CITY OF SAN MATEO
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CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 8 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 82-4683 File ID: 26-11589 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
MEETING DATE: September 22, 2026
SUBJECT:
Police Patrol Motorcycles Procurement — Agreement
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution to approve an alternative purchasing procedure to approve an agreement with National Auto Fleet Group, a Division of Chevrolet of Watsonville, for the procurement of three (3) new BMW RT-P 1200 police specification motorcycles in an amount not to exceed $144,254.94; establish a contingency reserve in the amount of $15,000; and authorize the Public Works Director execute the agreement in substantially the form presented and issue change orders within the contingency reserve.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department utilizes a fleet of motorcycles within the Traffic Division's Motor Unit. These motorcycles are deployed for traffic enforcement as well as special assignment details, often operating in high visibility of the public, performing honor guards, funeral processions, dignitary motorcades, public outreach, and security detail for State and Federal Officials.
The Police Department is requesting the replacement of three (3) motorcycles that have exceeded their useful life with three (3) new BMW RT-P 1200 police specification motorcycles. The BMW RT-P 1200 meets the specifications set forth by the department based on the Police Motor Unit’s unique needs and has been found to be a safe, efficient, and effective motorcycle platform. The BMW RT-P 1200 is the preferred motorcycle utilized by many other state and local law enforcement agencies including Los Angeles Police Department, Sacramento Police Department and California Highway Patrol. The replacement of police vehicles is critical to provide safe transportation during the execution of police duties.
As part of the transition to a Green Fleet, staff continually research electric options during the procurement process and aim to replace vehicles with alternative-fueled vehicles when available. Currently, there are two electric police motorcycle offerings – Zero DSR and Livewire S2 of which the Zero has the greatest range from full charge. The Police Department’s Motor Unit Division has conducted an extensive operational evaluation of the Zero DSR Police motorcycle across a variety of real-world law enforcement applications, including off-highway operations, event support, and crowd control deployments. Through this evaluation, the Zero DSR has demonstrated strong performance and utility. However, the comprehensive evaluation has also identified significant limitations that make the Zero DSR unsuitable for routine patrol operations. The Zero DSR’s power consumption and limited operating range prevent it from reliably supporting an uninterrupted full-shift deployment without requiring recharging. Additional operational limitations further reduce its suitability for the demands of continuous police patrol.
Because the Zero DSR currently represents the electric motorcycle offering with the greatest range, the operational findings from its evaluation are also applicable to other currently available electric motorcycle platforms. While individual electric motorcycles may differ in performance, features, and specifications, the limitations identified during the
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Department’s evaluation demonstrate that current electric motorcycle technology does not reliably meet the duration, range, and operational requirements of the Police Motor Unit’s primary patrol mission.
Based on the results of the field evaluation and the operational requirements of the Police Motor Unit, it is recommended that the Police Motor Unit move away from electric motorcycle offerings for primary patrol use at this time and continue with conventional gasoline-powered motorcycles that can reliably support the duration, range, and operational demands of a full patrol shift.
San Mateo Municipal Code Section 3.60.070(h)(3) authorizes the City Council to approve an alternative purchasing procedure when it finds doing so is in the best interest of the City. Sourcewell (formerly NJPA) is a government organization that conducts competitive solicitations for various specialty equipment, including the BMW RT-P 1200 police specification motorcycle. Sourcewell has selected National Auto Fleet Group (NAFG), a Division of Chevrolet of Watsonville, as one of their vendors. NAFG is an authorized dealer of BMW motorcycles through Sourcewell and can fulfill the purchase order under the Sourcewell contract. Therefore, the purchase of three (3) new BMW RT-P 1200 motorcycles from NAFG is in the best interest of the City because the BMW RT-P 1200 motorcycle is the recommended replacement for the existing Police Motor Unit’s motorcycles.
Staff recommends adopting a Resolution to approve an alternative purchasing procedure to approve an agreement with NAFG for the purchase of three (3) new BMW RT-P 1200 police specification motorcycles in the total amount not to exceed $144,254.94. Staff also requests a contingency reserve in the amount of $15,000 for market instability and potential tax rate changes.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Sufficient funding is allocated in the Fleet Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund for this procurement.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This purchase is not a project subject to CEQA, because it can be seen with certainty that the procurement of police patrol motorcycles will not cause a physical change in the environment. (Public Resources Code Section 21065.)
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This staff report supports the Organizational Health and Good Governance initiative.
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Resolution
Att 2 – Proposed Agreement
STAFF CONTACT
Daniel Heffelfinger, Fleet Services Supervisor
[email protected]
(650) 522-7366
Steven Wu, Facilities and Fleet Manager
[email protected]
(650) 522-7345
James O’Connell, Deputy Director of Public Works
[email protected]
(650) 522-7304