CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JANUARY 28, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR SUBJECT: APPROVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 25C468 WITH QUINN
COMPANY DBA QUINN POWER SYSTEMS FOR THE PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF (1) NEW CATERPILLAR MODEL C9, EPA TIER 3,
STATIONARY EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATOR SET AND
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF (1) CATERPILLAR, MODEL CG,
OPEN TRANSITION AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH FOR THE PALM
SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER; IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$248,813.32
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: David McAbee, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY:
This action will approve construction contract No. 25C468 with Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems for the purchase and installation of (1) new Caterpillar model C9, EPA Tier 3, Stationary Emergency Diesel Generator Set and Purchase and Installation of (1) Caterpillar, Model CG, Open Transition Automatic Transfer Switch for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter; in an amount not to exceed $248,813.32 through the national Sourcewell cooperative purchase agreement No. 092222-CAT.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Construction Contract No. 25C468 with Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems, in an amount not to exceed $248,813.32 for the purchase and installation of (1) new Caterpillar model C9, EPA Tier 3, Stationary Emergency Diesel Generator Set and Purchase and Installation of (1) Caterpillar, Model CG, Open Transition Automatic Transfer Switch, City Project No. 19-26 ; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
According to the Public Integrity Disclosure form (Attachment B), Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems is registered to do business in the state of California.
BACKGROUND:
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 -- Page 2
Approve Construction Contract 25C468 with Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems 7 0
9 The Palm Springs Animal Shelter requires a dedicated emergency power back-up system to support critical operations during power outages. City Measure J project No. 19-26 includes the purchase and installation of a new emergency generator and automatic transfer switch to ensure uninterrupted operation of essential systems such as climate control, medical equipment, lighting, and security. Approval of this Contract will allow staff to proceed with procurement and installation.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
In accordance with City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 7.03.09, “Special Procurement Methods,” Section 5, “Cooperative Purchasing Programs”, the City Council may authorize the acquisition of supplies or services through a joint powers or other cooperative purchasing program with a public entity or association of public agencies or officials, provided that the contractor selected has been selected through a competitive process and the department finds that the competitive process is similar to that contained in Title 7 or adequate to protect the public interest, and that due to economies of scale, the nature of the product, or market conditions, the price of the supplies or services is likely to be less through the cooperative purchase than through the City’s independent purchasing pursuant to Title 7.
Sourcewell is a public agency that conducts competitive solicitations and awards contracts to qualified vendors, allowing participating agencies to benefit from volume pricing and streamlined procurement processes. This cooperative purchasing arrangement provides competitive pricing and efficient procurement to support the operational needs of the Public Works Department through Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #092222-CAT, with authorized dealer Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems for the purchase and installation of (1) new Caterpillar model C9, EPA Tier 3, Stationary Emergency Diesel Generator Set and Purchase and Installation of (1) Caterpillar, Model CG, Open Transition Automatic Transfer Switch for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
The Contract includes procurement and installation, permitting, freight, construction of a generator pad, trenching and conduit installation, electrical connections to the existing facility, ventilation installation, crane placement of equipment, and final system commissioning. The generator and transfer switch comply with all applicable California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District standards.
Staff have reviewed the cooperative contract pricing and find that Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems pricing is in line with the Sourcewell contract and recommends the approval of the Construction Contract No. 25C468 in the amount of $248,813.32, fully funded through Measure J Project No. 19-26.
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 -- Page 2
Approve Construction Contract 25C468 with Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems 7 0
9 City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 -- Page 3
Approve Construction Contract 25C468 with Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems 7 0
9 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). The Guidelines are required to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which are exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment and are declared to be categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents. In accordance with Section 15301 “Existing Facilities”, Class 1 projects consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. Therefore, in accordance with Section 15301 (b), Staff has determined that the installation of an emergency backup generator and automatic transfer switch is considered categorically exempt from CEQA and a Notice of Exemption will be prepared and filed with the Riverside County Clerk.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Approval of this action supports the City Council strategic plan to provide quality, well maintained infrastructure and facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Sufficient funds are available in Measure J Project No. 19-26, Account 2603080-80000.
REVIEWED BY:
Assistant Director of Public Works: Daniel Martinez
Director of Public Works: David McAbee
Procurement & Contracting Manager: Tabitha Richards
Assistant City Manager: Teresa Gallavan
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Construction Agreement No. 25C468
B. Public Integrity Disclosure - Quinn Company dba Quinn Power Systems