Non-exclusive Police Towing Franchise Agreement

The City of Pasadena is requesting applications for non-exclusive police towing franchise agreements for vehicle impound and towing services directed by the Pasadena Police Department and Department of Transportation, with applications due October 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and questions due October 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The City will select one or more franchisees; the franchise structure is non-exclusive, allowing multiple awardees.

Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of police towing experience and hold a valid business license. A 20-minute maximum response time to service requests is mandatory and grounds for termination if not met. The franchisee must maintain a fleet of well-maintained tow trucks with properly licensed commercial drivers, operate a secure impound facility of at least 20,000 square feet aggregate area within four miles of Pasadena city limits, and provide 24/7 service capability. Facilities must meet specifications for paving, fencing, lighting, security, and office standards. Business operations must run 0700–1730 hours Monday through Friday with no afterhours fees during those hours, and the franchisee must remain available for afterhours vehicle releases. A minimum of five available tow trucks (including at least three flatbeds dedicated to Department of Transportation travel lane removal during peak hours Monday–Friday 3–7 p.m.) is required. Franchisees must participate in Red Flag Day operations as declared by the National Weather Service or Fire Chief.

Quarterly franchise fees are $22,500 per franchisee under Pasadena Municipal Code Section 10.46.160, established by City Council resolution on August 27, 2018. As of July 1, 2025, towing rates are $185.59 per impound hour and storage charges are $51.55 per day, subject to annual City Council review beginning in 2025. Price increases at the conclusion of the first contract year and prior to subsequent years or extension periods are limited to the prior 12-month Consumer Price Index.

The franchise term is three years from execution, with two optional one-year extension periods subject to City Manager approval. Franchisees must maintain comprehensive insurance: Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per accident), Garagekeeper's Legal Liability ($250,000 per occurrence), On Hook/Cargo Insurance ($250,000 per occurrence), and Workers' Compensation at statutory limits plus Employer's Liability ($1,000,000 per accident). All insurers must hold an A.M. Best rating of A:VII or better and be authorized in California. The City must be named additional insured on the General Liability policy as primary, non-contributory coverage.

Applicants must submit a five-percent bid bond. Contracts exceeding $25,000 trigger compliance with the Living Wage Ordinance and Minimum Wage requirements. A two-phase evaluation will first determine responsive applications based on compliance with Chapter 10.46 of the Pasadena Municipal Code and operational requirements, then select the top three companies based on experience and past performance with law enforcement agencies. Applicants must submit all applications through the City's eProcurement Portal with supporting documentation including the Vendor Questionnaire, Project Workforce Utilization form, Relevant Experience form (documenting five similar completed projects), Disqualification Disclosure, Taxpayer Protection Amendment Disclosure, Conflict of Interest Certification, Non-Collusion Declaration, and Designated Representatives form.