547,808 from Nicosia Consulting International for the replacement of two single-nozzle dispensers at each of the Riverside and Hemet facilities with dual-hose dispensers. Staff recommended a 10% contingency of $54,781 for a total project amount of $602,589 and said funds are included in the FY25 capital budget. The board moved, seconded and approved the staff recommendation unanimously.
Item 9: Procurement policies and local-business match Blankenship presented proposed revisions to ensure compliance with FTA guidance and California law. Key changes include updating the CEO's contract approval limit from $100,000 to $250,000 and adding a local-business match option: a Riverside County business within 5% of the lowest responsive bid may be allowed to match the lowest bid if quality, terms, delivery and reputation are equivalent. A board member requested staff return with a quarterly reporting approach listing contracts executed between the old and new thresholds; staff agreed to research and report back. The procurement manual revisions were approved unanimously.
Item 10: Surplus vehicle transfer policy Blankenship presented a revision to allow transfer of non-revenue support vehicles (defined in the update as vehicles with a useful life of 100,000 miles or 4 years) to qualifying recipients (registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, county agencies, or special districts within the RTA service area). Staff noted the update currently has no fiscal impact but that transfers rather than auction sales could reduce auction proceeds. The board adopted the revisions unanimously.
Public comment Raymond O'Kelly told the board that some RTA drivers were not accepting Corona Cruiser passes at transfer points such as the Corona Transit Center and East Grama; Kristen (staff) said staff would "take care of that" and follow up with drivers to ensure transfers are accepted.
Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes (12/18/2025): passed unanimously. - Consent calendar: passed unanimously. - Agreement C25136F (Nicosia Consulting International) for CNG dispensers: approved unanimously; low bid $547,808; 10% contingency $54,781; total $602,589. - Procurement policies and procedures manual revisions (CEO approval limit increase; local-business match): approved unanimously; staff to return with reporting proposal. - Revised surplus vehicle transfer policy (adds non-revenue support vehicles): approved unanimously.
What's next: Staff will implement the approved contract and policy changes and return with any requested transparency reporting on contracts executed under the updated CEO approval threshold.
