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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Ann Green-Barton, Chief People Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Stacey Palacios, Director of Workforce Tech Training |
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TITLE:
title
Contract: Bus Operator Training Simulator (Sim-Tech, Excel Driver Services)
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Procurement Contract/Change Order
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and authorize the Executive Director to execute contract 24-03914 and associated disbursements to Sim-Tech, a division of Excel Driver Services, for the purchase of a bus simulator including two years of maintenance and warranty support services in the not-to-exceed amount of $609,137.50.
BACKGROUND:
Workforce Technical Training is seeking approval to purchase a bus simulator to support our Bus Operations training program. Simulation-based training provides a safe, controlled environment for drivers to build critical skills, improve decision-making, and reinforce best practices. Transit agencies nationwide are procuring bus simulators to improve safety, reduce avoidable accidents, lower training and insurance costs, and increase driver retention.
DISCUSSION:
After an extensive RFP process, Workforce Technical Training is requesting to contract with Sim-Tech to procure a bus simulator. Operating a mass transit vehicle is a complex task: Increasing road congestion, distracted drivers and pedestrians, and the rise of micro-mobility options have made bus operation more demanding. A bus simulator offers a modern, effective solution to these challenges, delivering measurable improvements in safety, performance, and cost efficiency.
The key benefits of a bus simulator investment include:
• Improved safety and risk reduction
• Accelerated skill development
• Cost savings
• Enhanced refresher and remedial training
• Increased driver retention
• Scheduling Flexibility
In addition to the simulator, the contract includes two years of maintenance and warranty support services at no additional charge. The agreement also contains an optional three (3) one-year option periods for additional maintenance and warranty support services if deemed necessary by UTA. The optional periods of maintenance and support services would require a separate approval of a change order by the Board of Trustees and are not within the current Board approval request.
CONTRACT SUMMARY:
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Contractor Name: |
Excel Driver Services (SimTech) |
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Contract Number: |
24-03914 |
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Base Contract Effective Dates: |
Effective after last signature thru June 30, 2027 |
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Extended Contract Dates: |
N/A |
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Existing Contract Value: |
N/A |
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Amendment Amount: |
N/A |
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New/Total Contract Value: |
$609,137.50 |
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Procurement Method: |
RFP |
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Budget Authority: |
Approved 2025 Capital Budget |
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ALTERNATIVES:
Without a bus simulator, UTA risks sustained or rising rates of preventable accidents, higher training costs, reduced training efficiency, and missed opportunities to improve and safety outcomes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The original two-year maintenance and warranty support services and the optional extended three years are allocated under the Training & Development Training Budget.
2025 Contract Total: $609,137.50.
This contract is fully funded through UTA’s capital budget, with no external grant funding currently allocated. If the optional extended warranties are deemed necessary, they will be procured through separate amendments or change orders to the base contract.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Contract: Bus Operator Training Simulator (Excel Driver Services)