REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TOW CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL BEATS 1-5: US101-1, US101-2, US101-3, SR118, SR126
| Location: | California |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Sep 18, 2025 |
| Due: | Nov 21, 2025 |
| Agency: | Ventura County Transportation Commission |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
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| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
VCTC operates three existing FSP Patrol beats in partnership with Caltrans and California Highway Patrol. FSP provides roving tow trucks on portions of the highway system during peak traffic periods for rapid clearing of disabled vehicles and motorist assistance. The goals of the program are to provide congestion relief, reduce the incidence of secondary collisions, mitigate delay related vehicle emissions, and assist motorists stranded in dangerous situations on busy highways.
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) seeks Proposals for Tow Contractor Services for Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Beats 1-5:
- Beat 1 (101-1) US 101 from Los Angeles County Line to Camarillo Springs Rd | Two (2) Primary Trucks (Wrecker & Service)
- Beat 2 (101-2) US 101 from Camarillo Springs Rd to Oxnard Blvd | Two (2) Primary Trucks (Wrecker & Service)
- Beat 3 (118-1) SR 118 from Los Angeles County Line to SR 23 | Two (2) Primary Trucks (Wrecker & Service)
- Beat 4 (101-3): US 101 from Rice Ave to California St | Two (2) Primary Trucks (Wrecker & Service)
- Beat 5 (126-1): SR 126 from US101 to Hallock Dr | One (1) Primary Service Truck
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Proposals Due: November 21, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Proposal Conference Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Proposers may join this Conference using the provided Microsoft Teams meeting link:
Meeting ID: 284 101 125 715 3
Passcode: 9cf6iQ6v
OR Dial in by Phone: 1 469-676-9415 | Conference ID: 918 395 735#
DOWNLOAD RFP Beat 1: US101-1
DOWNLOAD RFP Beat 2: US101-2
DOWNLOAD RFP Beat 3: SR118-1
DOWNLOAD RFP Beat 4: US101-3
DOWNLOAD RFP Beat 5: SR126-1
DOWNLOAD FILLABLE FSP RFP PRICE FORMS (ATTACHMENT B)
DOWNLOAD 2026 FSP BEAT OVERVIEW MAP
Attachment Preview
September 5, 2025
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) for
FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL BEAT 1 (101-1)
KEY RFP DATES
RFP Issue Date:
Pre-Proposal Conference Virtual Meeting:
Question Submittal Deadline:
VCTC Responses to Questions Issued By:
Proposal Due Date & Time:
Tentative Site Interview :
VCTC Approval and Contract Award:
CHP Certified Drivers/Truck Inspected and
Approved By CHP No Later Than:
Service Shall Commence On:
Friday, September 5, 2025
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 10, 2025
Friday, November 21, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 12,
2025
Friday, January 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Monday, June 1, 2026
Wednesday, July 1 , 2026
All times listed in this RFP are Pacific Time.
PROPOSALS ARE DUE TO VCTC OFFICES BY NOVEMBER 21, 2025
751 E. DAILY DRIVE, SUITE 420, CAMARILLO, CA 93010
Questions? Contact Andrew Kent at (805) 642-1591 ext. 102 or FSP@goventura.org.
VCTC FSP Tow RFP September 2025
Page 1 of 59
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Letter
I. Proposal Instructions
A. Introduction
B. Contact Information
C. Pre-Proposal Conference
D. Written Questions/Clarifications
E. Addenda
F. Contract Type
G. Informed Proposer
H. Conflict of Interest
I. Pre Contractual Expenses
J. Public Records Act
II. Proposal Submittal and Content
A. Proposal Cover Letter
B. Technical Information
C. Required Forms
D. Scope of Work and/or Contract Exceptions
III. Selection Process After Proposal Submittal
A. Acceptance of Proposals
B. Evaluation and Selection Criteria
C. Negotiations and Award
D. Basis for Protest
E. Debriefing
Attachments
Attachment A – FSP Scope of Work
Attachment B – Price Forms
Attachment C – VCTC Standard Contract
Attachment D – Reference Form
Attachment E – Certificate of Compliance with Insurance Requirements
Attachment F – Proposal Cover Letter Template
Attachment G – Contractor Representative Form
Attachment H – FSP Proposal Questionnaire
Attachment I – Non-Collusion Affidavit
Attachments Provided Under Separate Cover
Detailed Itemized Price Forms (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet)
Standard Operating Practices, June 2020 (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
VCTC FSP Tow RFP September 2025
Page 2 of 59
September 5, 2025
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR “FREEWAY SERVICE
PATROL BEAT 1 (101-1)” (hereinafter referred to as “Project”)
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), acting in its capacity as Ventura County’s Service
Authority for Freeway Emergencies (VC SAFE), invites proposals from qualified contractors to provide the
services as identified in this RFP.
Contractors intending to submit proposals should note the “Key RFP Dates” on the cover of this RFP. It is
VCTC’s intent, subject to approval by VCTC’s Awarding Authority, to have the selected contractor(s) under
contract by January 2, 2026, with the service commencing on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. VCTC will
evaluate proposals based on qualifications, prior experience with the same or similar type of services,
proposed staffing, the proposer’s understanding of the needs and requirements of the Project, cost and
price, and overall value to VCTC, as identified in this RFP. VCTC reserves the right to award multiple
contracts as a result of this RFP and reserves the right to award contracts for similar services outside of
this RFP process.
The RFP and all RFP schedule updates and addenda, together with other important information, are
available on VCTC’s website at: https://www.goventura.org/work-with-vctc/contracts/. The website is the
official means of notification to all prospective proposers. Proposers are requested to check the website
periodically, and no less frequently than weekly, for RFP schedule updates, addenda, and other information.
All proposers will be held accountable for compliance with all updates, addenda and other information
posted on the website. Please note that VCTC will not mail any addenda, schedule updates or other
information to any prospective proposer.
A Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2025. This
conference is NOT an in-person Conference or meeting. Refer to Section I.C for information on how to
participate in this online Conference.
All questions related to this RFP must be put in writing and submitted to VCTC no later than 4:00 p.m., on
Wednesday, October 1, 2025. All questions must be clearly labeled, “Written Questions” and submitted
electronically to Andrew Kent at fsp@goventura.org. Questions received after the deadline may or may not
be responded to at the sole discretion of VCTC. Written responses to questions will be posted via written
addendum on VCTC’s website, at the above-mentioned link.
Proposals are due on or before 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2025.
Should VCTC elect to award contract(s) as a result of this RFP, the contractor(s) must comply with all
applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, equal opportunity laws and regulations. The
award of this contract is subject to the availability, appropriation and receipt of federal, State and/or local
funds sufficient to carry out the work identified in this RFP.
If awarded a contract to provide towing services, contractor(s) shall have 120 days after the contract is
executed in which to acquire the required equipment, have it inspected and certified by the California
Highway Patrol (CHP), hire and train Drivers and backup Drivers to meet CHP FSP Driver certification
requirements, and be operable by Monday June 1, 2026. Any proposer that cannot meet the 120-day
operational requirement shall not be awarded a contract.
VCTC FSP Tow RFP September 2025
Page 3 of 59
I. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS
A. INTRODUCTION. Ventura County is a diverse coastal county with a population of approximately 850,000
residents, encompassing urban and rural areas. The Ventura County Transportation Commission
(VCTC) is a regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. By
working in close partnership with the cities and the County, the VCTC is ever mindful of maintaining the
character of Ventura County while prioritizing transportation investments.
VCTC is responsible for countywide transportation planning, programming transportation funds,
managing and providing transportation programs and services, delivering transportation projects, and
setting transportation priorities.
VCTC, acting in its capacity as Ventura County’s Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (VC
SAFE), is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors (“proposers”) to provide VCTC with Freeway
Service Patrol (FSP) Services (“Project” or “Work”). VCTC has entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway
Patrol (CHP) to operate FSP for traffic mitigation, motorist and public safety, as well as air quality
improvement within Ventura County. Throughout this RFP, VCTC and VC SAFE are used
interchangeably.
Section 21718 (a) of the California Vehicle Code authorizes the CHP to be responsible for FSP for the
purpose of rapid removal of impediments to traffic. Section 91 of the California Streets and Highways
Code states that Caltrans has the responsibility to improve and maintain the state highways, as well as
the responsibility for traffic management and removing highway impediments.
The FSP consists of a fleet of tow trucks that continuously patrols along designated Ventura County
freeways for the purpose of assisting motorists with their disabled vehicles during peak periods of
congestion. The designated portion of highway that the fleet patrols up and down is referred to as a
“Beat”. VCTC currently operates three (3) existing FSP Beats on Ventura County highways:
• Beat 1: 10.5 miles along U.S.-101, from Ventura/Los Angeles County line to Camarillo Springs
Rd;
• Beat 2: 11.9 miles along U.S.-101, from Camarillo Springs Road to Oxnard Blzd; and
• Beat 3: 14.2 miles along CA-118, from CA-23 to Ventura/Los Angeles County line (Rocky Peak).
Through this procurement, VCTC will hire a contractor to operate FSP Beat 101-1:
• Beat 101-1: 10.5 miles along U.S.-101, from Ventura/Los Angeles County line to Camarillo
Springs Rd
Upon VCTC executing contract(s) and issuing a Notice to Proceed, contractor(s) shall have 120
calendar days in which to become operable. Contractor(s) shall have the appropriate number of primary
and back-up trucks ready for equipment installation and CHP inspection no later than Monday June 1,
2026. Any contractor who cannot demonstrate to VCTC’s satisfaction that it can meet the above-
mentioned requirements will not be awarded a contract.
Proposers are encouraged to thoroughly review the minimum firm/tow truck operator qualifications
as outlined in Section II.B. If your firm does not meet these minimum requirements, DO NOT SUBMIT
A PROPOSAL. If the proposer is unsure, please contact VCTC.
B. CONTACT INFORMATION. All related RFP contacts or questions shall be directed in writing to:
Andrew Kent, FSP Program Analyst
(805) 642-1591, X102
fsp@goventura.org
Proposers, nor anyone representing the proposer, are cautioned NOT to discuss this RFP with any
VCTC Commissioner, official, or employee (apart from the FSP Analyst identified above), nor are they
to discuss this RFP with any consultant or contractor engaged by VCTC. Violation of this prohibition
may result in proposer’s disqualification.
VCTC FSP Tow RFP September 2025
Page 4 of 59
C. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE. A non-mandatory, virtual Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled
for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2025. This Conference is NOT an in-person meeting.
Proposers may join this Conference using the provided Microsoft Teams meeting link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-
join/19%3ameeting_MDAzYzEzODAtYzVkZC00N2NjLWJhNGMtYjAzNTJhY2JmY2Fj%40thread.v
2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221ec5c319-5969-4052-a210-
d0671b3455ec%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2242b619db-d559-4937-a2d2-1b3caf9d9fc1%22%7d
Meeting ID: 284 101 125 715 3
Passcode: 9cf6iQ6v
OR Dial in by Phone: 1 469-676-9415 | Conference ID: 918 395 735#
Attendance at this Pre-Proposal Conference is encouraged but not mandatory and no proposer will be
disqualified for failure to attend. However, all proposers will be held accountable for any addenda issued
related to information and instructions given at the Pre-Proposal Conference. Upon completion, the Pre-
Proposal Conference summary and Addenda will be posted on VCTC’s website at:
https://www.goventura.org/work-with-vctc/contracts/.
D. WRITTEN QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS. All questions and or clarifications to this RFP, including
questions that could not be specifically addressed at the Pre-Proposal Conference, must be put in
writing and submitted via email to fsp@goventura.org, and must be received by VCTC no later than
4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Questions received after the date and time specified may
or may not be responded to, at the sole discretion of VCTC. All questions/clarifications must be
transmitted via email, and clearly labeled in the subject line: “Written Questions for FSP RFP”. VCTC is
not responsible for failure to respond to questions that are not appropriately marked. VCTC’s responses
to the questions received by the date and time identified herein will be posted on VCTC’s website by
Friday, October 10, 2025 at https://www.goventura.org/work-with-vctc/contracts/.
E. ADDENDA. Any changes to this RFP will be made by written addendum and posted on VCTC’s website.
VCTC will not be bound to any modifications to or deviations from the requirements set forth in this RFP
as a result of any oral discussions and/or instructions. Proposers shall acknowledge any addenda in
their proposal.
F. CONTRACT TYPE. VCTC intends to award one or more, time and materials/fixed rate contract(s),
based upon proposers’ rates in Attachment B: Price Forms. Any work provided by the selected
contractor that is not specifically covered by the contract will not be reimbursed. The contract term or
period of performance shall be for a three-year base period, with one two-year option to extend the
agreement for a total period of performance of up to five (5) years. The option term may be exercised
by VCTC, at its sole discretion, with prior written notice to the contractor. Refer to Attachment C: VCTC
Standard Contract, for additional detailed information.
G. INFORMED PROPOSER. Proposers shall review Attachment A: Scope of Work, Attachment B: Price
Forms, and Attachment C: VCTC Standard Contract, for a complete understanding of the terms and
conditions of this RFP, as well as the conditions, requirements, and Scope of Work (SOW) before
submitting any proposal. Failure to do so will be at the proposer’s own risk. By submitting a proposal,
the proposer represents that it is legally qualified and fully capable of performing quality work to achieve
VCTC’s objectives and comply with all requirements identified in this RFP and any and all schedule
updates, addenda and other information and instructions posted on VCTC’s website or provided in the
Pre-Proposal Conference as set forth above. By submitting a proposal, each proposer represents that
it will comply with:
1. The Fair Employment and Housing Act, relating to non-discrimination, (California Government
Code Sections 12d0 et seq.);
VCTC FSP Tow RFP September 2025
Page 5 of 59
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