TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents with RBF Consulting for professional design engineering services for the Bicycle System Gap Closure and Improved Los Angeles River Bike Path Access project in an estimated amount of $150,000 plus a 10 percent contingency in the amount of $15,000, if necessary, and to execute any necessary amendments thereto; and
Increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund
(SR 181) in the Department of Public Works (PW) in the amount of $103,000. (Districts 6,7,8,9)
DISCUSSION
On January 16, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to apply for funds to develop priority bicycle system gap closures and improved bike lane and signed/shared bike route access to the Los Angeles River bike path from key locations in the city. A grant in the amount of $862,000 in federal funds, of which $103,000 is designated for design, from the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) was awarded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to the City for FY 2010 - 2012 to both design and construct these bike improvements.
The proposed bicycle system gap closures included in the grant award are located on the western side of the City, specifically, on Harding Street, Del Amo Boulevard, San Antonio Drive, Pacific Avenue, and DeForrest Avenue. The project will also improve wayfinding signage to the Los Angeles River bike path at key points from Long Beach Boulevard, Del Amo Boulevard, Wardlow Road, Spring Street, Willow Street, Hill Street, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The project area is shown on the attached map. The project will result in the construction of an additional 9.4 miles of bicycle infrastructure and add improved wayfinding signage connections to the Los Angeles River bike path system.
The first step to completing this project is the preparation of detailed plans and specifications. Since this design work requires expertise and staff resources not currently available with existing staff, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process was conducted to secure these professional services. The RFQ was advertised on October 13, 2010 on PlanetBids.com. 625 firms (55 local) were provided notice of the RFQ, and proposals were due on November 5, 2010. Ten firms submitted proposals for consideration, including two Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and four Small Business Enterprises (SBE) firms. No local firms submitted proposals.
A Review Committee comprised of City staff evaluated the proposals and determined that RBF Consulting, of Irvine, California, is best qualified to provide the necessary specialized professional services for this project. The selected firm has included, and has committed to using, small, local or disadvantaged firms on their design team as appropriate, based on the work assigned to them by the City under this contract.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on May 17, 2011 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 18, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
The installation of bikeways will encourage residents, employees, students, and recreational cyclists to travel by bicycle rather than by car, eliminating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting a more healthy and active lifestyle in Long Beach.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on June 7, 2011, to authorize commencement of this Public Works project. Engineering design services are projected to begin in June 2011 and should take approximately six months to produce a final construction bid package.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contract award is for an estimated amount of $150,000, plus a 10 percent contingency of $15,000, if necessary, for a total of $165,000. Since this Metro CMAQ Grant funding is not yet appropriated, an appropriation increase of $103,000 is requested within the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund (SR 181) in the Department of Public Works (PW). The remaining cost of $62,000 will be provided by existing Transportation Development Act (PWTDA) grant appropriation in the Department of Public Works (PW). These funds can only be used for bicycle and pedestrian-related infrastructure. There is no impact to the General Fund. A positive local job impact is anticipated as a result of this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER