RFP2M26-5 Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services

RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
Table of Contents
Section Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Description of the City 3
3. Background 3
4. Purpose and Overview 3
5. Scope of Services 3
6. Contract Term 4
7. Anticipated Schedule 4
8. Questions and Answers Period 4
9. Proposal Contents 5
10. Proposal Submission 5
11. Evaluation and Award of Contract 6
12. General Requirements and Conditions 6
Attachments 7
Attachment 1: Agreement for Contract Services
Attachment 2: Service Questionnaire - Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
Attachment 3: City of Alhambra, CA Cart Containment Map, Spring 2026
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RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
1. Introduction
The City of Alhambra is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to provide citywide shopping cart retrieval
and return services for abandoned shopping carts taken from stores within the City.
2. Description of the City
Incorporated in 1903, the City of Alhambra is situated on the western edge of the San Gabriel Valley region of Los
Angeles County. Known as "The Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley," the City provides a small-town feel in a
central urban setting. The City encompasses approximately 7.6 square miles and shares boundaries with South
Pasadena and San Marino to the north, San Gabriel to the east, Monterey Park to the south, and the El Sereno
and University Hills neighborhoods of Los Angeles to the west. The City is readily accessible from Interstate 710
and Interstate 10.
The City of Alhambra is a full-service charter city operating under a council-manager form of government with five
(5) elected City Council members. The City has a population of approximately 80,279 residents and is a built-out
community with approximately 21,000 parcels and very little vacant land.
3. Background
The City of Alhambra currently contracts for shopping cart retrieval services to collect abandoned carts found
within the public right-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other publicly accessible areas throughout
the City. Additionally, shopping cart return services are provided.
Section 9.77.100 and 9.77110 of the Alhambra Municipal Code require every business that owns or provides carts
for the use of its customers within the City to install a physical shopping cart containment system. Compliance
levels and business locations vary throughout the City, which affects the volume and distribution of retrieval
activity. Currently, 16 businesses within the City have installed containment systems, and one has not.
Additionally, there is one business located outside of the northern border of the City that does not have a
containment system that we frequently have to service when carts are abandoned in Alhambra. To assist
respondents in understanding the service area, the City has included Attachment 3, Citywide Shopping Cart
Containment Map, identifying business locations and containment information for those businesses required to
have containment systems. Based on City records, approximately 100 carts are retrieved/returned per month.
4. Purpose and Overview
The City of Alhambra is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide efficient, reliable, and citywide
shopping cart retrieval and return services. The selected vendor will support the City's efforts to keep public areas
free of abandoned shopping carts, provide timely responses to service requests, and maintain clear reporting
regarding identified and unidentified cart activity. Services are expected to include regularly scheduled citywide
sweeps and complaint-based and on-demand pickups. Respondents should use the information provided in this
RFP to develop a work plan that addresses both identifiable and unidentifiable shopping carts.
5. Scope of Services
Proposals shall demonstrate the respondent's qualifications, including key personnel, relevant experience
performing similar services within the past five (5) years, and a work plan that, at a minimum, addresses the
following:
* Remove all shopping carts located on City streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public right-of-way areas.
* Collect, transport, and ensure proper handling and disposition of all retrieved shopping carts, including those
that are unidentified or not attributed to a specific business, in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations. Proposals shall describe how unidentified carts will be handled or disposed of.
* Retrieve all shopping carts throughout the City and return identifiable carts to the appropriate retail location.
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RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
* Operate services up to eight (8) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, 365 days per year, as needed to
meet the requirements of this RFP.
* Respond to service requests for cart pickup within twenty-four (24) hours of notification.
* Maintain a local or toll-free phone number and a website and/or mobile application for City staff and the
public to report abandoned shopping carts.
* Maintain and submit accurate monthly logs to the City, including date retrieved, location found, number of
identified and unidentified carts collected, and the retail store to which identifiable carts were returned.
* Conduct citywide sweeps once per week consisting of one (1) eight (8) hour workday covering all public
streets and alleys to ensure removal of abandoned shopping carts.
6. Contract Term
The contract resulting from this RFP will be for a term of three (3) years.
7. Anticipated Schedule
The anticipated timeline for evaluating and selecting proposals is identified below. The City reserves the right to
modify the schedule at its sole discretion, as needed.
Activity Dates
Release of Request for Proposals (RFP) Monday, April 27, 2026
Deadline to submit questions Monday, May 11, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
Responses to questions posted on the City's website Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Deadline to submit proposals Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
Review of proposals by City staff Week of June 1, 2026
Optional vendor interviews, if needed Monday, June 8, 2026
City Council award of contract Monday, June 22, 2026
8. Questions and Answers Period
The City has attempted to provide all information available in this RFP, and no formal pre-proposal conference
will be held. It is the responsibility of each respondent to review this RFP and request any necessary clarification
during the Questions and Answers period before submitting a proposal.
* Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to Fernando Perez-Garcia, Code Enforcement
Supervisor, at fpgarcia@alhambraca.gov.
* The subject line of the email must state: RFP No. RFP2M26-5: Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval
Services.
* All questions and requests for clarification must be received by the City no later than 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on
Monday, May 11, 2026. Questions received after that time will not be answered.
Responses to timely submitted questions will be compiled and posted on the City of Alhambra's website
https://www.alhambraca.gov/438/Bids-Notices-RFPs and will constitute the City's official response to inquiries.
Respondents shall not contact any City personnel, outside of the protocol established herein, with any questions
or clarifications concerning this RFP from the release date until a selection is announced by the City. The City
reserves the right to reject any proposal for violation of this provision.
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RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
9. Proposal Contents
The response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) shall be bound and organized into the following sections, each
clearly tabbed and labeled. The proposal should be concise and avoid unnecessary duplication of marketing
materials.
A. Cover Letter
* The name of the submitting company/entity and its legal status (for example, nonprofit, partnership, LLC, or
corporation).
* The name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of the primary contact for the submitting
company/entity.
* The signature of an individual authorized to represent and legally bind the firm.
B. Scope of Services and Approach
* A clear statement demonstrating the respondent's understanding of the requested services and describing
the proposed methodology, work plan, and approach. Refer to Section 5, Scope of Services.
C. Consultant Experience and Qualifications
* A list of shopping cart retrieval projects completed within the past five (5) years that demonstrate the firm's
expertise and capabilities, with emphasis on work for public agencies or municipalities.
* A brief profile of the firm outlining its mission, core competencies, and relevant experience in shopping cart
retrieval services.
D. Team Members
* An organizational chart identifying key team members and their titles and responsibilities.
* The names and contact information of key representatives assigned to this contract.
* The primary point of contact who will serve as the main liaison with City staff and oversee the work.
E. References
* A minimum of three (3) public agency references for current or recently completed contracts involving
similar services within the past five (5) years.
* For each reference, include the name of the agency, a brief description of the contract scope and services
performed, contract dates, and the name and phone number of a person who may be contacted as a
reference.
F. Proposed Fee
* A comprehensive cost proposal valid for one hundred eighty (180) days from the proposal due date.
* A yearly not-to-exceed amount and a breakdown of costs by task, including any subcontractor costs, hourly
rates, and anticipated hours of work, if applicable.
G. Service Questionnaire
* A fully completed Attachment 2, Service Questionnaire - Shopping Cart Retrieval Services.
10. Proposal Submission
To receive consideration, proposals must be received by the City of Alhambra Community Development
Department no later than 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed
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RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
package. Late or incomplete proposals will be rejected. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. It is the
responsibility of the respondent to ensure timely delivery.
The City intends to award one contract for an initial term of three (3) years. Submission requirements are
summarized below:
* One (1) signed and unbound original proposal.
* Three (3) bound copies of the proposal on 812 x 11-inch paper with section separators clearly tabbed and
labeled.
* One (1) USB flash drive containing one electronic PDF copy of all documents submitted.
Proposals must be delivered no later than Tuesday, May 26, 2026 by 5:00 pm (PDT) to the following address:
City of Alhambra - Community Development Department
ATTN: Fernando Perez-Garcia, Code Enforcement Supervisor / RFP No. RFP2M26-5
111 South First Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
11. Evaluation and Award of Contract
The City of Alhambra expects to receive competitive proposals from vendors with experience and qualifications
relevant to the services described in this solicitation. The City will review proposals for compliance with the RFP.
Failure to incorporate all requested information may result in disqualification. A contract will be awarded to the
respondent that provides the best value to the City based on the evaluation criteria set forth in this RFP. Cost will
be considered but will not be the sole determining factor.
Factors to be considered in the selection process include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Relevant experience of the respondent in providing similar services and the ability to satisfy the
requirements of the RFP.
* Understanding of the scope of work and the proposed approach to the requested services.
* Completeness and responsiveness of the submittal.
* Cost and overall value to the City.
The City reserves the right to request additional information as deemed necessary and appropriate.
12. General Requirements and Conditions
A. No Obligation to Award / Non-Binding Nature of RFP. Issuance of this RFP and receipt of proposals do not
commit the City to award a contract. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, postpone
review of responses, delay an award, or choose not to proceed as originally anticipated.
B. Cost of Proposal Preparation. All costs associated with preparation and submission of a proposal shall be
the sole responsibility of the respondent. By submitting a proposal, each respondent agrees that the City shall not
be liable for any expenses incurred prior to execution of a contract. All materials submitted as part of a proposal
shall become the property of the City and will not be returned.
C. Insurance Requirements. The selected consultant will be required to maintain insurance coverage deemed
acceptable to the City of Alhambra for the entire duration of the contract. Submission of a proposal indicates
acceptance of the contract requirements.
D. Business License. A City of Alhambra business license will be required for the selected consultant and any
subcontractors.
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RFP No. RFP2M26-5 - Citywide Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
E. Confidentiality. The City understands that respondents may desire to treat certain information as confidential;
however, the City is subject to applicable law, including the California Public Records Act, and may not be able to
maintain submitted materials as confidential.
F. City Contract. The selected consultant will be required to enter into the City of Alhambra's standard Agreement
for Contract Services attached to this RFP as Attachment 1.
Attachments
* Attachment 1: Agreement for Contract Services
* Attachment 2: Service Questionnaire - Shopping Cart Retrieval Services
* Attachment 3: Citywide Shopping Cart Containment Map
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Attachment 1
SHOPPING CART RETRIEVAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(_____________________________)
1. PARTIES AND DATE.
This Agreement is made and entered into this day of __________, 2026 (Effective
Date) by and between the City of Alhambra, a municipal organization organized under the laws
of the State of California with its principal place of business at 111 South First Street, Alhambra,
CA 91801 ("City") and _____________________________ with its principal place of business
at ("Contractor"). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to herein as "Party"
and collectively as "Parties."
2. RECITALS,
2.1 Contractor.
Contractor desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain
professional services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. Contractor represents that it is experienced in providing Shopping Cart Retrieval
services to public clients, is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of
City.
2.2 Project.
City desires to engage Contractor to render such ongoing general public works and
professional services ("Services") as set forth in this Agreement.
3. TERMS.
3.1 Scope of Services and Term.
3.1.1 General Scope of Services. Contractor promises and agrees to furnish to
the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work
necessary to fully and adequately supply the professional Shopping Cart Retrieval services
necessary for the Project ("Services"). The Services and hourly rates are more particularly
described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All Services shall
be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto
and incorporated herein by reference, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and
regulations.
3.1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from Effective Date shown
above to June 30, 2029, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Contractor shall
complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall meet any other established
schedules and deadlines.
3.2 Responsibilities of Contractor.
3.2.1 Control and Payment of Subordinates; Independent
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Attachment 1
Contractor. The Services shall be performed by Contractor or under its
supervision. Contractor will determine the means, methods and details of
performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains
Contractor on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee.
Contractor retains the right to perform similar or different services for others during
the term of this Agreement. Any additional personnel performing the Services
under this Agreement on behalf of Contractor shall also not be employees of City
and shall at all times be under Contractor's exclusive direction and control.
Contractor shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in
connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as
required by law. Contractor shall be responsible for all reports and obligations
respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security
taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and
workers' compensation insurance.
3.2.2 Schedule of Services. Contractor shall perform the Services
expeditiously, within the term of this Agreement. Contractor represents that it has
the professional and technical personnel required to perform the Services in
conformance with such conditions. In order to facilitate Contractor's conformance
with the Schedule, City shall respond to Contractor's submittals in a timely manner.
Upon request of City, Contractor shall provide a more detailed schedule of
anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
3.2.3 Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared
by Contractor shall be subject to the approval of City.
3.2.4 Substitution of Key Personnel. Contractor has represented to
City that certain key personnel will perform and coordinate the Services under this
Agreement. Should one or more of such personnel become unavailable, Contractor
may substitute other personnel of at least equal competence upon written approval
of City. In the event that City and Contractor cannot agree as to the substitution of
key personnel, City shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause. As
discussed below, any personnel who fail or refuse to perform the Services in a
manner acceptable to the City, or who are determined by the City to be
uncooperative, incompetent a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the
Project or a threat to the safety of persons or property, shall be promptly removed
from the Project by the Contractor at the request of the City.
3.2.5 City's Representative. The City hereby designates Fernando
Perez-Garcia, Code Enforcement Supervisor or his or her designee, to act as its
representative for the performance of this Agreement ("City's Representative").
City's Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for all
purposes under this Contract. Contractor shall not accept direction or orders from
any person other than the City's Representative or his or her designee.
3.2.6 Contractor's Representative. Contractor hereby designates
_____________________________, Program Director or his/her designee, to act
as its representative for the performance of this Agreement ("Contractor's
Representative"). Contractor's Representative shall have full authority to represent
and act on behalf of the Contractor for all purposes under this Agreement. The
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Attachment 1
Contractor's Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using his/her
best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods,
techniques, sequences and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all
portions of the Services under this Agreement.
3.2.7 Coordination of Services. Contractor agrees to work closely
with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City's staff,
contractors and other staff at all reasonable times.
3.2.8 Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Contractors shall
perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner,
consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by
professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Contractor represents
and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the
Services. Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have
sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally,
Contractor represents that it, its employees and subcontractors have all licenses,
permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to
perform the Services, including a City Business License, and that such licenses and
approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement. As provided
for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, Contractor shall perform, at
its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any services
necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by the Contractor's
failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee of the
Contractor or its sub-contractors who is determined by the City to be uncooperative,
incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project, a threat
to the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform
the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from
the Project by the Contractor and shall not be re-employed to perform any of the
Services or to work on the Project.
3.2.9 Laws and Regulations. Contractor shall keep itself fully
informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and
regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services,
including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law.
Contractor shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in
connection with Services. If the Contractor performs any work knowing it to be
contrary to such laws, rules and regulations and without giving written notice to
the City, Contractor shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom.
Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and ahold City, its officials, directors, officers,
employees, and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification
provisions of this Agreement, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or
alleged failure to comply with such laws, rules, or regulations
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