B6.04 - Approve the Purchase of International/Navistar Parts and Labor from Sun State International Truck, LLC (Sun State) (Sole-Source Provider) (Finance Division)

Sun State is the local dealer for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) International/Navistar and IC Bus related parts, service, warranty, and repairs. They are the only factory-authorized dealer for DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota Counties.

Sole-source suppliers are reviewed annually for expenditures and possible new entries to the market. Pursuant to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual services available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements. When a district school board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor.

The Transportation Department requires parts and labor to safely and efficiently maintain IC buses.  

The Transportation Department has purchased OEM parts and services from Sun State to ensure our buses remain in safe, operating conditions.

Upon approval we require the vendor to provide the needed supplies and equipment. The awarded vendor is:

Sun State International, LLC

* Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health

* Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship

Approve the purchases of equipment, supplies, and labor from Sun State.

Corey A. Murphy, General Manager, Procurement Services, corey.murphy@hcps.net, (813) 272-4374
James Beekman, General Manager, Transportation Department, james.beekman@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 982-5511

Estimated expenditures in the amount of $150,000 will be available in the General Fund, project 5335. 

Contract administration and evaluation is performed by the Project Manager (the "End User") and the Procurement Officer, who function as a team, by utilizing an online vendor performance report or via in-person reviews. The evaluation consists of an assessment of the vendor-provided goods and services, deliverables, and compliance with contractual requirements. The resulting data will support renewal decisions and/or alterations to a new agreement.