TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFQ CM15-066 and award a contract to Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc. (PACE), of Fountain Valley, CA, as the most qualified for providing professional engineering design services for the rehabilitation of the Aquarium Plaza Wave Fountain, in an amount of $117,840, plus a 25 percent contingency of $29,460, for a total amount not to exceed $147,300, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for one additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager; and authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc. (PACE), for providing professional engineering design services for the rehabilitation of the Aquarium Plaza Wave Fountain.
The Aquarium Plaza Wave Fountain, located at 100 Aquarium Way on the Rainbow Harbor Esplanade and Aquarium Plaza, was installed during the development of the Queensway Bay and Rainbow Harbor area (Exhibit A). The recreational water feature was intended to enhance the visual and acoustic aesthetics of the public esplanade, and provide for a dramatic display that would mimic the sound of crashing waves.
Due to aging systems and now obsolete components, the fountain system can only safely operate at a minimum level of function. Internal system pressures have caused excessive vibrations resulting in leaks and ruptures when operating at normal or maximum programming levels. PACE will assess the working condition of the fountain and provide a corrective design that improves the system’s functionality and operation. Structural elements, such as the vault enclosure, access ladder, and instrumentation will also be assessed to ensure proper performance of the system and minimize the frequency of future needed repairs. The proposed repairs would allow the fountain to function without exacerbated stress on the current equipment and restore the fountain’s programming.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised in the Press-Telegram on May 4, 2015, and 6,232 potential bidders specializing in architecture, engineering, construction, structure and materials were notified of this bid opportunity. Of those proposers, 69 downloaded the solicitation via the City’s electronic bid system. The RFQ 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>. An RFQ announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division's weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which was sent to 22 local minority and women-owned business groups. Two Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) were received on June 19, 2015. Of the two SOQs received, none were Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), one was a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), one was a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), one was a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and none were Long Beach businesses (Local).
A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine, Long Beach Water Department and the City Manager Department (Tidelands) reviewed the qualifications and evaluated each firm on the criteria set forth in the RFQ. The selection committee determined that PACE, Inc., of Fountain Valley, CA, (not an MBE, WBE, SBE or Local), had the most relevant experience, and was the most responsive and qualified firm.
Local Business Outreach
In an effort to align with our outreach goal, Long Beach businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for City contracts. The Purchasing Division also assists businesses with registering on the Bids Online database to download RFQ specifications. Through outreach, 632 Long Beach vendors were notified to submit SOQs, of which nine downloaded and none submitted an SOQ. 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 Linda Vu on August 13, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 20, 2015.
SUSTAINABILITY
PACE, Inc., has expertise in developing energy efficient designs through minimizing the size of proposed equipment and creating controls that allow for alteration of water flow based on weather conditions. The proposed design will incorporate improved treatment systems to more efficiently recirculate water and minimize water loss.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt Specifications No. RFQ CM15-066 and award a contract concurrently is requested on September 8, 2015 to ensure that the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contract cost will not exceed $147,300. The total project cost estimate will be developed after the system assessment and engineering design phases are completed by PACE, Inc. Sufficient funds for this project are budgeted in the Tidelands Operations Fund (TF 401) in the City Manager Department (CM). The award of this contract will provide continued support to our local economy by assisting in the preservation of employment for two full-time employees residing in Long Beach.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
STEPHEN SCOTT
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
JOHN GROSS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER