TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6976 for the Bixby Park Bluff Improvements, award the Base Bid plus Additive Items AA, BB and CC, to Bitech Construction Company, Inc., of Buena Park, CA (MBE, DBE and SBE) in the amount of $2,130,828, plus a 15 percent contingency of $319,624, for a total amount not to exceed $2,450,452, and authorize City Manager or designee to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
A Bluff Erosion and Enhancement Project Plan (Master Plan) was developed for the bluff areas from 1st Place through 36th Place through a community input process and completed in 2000. The Master Plan has identified current conditions and proposed improvements to the bluff along Bixby Park south of Ocean Boulevard between Cherry and Junipero Avenues. With the closing of the Cherry Avenue Tunnel, Bixby Park is also in need of improvements to develop pedestrian access to the beaches.
The Project consists primarily of stabilizing the bluff by grading, and installation of new concrete path, stairs, retaining walls, railing, lighting, landscaping, recycled water irrigation system, drainage system, infiltration basins, site amenities and emergency phones. Pedestrian access to the beaches will occur via the new path and stairs which connect to the existing bike path. The path and stairs are designed to be fully accessible in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The installation of lighting and emergency phones will help improve security. The installation of handrails, safety and guard rails will protect public access. Site amenities include benches and a drinking fountain. The Base Bid plus Additive Items AA, BB and CC are being recommended. A vicinity map of the area is attached (Exhibit A).
This project was advertised in the Press Telegram on November 27, 2013, and 2,514 potential bidders specializing in construction were notified of the bid opportunity. Of those bidders, 102 sets of bid documents were purchased or downloaded via our electronic bid system. The bid document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the seventh floor of City Hall and from the Division's website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing <http://www.longbeach.gov/purchasing>, and was also sent to several trade publications and plan rooms catering to these groups within the construction industry. A bid announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division's weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 30 local, minority and women-owned business groups. Fifteen bids were received on December 30, 2013. Of those 15 bidders, two were Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), one was a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), one was a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), seven were certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and two were Long Beach businesses (Local). Bitech Construction Co., Inc. has been determined to be the lowest responsible bidder.
Local Business Outreach
In an effort to align with our outreach goal, Long Beach businesses were encouraged to submit bids for City contracts. The Purchasing Division assisted businesses with registering on the Bids Online database to download bid specifications. Through outreach, 241 Long Beach vendors were notified to submit bids, of which seven downloaded and two submitted a bid. The Purchasing Division is committed to continuing to perform outreach to local vendors to expand the bidder pool.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Categorical Exemption 12-020 has been issued for this project. Also, local action by the Zoning Administrator resulted in a Local Coastal Development Permit 1306-20.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on January 3, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 6, 2014.
SUSTAINABILITY
The project is designed to protect and mitigate further erosion along the bluff. Native and drought tolerant landscaping with recycled water irrigation system are incorporated into the landscaping. The project will highly enhance pedestrian access to the beaches and improve security. Pedestrian access will occur via the path and stairs, which are designed to be fully accessible in accordance with ADA. The drainage system will keep storm water away from the path, thereby reducing erosion potential.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The City Council's adoption of the plans and specifications and award of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder are being requested concurrently in order to expedite the project. City Council action on this matter is requested on January 21, 2014, to authorize construction of this capital improvement project. Construction is projected to begin in February 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds for this project are budgeted in the Tidelands Operations Fund (TF 401) in the City Manager Department (CM) and Public Works Department (PW). There is no known local job impact associated with this request.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER
JOHN GROSS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER