HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Contract for CARES Round 2 Purchase of Playground Equipment University Community Childcare RESOLUTION NO. 23-231
RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY CHLDCARE
IN CONDUCTION WITH CARES ROUND 2 GRANT FUNDING
THROUGH THE IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, in May 2020, the City received a second round of CARES (CDBG-CV)
funding from the Iowa Economic Development Authority(IEDA) in the amount of$604,386. The
funds are being used to assist MICA with the purchase of a van to deliver groceries and other
supplies to low-income clientele; to assist University Childcare Center (UCC) with the purchase
of outdoor playground equipment and a freezer; and to assist Ames Community Preschool Center
(ACPC) with the remodeling of an existing room into infant daycare space and the purchase of
furniture (cribs) and storage units. The grant award amount to UCC is $250,932, which initially
included an upgrade to their HVAC system and to their kitchen area. However, these two items
were unable to be completed and were removed from the project budget; and,
WHEREAS, UCC's request for outdoor play equipment includes: outdoor kitchen,
modular climbing equipment, water tables,building blocks, tables and benches, and arbors. Since
the CARES funding has been directed to the City, the purchase of outdoor play equipment must
follow City Purchasing Policies, along with the applicable federal requirements for the use of the
funds; and,
WHEREAS, On March 29, 2023, a Request for Quotes (RFQ) was posted to AmesBids,
the City's electronic bidding system. Seven potential bidders viewed the RFQ, and on April 7,
2023, two bids were received as follows: Lakeshore Learning Materials LLC, Carson, CA
(Alternate) $34,797, and Community Playthings (Community Products LLC), Ulster Park, NY
$60,080; and,
WHEREAS, Lakeshore Learning Materials provided a lower bid using alternate products
compared to those solicited in the RFQ. Staff reviewed these items and has determined that the
items do not have the same level of durability and suitability for their intended use. The alternate
products from Lakeshore Learning Materials did not meet the specifications provided to
prospective bidders in the following areas:
1. Outdoor play equipment was specified to be made of wood or composite materials.
Lakeshore items were made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene)plastic.
2. The kitchens and water table are not safety rated for children under 3 years of age.
3. Table and benches do not comply with the best practices for Care Centers and Preschools
licensing standards for seat height in a childcare setting.
4. Assembly is required upon delivery.
5. The provided warranties on the outdoor play equipment ranges from one to five years,
whereas Community Playthings includes a 10-year warranty; and,
WHEREAS, based on this evaluation, the bid from Community Playthings best meets the
functional need and long-term goal for UCC for the outdoor play equipment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that awarding contract for the purchase of playground equipment for University Community
Childcare in conjunction with CARES Round 2 grant funding through the Iowa Economic
Development Authority is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 25th day of April, 2023.
Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Betcher
Seconded by: Beatty-Hansen
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: Corrieri
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 25th day of April, 2023.