STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
March 24, 2026
CONSENT
12 SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH HI-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE,
LLC FOR POLICE VEHICLE OUTFITTING AND CONVERSION SERVICES RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year (3) contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $120,000 per year with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC., for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services; and
2. Find that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year agreement with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services for the Laguna Beach Police Department fleet. These services include installation of emergency lighting systems, prisoner transport equipment, console systems, electrical integrations, and other specialized modifications necessary to prepare patrol and specialty vehicles for operational use.
Hi-Standard Automotive has previously provided these services to the Police Department and has demonstrated reliable performance and familiarity with the Department’s fleet configuration standards.
Continued use of this vendor will ensure operational consistency and efficiency when equipping newly purchased police vehicles.
Funding for vehicle outfitting services is available within the Police Department’s Field Services Vehicle Purchase account, and no additional appropriation is required.
DISCUSSION
The Laguna Beach Police Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) POL-26-001 to solicit proposals from qualified contractors capable of providing police vehicle outfitting and conversion services for the Police Department’s fleet. These services include installation of emergency lighting systems, prisoner transport equipment, console systems, electrical integrations, and other modifications required to prepare patrol and specialty police vehicles for operational use.
Two proposals were received and evaluated: LEHR and Hi-Standard Automotive. Both vendors demonstrated the ability to meet the minimum technical requirements outlined in the RFP. Proposals were evaluated on several factors, including technical capability, experience, pricing structure, facility capacity, delivery timelines, and quality assurance processes.
While both firms were found to be qualified, Hi-Standard Automotive provides significant advantages in operational continuity, cost efficiency, and demonstrated past performance with the Police Department.
APPROVAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH HI-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE, LLC FOR
POLICE VEHICLE OUTFITTING AND CONVERSION SERVICES
March 24, 2026
Hi-Standard Automotive has an established working relationship with the Laguna Beach Police Department and has previously performed vehicle outfitting and conversion services for the Police Department’s fleet.
Their installations have consistently met operational expectations, and the Police Department has not experienced quality, reliability, or service issues with their work. This proven performance significantly reduces implementation risk and ensures continuity in fleet configuration, wiring standards, equipment mounting practices, and long-term maintenance familiarity.
Additionally, Hi-Standard Automotive’s proposed hourly labor rate of $105 per hour is substantially lower than the competing proposal’s rate of $140 per hour, representing significant cost savings to the City over the life of the contract. Because fleet outfitting and conversions occur regularly throughout the year, the lower labor rate will reduce long-term operational costs.
Hi-Standard Automotive also demonstrated substantial experience performing vehicle conversions for numerous Southern California public safety agencies and confirmed their ability to meet the RFP’s required delivery timelines and service expectations.
Based on the overall evaluation of qualifications, pricing, past performance, and reduced operational risk, Hi-Standard Automotive provides the best overall value to the City of Laguna Beach for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
In FY 24-25, the City spent $82,590 for this service. In FY 25-26, the year-to-date amount is $78,655.
There is sufficient funding in the Police Field Services Vehicle Purchase account to fund this three-year contract, with an annual “not to exceed” amount of $120,000 per fiscal year. No additional appropriation is necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") because it does not qualify as a "project" under CEQA. The state CEQA Guidelines provide that "[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if ... The activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378." (CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).) Here, the action does not qualify as a "project" as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as there is no substantial evidence to show that the proposed action has the potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. (CEQA Guidelines § 15378(a).) Approving the proposed action is a continuing administrative activity designed to ensure the City has a qualified and competent vendor to provide police vehicle outfitting and conversion services.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC (Pgs. 4-26)
APPROVAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH HI-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE, LLC FOR
POLICE VEHICLE OUTFITTING AND CONVERSION SERVICES
March 24, 2026
Submitted By:
. Approved: .David A Kiff
Jeff Calvert, Police Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Jim Beres, Police Civilian Services
Administrator
Mike Peters, Police Captain
Eva Pierce, Procurement Officer