I. RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute consulting engineer contracts with MKN and Blackwater.
II. BACKGROUND:
The City of Coalinga was issued water bond funds in order to facilitate various water infrastructure upgrades and repair. In order to best manage and utilize these funds, staff sought bids from consulting engineers. Two bids were received, MKN & Associates and Blackwater.
III. DISCUSSION:
As part of the bid process, staff conducted interviews from the two firms that submitted responses to our SOQ. The intent was the determine the firm best suited to tackle the slated tasks with the most efficiency and at the lowest cost. Through discussion, it was the consensus of those participating in the selection process that a hybrid approach would be the most effective. Where each consultant would be utilized on a task order basis, on projects that best fit their skill set.
Public Works and Utilities has a large number of complex projects planned. Among them, the rehabilitation of Derrick Reservoir, construction of our TTHM facility, and a slew of upgrades at the water treatment plant.
Of the two consulting engineers, MKN was best suited to manage the rehabilitation of Derrick. As this will be an intricate and sensitive project, it will require volumes of experience, expertise, and focus.
This does not preclude another firm such as Blackwater from beginning work on other projects. With this in mind, staff selected Blackwater to conduct work on those projects. Blackwater is a smaller firm, but their attitude and experience are a good fit.
Staff feels this approach will best utilize bond funds in a cost effective and timely manner.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
- Utilize a singular consultant.
- Request more statements of qualifications in an effort to find more consultants. This is not expected to result in new submissions.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
It is difficult to ascertain an exact cost but the City has budgeted $7M in projects to compete these projects. However, the rates of each consultant can be seen as “Appendix A” in each of their respective contracts. 2021 Bond Proceeds will be utilized to fund these expenses. |