RTA awards contract for 22 support EVs and adopts 2026 calendar

The Riverside Transit Agency board on Dec. 18 authorized staff to award Agreement P25160F to Fleet Vehicle Source Incorporated for the purchase of 22 Hyundai Ioniq battery electric support vehicles and approved a 10% contingency for the project.

Melissa Blankenship, the agency’s director of contracts, said federal funds are being used for the purchase and bidders must comply with Buy America requirements. Staff reviewed bids and found the lowest bidder nonresponsive because the offered vehicle did not meet Buy America criteria; another bidder could not confirm compliance. Fleet Vehicle Source proposed the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq and staff determined that vehicle met Buy America requirements and that the bidder was the lowest responsive and responsible proposer. The board authorized the award for a base amount of $796,072 plus a 10% contingency of $79,607, for a total project authorization of $875,679. Melissa told the board expected delivery is in 2026.

After no public comment, the board approved the award unanimously. The clerk also presented a proposed 2026 board meeting calendar outlining regular meeting dates (generally the fourth Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., January–October, with alternative dates in April, November and December to accommodate conferences and holidays); the board approved the calendar as presented.

Outcome: contract award to Fleet Vehicle Source Incorporated for 22 Hyundai Ioniq vehicles (base $796,072; 10% contingency $79,607; total authorization $875,679) and adoption of the 2026 board meeting calendar.

What happens next: staff will finalize contract documents, incorporate the contingency as needed, and proceed with delivery and capital budget reporting.