PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

2/4/15

TO:

Robert B. Bell, City Manager

FROM:

Russell Narahara, Superintendent of Fleet and Facilities

SUBJECT:

Public Works Services Department Purchase of Uniform

Rental and Laundering Services

RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to award a one (1) year contract between the City of Redwood City
(City) and G&K Services of Hayward, CA for amount of $14,835.24 with the possibility
of two (2) one-year extensions amounting to $44,505.72.
BACKGROUND
Public Works Services (PWS) Uniform Policy states that all employees are required to
present a professional image to the public. This policy sets forth clothing guidelines
which ensures the polished and uniform look of all employees and provides a means for
the community to easily identify Public Works Services employees as they conduct their
day-to-day tasks.
ANALYSIS
On October 24, 2014, staff released a request for proposal (RFP) for uniform services to
the public. The RFP was advertised in the local newspaper and sent out to relevant
nearby vendors. Three (3) sealed bids were received and opened in City Hall on
Wednesday, November 5, 2014. The following table represents an approximate annual
cost of laundering services from each bidder. The contract has the option of two (2)
one-year extensions.
Bidder
Cintas Corporation
G&K Services
Aramark Uniform Services

Bid Amount
$106,189.00
$14,835.24
$11,487.72

Recommended Bidder: G&K Services

Substantiation: G&K Services is a 30% increase in costs but has promise of better quality of services

The City follows purchasing provisions provided in Article VII of Chapter 2 of the
Redwood City Municipal Code (Purchasing Ordinance). Under Section 2.69 Ord. No.
1081, 7, the ordinance stipulates in determining the lowest responsible bidder, the
City may assess the ability, capacity and skill of the bidder to perform the contract or
provide the service required in addition to the price. Currently, Aramark Uniform
Services is the departments contractor for uniform and laundering services. However,
PWS continues to experience issues with Aramarks level of service. The department
has experienced late uniform deliveries, unsatisfactory replacement and laundering of
uniforms, and difficulty with resolving issues. Although G&K Services is a 30% increase
in cost, the company has the quality of service that meets City requirements and
specifications. Consequently, in order to ensure timely delivery of services, it is
recommended that the City sign a contract with G&K Services.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council does not approve of the contract or awards the contract to another bidder.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the purchase of Uniform Rental and Laundering Services are available in the
FY 2014-15 Budget in the following accounts:
1. 150-65132-21: $5,960.35
2. 688-65152-21: $6,263.32
3. 688-65161-21: $1,704.83
4. 697-65144-21: $6,571.24
5. 791-67230-21: $7,542.03
6. 780-67242-21: $1,034.28
7. 780-67241-21: $3,362.08
ENVIRONMENTAL
This activity is not a project under CEQA as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section
15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or foreseeable physical
change in the environment.