Agenda Item Wording:
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Award a Contract for Welding, Fabrication, and Machine Work - Authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract for miscellaneous welding, fabrication, and machine work for City fleet vehicles to A & E Welding of Visalia in an amount not to exceed $55,000 annually, totaling $275,000 over the life of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
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Prepared by:
Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.city, (559) 713-4186
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, (559) 713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract for miscellaneous welding, fabrication, and machine work for City fleet vehicles to A & E Welding of Visalia in an amount not to exceed $55,000 annually, totaling $275,000 over the life of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
Summary:
RFB 23-24-66 for miscellaneous welding, fabrication, and machine work for repairs and maintenance on City fleet vehicles was advertised in the newspaper on July 18, 2025, posted on Bidnet, and notifications were sent to all local vendors who provide these services.
In response to the RFB, the City's Purchasing division received (2) bids and are summarized below:
|
Company |
Location |
Total Bid Amount |
|
A&E Welding |
Visalia |
$17,000 |
|
Weldcat Fabrication |
Selma |
$200,000 |
The total bid amount was calculated based on the bidder’s proposed hourly rates. A&E welding is a known vendor for these services and has performed well in the past. The term of this contract will be for one-year, with (4) renewable one-year extensions.
Background Discussion:
The Fleet Division has developed an annual contract for the welding, fabrication, and machine work for repairs and maintenance, which will be managed through the Fleet Maintenance Division. In some cases, due to the magnitude, nature and/or complexity of some repairs, it is impractical, or infeasible, for the City’s staff to perform the required welding or fabrication. Based on the volume of maintenance and routine repairs to the City-wide fleet, Staff has determined specialty fabrication and welding can be done more effectively and efficiently by a contractor at this time.
The City of Visalia Solid Waste division will be the primary department serviced by this vendor. Front-loading and side-loading Solid Waste trucks utilize a metal-to-metal packer blade system and over time the weight of the unit causes extreme wear to the packer blade, floor, guides, and channels. Fleet maintenance will routinely have these metal parts serviced to extend the useful life of the vehicle.
Historical spending for these services:
FY22-23: $32,871
FY23-24: $54,239
FY24-25: $19,164
Based on prior spending and projected needs, the total cost is not expected to exceed $55,000 annually.
The current solicitation (RFB No. 23-24-66) continues this essential service. Bids were received and evaluated, with A&E Welding providing the most responsible and responsive proposal.
Fiscal Impact: Funding for welding, fabrication, and machine work for repairs and maintenance is budgeted annually in Fleet Operations (5012) to cover these costs.
Prior Council Action: On November 5, 2018 council approved a 5-year contract for these services to A&E Welding.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: None recommended
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I motion to authorize the City Manager to award an annual contract for miscellaneous welding, fabrication, and machine work for City fleet vehicles to A & E Welding of Visalia in an amount not to exceed $55,000 annually, totaling $275,000 over the life of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 10/6/2025
Attachments:
A&E Welding Bid
Bid Comparison
RFB NO. 23-24-66
Contract
Levine Act