Freeway Service Patrol Request for Proposals:

1. APPROVE the scope of work for the request for proposals for Freeway Service Patrol, subject to legal counsel approval;
2. AUTHORIZE staff to publish the request for proposals and return to the Board of Directors with a recommendation for approval of a consultant, including the final scope of work;
3. APPROVE the use of State Funds, and Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways funds for Freeway Service Patrol; and
4. AUTHORIZE the Executive Director to take such further actions as may be necessary to fulfill the intent of the program, including modifications that do not significantly alter the scope of work.

The Transportation Agency’s Freeway Service Patrol contracts with the current tow operator expire in June of 2021.  The Request for Proposals is to seek tow operator(s) to provide service for the next four fiscal years.

The Freeway Service Patrol is responsible for clearing the freeway of automobiles, motorcycles, small trucks (vehicles with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less) and small debris.  The Freeway Service Patrol vehicle operators contracting with the Transportation Agency provide "quick fix" items to motorists, e.g., furnishing one gallon of gasoline, changing flat tires, providing a "jump" start, taping or repairing cooling system hoses, refilling radiators or similar minor repairs.  They also provide towing needs for minor collisions.  If the disabled vehicle cannot be repaired in this manner, it is towed to a California Highway Patrol designated drop location.  In that case, the motorist can request the vehicle operator to contact the California Highway Patrol Communication center to call a rotational tow, specified tow or a friend/relative to assist them.  The Freeway Service Patrol program is managed by a partnership of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, the California Department of Transportation, and the California Highway Patrol.

The Freeway Service Patrol operates on two road segments with three Beats: US Highway 101 from the San Benito County Line to Gould Road (Beat 1), State Route 1 from Rio Road to State Route 156/183 Road (Beat 2) and from Gould Road to Arroyo Seco Road (Beat 3).  Freeway Service Patrol drivers patrol these three Beats during times of peak traffic congestion weekdays from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-7:00 p.m.  A modified Beat 1 operates on US Highway 101 from the San Benito County Line to Arroyo Seco Road on Sundays during the summer months to accommodate the increase in traffic due to tourists visiting the Monterey County area, while the regular Beat 2 operates on Saturdays during the summer months to accommodate increased tourist traffic.

The current service contract cycle will expire on June 30, 2021, ending a four-year contract period. The new contract cycle will be from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025.

The proposal review process will evaluate responsive tow companies on several criteria, including: 1) cost per truck, 2) towing experience, 3) management ability, and 4) proposal quality.  Completed and responsive proposals will be screened and rated by an evaluation committee.  The selected tow companies are expected to begin service in July 2021 after the completion of the previous contracts, resulting in no gap in service.

The proposed schedule for the Request for Proposals is as follows: