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APPROVE MOTION TO AWARD SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR THE DEBRIS REMOVAL AND PICKUP PROGRAM (CITYWIDE)
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Award a three-year Service Contract, in the amount of $660,474.88, to Ready to Work of Stockton, CA, for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No. OM-26-008.
3. Award a three-year Service Contract, in the amount of $786,240, to Stockton 209 Cares of Stockton, CA, for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No. OM-26-008.
4. Award a three-year Service Contract, in the amount of $787,504.64, to San Joaquin County Office of Education, dba Greater Valley Conservation Corps of Stockton, CA, for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No. OM-26-008.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute one optional two-year extension to Ready to Work of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $455,536.64.
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute one optional two-year extension to Stockton 209 Cares of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $524,160.
7. Authorize the City Manager to execute one optional two-year extension to San Joaquin County Office of Education dba Greater Valley Conservation Corps of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $538,071.04.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Debris Removal and Pickup program is a Clean City Initiative, aimed at reducing blight in Stockton by removing litter and illegally dumped materials Citywide. This program focuses on cleaning the City’s public streets, alleys, and sidewalks.
On February 12, 2026, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No OM-26-008. On March 4, 2026, six firms submitted proposals for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Ready to Work, Stockton 209 Cares, and San Joaquin County Office of Education dba Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) were the most qualified organizations.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute three Service Contracts, with Ready to Work, Stockton 209 Cares, and GVCC, in the total amount of $2,234,219.52 (Attachments A, B, and C). These Service Contracts include one optional two-year extension for a total cumulative contract amount of $3,751,987.20.
DISCUSSION
Background
Litter and illegal dumping contribute to significant blight in Stockton. In 2021, the Clean City Initiative was launched to promote a collaborative effort among City leaders, City departments, private industry, and community volunteers to reduce Citywide trash accumulation and illegal dumping.
Public Works does not have sufficient staffing to support routine debris removal and hauling services for illegally dumped items within the City. To offset internal staffing capacity, Public Works utilizes multiple vendors who provide debris removal and hauling services for illegally dumped items. In 2025, Public Works oversaw the collective removal of over 4,180 tons of debris from public streets and approximately 1,070 tons of debris from Mormon Slough and other homeless encampments Citywide. Public Works and contracted vendors completed over 6,860 work orders last year to address illegal dumping.
To provide services more effectively, ensure timely responses, and reduce administrative demands, an RFP was developed to retain multiple service providers at set rates to assist with Clean City Initiative efforts.
Present Situation
On February 12, 2026, the City advertised an RFP for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No. OM-26-008. On March 4, 2026, six proposals were received from the following organizations:
• Jordan’s Tree Service, Inc. (Acampo, CA)
• Mathews General Engineering and Construction, Inc. (Manteca, CA)
• Ready to Work (Stockton, CA)
• GVCC (Stockton, CA)
• Stockton 209 Cares (Stockton, CA)
• True Blue California, LLC dba Stockton Debris Management (Lathrop, CA)
A Selection Committee comprised of Public Works’ staff evaluated and ranked all proposals based on each firm’s experience with similar kinds of work, quality of work, equipment, and cost. Ready to Work, Stockton 209 Cares, and GVCC were determined to be the most qualified organizations for this program. All three community partners demonstrated a clear understanding of the program's scope of work and have specific, relevant experience.
Staff negotiated fees in the amount of $660,474.88 with Ready to Work, $786,240 with Stockton 209 Cares, and $787,504.64 with GVCC to provide services for the Debris Removal and Pickup Program, Project No. OM-26-008. The community partners will provide varying levels of service based on their respective staffing capacities and total program funding available.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute three Service Contracts, with Ready to Work, Stockton 209 Cares, and GVCC, in the total amount of $2,234,219.52 (Attachments A, B, and C). These Service Contracts include one optional two-year extension for a total cumulative contract amount of $3,751,987.20.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have sufficient staff available to perform the work required for this program.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for these Service Contracts because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for the selection of a vendor. Use of the criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide professional, responsive, and timely service, which is in the public interest.
3. The City negotiated the contracts following the solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are sufficient funds available in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Public Works General Homelessness Special Services account and Alternative Work Program Special Services account, in the amount of $730,745.60, to fund the first year of the Service Contracts. Funding for the remaining years of the Service Contracts will be contingent on future annual budget appropriations.
Attachment A - Service Contract with Ready to Work
Attachment B - Service Contract with Stockton 209 Cares
Attachment C - Service Contract with GVCC