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APPROVE MOTION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE FIBER OPTIC MASTER PLAN EXPANSION
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Award a Professional Services Contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., of Oakland, CA, in the amount of $265,000, for the Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion, Project No. WARP503.
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
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 Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion, Project No. WARP503, was established to identify goals, opportunities, and priorities for development of a comprehensive citywide fiber network. The project also includes future construction of backbone fiber and infrastructure as determined by the master plan.
On December 20, 2021, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional engineering services for the Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion. Three consultants submitted a proposal in response to the RFP. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn) to be the most qualified and highest-ranking firm. A thorough review of Kimley-Horn’s proposal determined the firm to be the best fit for the project as they have extensive experience with similar projects for other cities as well as the City of Stockton, and the firm proposed an aggressive project schedule.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $265,000 with Kimley-Horn. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by January 2023.
DISCUSSION
Background
Currently, the City has a lease agreement with AT&T for use of their infrastructure to provide fiber communications to a majority of the City’s 306 traffic signals and other facilities. Approximately 90 percent of the City’s traffic signal network is supported via AT&T’s fiber infrastructure at a cost of approximately $500,000 per year. The remaining portion of the City’s traffic signal network operates under City-owned fiber infrastructure. Long term, it is the City’s strategic goal to install and operate its own backbone fiber infrastructure independent of AT&T in addition to deploying a fiber network that can meet the community’s needs. Today, fiber infrastructure that supports access to Internet service is as vital as streets, water, and sewer infrastructure. Digital connectivity enhances a community’s economic development potential, supports future Smart City services, and improves the quality of life for Stockton residents.
The Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion, Project No. WARP503, was established to identify goals, opportunities, and priorities for development of a comprehensive citywide fiber network. The scope of the master plan includes working with City staff and stakeholders to identify existing infrastructure, design and construction of a backbone fiber network, and subsequent phasing of improvements. The master plan will detail the current state of the City’s fiber network and will provide a roadmap to fiber independence, in addition to assessing the feasibility of re-purposing abandoned underground infrastructure and overhead poles.
Present Situation
On December 20, 2021, the City advertised an RFP for the Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion, Project No. WARP503. On January 21, 2022, three proposals were received from the following firms:
• Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Oakland, CA)
• Advanced Mobility Group (Walnut Creek, CA)
• Magellan Advisors (Denver, CO)
The Selection Committee, which included staff from Information Technology and Public Works Departments, evaluated the proposals based on each firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar kinds of projects, staff qualifications and technical ability, project approach, cost, and local preference.
Kimley-Horn received the highest-ranking score based on the noted criteria and was determined to be the most qualified firm for this project. Staff negotiated a fee of $265,000 with Kimley-Horn for professional services.
Staff recommends that Council approve a motion to award a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $265,000 to Kimley-Horn for design services of the Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion plan (Attachment A).
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 expertise or staff resources to produce these plans.
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 these 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
Funding in the amount of $450,000 was approved by City Council Motion No. 2021-09-14-1501 as a part of the American Rescue Plan, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Fiber Optic Master Plan Expansion, Project No. WARP503, has sufficient funding to award the Professional Services Contract to Kimley-Horn in the amount of $265,000 for the design phase of the project.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.
Attachment A - Professional Services Contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.