Following a fair and open bidding process evaluated by the City of North Bay, City Council awarded a nearly $1.2-million contract to Freightliner North Bay (930098 Ontario Limited) for the provision of three tandem snowplow trucks.
Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield noted seeing the contract awarded to a local company is always a bonus during the council's Tuesday regular meeting.
That is not always the case. In recent years, there has been some public uproar when local companies have narrowly missed out on securing contracts awarded to out-of-town outfits.
These things tend to even out over time. See: City poised to 'shop local' for $500K worth of trucks
The City of North Bay cannot opt to simply "shop local" by setting aside the bidding process and awarding contracts to local companies due to legalities. Under its own by-laws, the City cannot give preference to a local bid. Such a practice would also go against the Canadian Free Trade Act. Essentially, the City risks legal action if the winning evaluated bid is passed over.
"As we know, with supply chain issues and wait times, things are taking a lot longer. The need for these snow plows and the use of the trucks year-round for other activities is important," said Horsfield.
Indeed, the Roads Department uses large plow and sander trucks for clearing roadways to meet minimum maintenance standards and they are also used year-round for road maintenance, material hauling and other duties. "The dependability of these trucks is critical to providing winter maintenance service and supporting capital projects," according to the associated staff report.
The fleet replacement plan ensures dependable trucks are operational, thereby reducing maintenance costs. "Costs to maintain aged plow trucks continue to climb annually and ensuring a rotation of new vehicles and equipment significantly reduces overall maintenance, repairs and downtime."
The price of the vehicles is also rising. A similar contract awarded to Freightliner in February 2022 cost $1 million for three tandem snow plow trucks.
"These trucks typically last 12 years," the deputy mayor added, "and can be extended a year or two, depending on their condition. The Public Works department does rustproofing and more frequent preventative maintenance to help make sure these vehicles are used as much as they can for as long as they can."
The trucks marked for replacement in 2023 and 2024 were combined into this one bid to save administration time as all units are not expected to be delivered until spring of 2024, per the report.
Two proposals were evaluated and considered mandatory technical requirements related to the vehicle’s performance and features, build, durability, extra options, warranty, service, support and price. "The proposal from 930098 Ontario Limited o/a Freightliner North Bay scored highest and provides the best overall value to the City. Their bid is considered fair and reasonable."
