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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Appropriate funds in the amount of $161,500 from the Measure K Fund Balance to the Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042.
2. Appropriate funds in the amount of $646,000 from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan grant program to the Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042.
3. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
4. Award a Professional Services Contract to Fehr and Peers of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $539,186.42, for professional services to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
On September 13, 2022, the City submitted a grant application to develop a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) - Action Plan grant program. The City was selected as a grant recipient in the amount of $646,000. The grant allows the City to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries. In December 2023, Council authorized the City Manager to execute a grant agreement under the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 SS4A grant program with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
On October 19, 2023, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042. On November 15, 2023, three firms submitted proposals for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Fehr and Peers of Stockton, CA, to be qualified to perform the scope of work on this project.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution appropriating funds and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $539,186.42 to Fehr and Peers for professional services. It is anticipated that the Vision Zero Action Plan will be completed by spring 2025, with a final report submitted to the Federal Highway Administration by winter 2025.
DISCUSSION
Background
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which, in part, established the new SS4A discretionary program. The SS4A program helps fund initiatives that help prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Five billion dollars were appropriated in FY 2022-2026.
The City, with over 300,000 residents, has a robust transportation network with many roadway safety challenges. Roadway corridors must share the right-of-way amongst vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Achieving safe accommodations for all users is challenging, especially for non-motor vehicle users.
On September 13, 2022, the City submitted a grant application in the amount of $807,500 to develop a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan under the SS4A - Action Plan grant program. The City’s application proposes to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries. On February 7, 2023, Public Works’ grant application was approved for funding in the amount of $646,000 for FY 2022 of the SS4A grant program. The City is required to provide a local match in the amount of $161,500. The grant allows the City to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries. In December 2023, Council authorized the City Manager to execute a grant agreement under the Federal FY 2022 SS4A grant program with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Present Situation
On October 19, 2023, the City advertised an RFP to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042. On November 15, 2023, three proposals were received from the following firms:
• Fehr and Peers (Stockton, CA)
• Nelson\Nygaard (San Francisco, CA)
• TJKM Transportation Consultants (Pleasanton, CA)
The Selection Committee, comprised of Public Works and Community Development staff, evaluated the proposals based on each firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar kinds of work, staff qualifications, technical ability, and project approach. Fehr and Peers was found to be the most qualified to perform the scope of work on this project. Staff negotiated a fee of $539,186.42 with Fehr and Peers for professional services, which is reasonable for a project of this size and complexity. In addition, the fee is within the total $807,500 in funding (federal plus local match) available for this project. Remaining funding is allotted for staff administration and contingency.
The grant agreement period of performance is 24 months from the effective date (December 28, 2023) of the grant agreement. It is anticipated that the Vision Zero Action Plan will be completed by spring 2025, with a final report submitted to the Federal Highway Administration by winter 2025.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution appropriating funds and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $539,186.42 to Fehr and Peers for professional services to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have sufficient staff available to design this project for bidding.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Services Contract because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor. Use of this criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
3. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The resolution will sufficiently fund all costs to successfully complete the Vision Zero Action Plan, Project No. WT23042, including City staff costs and design contingency.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.