Title
REQUEST TO EXERCISE THE CONTRACT’S FIRST ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OPTION WITH MEDICAL EXPRESS AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. d/b/a MEDEX AMBULANCE FOR AMBULANCE AND PARAMEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICTWIDE
SPECIFICATION NO. P - 23017
Body
To: The Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
Pursuant to Chapter XI, Section C.3.a. of the Code of the Chicago Park District, the Director of Purchasing and the Department of Risk Management recommend that the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District (“Board”) authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to exercise the first, one (1)-year extension option on the contract (Specification No. P-23017) (the “Contract”) with Medical Express Ambulance Service, Inc. d/b/a MedEx Ambulance (the “Contractor”) for ambulance and paramedical services districtwide.
II. Initial Award Information; Authorization
Date of Award: July 10, 2024 Board Meeting
Contractor Medical Express Ambulance Service (d/b/a MedEx Ambulance)
5650 W. Howard Street
Skokie IL 60077
Company Type: Illinois corporation
Beneficial Interest: As noted in Section VII(4) below, the Contractor has submitted an Economic Disclosure Statement (“EDS”). As required by Chapter I, Section D.1(a)(1) of the Code, Section II(B)(2) of the Contractor’s EDS discloses the following persons or legal entities having a direct or indirect, current or prospective beneficial interest (including ownership) in excess of 7.5% of the Contractor:
Lauren Robinson 100%
Contract Period: The initial contract period is from November 18, 2024 to November 17, 2026. If the contract period is extended, one option to extend for an additional one-year term will be remaining. If the first extension option is exercised, funding shall be subject to annual appropriations.
Contract Amount: Not to exceed (NTE) $496,825.00 for the initial two-year term. Expenditures for services remain subject to annual appropriations and each year’s budget. The Contract is a DUR (Depends Upon Requirements) contract, where the actual annual spending for the initial contract term and each contract extension term are based on the Chicago Park District’s identified need.
Scope of Services: Provisions of ambulance and paramedical services districtwide.
Authorization: Authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to include other relevant terms and conditions in the extension agreement (the “Extension”), subject to the review and approval of the General Counsel. Authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to execute the Extension and the Secretary to attest as to the signing of the Extension and keep an original copy of the Extension on file.
III. Performance to Date
Contractor has demonstrated strong performance to date, consistently delivering reliable service with prompt response times and dependable on‑call support. Contractor’s team is professional, responsive, and timely, and the Chicago Park District has not received complaints from the field regarding Contractor’s work. Contractor’s familiarity with Chicago Park District staff, processes, and events further enhances Contractor’s effectiveness and makes Contractor a trusted vendor in Chicago Park District operations.
IV. Current Expenditures:
Contract Start Date: 11/18/2026
Contract End Date: 11/18/2027
Contract Amount: $ 496,825.00
Invoiced to Date: $ 209,725.00 (42% as of 08/12/2026)
V. Current MBE/WBE Compliance
Original
Compliance: The Minority Owned Business Enterprise (“MBE”) and Women Owned Business Enterprise (“WBE”) participation for the Contract meets the compliance goals of 25% MBE participation and 5% WBE participation. The Contractor’s proposal for the Contract included 75% participation with Contractor as a WBE self-performing contractor and 25% MBE participation.
Current
Compliance: The Contractor is currently providing 75% WBE participation with Contractor as a self-performing WBE, and is currently providing 0% MBE participation with an active compliance plan to meet or exceed the 25% MBE requirement through ambulance chassis purchases prior to the end of the initial contract term.
VI. Explanation of Recommendation
The Director of Purchasing and the Department of Risk Management (“Risk”) request the Board: (1) authorize the first one-year extension option to the Contract for a new end date of 11/18/2027; and (2) authorize $143,550 for the first one-year extension, subject to annual appropriations.
Risk orders ambulance and paramedical services at specific Chicago Park District events as requested by other Chicago Park District departments. Extending the Contract with Contractor will ensure continuity of high-quality emergency medical services, preserve established protocols, and maintain the strong working relationship already built. Contractor’s proven reliability, consistent response times, and familiarity with Chicago Park District operations reduce costs associated with transitioning to a new provider and support uninterrupted services for Chicago Park District departments and Chicago Park District patrons. Continuing this Contract allows the Chicago Park District to build on existing performance standards while avoiding the operational, financial, and logistical challenges that come with onboarding a new service provider Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Chicago Park District to exercise the first one-year extension option of the Contract.
VII. General Conditions
1) Conflicts: No agreement authorized herein shall be legally binding on the Chicago Park District if entered into in violation of the provisions of the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act, 50 ILCS 105/0.01 et seq.
2) Code of the Chicago Park District: The Extension shall be subject to the Code of the Chicago Park District, including but not limited to Chapter III (“Governmental Ethics”).
3) Contingent Liability: Any agreement lawfully entered into for a period of more than one year shall be executory only for the amounts for which the Chicago Park District may become liable in succeeding fiscal years pursuant to Section 17(i) of the Chicago Park District Act, 70 ILCS 1505/0.01 et seq.
4) Economic Disclosure Statement: Contractor has submitted a full and complete EDS prior to submission to the Board.