26-P-00044_-_DMI-45-Form-EBO-Determination-Letter-SLBE.docx

This is an Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Determination Letter prepared by the City of Tampa's Logistics and Asset Management (LAM) Fleet Maintenance Division for Vehicle & Equipment Towing Services under Project Number 26-P-00044. The procurement seeks towing services for five vehicle categories: light vehicles (up to 10,000 lbs), medium-duty vehicles (10,001-26,000 lbs), heavy trucks (26,001-80,000 lbs), construction and specialized equipment, and special equipment including boats and motorcycles. The estimated annual towing volume ranges from 200-500 tows across these categories serving multiple fleet facilities in Hillsborough County. Sealed bids must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal by 3:00 p.m. on January 30, 2026. The contract will have an initial one-year term with potential for four additional one-year renewal options. The estimated contract budget is $175,000.

This is designated as a traditional, open market solicitation with no sheltered market set-asides or subcontracting goals established for Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs). However, the City offers a five percent bid discount (not to exceed $10,000) for certified SLBEs and minority-owned businesses. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of towing experience in Florida, hold valid Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission licensing, and provide three professional references. Qualified vendors must maintain 24/7 on-call operations with strict response time requirements of one hour for routine calls and 30 minutes for emergencies. Pricing requirements include flat towing rates by vehicle category, mileage rates for out-of-county tows, service call rates, and emergency response surcharges. The contract includes performance provisions with monetary deductions for non-compliance, such as cleanliness standards and response time failures, with potential termination after four such deductions. Price adjustments are limited to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), with the first potential adjustment occurring after the initial one-year contract period.