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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GUARDRAIL AND IMPACT ATTENUATOR INSTALLATION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve the Notice of Exemption No. NOE31-21 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation, Project No. WT16006/Federal Project No. HSIPL-5008(152).
2. Approve the plans and specifications for the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation, Project No. WT16006/Federal Project No. HSIPL-5008(152).
3. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $192,085 to Dirt Dynasty, Inc., of Farmington, CA, for the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation, Project No. WT16006/Federal Project No. HSIPL-5008(152).
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
The project will install crash cushion systems, including guardrails and impact attenuators, signing, striping, and asphalt at North Little John’s Creek bridge crossing just north of the intersection of South Airport Way and Industrial Drive (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The project was approved for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and was included in the 2016-2021 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
On July 8, 2021, the City received two bids for this project. Staff recommends award of the Construction Contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Dirt Dynasty, Inc., in the amount of $192,085. Staff also recommends that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE31-21 under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving the plans and specifications for the project. Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.
This project is federally funded and is subject to federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements.
DISCUSSION
Background
The HSIP is a federal-aid program that provides funding for projects that aim to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions by improving roadway design and operational conditions. In 2015, the City submitted six grant applications to Caltrans for Cycle 7 of the HSIP grant program, including the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation project.
The project will enhance safety by installing crash cushion systems, including guardrails and impact attenuators, signing, striping, and asphalt at North Little John’s Creek bridge crossing just north of the intersection of South Airport Way and Industrial Drive (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). There is currently no guardrail or transition railing on the northbound side of the bridge crossing of North Little John’s Creek, while the southbound direction has insufficient railing for the posted speed limit. The project was included in the 2016-2021 Five-Year CIP.
Since the project is funded with federal transportation dollars, DBE program rules apply. DBE rules require that the prime contractor either meet a calculated project specific DBE participation goal or undertake and document good faith efforts to do so. If the apparent low bidder does not meet the project goal, a Good Faith Efforts Evaluation must be made examining several specific factors. Failure to meet the goal or provide evidence of adequate good faith efforts are grounds for rejecting the bidder as non-responsive.
A DBE is a socially and economically disadvantaged small business owned by a woman or by a specified ethnic group that has been properly certified by Caltrans. These groups include:
• African American
• Asian Pacific American
• Native American
• Women
• Hispanic American
• Subcontinent Asian American
A DBE goal of 15 percent was established for this project. The goal was calculated by examining the breakdown of the types of work to be performed, and the availability of certified DBE companies in our market area to perform the work. A pre-bid meeting was held on June 29, 2021, to emphasize the DBE requirements, and to provide information on how to meet the project DBE goal.
The federal HSIP funding restrictions prohibit the use of the Local Employment Ordinance (Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.095), and the Local Business Preference Ordinance (SMC section 3.68.090).
On July 26, 2016, Council adopted a Community Workforce and Training Agreement (CWTA). The CWTA became effective August 25, 2016, and applies to all Public Works projects over $1 million that are bid after that date. On July 16, 2019, by Motion No. 2019-07-16-1403, Council extended the CWTA term to August 25, 2024. The CWTA was not applied to this project as federal regulations prohibit the use of such agreements.
Present Situation
On June 9, 2021, the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation, Project No. WT16006/Federal Project No. HSIPL-5008(152), was advertised for bids. On July 8, 2021, two bids were received with the following results:
COMPANY NAME BID AMOUNT
Dirt Dynasty, Inc. (Farmington, CA) $192,085
VSS International, Inc. (West Sacramento, CA) $211,000
Engineer’s Estimate $158,270
The bid from Dirt Dynasty, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder, is regular in all respects. Dirt Dynasty, Inc. has the proper license to perform the work and has proposed a DBE participation of 52.5 percent, which exceeds the 15 percent DBE goal. Staff recommends Council approve the plans and specifications for the project and award a Construction Contract to Dirt Dynasty, Inc., of Farmington, CA, in the amount of $192,085.
Caltrans National Environmental Policy Act determination was received on May 5, 2021. The State determined that the project is a Categorical Exclusion under 23 CFR 771.117(c): activity (c)(21). Similarly, the project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code, section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15301(a) of the CEQA guidelines. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE31-21 under CEQA.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are sufficient funds available in the Guardrail and Impact Attenuator Installation, Project No. WT16006 (formerly PW1606)/Federal Project No. HSIPL-5008(152), Account No. 4570-000-800007-300-000-30-45-000-000, to award a Construction Contract to Dirt Dynasty, Inc. in the amount of $192,085.
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 - Vicinity Map