Written Public Comment from Tow Companies — National City City Council, September 22, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

FORMAL BID PROTEST AND REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
August 25, 2026

VIA EMAIL
Debbie Lunt
Buyer
City of National City
Finance Department – Purchasing Division
1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950
CC:

Doug Schulze, City Manager
[email protected]
Richard E. Romero, Acting City Attorney
[email protected]
Alejandro Hernandez, Chief of Police
[email protected]
City Clerk’s Office
[email protected]
Ron Morrison, Mayor
[email protected]
Luz Molina, Vice Mayor – District 1
[email protected]
Jose Rodriguez, Councilmember – District 2
[email protected]
Ditas Yamane, Councilmember – District 3
[email protected]
Marcus Bush, Councilmember – District 4
[email protected]
RE: FORMAL BID PROTEST AND REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
RFP #GS2526-1 – TOWING AND IMPOUND SERVICES CONTRACT
Dear Ms. Lunt, Mr. Schulze, Mr. Romero, Chief Hernandez, and Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:

Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery (“Quality”) respectfully submits this Formal Bid Protest and Request for Reconsideration concerning the City of National City’s Notice of Intent to Award for RFP #GS2526-1, Towing and Impound Services Contract.

Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 1 of 8.

This protest is being submitted to the City’s Purchasing Division and copied to the City Manager, City Attorney, Chief of Police, City Clerk, Mayor, and City Council to ensure that the City officials responsible for the evaluation, administration, legal review, and final approval of the proposed contracts are provided notice of Quality’s protest before the September 1, 2026 City Council meeting.

The City’s August 24, 2026 notice advised Quality that five proposals, including Quality’s proposal, were determined to meet the requirements of the RFP and advanced through the City’s evaluation process. The notice further advised that Quality was not ranked among the top two proposals and that the Tow Contract Committee intends to recommend Cortes Towing Inc. and Tony’s Auto Center for award at the September 1, 2026 City Council meeting.

Quality respects the City’s procurement process and recognizes that the RFP provides the City discretion in determining overall best value. However, because Quality was determined to have submitted a responsive proposal, and because its submission documented substantial experience, operational capacity, staffing, equipment, response capability, storage infrastructure, and existing public-agency experience, Quality respectfully requests review and reconsideration of the evaluation, scoring, ranking, and best-value determination before final award.

The purpose of this protest is not simply to disagree with the City’s selection. Quality seeks to ensure that the evaluation criteria identified in the RFP were applied accurately, consistently, and equally to all responsive proposers and that Quality’s documented qualifications were properly reflected in its technical and final rankings.

1. EVALUATION AND BASIS OF AWARD
The RFP states that the Committee will review the Technical Specifications, Specific Provisions, and Price Proposal during its evaluation. (RFP Section I.N, Page 8.) The RFP further provides that the City may consider information concerning a bidder’s ability, customer service, capacity, integrity, ethics, performance record, proper levels of insurance, and experience. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.)
Most importantly, the Basis of Award provides:
“Award will be made to the responsible Bidding Contractor or Contractors whose Proposal(s) is (are) determined to provide the overall best value to the City, considering evaluation of service capabilities, experience, price, and other factors assessed in this RFP.” (RFP Section I.S, Page 9.)
The RFP further states:
“Technical ranking of Proposals will be evaluated in conjunction with the corresponding price ranking to determine a final ranking for each Proposal.”
(RFP Section I.S, Page 9.)
Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 2 of 8.

Quality recognizes that the City was not required to award the contract based solely upon price. However, these provisions establish that the City considered technical qualifications together with corresponding price rankings in determining the final ranking of each responsive proposal.

The Notice of Intent to Award provides Quality with the ultimate result but does not identify Quality’s technical score, price ranking, category scores, evaluator comments, or final combined ranking.

Quality therefore cannot presently determine how its documented qualifications were evaluated relative to the two recommended awardees.

2. QUALITY’S PUBLIC-AGENCY AND LAW-ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE Quality’s proposal documented approximately twenty years of towing and recovery experience in San Diego County and substantial experience providing towing, impound, recovery, roadside assistance, and public-safety services.

Quality identified current or recent experience with organizations including the California Highway Patrol, SANDAG Freeway Service Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, City of San Diego Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, El Cajon Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, and other governmental, municipal, motor-club, and commercial organizations.

Quality also submitted references involving law-enforcement and governmental operations directly relevant to the services sought by National City.

This experience directly relates to the City’s stated consideration of a bidder’s performance record, experience, capacity, ability, and customer service. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.) Quality respectfully requests disclosure of how its municipal and law-enforcement experience was evaluated and how that evaluation compared with the proposed awardees.

3. FLEET CAPACITY AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY
Quality’s proposal identified a substantial fleet of towing and recovery equipment, including light-duty flatbeds and wheel-lift trucks as well as medium- and heavy-duty towing equipment.

The RFP requires contractors to provide equipment capable of:

1. Towing large oversized vehicles;

2. Towing from off-road areas;

3. Towing from underground garages;

4. Wheel-lift towing; and

5. Rollback towing.

Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 3 of 8.

The RFP additionally requires tow trucks to comply with applicable California Highway Patrol and California Vehicle Code standards and requires trucks to maintain immediate communication with the contractor’s dispatch center. (RFP Section III.E, Page 19.)
Quality submitted supporting fleet and CHP documentation demonstrating its ability to perform these different categories of towing.

Quality’s fleet capacity is also directly relevant to the City’s consideration of a bidder’s capacity and ability under the Evidence of Responsibility provisions. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.) Quality respectfully requests disclosure of how fleet capacity, fleet redundancy, specialized equipment, and the ability to respond to simultaneous calls were considered in its technical evaluation.

4. RESPONSE-TIME CAPABILITY
The RFP establishes an objective performance standard:
“The Response Time for Towing Service shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes.” (RFP Section III.G, Page 19.)
The RFP further requires the contractor to immediately dispatch an available tow truck and provides financial and contractual consequences when response-time requirements are not satisfied. (RFP Section III.G, Page

19.)
Quality’s proposal represented an average response capability of approximately 10 to 15 minutes, supported by its fleet, 24-hour dispatch operations, GPS-based vehicle tracking, and electronic dispatch management.

Quality also expressly acknowledged the City’s 20-minute requirement and the performance standards associated with that requirement.

Because response time directly affects officer availability, roadway safety, and public service, Quality believes its documented response capability represents a significant technical qualification.

Quality respectfully requests disclosure of how response capability was evaluated and how Quality’s response infrastructure compared with that of the recommended awardees.

5. STAFFING AND DIRECT OPERATIONAL CONTROL
Quality’s proposal documented a substantial workforce consisting of towing operators, dispatch personnel, management, administrative personnel, mechanics, and other operational staff.

Quality further represented that towing services under the National City contract would be performed using Quality’s own personnel, equipment, dispatch systems, and storage operations rather than subcontracting the actual towing services.

Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 4 of 8.

The RFP specifically permits consideration of a bidder’s ability, customer service, capacity, performance record, and experience. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.)
Quality believes its staffing depth, internal dispatch capabilities, management structure, and direct control over its personnel and equipment materially demonstrate its ability and capacity to perform this contract.

Quality respectfully requests confirmation of how these factors were reflected in its technical evaluation.

6. STORAGE FACILITY AND OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The RFP requires the contractor to identify at least one storage yard within a ten-mile radius of National City Hall and requires the facility to contain at least 10,000 square feet of storage space.

The RFP also establishes detailed requirements concerning fencing, security, alarms, lighting, paving, drainage, vehicle accessibility, property protection, and 24-hour vehicle releases. (RFP Section III.D, Page 18.) Quality identified its storage facility located at 270 Trousdale Drive, Chula Vista, California 91910 and submitted supporting documentation regarding the facility, including its security infrastructure and dedicated evidence-hold garage bays.

Quality’s facility and evidence-storage capabilities are directly relevant to its ability to safely perform police-directed towing, impound, evidence, and long-term custodial services.

Quality respectfully requests disclosure of how its storage facility and related infrastructure were evaluated.

7. COMPLIANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE READINESS
Quality submitted substantial documentation concerning its fleet, drivers, employees, management, licensing, permits, regulatory compliance, drug and alcohol testing program, DMV requirements, CHP requirements, and other operational matters required by the RFP.

The RFP permits the City, before award, to require additional information bearing upon a contractor’s ability to perform and permits consideration of qualifications relating to ability, customer service, capacity, integrity, ethics, performance record, insurance, and experience. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.) Quality’s proposal and supporting exhibits were designed to demonstrate readiness to perform the contract and provide the City with verifiable documentation of its operational capacity.

Quality respectfully requests confirmation of how this documentation and demonstrated operational readiness were considered during the evaluation.

Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 5 of 8.

8. REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL, PRICE, AND FINAL RANKINGS
Because the RFP specifically provides that the technical ranking will be evaluated together with the corresponding price ranking to determine the final ranking, the underlying evaluation records are directly relevant to understanding the City’s award determination. (RFP Section I.S, Page 9.) Quality respectfully requests copies of the following records concerning RFP #GS2526-1:

1. Quality’s complete technical score and technical ranking;

2. Quality’s score for each evaluation category or subcategory;

3. Quality’s price ranking;

4. Quality’s final combined ranking;

5. The technical scores and rankings of all five responsive proposers;

6. The price rankings of all five responsive proposers;

7. The final rankings of all five responsive proposers;

8. Individual evaluator scoring sheets, worksheets, notes, comments, and recommendations;

9. Any evaluation matrix or scoring summary used by the Tow Contract Committee;

10. Any written identification of strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, concerns, or deductions associated with Quality’s proposal;

11. Site-evaluation or inspection records relating to Quality and the recommended awardees;

12. Records of any oral presentations, clarifications, supplemental information, or negotiations requested from any responsive proposer;

13. The complete responsive proposals and pricing submissions, subject to any legally required redactions; and

14. Any staff report, memorandum, recommendation, resolution, or other material supporting the proposed awards.

Quality also requests identification of any specific area in which the City determined that Quality’s proposal was materially inferior to the two proposals recommended for award.

9. REQUEST FOR REVIEW AND CONSISTENT APPLICATION OF EVALUATION CRITERIA Quality recognizes that the City retains substantial discretion in evaluating proposals. Quality is not requesting that the City substitute Quality’s judgment for that of the evaluation committee.

Rather, Quality requests confirmation that the criteria identified in the RFP were applied consistently to each of the five responsive proposals and that the information contained in Quality’s proposal was accurately reflected in the evaluation.

The RFP identifies specific considerations for determining responsibility, including ability, customer service, capacity, integrity, ethics, performance record, insurance, and experience. (RFP Section I.R, Page 9.) The Basis of Award then requires consideration of service capabilities, experience, price, and other RFP factors in determining overall best value. (RFP Section I.S, Page 9.) Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 6 of 8.

Given Quality’s documented qualifications in these areas, Quality respectfully requests that the City review its evaluation for:

1. Mathematical or tabulation errors;

2. Factual errors concerning Quality’s proposal;

3. Omitted or overlooked information;

4. Inconsistent application of evaluation criteria;

5. Differences in treatment among responsive proposers; and

6. Consideration of factors outside those contemplated by the RFP.

If any such issue is identified, Quality respectfully requests that the affected score or ranking be corrected and the final rankings recalculated before final award.

10. FINAL CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL HAS NOT YET OCCURRED
The RFP expressly distinguishes the Committee’s recommendation and Provisional Award from final approval.

The RFP provides that the Committee will issue a recommendation as to the award and provide a Provisional Award. However:
“No Contract for towing service shall become effective until the City Council of the City of National City has reviewed and approved the Contract in a City Council meeting.” (RFP Section I.S, Page 9.)
Accordingly, there remains an opportunity for the City to review the evaluation and address any scoring or evaluation issues before the proposed contracts become final.

Given that the proposed awards are scheduled for consideration by the City Council on September 1, 2026, Quality respectfully requests that this protest receive meaningful review before final Council action.

If sufficient time does not exist to review the protest and requested evaluation records before September 1, Quality respectfully requests that final action on the towing contracts be postponed until the review can be completed.

11. REQUESTED RELIEF
Based upon the foregoing, Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery respectfully requests that the City:

1. Accept this correspondence as a timely Formal Bid Protest and Request for Reconsideration regarding RFP #GS2526-1;

2. Acknowledge receipt of this protest in writing;

3. Provide the requested evaluation, scoring, ranking, and procurement records;

4. Review Quality’s technical evaluation and price ranking for accuracy;

5. Review whether the RFP’s evaluation criteria were applied consistently among all five responsive proposers; Angie’s Towing, Inc. dba Quality Towing & Recovery Page 7 of 8.

PEREZ VAUGHN & FEASBY INC 600 B Street, Suite 2100
San Diego, CA 92101
Jeffrey A. Feasby, Esq.
619.784.3550 office
619.741.0242 direct
619.460.0437 facsimile
[email protected]
September 18, 2026

SAN DIEGO & DEL MAR

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Debra Lunt
Buyer
National City
1243 National City Blvd.

National City, California 91950
[email protected]
Re: Protest of Proposed Award Under RFP# GS2526-1
Towing and Impound Services Contract
Dear Ms. Lunt:

This firm represents A to Z Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a RoadOne Towing (“RoadOne”). We are writing to lodge a formal protest to the National City’s (the “City”) proposed award under RFP # GS526-1 (the “RFP”) for the City’s towing and impound services contract. This protest is made pursuant to National City Ordinance Code section 2.60.165 and is based on the City’s failure to comply with the RFP’s requirements in evaluating the bids submitted by the applicants.

The RFP and Agenda Report referenced below are both enclosed herewith.

Specifically, Section I.S. of the RFP expressly states that the City’s award would be based on its evaluation of an applicant’s experience, among other factors. However, experience was not a part of the Rating Criteria that was used in scoring the applicants as set forth in the Agenda Report for the City Council’s September 22, 2026 meeting. Instead, the City only considered and scored technical and pricing considerations and then weighed those scores 70% for technical and 30% for pricing. The recommendation to award contracts to Cortes Towing Enterprises Inc. and Tony’s Auto Center Inc. was based solely on these scores without any consideration of the experience of the applicants as required by the RFP. A proper consideration of the applicants’ experience would have benefitted RoadOne and there likely would have been a different result and recommendation to the City Council.

In addition, the RFP required applicants to disclose any instances in the past 10 years in which the applicant was debarred, disqualified, or removed as a contractor for any federal, state, or local entities. RoadOne is aware that Cortes Towing Enterprises Inc. was suspended by the City of San Diego for over four months in 2025 and 2026 for failure to pay amounts owed to the City of San Diego. Tony’s Auto Center Inc. was removed as tow provider for the San Diego Police Department in 2023, prior to the end of its contract term with the City of San Diego. Both of these instances should have been disclosed by the applicants in their response to the RFP.

However, neither appears in the Agenda Report. Accordingly, the City’s evaluation appears to be incomplete in this regard.

RoadOne is continuing to review the FRP and City’s evaluation of the submitted bids and reserves the right to raise additional issues of protest as it deems proper.

Debra Lunt
Buyer
National City
September 18, 2026

Page 2 ends

In light of the forgoing, the City’s evaluation process was flawed, and the contract should be re-bid. At the very least, the City Council should not act on the Agenda Report’s recommendation or approve issuance of any contracts under the RFP unless and until these matters have been properly evaluated and considered.

RoadOne requests that this protest be included in the materials provided to the City Council in advance of the September 22, 2026 meeting for the Council’s consideration prior to taking any action on the Agenda Report’s recommendation to award the tow contracts to Cortes Towing Enterprises Inc. and Tony’s Auto Center Inc.

Best regards,

Jeffrey A. Feasby
of
PEREZ VAUGHN & FEASBY Inc.

JAF/bms
Enclosures

CITY OF NATIONAL CITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
RFP #: GS2526-1
Title: Towing and Impound Services Contract
Date Issued: May 12, 2026 or sooner
Proposals Due: Monday, June 15, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. PST
Note: Proposals must be submitted through PlanetBids
Questions Due: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 by 3:00 p.m. PST Questions must be submitted through PlanetBids by this date Question
Responses Due: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 by 5:30 p.m. PST
Note:
• Proposal is subject to all terms and conditions contained herein. • For information call: Debra Lunt, Buyer (hereinafter “Purchasing Agent”) (619) 336-4570 or email: [email protected]
******************************************************************************************** Complete All Information Below. Failure to do so may deem your proposal unresponsive or rejected for being incomplete.

Bidding Contractor Information:

Company Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________________ Printed Name: ______________________ Date: ____________________ Phone: Office:______________________ Mobile: ___________________ Web Address: __________________________ Email:____________________

CITY OF NATIONAL CITY

FINANCE DEPARTMENT / PURCHASING DIVISION
1243 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950
Ph (619) 336-4570 Fax (619) 336-4349
www.nationalcityca.gov
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”)

1. Where applicable, price each item separately. Prices should be stated per unit(s) specified herein.

2. All proposals must be submitted through PlanetBids by the time and date specified on the cover page. Proposals will not be reviewed until after that time.

3. Proposals shall be prepared with a computer with type-face and/or font of not less than 11 points, ink, or by typewriter. Proposals sent via facsimile or email will not be accepted.

4. Late proposals received after the due date and time will not be considered. (See #2 above.)

5. Should a Bidding Contractor find discrepancies in, or omissions from the specifications, or be in doubt as to their true meaning, Bidding Contractor may promptly request an interpretation from the Purchasing Agent. Any interpretation of, or change to the proposed documents will be made only by an addendum issued to each person to whom specifications have been issued, and shall become part of any contract awarded. The City will not be responsible for any other explanation or interpretations. Any request for an interpretation must be submitted in PlanetBids no later than May 20, 2026 by 3:00 p.m.

6. Failure to respond to any portion of the RFP may be cause for rejection of proposal.

7. Any Bidding Contractor who wishes to withdraw its proposal must do so through PlanetBids before the time and date established for opening of the RFPs.

8. If there are any questions arising in the development of responses to the RFP, they must be submitted through PlanetBids no later than May 20, 2026 by 3:00 p.m.

Responses will be provided by May 26, 2026 by 5:30 p.m..

9. Bidding Contractor shall read all attached terms, conditions and specifications carefully; they are a part of the proposal and shall be submitted with your response on the due date.

10.Proposals become City Property. All proposals, reports, and data submitted to the City shall become the property of the City and will not be returned. All submitted responses, proposal and information contained herein are public records subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act, unless a specific exemption applies or as otherwise noted herein, upon completion of the City’s selection and negotiation processes.

ESTIMATED RFP #GS2526-1 PROPOSAL TIMELINE
May 12, 2026 Post RFP on Planet Bids
May 20, 2026 Deadline for Tow Companies to submit questions through PlanetBids by 3:00 p.m.

May 26, 2026 City responses to questions posted on PlanetBids by 5:30 p.m.

June 15, 2026 RFP submittal deadline at 12:00 p.m. through PlanetBids June/July 2026 Evaluate proposals
July 2026 Tow companies review and sign contracts
August/Sept 2026 Council meeting, contract award
October 1, 2026 Effective date of new tow contracts

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Objective and Process......................................................................................................... 1 A. Background ................................................................................................................ 1 B. Definitions.................................................................................................................. 3 C. Scope of Work ........................................................................................................... 3 D. Objective....................................................................................................................... 4 E. Purchasing Agent ....................................................................................................... 4 F. Questions.................................................................................................................... 4 G. Submission of Proposals ............................................................................................ 4 H. Closing Date............................................................................................................... 5 I. Late Submissions ....................................................................................................... 5 J. Economy of Preparation ............................................................................................ 5 K. Content of the Proposals .............................................................................................6 L. Submittals Required Upon Provisional Award .......................................................... 7 M. Acceptability of Proposals............................................................................................ 7 N. Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 8 O. Oral Presentations .......................................................................................................8 P. Negotiation ................................................................................................................. 8 Q. City’s Unilateral Right ................................................................................................8 R. Evidence of Responsibility ........................................................................................ 9 S. Basis of Award ............................................................................................................. 9 T. Incurred Expenses .................................................................................................... 10 U. Public Information………………………………………………………………….10
II. General Requirements....................................................................................................... 10 A. Roles of the Purchasing Agent and City Contract Administrator ............................ 10 B. Insurance Requirements ........................................................................................... 11 C. Option to Renew ..................................................................................................... 13 D. Standard Terms and Conditions ...............................................................................14 III. Specific Provisions ............................................................................................................ 14 A. Technical Specifications .......................................................................................... 14 B. Business Hours. ........................................................................................................16 C. Bidding Contractor’s Owners and Employees .........................................................16 D. Storage Yard ............................................................................................................18 I
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
E. Trucks ...................................................................................................................... 19 F. Towing ..................................................................................................................... 19 G. Response Time ..........................................................................................................19 H. Towing Program Fee................................................................................................ 20 I. Other Fees ................................................................................................................ 21 IV. Pricing Submittal .............................................................................................................. 21 A. Towing Program Fees .............................................................................................. 21 B. Towing Charges for City Vehicles ...........................................................................22 C. Storage Fees ............................................................................................................. 22 D. Lien Sale Fees .......................................................................................................... 22 Attachments:

A. Towing Fee Schedule ................................................................................................23 B. Bidding Contractor’s References ..............................................................................25 C. Standard Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposals………………………..27 1 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
City of National City
I. OBJECTIVE AND PROCESS
A. BACKGROUND
On a daily basis, officers require vehicles be towed for various purposes. During calendar years 2021 through 2025 the National City Police Department (hereinafter “NCPD”) initiated non-referral impounds towing an average of approximately 1,243 vehicles per year. The City of National City (hereinafter “City”) does not operate tow trucks, nor does it have sufficient storage for the number of vehicles towed per year. Therefore, it is necessary to contract for such services to assist the NCPD.

B. DEFINITIONS
“Administrative Review Fee” is a fee charged to the vehicle owner, operator or agent and is collected by the contractor, on behalf of the City. The fee supports the staff time utilized to process and administer requests and appeals from unlicensed drivers for release for their vehicles prior to the 30 days prescribed by the California Vehicle Code. This includes a hearing with the Police Traffic Supervisor. The “Administrative Review Fee” may be adjusted during the term of the Contract at the discretion of the City.
“Bidding Contractor” is defined as a potential Contractor submitting a Proposal in response to the City’s formal Request for Proposals. “Committee” is defined as the Chief of Police, City Attorney, Purchasing Agent and City Manager, or their designees.
“Contract” is defined as the agreement between the City of National City and the Contractor(s) chosen as a result of this Request for Proposals for the proposed dates of service.
“Contract Administrator” is defined as the Chief of Police. “Contractor” is defined as the company(s) selected to be the designated tow truck company(s) during the term of the Contract.
“Contractor Rotation” is defined as the on-call rotation schedule determined by NCPD as to which Contractor is on-call at any given time, which schedule will depend on the quantity of chosen Contractors but will be equally arranged. “Contract Year” is defined as any one year, a consecutive 365-day period during the term of the Contract.
“Fee Schedule” is defined as the fees charged by a Contractor to the owner, operator, or agent of the subject vehicle for various services charged by or through the Contractor. The fee schedule is approved and authorized by the City Council. 2 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
City of National City
The fee schedule includes itemized charges for numerous towing and storage services including, but not limited to, hookup fees, dolly fees, daily storage fees, after-hour release fees, City administrative fees, etc. “Negligent Vehicle Impound Release (NVIR) Fee” is authorized by the City and is paid by the owner to the City, collected through the Contractor. The NVIR Fee is defined as a fee charged to the owner, operator or agent of a vehicle that violated certain specified sections of the California Vehicle Code or National City Municipal Code. The NVIR fee is currently established at one hundred twenty-four ($124) dollars. The NVIR fee may be adjusted during the term of the Contract at the discretion of the City. The Contractor, on behalf of the City, collects this fee from the owner, in addition to the other fees the Contractor is authorized to charge and collect, and remits this payment to the City twice a month. The NVIR Fee is authorized by California Vehicle Code Section 22850.5(a). “On-Demand Tow” is defined as the towing of a vehicle by a towing company that has been requested by the vehicle owner, operator, or agent, without police involvement. On-Demand tows may include owners or agents of private property landholders who arrange for vehicle towing service from private property without police involvement. If NCPD becomes involved in arranging for tow service, the matter is considered a “Police Referral Tow”. On-Demand Tows are considered independent services outside the scope of the City’s Contract. “Police Tow” shall mean the towing of a vehicle at the direction of NCPD where the consent of the owner, operator, or their agent of the vehicle is not required under existing law. This shall include, but is not limited to, the towing of vehicles that are illegally parked, abandoned, are evidence in a criminal investigation, are disabled due to a collision (pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22500), mechanically disabled, or otherwise subject to the authority of NCPD. “Police Referral Tow” is defined as the towing of a vehicle by NCPD, at the request of the vehicle owner, operator, or their agent. Examples include mechanically disabled vehicles, vehicles disabled as a result of collision, or any other circumstances where the public right-of-way is impacted. “Proposal” is defined as a Bidding Contractor’s response/bid to this RFP. “Provisional Award” means the final selection of Contractor(s) recommended by City staff, but before City Council has awarded the final Contract(s). “Purchasing Agent” for the City is defined as the designated position of Buyer in the Finance Department.
“RFP” means this Request for Proposals for the towing Contract. “Response Time” is defined as the elapsed time between the dispatch of the tow 3 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
City of National City
service request by the NCPD Dispatch Center or City employee to the Contractor, and the arrival of the specific tow truck type requested to fulfill the tow need onscene. “Secondary Tow” is defined as the impound of a vehicle on orders of law enforcement under the authority of California Vehicle Code Sections 22655 or 22655.5 and the vehicle is brought to NCPD for evidence processing. The secondary tow occurs when NCPD directs the original Contractor to retrieve and store the vehicle on the Contractor’s property.
“Towing Program Fee” is a fee from the Contractor to the City and is authorized by California Vehicle Code Section 12110(b). It is defined as a quarterly fee charged to Contractor(s) by the City in connection with the award of a franchise for the towing services for the City. The Towing Program Fee is designed to compensate the City for its actual and reasonable costs incurred by the City to process and administer towing services. The Towing Program Fee may be adjusted during the term of the Contract at the discretion of the City Council, and is payable and set forth in Attachment “A”. If more than one Contractor is chosen, then the fee is divided equally amongst the number, in equal shares, each quarter. “Victim or Victim Vehicle” refers to anyone who is the victim of a crime and that their vehicle was towed as a result of that crime. The most common example of this is a California Vehicle Code Section 10851 vehicle (stolen vehicle). When a stolen vehicle is recovered, the Victim/vehicle owner is not charged to recover their vehicle from the tow company. The tow company (Contractor) may charge the City for services at a lower rate.

C. SCOPE OF WORK
The purpose of this RFP is to obtain a Contract to provide towing services required by the City for the period of three (3) yearsfrom award of the Contract, with options to renew up to two (2) additional one-year periods. The Contractor shall provide towing and storage for the City of National City for its towing allowed by law without the owner or agent’s consent, provided under the law. The performance area includes all incorporated areas of the City of National City, California. The Contract excludes vehicles that are towed due to impound forfeiture or the City’s abandoned vehicles program (“AVA”). Subcontracting by the Contractor for the actual towing service will not be permitted by the City.

D. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this RFP is to award Contract(s) that deliver the best overall value to the City including, but not limited to, experience, price, delivery, ability to meet specifications, efficiency, and any and all other factors that may be of benefit to the City related to providing the services outlined in this RFP. It is the City’s intent to award Contracts to two (2) Contractors. Contractors will be scheduled for towing 4 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
City of National City
services on a rotating schedule. Following award of the Contract(s), the NCPD Traffic Supervisor will provide each Contractor with a schedule.

E. PURCHASING AGENT
Contractors who have received this RFP from a source other than the Purchasing Agent listed on the cover page of this RFP should immediately go to PlanetBids.com and register to become a vendor. Contractors can then submit their RFP for the contract via the electronic PlanetBids system.

F. QUESTIONS
Each Bidding Contractor is responsible for carefully reading and fully understanding the terms and conditions of this RFP. All contact between Bidding Contractors and the City will be formally made at scheduled meetings or in writing through PlanetBids. Requests for clarification or additional information and questions must be made in writing through PlanetBids no later than 3:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026. Only written communications through PlanetBids relative to this RFP shall be considered. The City cannot and will not respond to verbal questions.

It is incumbent upon the Bidding Contractor to verify City receipt of their questions.

All questions will be answered in writing. Both questions and answers may be distributed, without identification of the inquirer(s), to all Bidding Contractors through PlanetBids. No oral communications can be relied upon for this RFP. Any oral statements made that may materially change any portion of this RFP are not valid unless subsequently ratified by a formal written amendment to this RFP. To the extent that a question causes a change to any part of this RFP, an addendum shall be issued addressing such questions through PlanetBids.

G. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Proposals shall be:

1. Electronic Submittals: In an effort to promote waste reduction and resource conservation, only electronic proposals will be accepted via PlanetBids.

One (1) high quality electronic PDF copy shall be submitted on the PlanetBids portal no later than 12:00 PM on June 15th, 2026. https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=24103 Firms are required to register for a PlanetBids account prior to submitting the Proposal;

2. Submitted according to the requirements set forth in this RFP and in the format set forth herein. Failure to adhere to these specifications may be cause for rejection, at City’s sole discretion;
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3. Made in the official name of the business or individual under which the Bidding Contractor’s business is conducted (including the official business address);

4. Cover page of this RFP signed by a person duly authorized to commit Bidding Contractor to the Proposal;

5. Addressed to the Purchasing Agent identified on the cover page of this RFP;

6. The Bidding Contractor must submit one (1) original cover page.

Attachments shall be provided in the same manner; and

7. Failure to submit the proposals through PlanetBids will result in automatic rejection of the proposals. Proposals submitted by fax or emails are not acceptable and will not be considered.

H. CLOSING DATE
Proposals must be submitted through PlanetBids on or before the date and time specified on the cover page, in the format set forth herein. There will be no public opening of the proposals. The names of the Bidding Contractors will not be released until announcement of the Provisional Award.

I. LATE SUBMISSIONS
Bidding Contractors submitting proposals should allow sufficient time to enter and submit the Proposal through PlanetBids. Any Proposal, addenda to Proposals, request for withdrawal of Proposals arriving after the closing date and time, or modification of a Proposal that is not received through PlanetBids at the time and date set forth herein will be considered late and shall not be accepted by the City.

Submission of the Proposal through PlanetBids by the prescribed time and date is the sole responsibility of the Bidding Contractor. A record of late submission, request for withdrawal, or modification of a Proposal shall be made in the appropriate City file.

J. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION
Each Proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the Bidding Contractor’s offer and capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.
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K. CONTENT OF THE PROPOSAL

1. Proposal Summary
The Proposal Summary shall be submitted by the company’s management and shall contain a brief narrative or synopsis summary of how the Bidding Contractor’s proposal meets the needs of the City, incorporating the Bidding Contractor’s understanding of the background, scope of work, and objective as specified in the RFP.

2. The Technical Proposal
The information specified herein must be addressed in the Technical Proposal. The Bidding Contractor must expressly indicate that it satisfies and is fully capable of providing each provision and requirement of the RFP. Bidding Contractors shall provide responses to each paragraph in the same order as the RFP, citing the heading and then their response. Simple “Yes”, “No”, or “Comply” responses to stated Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications are insufficient. Rather, the Bidding Contractor must describe in detail how the proposed services meet or exceed the stated Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications, and Bidding Contractor shall state their understanding and compliance. Additionally, the Bidding Contractor must explain any exception or deviation from the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications. Bidding Contractors should also include any other information they feel may be of benefit to the City.

Bidding Contractors are urged to read the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications very carefully and must submit their questions, in writing, by 3:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026. Misinterpretation of Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications by the Bidding Contractor shall not relieve the Bidding Contractor of responsibility to perform the Contract, if awarded.

3. Submittals Required with Technical Specifications
(1) Bidding Contractor’s References (Attachment “B” to this RFP.) (2) Copy of the fully-executed CHP form 234B for trucks assigned to this RFP
Failure to provide the required submittals with the proposal may be cause for the Proposal to be rejected as non-responsive and unacceptable. 7 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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4. Price Proposal Pages
Bidding Contractors shall submit their own pricing proposals. The pricing proposals shall be clear, understandable, and in an organized fashion. The Bidding Contractor must provide a bid for the Towing Fee Schedule as set forth in Attachment “A”. The City will evaluate submitted bids and determine an appropriate Towing Fee Schedule that will be applicable to each awarded Contractor and may be used as a guide in developing the Price Proposal.

5. Completion and Signing of the RFP Cover Page
Bidding Contractors must complete and sign the RFP cover page. Failure to submit this signed document may cause the Bidding Contractor’s Proposal to be rejected.

L. SUBMITTALS REQUIRED UPON PROVISIONAL AWARD

1. Insurance requirements as specified in Section II, paragraph B of this RFP.

2. Names of all Bidding Contractor’s employees that will be assigned to the Contract, as specified in Section III, paragraph C of this RFP.

3. Failure to provide the required submittals upon Provisional Award, within the time period specified, may be cause for the Provisional Award to be voided and the Proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

M. ACCEPTABILITY OF PROPOSALS
The Purchasing Agent shall determine which Bidding Contractors have met the requirements of the RFP. Failure to comply with any mandatory requirement will normally disqualify a proposal. The Purchasing Agent and/or Committee shall have the authority to determine whether any deviation from the requirements of this RFP is significant in nature. The Purchasing Agent may waive or permit to be cured minor irregularities or minor informalities in Proposals that are immaterial or inconsequential in nature, whenever it is determined to be in the City’s best interest.

The Purchasing Agent may reject in whole or in part any and all proposals if such is in the City’s best interest.

N. EVALUATION
The Committee will review the Technical Specifications, Specific Provisions and Price Proposal. Additionally, the City reserves the right to require, during Proposal evaluation, that the Bidding Contractor provide a copy of its most current Annual 8 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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Report or audited Statement of Financial Condition to include a Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement or other acceptable financial information. These documents may be relied on in further determining the Bidding Contractor’s financial responsibility.

O. ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Bidding Contractors may be required to make individual presentations to the Committee, or its designated representatives, in order to clarify their Proposals. If the City determines that such presentation is needed, the issuing office will schedule a time and place for oral presentations. The Bidding Contractor is required to make the oral presentation within five (5) workdays after request by the City. Each Bidding Contractor should be prepared to discuss and substantiate any of the areas of the Proposal submitted, as well as its qualifications to furnish the specified products and services. Notwithstanding the possibility of a request for an oral presentation, Bidding Contractors shall not rely on the possibility of such a request and shall submit a complete and comprehensive written response to this RFP.

P. NEGOTIATION
The City has the right to accept the best Proposal as submitted, without discussion or negotiation. Bidding Contractors should therefore not rely on having a chance to discuss, negotiate or adjust their Proposals after submission.

Q. CITY’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

1. Issuance of this RFP and subsequent receipt of Proposals does not obligate the City in any way to engage any Bidding Contractor, nor does it commit the City to award any Contract(s).

2. The City retains sole discretion to evaluate statements and make awards to Bidding Contractors the City deems to be most responsive and qualified to provide the services requested.

3. The City reserves the right to request additional information and/or clarification from any or all respondents to this RFP.

4. The City reserves the unilateral right to cancel this RFP or reject, in whole or in part, any or all Proposals submitted in response to this RFP, at any time and for any or no reason, without penalty.

5. The City reserves the right to withdraw this RFP and/or abandon the Proposal evaluation and selection process, for any or no reason, at any time prior to the actual execution of a Contract with a Bidding Contractor; furthermore, the City shall bear no financial or other responsibility in the event of such action.

6. The City reserves the right to waive any irregularities or informalities with this RFP or the corresponding Proposal evaluation and selection process. 9 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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7. The City reserves the right to make changes to this RFP, for any or no reason, including but not limited to: submittal requirements, submittal date, and Proposal evaluation and selection process. If the City makes any changes contemplated in this subsection, notice of such changes will be posted as an addendum on PlanetBids.

8. The City reserves the right to negotiate any and all final terms and conditions, including length, scope of services, and compensation, of any Contracts entered into with qualified Bidding Contractors.

9. The City does not accept financial responsibility for costs incurred by Bidding Contractors in the preparation of a response to this RFP or participation in the evaluation and selection process.

R. EVIDENCE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Prior to the award of a Contract(s) pursuant to this RFP, the City may require all Bidding Contractors to submit such additional information bearing upon Bidding Contractor’s ability to perform the Contract, as the City deems appropriate. A Bidding Contractor may be required to make an oral presentation or a demonstration of its facilities and equipment to the City. The City may also consider any information otherwise available, but not limited to price, technical, and qualifications relative to ability, customer service, capacity, integrity, ethics, performance record, proper levels of insurance, and experience of the Bidding Contractors.

S. BASIS OF AWARD
Award will be made to the responsible Bidding Contractor or Contractors whose Proposal(s) is (are) determined to provide the overall best value to the City, considering evaluation of service capabilities, experience, price, and other factors assessed in this RFP.

Technical ranking of Proposals will be evaluated in conjunction with the corresponding price ranking to determine a final ranking for each Proposal. The City is under no obligation to make award based solely upon financial factors.

Monetary or other incentives offered by the Bidding Contractor not contained or required by this RFP will not be considered, or be a basis of the award.

Any Contract to provide towing services is subject to a substantive City administration review process by the Committee. The Committee will issue a recommendation as to the award and provide a Provisional Award. However, no Contract for towing service shall become effective until the City Council of the City of National City has reviewed and approved the Contract in a City Council meeting. The Contract(s) will be on standard City forms and are expected to substantially conform with the language and provisions contained therein. Any Contracts awarded shall be governed in all respect by the laws of the State of 10 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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California, and any litigation related to the Contract or this RFP shall be brought in the State of California, with a venue of the San Diego Superior Courts. Bidding Contractors awarded Contracts with the City shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

T. INCURRED EXPENSES
The City will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by a Bidding Contractor in preparing and submitting a Proposal or best and final offer or participation in the evaluation and selection process, including in making an oral presentation or demonstration.

U. PUBLIC INFORMATION
Bidding Contractors’ Proposals and related correspondence, reports, schedules, exhibits and other documentation submitted in response to this RFP will become property of the City and a matter of public record. All documents submitted in response to this RFP will be subject to disclosure if requested by a member of the public. There are a very limited number of narrow exceptions to these disclosure requirements. Budgets and cost proposals submitted by Bidding Contractors shall not be considered confidential or proprietary and may be subject to disclosure. The City, in its sole discretion, will determine whether any portion of materials submitted are exempt from disclosure. Any materials Bidding Contractors seek to be treated as confidential must be clearly identified as such. If City disagrees and intends to disclose such records, the burden will be on Bidding Contractor, at its sole cost and expense, to take appropriate legal action to prevent disclosure.

II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. ROLES OF THE PURCHASING AGENT AND CITY CONTRACT

ADMINISTRATOR
The Purchasing Agent is the City’s authorized representative for all pre-Contract matters related to this RFP. Throughout the duration of the RFP period, the Purchasing Agent shall be the individual with authority to modify any provisions of this RFP including, without limitation, the statement of work or pricing. The Chief of Police or designee shall be the principal interface on behalf of the City for post-award technical matters, and shall have the authority to explain and provide further details regarding the City’s expectations concerning the work to be performed hereunder and/or the items to be provided herein. The Chief of Police or designee shall have no authority to modify any provisions of this RFP. 11 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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Contract Administrator for the City of National City
Chief of Police
National City Police Department
1200 National City Blvd
National City, CA. 91950
(619) 336-4411
Management and Operations
Neighborhood Policing Team I Lieutenant
National City Police Department
1200 National City Blvd
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-4411
Inspection & Operational Supervision
Traffic Supervisor
National City Police Department
1200 National City Blvd
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-4420
B. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All required insurance shall be submitted to the City prior to the granting of the Provisional Award. Failure to provide the insurance certificates as previously set out shall cause the Proposal to be rejected as non-responsive. The Contractor shall maintain insurance in full force and effect during the entire period of performance under contract. Failure to do so shall be cause for immediate termination of the Contract.

All policies must have a thirty (30) day cancellation clause, giving the City thirty (30) days prior written notice in the event a policy is cancelled.

At the end of each Contract year, the City reserves the right to review insurance requirements and to require more or less coverage, depending upon assessment of the risk, the Contractor’s past experience, and the availability and affordability of increased liability insurance coverage.

Insurance shall be written with only insurers authorized to conduct business in California which hold a current policy holder’s alphabetic and financial size category rating of not less than A: VII according to the current Best’s Key Rating Guide, or a company of equal financial stability that the City’s Risk Manager approves. In the event coverage is provided by non-admitted “surplus lines” 12 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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carriers, they must be included on the most recent List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers (“LASLI”) and otherwise meet rating requirements.

All policies must be endorsed to provide that the insurance afforded by Bidding Contractor is primary to any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City and its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and representatives with respect to the operations of the named insured. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City and its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and representatives shall be in excess of the Bidding Contractor’s insurance and shall not contribute to it.

The following coverage is required:
i. Commercial General Liability Insurance, with minimum limits of either $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate, covering all bodily injury and property damage arising out of its operations, work, or performance under this Agreement. The policy shall name the City and its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers as additional insureds, and a separate additional insured endorsement shall be provided. The general aggregate limit must apply solely to this “project” or “location.” The “project” or “location” should be noted with specificity on an endorsement that shall be incorporated into the policy.
ii. Automobile Liability for a minimum of two million dollars combined single limit ($2,000,000.00 CSL) per person and four million dollars ($4,000,000.00) per accident. The City of National City must be named as an additional insured on the certificate.
iii. Garage Keepers minimum of one million dollars each occurrence ($1,000,000.00 EO).
iv. On Hook/Cargo in amounts not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) / twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) /one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), the maximum deductible shall be no more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00).
v. Workers’ compensation insurance in an amount sufficient to meet statutory requirements covering all of the Bidding Contractor’s employees and employers’ liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident. In addition, the policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City. Said endorsement shall be provided prior to commencement of work under the Contract.
vi. The City does not require a performance bond.

If required insurance coverage is provided on a ‘claims made’ rather than 13 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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‘occurrence’ form, the Bidding Contractor shall maintain such insurance coverage for three (3) years after expiration of the term (and any extensions) of the Contract.

Any aggregate insurance limits must apply solely to the Contract.

The Certificate Holder for all policies of insurance required by the Contract shall be:

City of National City
c/o Risk Manager
1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA. 91950-4397

The Contract shall not take effect until certificate(s) or other sufficient proof that these insurance provisions have been complied with, are filed with, and approved by the City’s Risk Manager.

C. OPTION TO RENEW
The City of National City reserves the option to renew the Contract for up to two (2) successive one-year periods under the terms and conditions stated in the Contract, beginning on the anniversary of the commencement of service, including any amendments. The renewal is contingent on a mutual agreement between the City and the Bidding Contractor, with such agreement to extend to be confirmed by the Contract Administrator within sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Contract period. The City of National City or the Bidding Contractor may decline to confirm the renewal of the Contract for any reason whatsoever, which shall render the renewal option null and void.

The City’s initial letter informing the Bidding Contractor of the City’s interest in exercising its option to renew the Contract does not constitute an award of the option period. Any option acceptance must be confirmed by the City of National City in writing, before it becomes valid.

The City will not grant an option to extend if the Bidding Contractor requests an increase which exceeds the average percentage variant for the previous twelve (12) months in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the National City area, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or five percent (5%), whichever is less. If a price increase is requested, the Bidding Contractor must provide detailed supporting documentation to justify the requested increase. The City will evaluate the requested increase, and the City reserves the right to accept or reject the requested increase.

D. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Except as otherwise specified herein, the attached Standard Terms and Conditions 14 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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for Request for Proposals (Attachment “C”) are incorporated as part of this RFP and any resulting Contract by reference.

By signing and/or authorizing the Proposal submittal, the Bidding Contractor acknowledges that they have read and understand the meaning, intent, and requirements of said Standard Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposals, and acknowledge said Standard Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposals are included as a part of this RFP. In the event of any conflict between the City of National City Standard Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposals and the terms and conditions included in this RFP, the terms and conditions of this RFP shall prevail.

III. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
All requirements specified within this RFP are minimum requirements to be included in the Proposal and resulting Contract(s), which the Bidding Contractor shall meet in providing services for the City.

A. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Evaluation of the Technical Specifications of the Proposals will be in accordance with the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications of the Proposal. The Bidding Contractor must satisfy and explicitly respond to all the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications, including a detailed explanation of how each item listed in the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications are to be met. The last phase of this technical evaluation will be the ranking by the Purchasing Agent of each qualified Proposal on technical merit.

1. Meeting the Specific Provisions and Technical Specifications Evaluation factors will include, but are not limited to, the technical aspects of the Proposal, delivery, feasibility of the Proposal, conformity of services proposed to the specifications, and any other factors that may be of value to the City. The Purchasing Agent may request additional technical assistance from any source.

2. Bidding Contractor Experience and Past Performance
The City requires established business experience, performance, and references within the past three (3) years (see Attachment “B”). The references listed shall verify that the Bidding Contractor has provided services of a similar scope and nature to those outlined in this RFP, and that they are able to provide information about the quality of the Bidding Contractor’s past performance. The Bidding Contractor shall verify that references, telephone, and facsimile numbers are valid. 15 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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When assessing the Bidding Contractor’s past performance, the City may consider its experience if the Bidding Contractor worked with the City previously, and may also contact other sources of information including, but not limited to, Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies, Better Business Bureaus, published media, and electronic databases. The City may consider the Bidding Contractor’s history of compliance with their local regulations, state law, their zoning and Conditional Use Permits, if they are applicable.

Bidding Contractor must disclose any debarment or other disqualification or removal as a contractor or service provider for any federal, state or local entities within the last ten (10) years, including any instances where the Bidding Contractor’s contract with such public agencies was terminated (other than for expiration of the term). Bidding Contractor must describe the nature of the debarment/disqualification/removal, including the date and agency involved.

3. Inspection
The City reserves the right to inspect, without advance notice, the Bidding Contractor’s equipment and facilities to determine if the Bidding Contractor is capable of fulfilling the terms of the Contract. Inspection will include, but is not limited to, survey of the Bidding Contractor’s physical assets (including operational ability of all trucks) and financial capability.

The Bidding Contractor, by signing the Proposal, agrees to allow the City or its agents’ right of access to physical assets and financial records for the sole purpose of determining the Bidding Contractor’s capability to perform the Contract. The Bidding Contractor shall grant access to facilities/equipment for inspection and financial recordsin a timely manner.

In conducting this inspection, the City reserves the right to disqualify a Bidding Contractor who does not, in the City’s judgment, exhibit the sufficient physical and financial resources to perform the Contract.

Failure to permit an inspection upon the City’s initial request may be cause for disqualification. No notice is necessary to the Bidding Contractor.

B. BUSINESS HOURS
The business office of the Contractor shall be located within the storage yard for which a towed vehicle is located and be open to serve the public and the City from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for City observed holidays.

City observed holidays are:

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Farmworkers Day (formerly Cesar Chavez Day), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day 16 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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and the Friday immediately thereafter, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

C. BIDDING CONTRACTOR’S OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES
All drivers must maintain a professional appearance. Bidding Contractor staffshall work in a neat and clean uniform. The Bidding Contractor(s) shall furnish staff with a shirt or some other type of outerwear bearing the company name and logo.

Appropriate clothing will be worn at all times, including by employees that are being trained. All employees will conduct themselves in a professional manner when interacting with the public or City employees.

Within ten (10) days of Provisional Award, the Bidding Contractor(s) shall provide the NCPD Traffic Division Sergeant with the results of a criminal background check from a Live Scan fingerprinting service certified by the State of California for all owners of the Bidding Contractor. Such information will be kept confidential to the maximum extent allowed by law, and the Bidding Contractor agrees to cooperate and provide additional information requested. In the event that the findings of the background check indicate that the Bidding Contractor’s criminal history or practice of doing business will endanger the public health, safety, or morals of the community, it shall be considered as a disqualifying factor of this RFP. Any one of the following will be considered a disqualifying factor of this RFP:
a Bidding Contractor’s misdemeanor or felony conviction in the past five (5) years involving a stolen or embezzled vehicle, fraud related to the towing business, stolen or embezzled property, a crime of violence, a sexual offense, a drug-related offense, felony driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a crime of moral turpitude (“conduct which is contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals” for which there is a nexus, or logical relationship between the criminal conduct and the Bidding Contractor’s fitness to engage in the towing business – a California Department of Motor Vehicle driver license certificates and endorsement guidelines), or a crime involving the bidding, award or performance of a government contract. Additionally, evidence that an owner or manager is operating any illegal business, or has an ownership interest in any illegal business, will be considered a disqualifying factor of this RFP.

The Bidding Contractor will further notify the NCPD Traffic Supervisor whenever an owner disposes of or otherwise loses their ownership interest, or when a new owner obtains an ownership interest in Bidding Contractor, within ten (10) days and in writing, for submission of a Live Scan background investigation as set forth herein.

The Bidding Contractor(s) shall ensure that all tow truck drivers responding to calls initiated by the City are properly licensed, qualified and competent employees. The Bidding Contractor(s) shall ensure all tow truck drivers are trained and proficient in the use of the tow truck and related equipment including, but not limited to, the procedures necessary for the safe towing and recovery of ALL vehicles. All tow truck drivers shall possess the proper class license and certificates for towing vehicles, along with a Class ‘A’ endorsement to allow operation of special vehicle 17 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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configurations and/or special cargos.

The Bidding Contractors’ employees shall be qualified to perform all work undertaken by, or assigned to them. In the event a driver or the equipment is inadequate and the Bidding Contractor is unable to service the request, a charge for service or labor will not be permitted.

Operators shall have all tow truck drivers involved with NCPD’s rotation tow operations participate in a controlled substance and alcohol testing (CSAT) program.
1) Drivers requiring a Class A, Class B, or commercial Class C license (endorsed for hazardous materials transportation) shall participate in a CSAT program as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 40 and 382.
2) Those drivers that are not required to possess a Class A, Class B, or commercial Class C license shall be enrolled in a CSAT program substantially similar to the requirements as outlined in Subsection 1 above. 3) The operator shall ensure selection pools for commercially and noncommercially licensed drivers are maintained separately. The operator shall provide proof records of their CSAT programs to NCPD.
4) A driver possessing a non-commercial driver’s license who tests positive but subsequently returns with a negative test result shall meet the same reinstatement requirements as a driver required to possess a commercial driver’s license.

D. STORAGE YARD
There shall be a minimum of one (1) vehicle storage yard within a ten (10) mile radius from City Hall, located at 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, with adequate storage capabilities for all vehicles retrieved from the City and requiring storage. The Bidding Contractor shall identify the exact location and size of any storage yards included in their Proposal. No other storage yard may be used for purposes of execution of the Contract with the City, i.e. all vehicles towed from within the City must be stored in the yard within the ten-mile radius of City Hall.

The storage yard shall be at least 10,000 square feet and have space necessary to accommodate all NCPD tows and comply with all applicable local and state regulations (including, but not limited to: National City Municipal Code and California Fire, Sign, Zoning, and Building Codes). The storage yard shall also:

1. Be completely enclosed by a building or an 8-foot uniform high solid fence or wall with a lockable gate.
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2. Contain alarms and intrusion sensors that provide immediate notification capabilities at all times, or similar devices or security measures.

3. Include sufficient lighting to detect unauthorized entrance at night.

4. All areas open to vehicular traffic shall be paved with cement, asphalt surfacing or oil and aggregate mixture.

5. Be continuously maintained to prevent accumulation of trash, combustible waste, and hazardous debris, at the entire site.

6. Be a reasonable distance from public transportation.

7. Be served by drainage capabilities to prevent the accumulation of water.

8. Arrange stored vehicles to provide reasonable and immediate inspection at any time by the City’s agents.

The Bidding Contractor shall provide service to the public twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, so that an owner may pay towing and storage fees at the storage yard where their vehicle is stored and obtain its release.

The Bidding Contractor is responsible for the reasonable care, custody, security, and control of any property contained in towed or stored vehicles. All items removed from a vehicle or left stored within the vehicle shall be released to the owner or agent of the impounded vehicle upon demand during normal business hours unless the vehicle is under law enforcement hold.

Vehicles may not be taken off-site of the storage yard, without the City’s express written permission.

E. TRUCKS
The Bidding Contractor shall provide equipment capable of providing the following services:

1. Towing of large oversized vehicles as defined in Attachment “A”;

2. Towing from off road areas;

3. Towing in underground garages;

4. Wheel lift towing; and

5. Rollback towing.
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All tow trucks shall meet the California Highway Patrol (“CHP”) requirements relating to tow trucks and the California Vehicle Code standards for design, equipment, and safety for the driver, operator, and public. Proof of certification by the CHP must be submitted with the Proposal.

All tow trucks used by the Bidding Contractor(s) in performance of the Contract shall be equipped with a system that enables the driver of the tow truck to immediately communicate with the Bidding Contractor’s dispatch center.

F. TOWING
The Bidding Contractor(s) shall tow all forfeited vehicles, as directed by the City.

The Bidding Contractor(s) shall not drive the forfeited vehicles except to move them within the storage facility. Use of vehicles for personal or other use than as herein prescribed is strictly prohibited.

G. RESPONSE TIME
The Response Time for Towing Service shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes.

The Bidding Contractor is expected to dispatch any available tow truck immediately upon receipt of a towing request.

The Bidding Contractor is expected to notify the NCPD Dispatch Center when the Response Time requirement cannot be met. The NCPD dispatcher or the officer at the scene will have the discretion to cancel the tow if the Response Time cannot or is not met and re-dispatch to the alternate tow contractor, at no cost to the City.

Bidding Contractor(s) shall pay a five-hundred-dollar ($500.00) penalty if more than five percent (5%) of the tows in any calendar month period exceed the maximum Response Time requirement. This is calculated based on individual tow per any single request by the City for emergency towing services and not average response times. Failure to meet the Response Time requirements may result in the termination of the Contract.

H. TOWING PROGRAM FEE
The Bidding Contractor(s) shall make quarterly Towing Program Fee payments to the City, as permitted pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 12110. The quarterly Towing Program Fee payment amount shall be thirty-seven thousand five hundred eighty-two dollars ($37,582), for an annual total of $150,328, to be divided in equal shares between the selected Bidding Contractors. The Towing Program Fee is payable to the City on the fifteenth day of the calendar month following the end of each fiscal quarter. The designated Towing Program Fee payment shall be payable 20 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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for the length of the Contract, subject to annual adjustments. No part of the Towing Program Fee payment shall be refunded or forgiven if the Contract is terminated for any reason.

The Towing Program Fee is payable by electronic transfer (ACH) deposit to the "City of National City Finance Department." ACH payments shall be directed as follows:

Finance Department
City of National City
1243 National City Blvd.

National City, CA 91950
Copies of all ACH deposits shall also be sent to the Traffic Officer Coordinator at the National City Police Department via email to [email protected]. (Payments to be identified as: Towing Program Fee for the quarter of .)
I. OTHER FEES
The Bidding Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and paying to the City any pass- through fees authorized by state and local regulation (i.e., Administrative Review Fee and NVIR). These are fees paid by the vehicle’s owner or their agents to the City, collected by the Bidding Contractor before release.

Such fees collected by the Bidding Contractor shall be due and payable to the City no later than the fifth (5th) day of each month, and the twentieth (20th) day of each month. Payments due on the fifth (5th) day of each month shall include and account for all vehicles released by the Bidding Contractor between the sixteenth (16th) day of the month and the last day of the month (inclusive). Payments due on the twentieth (20th) day of the month shall include and account for all vehicles released by the Bidding Contractor between the first (1st) day of each month and the fifteenth (15th) day of the month (inclusive).

Payments shall be directed via electronic deposit (ACH) to the City of National City Finance Department. Copies of all ACH deposits shall be forward to:

Traffic Office Coordinator
National City Police Department
1200 National City Blvd.

National City, CA 91950
[email protected]
(Payments to be identified)
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IV. PRICING SUBMITTAL
The Price Proposal shall address all items identified below and incorporated in the attached Fee Schedule (Attachment “A”), along with any other charges.

A. TOWING PROGRAM FEE

1. Fees
Bidding Contractor(s) shall make quarterly designated Towing Program Fee payments to the City for the right to provide towing and storage service to the City. The Towing Program Fee payment amounts by the Contractor(s) shall be combined to be thirty-seven thousand five hundred and eighty-two dollars ($37,582) per quarter, divided equally.

2. Towing Program Fee - Due Date
The Towing Program Fee payment shall be due and payable no later than the fifteenth (15th) day of the calendar month following the end of each quarter.

3. Towing Program Fee - Late Fee
Any amount owed the City beyond the due date shall accrue interest each day the amount due is not paid, at an annual rate equal to twelve (12%) percent per annum, or at the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, whichever is lower.

B. TOWING CHARGES FOR CITY VEHICLES
The Bidding Contractor agrees not to charge the City a fee for the towing of marked or unmarked City police vehicles within the jurisdictional limits of National City.

The Bidding Contractor agrees to provide the City (5) free tows per quarter and then 25% on each additional Basic Tow Fee for the towing of all other City vehicles (non-NCPD vehicles) within the jurisdictional limits of National City.

The Bidding Contractor agrees that the fees for towing all City vehicles occurring outside the jurisdictional limits of National City shall be resolved between the Contract Administrators, but shall not exceed 25% of the Basic Tow Fee.

C. STORAGE FEES
Daily storage fees for City vehicles, seized vehicles, and vehicles for evidentiary purposes shall not exceed 25% of the regular daily storage fee. No additional fees may be incurred after (6) months on long-term evidence hold and seized vehicles. 22 2026 Towing Request for Proposals
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D. LIEN SALE FEES
Any and all fees associated with the disposition of vehicles, whether paid by the City or public, as provided by law.
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ATTACHMEN T “A”
(Bidding Contractor must provide a bid for the below Towing Fee Schedule. The City will evaluate submitted bids and determine an appropriate Towing Fee Schedule that will be applicable to each awarded contractor.)

TOWING FEE SCHEDULE

SERVICE FEE

BASIC TOWING
Includes first hour hookup, labor, standby time, for vehicles under 9,500 GVW (unloaded).

MEDIUM SIZE - BASIC TOWING
Includes first hour hookup, labor, stand-by time, for vehicles over 9,500 GVW but less than 22,000 GVW (unloaded).

LARGE SIZE - BASIC TOWING
Includes first hour hookup, labor, and standby time, for vehicles over 22,000 GVW (unloaded).

ON-SCENE or STAND-BY LABOR
Each 15-minute increment, beyond first hour. Is charged only when extraordinary labor must be expended to recover a vehicle. Stand-by is charged when the job cannot be started and must be explained on the tow bill.

DOLLIES:

Will only be used when there is not a less expensive, safe manner of handling the situation.

DRY RUN
May also be known as a “hook-up – drop fee” and is charged when the vehicle is hooked up and the owner returns before the vehicle is in transit.

PER MILE TOWING
Applies only to vehicles recovered outside the jurisdiction of the City of National City.

MAXIMUM STORAGE – PER DAY
Per day is defined as a 24-hour period.
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STORAGE PER HOUR
The maximum daily hourly storage rate, not to exceed the maximum storage-per day rate.

AFTER HOURS VEHICLE RELEASE
After 5PM and before 8AM, including weekends and all Cityobserved holidays

NOTIFICATION OF LIEN SALE
Vehicle valued at less than $4.000. (CVC § 22851.12).

NOTIFICATION OF LIEN SALE
Vehicle valued at over $4,000. (CVC § 22851.12).

POLICE EQUIPMENT TOWING
Inside jurisdictional limits of National City. No Charge

CITY EQUIPMENT TOWING AND STORAGE
Five (5) free tows per quarter, then 25% of Basic towing fee, includes all City vehicles. Also includes police vehicles towed from outside jurisdictional limits of National City.
25% of Basic
Towing Fee

EVIDENTIARY TOWING AND STORAGE
Daily storage fees for City vehicles, seized vehicles, and vehicles for evidentiary purposes (for the first 6 months) No additional charges after 6 months
25% of daily
storage fee
25% of Basic
Towing Fee
TOWING OF VICTIMS’ VEHICLES $60.00
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ATTACHMENT “B”
BIDDING CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES
The Bidding Contractor is required to provide a minimum of five (5) references where work of a similar size and nature was performed within the past three (3) years. This will enable the City of National City to judge the responsibility, experience, skill, and business standing of the Bidding Contractor.

REFERENCES
Company Name: Contact Name:

Address: Phone Number:

Fax Number: