SR-08-25-2015-3B
City Council
Report
City Council Regular Meeting: August 25, 2015
Agenda Item: 3.B
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Martin Pastucha, Director, Public Works, Water Resources
Subject: Award Agreement for Hydrogeologist Professional Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Award RFP #33 to Richard C. Slade & Associates, LLC, a California-based
company, for hydrogeological professional services.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional service s
agreement with Richard C. Slade & Associates, LLC, in an amount not to exceed
$1,860,000 (including a 10% contingency) for five years.
3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue any necessary changes to
complete additional work within contract authority.
Executive Summary
The City is beginning the implementation of a comprehensive water system
improvement program, with the goal of eliminating its dependence on imported water
sources and achieving a sustainable water supply to meet the City's water needs by
2020.
In April 2015, the City published a Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain the services of
a qualified hydrogeologist or groundwater geologist addressing the planning, design,
and construction management of new potable water production wells, in addition to
general groundwater management advice. After reviewing proposals received, staff
recommends Richard C. Slade & Associates, LLC to provide these base services and
design of one well at a cost of $1,120,600. If the initial stages of this study show more
than one well is necessary, the option to design a second well is available for an
additional $570,000. The total cost of this agreement (including a 10% contingency)
would not exceed $1,860,000 for a term of five years.
Background
On January 25, 2011 (attachment A), Council established a goal to become water self-
sufficient by 2020. There are a number of projects and initiatives necessary to reach
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self-sufficiency; the need for additional, reliable, local water production is one such
component. As part of this program and in conjunction with California’s Groundwater
Management Act to provide for water basin management, a qualified Hydrogeologist is
needed to provide professional services addressing the planning, design, and
construction of new potable water production wells, in addition to perennial yield
analysis of the water basins, and general groundwater management advice.
Discussion
The City is currently planning for the construction of a new treatment plant in the
Olympic sub basin. Delivering a reliable water supply to this plant is critical for its
successful operation. Based on current production of wells, and prelimary assessment
ofthe sub basin the City has identified available water. This project would evaluate
supply, identify locations for new production wells, and ensure that the construction of
new wells balance the City’s goals of managing contamination, avoiding significant
drawdown of existing aquifers, and producing high-quality potable water in the volume
required to serve the City’s population of residents, businesses, and visitors.
New wells in locations outside of the Olympic sub basin would also be evaluated. A
conceptual groundwater basin model and assessment of available groundwater
supplies in the Santa Monica Groundwater Basin has been prepared by Richard C.
Slade and Associates in the past. This effort would build upon the conceptual model by
determining groundwater flow directions, volumes, and probable perennial yield for the
five sub basins of the Santa Monica Groundwater Basin.
Vendor/Consultant Selection
On April 23, 2015, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Hydrogeological
Professional Services. The RFP was posted on the City’s on-line bidding site, and
notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in accordance with City
Charter and Municipal Code provisions. A total of 1,102 vendors were notified and 48
vendors downloaded the RFP. Three firms responded. Responses to the RFP were
reviewed by staff from the Public Works Department.
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Proposals were evaluated based on the criteria in SMMC 2.24.072, including:
Technical Competence
Past Performance
Financial Stability
Quality Control
Staffing Capability
Cost of Services.
Staff interviewed two shortlisted firms and recommends Richard C. Slade & Associates,
LLC (RCS) as the low bidder and best qualified firm to provide Hydrogeological
Professional Services at a competitive cost. RCS completed a detailed groundwater
resource assessment for the City in 2013, and is familiar with the hydrogeologic
conditions underlying the Santa Monica area. Additionally, of the three firms that
submitted proposals, RCS was the only firm that exhibited detailed experience in the
design and construction of potable water production wells.
Richard C. Slade & Associates, LLC would analyze the perennial yield from the Santa
Monica Basin, identify new water well locations, provide well design, bidding assistance,
inspection/management during well construction, as well as provide general
groundwater professional support services. A review of services will be conducted
annually but the term of this agreement shall not exceed five years, unless approved by
action of the City Council.
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Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The professional services agreement to be awarded to Richard C. Slade & Associates,
LLC is for an amount not to exceed $1,860,000. Funds are available in the FY 2015-16
Capital Improvement Program budget in account C019067.589000.
Prepared By: Jessica Arden, Civil Engineer
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. January 25, 2011 Council Agenda