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APPROVE MOTION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE GREATER DOWNTOWN BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY PROJECT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Award a Professional Services Contract to Willdan Engineering, Inc. of Elk Grove, CA, in the amount of $244,787.81 for design of the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200).
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 motion.
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Summary
The Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200), will make improvements along Lincoln, Rose, Aurora, Lindsay, Grant, Channel, and Fifth Streets (Attachment A). The project will add Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), reconstruct curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, install/enhance high visibility crosswalks, signal timing and pedestrian improvements, add bicycle detection at signalized intersections, and install new signage. Primary funding for this project is from the Active Transportation Program (ATP) State grant funds and was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
On January 19, 2024, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design of the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity project. On February 16, 2024, one firm submitted a proposal for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposal and found Willdan Engineering, Inc. of Elk Grove, CA, to be well qualified to perform the scope of work for design services on this project.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract, in the amount of $244,787.81, with Willdan Engineering, Inc. for design services. It is anticipated that the design will be completed by December 2025. The project will then be advertised for construction, with overall project completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
DISCUSSION
Background
The ATP is a State grant program created in 2013 by Senate Bill 99 and Assembly Bill 101. There are statewide and regional competitive levels of funding. Statewide competitive funds are administered by Caltrans, while the San Joaquin Council of Governments administers the regional competitive funds. ATP projects go through the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for program approval.
Federal and State ATP funds are available for transportation projects that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as walking and bicycling. In 2020, Public Works submitted the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity project grant application for the ATP Cycle 5 program. The City was awarded $1,747,540 of ATP State funds for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity project. Measure K and Public Facility Fee Air Quality funds will be used for the required local match. The project was identified in the Greater Downtown Stockton Active Transportation Plan, Project No. PW1601, and was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year CIP.
The Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200), will make improvements along Lincoln, Rose, Aurora, Lindsay, Grant, Channel, and Fifth Streets (Attachment A). Project improvements consist of adding RRFBs, reconstructing curb ramps to ADA standards, installing/enhancing high visibility crosswalks, improving pedestrian signal timing, adding bicycle detection at signalized intersections, and installing new signs within the aforementioned project limits to meet the current Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines.
The ATP grant program requires the State-funded project to obtain California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance prior to starting final design. On April 18, 2023, by Resolution No. 2023-04-18-1208, Council approved the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-23 under CEQA for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200).
In June 2023, the CTC approved funding allocation for the Project Specifications and Estimate phase.
Present Situation
On January 19, 2024, the City advertised an RFP for design of the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200). On February 16, 2024, one proposal was received from Willdan Engineering, Inc. of Elk Grove, CA.
The Selection Committee evaluated the proposal based on the firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar types of work, quality of staff and capability of developing innovative or advanced technical solutions, familiarity with State procedure, financial responsibility, and demonstrated technical ability.
Willdan Engineering, Inc. was found to be well qualified to perform the scope of work for design services on this project. Caltrans administers the ATP funding and requires their concurrence in contracting when only one proposal is received. Caltrans has reviewed the solicitation details and has approved proceeding with Willdan Engineering, Inc. on design of the project.
Staff negotiated a fee in the amount of $244,787.81 with Willdan Engineering, Inc. for design services. The fee is approximately 14 percent of the estimated construction cost, which is fair and reasonable for a project of this size and complexity.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $244,787.81 to Willdan Engineering, Inc. for design services of the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity project.
It is anticipated that the design will be completed by December 2025. The project will then be advertised for construction, with overall project completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
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 adequate staffing available to design this project.
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 the 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
There is sufficient funding available in the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200), to award a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $244,787.81 to Willdan Engineering, Inc. of Elk Grove, CA, for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/ATPSB1L-5008(200).
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Project Location and Improvements Maps
Attachment B - Professional Services Contract with Willdan Engineering, Inc.