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APPROVE FINDINGS AND AWARD AN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT TO VVH CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR DEPTH OF COVER REMEDIATION DESIGN SERVICES FOR WASTEWATER PIPELINE CROSSING THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution 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 Engineering Services Contract in the amount of $872,360 to VVH Consulting Engineers of Modesto, CA to design the depth of cover remediation for the 36-inch pipeline and reinforcement of cover for the 60-inch pipeline crossing the San Joaquin River (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution).
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Engineering Services Contract.
4. Appropriate funds of $872,360 from the Wastewater Utility Fund Balance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations, Special Services account for these services.
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
In February 2022, the Municipal Utilities Department (MUD) conducted a hydrologic survey to measure the depth of a large diameter wastewater pipeline below the bottom of the San Joaquin River. The pipeline conveys secondary treated wastewater to the Regional Wastewater Control Tertiary Facility. The river bottom survey found that a portion of the pipeline requires additional cover to ensure the pipeline is protected from possible impacts that could cause failure as required by State Lands Commission regulation.
On June 9, 2023, the MUD advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design services for the Depth of Cover Remediation for the 36-inch Diameter Pipeline Crossing the San Joaquin River. One firm submitted a proposal for this project. Staff evaluated the proposal and found VVH Consulting Engineers was qualified to provide the requested services.
If approved by the City Council, this action will award a Professional Engineering Services Contract in the amount of $872,360 to VVH Consulting Engineers to design the remediation for the depth of cover of the 36-inch pipeline and reinforce the cover for a nearby 60-inch pipeline that cross the San Joaquin River.
DISCUSSION
Background
Secondary treated wastewater is conveyed across the San Joaquin River for tertiary treatment as part of the Regional Wastewater Control Facility treatment process. Wastewater pipelines (36-inch and 60-inch) currently lie beneath and cross the San Joaquin River.
In February 2022, a river bottom survey was performed to locate the burial depth of the 36-inch diameter pipeline. The river bottom survey reported approximately 100 linear feet of the pipeline had less than 5 feet of cover. The remediation of the depth of cover is necessary to ensure pipeline protection as required by the State Lands Commission.
In addition, the Regional Wastewater Control Facility (RWCF) Modifications Project recently completed the construction of the East Bank Outfall. Discharge flow from the new outfall could displace river bottom cover over the nearby 60-inch wastewater pipeline crossing.
Present Situation
On June 9, 2023, the MUD advertised the project in the Stockton Record and posted it to the City’s Bid Flash webpage. A notice with a brief project description was emailed to five (5) engineering consulting firms with similar project experience. Additionally, 3,273 notifications were sent through Ask Stockton.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting and job walk were held on June 21, 2023, with one (1) prospective design team in attendance (Longitude 123, Inc.). On July 20, 2023, one (1) sealed proposal was received and publicly opened by the City Clerk. VVH Consulting Engineers of Modesto, CA was selected. Staff negotiated a fee in the amount of $872,360 with VVH Consulting Engineers. This fee is reasonable for the size and complexity of this project.
Staff recommends the City Council approve a resolution to award a Professional Engineering Services Contract in the amount of $872,360 to VVH Consulting Engineers of Modesto, CA for the design of Depth of Cover Remediation for the 36-inch Diameter Pipeline and reinforce cover for the 60-inch diameter pipeline crossing the San Joaquin River.
It is anticipated that the design will be completed by June 2025. Once the design is completed, staff will return to the Council to award a construction contract.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, the City Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The scope of design services requires an engineering firm with unique experience in waterway, riverine, and river bottom design.
2. The use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Engineering Services Contract because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor.
3. Use of the criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service.
4. The City does not have sufficient staff capabilities and expertise to coordinate and permit with neighboring agencies along the San Joaquin River and to design the project for bidding and construction in 2025.
This contract is for professional engineering design services and as such, not subject to Local Employment requirements or CEQA requirements.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
An additional budget appropriation in Fiscal Year 2023-24 is recommended for project funding in the amount of $872,360 from the Wastewater Utility Fund Balance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations, Special Services account.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.