TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-7119 and award a contract to Vellutini Corporation, dba Royal Electric Company of Sacramento, CA, for the improvement to Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Charging Stations Project at the Long Beach Airport, in the amount of $922,222, with a 25 percent contingency in the amount of $230,556, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,152,778; authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments;
Adopt Categorical Exemption CE-19-166; and
Increase appropriations in the Airport Fund Group in the Airport Department by $1,438,239, offset by funds available. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Vellutini Corporation, dba Royal Electric Company, for the Improvement to Ground Support Equipment (GSE) charging stations Project at the Long Beach Airport (Airport). The work to be done consists primarily of replacing 5 existing GSE charging stations and installing 10 new GSE charging stations, for a total of 15 stations inside the Airport Operation Area (AOA). Currently, there are five GSE charging stations operating inside the AOA providing electrical power to equipment such as baggage tugs, bag ramps, and pushback vehicles. The charging stations are over 20 years old and are experiencing increased usage, causing higher rates of breakdown and failure. The downtime and associated repair costs have also increased over time, because the older parts are difficult to obtain. This project provides the infrastructure for airlines to convert all of their ground service equipment from diesel fuel to electric power, in the Airport’s effort to increase sustainable energy usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The bid was advertised in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on May 17, 2019, and 230 potential bidders specializing in airport equipment, charging stations, and construction related materials and supplies were notified of the bid opportunity. Of those bidders, 41 downloaded the bid via the City’s electronic bid system. The bid document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the seventh floor of City Hall, and the Division’s website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing <http://www.longbeach.gov/purchasing>. A bid announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division’s weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 28 local, minority-owned and women-owned business groups. Two bids were received on June 11, 2019. Of those two bidders, none were Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), or Long Beach businesses (Local). Vellutini Corporation, dba Royal Electric Company, was the lowest responsible bidder.
Local Business Outreach
In an effort to align with the City’s outreach goal, Long Beach businesses are encouraged to submit bids for City contracts. The Purchasing Division also assists businesses with registering on the PlanetBids database to download the bid specifications. Through outreach, 14 Long Beach vendors were notified to submit bids, of which 3 downloaded and none 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 No. CE-19-166 has been issued for this project (Attachment A). The project received a Categorical Exclusion pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration Order 1050.1F, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, on June 27, 2019.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on July 23, 2019, by Purchasing Agent Tara Yeats on July 22, 2019, and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on July 25, 2019.
SUSTAINABILITY
The new GSE charging stations will have an anticipated service life of over 20 years, lower maintenance costs, and have higher energy efficiency compared to the existing GSE charging stations. These “fast-charging” GSE stations effectively reduce the normal charge time of battery-powered equipment to approximately 20 to 25 percent of the normal charge time without damaging the equipment’s battery. This reduction allows GSE to perform their duties more efficiently and achieve the same duty cycle as internal combustion equipment in the same capacity. Equipment also has lower idling power consumption during the time chargers are not in use.
In addition, to reduced carbon emissions, electric GSE reduces noise in the terminal ramp area, promotes alternative fuel use, and conserves energy. This modernization project is part of the Airport’s Sustainability Plan to further the goal of becoming a carbon neutral facility.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt Specifications No. R-7119 and award a contract concurrently is requested on August 13, 2019, to expedite commencement of this work. Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2019 and will take approximately four months to complete. The construction Plans and Specifications contain phasing requirements to maintain sufficient access for all Airport passengers and operators including commercial airlines and general aviation tenants.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost is estimated at $1,438,239, which includes the contract not to exceed amount of $1,152,778 inclusive of a 25 percent contingency, and the cost for design, construction management and inspection services, utility coordination and unforeseen conditions, labor compliance and PLA administration, and indirect costs. An appropriation increase is requested in the Airport Fund Group in the Airport Department in the amount of $1,438,239, offset by funds available. 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 have a positive impact to the regional economy by supporting employment of several jobs in Long Beach and surrounding cities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CYNTHIA GUIDRY
DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER