TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP PW-23-182 and award a contract to Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc., of Long Beach, CA, for routine storm drain maintenance and related services, in an annual amount of $620,000, and authorize a 20 percent contingency of $124,000, for a total annual amount not to exceed $744,000, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc. (Ocean Blue Environmental), for providing routine storm drain maintenance and related services. The Public Works Department (Public Works) is responsible for maintaining the City of Long Beach’s (City) storm drain system to prevent flooding during storm events to minimize damage to public and private property. In addition, pursuant to the Clean Water Act as promulgated in 40 CFR 122.26(d)(2) and the regional National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the City’s municipal storm drain system is required to be maintained to reduce pollutants in the stormwater runoff entering local watersheds.
The City’s storm drain system comprises approximately 180 miles of pipes and culverts, 5.5 miles of open channels and ditches, 5,700 catch basins, 23 pump stations, and 6 low-flow diversion stations. Regular maintenance services include inspection and cleaning of all these structures. Other related services include responding to flooding incidents, removing blockages, and video camera inspections.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on March 4, 2023, and 18 potential proposers specializing in storm drain maintenance were notified of the RFP opportunity. Of those proposers, six downloaded the RFP via the City’s electronic bid system. The RFP document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the sixth floor of City Hall, and the Division’s website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing <http://www.longbeach.gov/purchasing>. An RFP announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division’s weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 44 local, minority-owned, and women-owned business groups. There were three proposals received on April 6, 2023. Of those three proposers, two were Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), one was a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), two were certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and one was a Long Beach vendor (Local). The selection committee determined that Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc., of Long Beach, CA (MBE, WBE, SBE, and Local), was the most qualified firm to provide the services.
Local Business Outreach
To align with the City’s outreach goal, Long Beach businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for City contracts. The Purchasing Division also assists businesses with registering on the Long Beach Buys database to download RFP specifications. Through outreach, two Long Beach vendors were notified to submit proposals, of which one downloaded and submitted a proposal, and was subsequently selected. The Purchasing Division is committed to continuing to perform outreach to local vendors to expand the bidder pool.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on June 22, 2023, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on June 15, 2023, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on June 26, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt Specifications No. RFP PW-23-182 and award a contract concurrently is requested on July 11, 2023, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual amount of the contract will not exceed $744,000, inclusive of a 20 percent contingency, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods. Sufficient appropriation to support the annual contract amount is budgeted in the General Fund Group and Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Public Works Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The award of this contract will provide continued support to our local economy by assisting in the preservation of employment for 39 employees residing in Long Beach.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER