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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-157 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE AGREEMENTS TO PROVIDE ON-CALL SUBSURFACE UTILITY ENGINEERING (POTHOLING) SERVICES FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND AIRX UTILITY SURVEYORS, INC., AND BETWEEN THE CITY AND CARDNO, INC.
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
During the initial stages of design and construction work of CIP projects, staff may require the use of subsurface utility engineering investigation (potholing) services to precisely locate certain utilities such as storm drain, sewer and traffic signal or other electrical services. The City does not have the staff and equipment to perform such services. As a result, staff recommends contracting this work out to consultant firms with the ability to perform these required duties.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 6 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15306 (Information Collection) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it involves only awarding contracts for providing on-call subsurface utility engineering (potholing) services for various capital improvement projects. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Certain infrastructure projects need the location of existing utilities (storm drain, water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, etc.) positively identified in the initial phases of project development to ensure proper design and constructability. In addition, having the precise locations of each utility helps prevent damaging them during the construction phase. The use of underground utility location services (trenching & potholing) to adequately locate and identify facilities that may be in conflict with proposed improvements is common practice. In order to accomplish the foregoing, staff recommends that contracts be awarded to Airx Utility Surveyors, Inc., and Cardno, Inc. to provide on-call underground utility location services.
Consultant Selection Process
On March 17, 2015, a selection committee was formed with the following staff:
• Silvester Evetovich, Principal Civil Engineer
• Patrick Moneda, Senior Civil Engineer
• Dave McRoberts, Wastewater Collections Manager
• Jamal Naji, Associate Civil Engineer
On March 18, 2015, City staff received proposals from five firms. During this process, Exaro Technologies Corporation, which was one of the firms submitting a proposal, declined to be interviewed and requested to withdraw their proposal. The remaining four firms met the qualifications stated in the RFP and they all were invited to the interview process. The selection committee conducted interviews based on the following criteria:
• Qualifications and experience of professional and technical staff
• Equipment availability and redundancy
• Experience with municipal agencies/contracts
• Experience with potholing services
• Understanding the work to be done
The interviews were held on March 24 and March 25, 2015. The results of the interview process are as follows:
|
Contractor |
Final Rank |
|
Cardno, Inc.- Los Angeles, CA |
1 |
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Airx Utility Surveyors, Inc. - Escondido, CA |
2 |
|
Adco Underground Services, LLC.- San Diego, CA |
3 |
|
Southwest Geophysics, Inc.- San Diego, CA |
4 |
During the interview process, Adco Underground Services, LLC. and Southwest Geophysics, Inc. informed staff that they presently own one set of equipment to perform the services. Staff believes this could delay some the potholing work in the case of equipment breakdown. In contrast, Airx Utility Surveyors, Inc. and Cardno, Inc., stated that they own more than seven sets of equipment each. Both contractors demonstrated to have extensive experience in potholing services.
The combined amounts of both contracts will not exceed $250,000 on a yearly basis for Fiscal Years 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Staff recommends that Council adopt the resolution awarding the contracts to Airx Utility Surveyors, Inc. and Cardno, Inc. The initial term for these contracts is two years. The contract contains two (2) 1-year options to extend, at the City Engineer’s discretion, for a total contract term of four years. Each extension shall be on the same terms and conditions of the original contract.
Wage Statement
The Contractor and its Subcontractors are required by City’s agreement to pay prevailing wage (“Prevailing Wage Rates”) to persons employed by them for work under this contract. In accordance with the provisions of Section 1773 of the Labor code of the State of California, the City of Chula Vista has ascertained the general prevailing wage scales applicable to the work to be done. The prevailing wage scales are those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, State of California.
Disclosure Statement
Attachments 1 and 2 are copies of the Contractor’s Disclosure Statements
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This project supports the operational excellence and economic vitality goals in the City’s strategic plans. It better manages the funding for planning Capital Improvement Program which is a key function in supporting the City’s infrastructure.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will not impact the General Fund as these potholing services will be funded by various funds. Funding for these projects will vary depending on the project type - funding sources include TransNet, Gas Tax, and Sewer.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for these projects will vary depending on the project type - funding sources include TransNet, Gas Tax, and Sewer.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Airx’s Disclosure Statement
Attachment 2: Cardno’s Disclosure Statement
Staff Contact: Jamal Naji, Associate Civil Engineer, Public Works-Engineering Department