How to bid on the Qualified Vendor List for New Vehicles from the City of Tucson

What the City of Tucson is buying

The City of Tucson is creating a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for new vehicles. This list will be used for future purchases of various vehicle types, including automobiles (mini, subcompact, compact, coupe, sedan, full-size), pickup trucks (light duty, half ton, three-quarter ton, one ton), cab and chassis (class 4, class 5, class 6), vans (passenger, cargo), sport utility vehicles (SUVs: compact, mid-size, full-size, crossovers), police pursuit-rated SUVs, sedans, and trucks, and police and fire special service vehicles (SSVs) that are not pursuit-rated.

Vehicles may use different fuel types, such as gasoline, hybrid, or electric. Vendors who are placed on the QVL will be eligible to provide these new vehicles to the City.

Key dates and deadlines

This is an open and continuous solicitation, meaning the City will accept proposals through February 23, 2027. The initial submittal period closed on February 23, 2023. After this initial period, the City plans to review submissions every 90 days, though evaluations may occur sooner or later at their discretion. No awards will be made after August 23, 2027.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for vehicle dealerships and suppliers who can provide a range of new vehicles, including passenger cars, light and medium-duty trucks, vans, SUVs, and specialized police and fire vehicles. Firms that can offer vehicles with various fuel types (gasoline, hybrid, electric) are encouraged to respond. To be considered for the QVL, vendors must achieve a minimum score of 70 out of 100 points on their proposal.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation details and submit your response, you need to go to the City of Tucson's procurement portal on OpenGov Procurement. Once there, you may encounter a brief security check, which you should allow to complete.

You will need to sign in or create a free vendor account on OpenGov Procurement. This account will allow you to download plans, ask questions, join the planholders list to receive updates, and submit your proposal before the deadline. Any addenda or notices will be communicated through OpenGov.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your proposal, clearly detail the types of vehicles you can supply, including specific models or categories that align with the City's stated needs. Highlight your capacity to provide vehicles with different fuel types, such as gasoline, hybrid, and electric, if applicable.

Since a minimum score of 70 points is required, pay close attention to all evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation. Ensure your proposal addresses each point thoroughly to maximize your score. Given this is an open and continuous solicitation, you have time to refine your submission, but it is beneficial to submit a strong proposal early to be considered for placement on the QVL.