SR-11-10-2015-3C
City Council
Report
City Council Regular Meeting: November 10, 2015
Agenda Item: 3.C
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Martin Pastucha, Director, Public Works, Architecture Services
Subject: Award Construction Contract for the Expo Buffer Park Project
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Award Bid #SP2254 to USS Cal Builders, a California-based company, for the
construction of the Expo Buffer Park Project.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with USS Cal
Builders in an amount not to exceed $6,312,856 (includes additive alternate bid
and a 10% contingency).
3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue any necessary change orders
to complete additional work within budget authority.
Executive Summary
On September 11, 2012, Council approved a design contract with Mia Lehrer +
Associates to provide design and preconstruction services for the Expo Buffer Park
Project along Exposition Boulevard, adjacent to the new Expo Maintenance Facility.
Following two and a half years of design, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to
building contractors on April 23, 2015. A total of nine qualifications packages were
received for construction services. After a staff review of qualifications a short list of
three firms were selected to provide bids. A Request for Bids was issued on August 6,
2015 and three bids were received on September 14, 2015. Staff recommends USS Cal
Builders as the best bidder for the construction of the Expo Buffer Park Project in an
amount not to exceed $6,312,856.
Background
On September 11, 2012 (attachment A), Council approved a professional services
contract with Mia Lehrer + Associates, Inc. (MLA) to provide design and preconstruction
services for the Expo Buffer Park project. Following execution of the agreement with
MLA, the design consultant and City staff initiated an extensive community engagement
process for the design of the new park in the Pico Neighborhood. The process
included three community workshops, outreach to the community through the
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Disabilities, Senior and Recreation & Parks Commissions, and on-going outreach to the
immediate neighbors of the project site (Pico Neighborhood Group). The specific
program and amenities for the new park were determined through this process, and by
working closely with neighborhood stakeholders, the Disabilities, Senior, and the
Recreation & Parks Commissions.
On April 22, 2014 (attachment B), Council approved the design development and
directed staff to move forward with construction documents. The project was submitted
to Building & Safety for permit review on April 2 , 2015.
Consultant Selection
On April 23, 2015, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for construction
services of the Expo Buffer Park Project in accordance with City scope of work. The
RFQ was posted on the City’s online bidding site and n otices were posted in the Santa
Monica Daily Press in accordance with City Charter and Municipal Code provisions.
Nine qualifications packages were received and publicly opened on May 15, 2015.
Following staff review of the qualifications packages, three contractor firms were short
listed and were provided with Request for Bid documents (RFB) on August 6, 2015. The
following bids were received on September 14, 2015:
Firm Base Bid
Icon West Inc. $5,692,880
USS Cal Builders $5,728,960
W. E. O’Neil $6,033,886
Staff from Public Works reviewed the qualifications and rated the submittals based on
selection criteria including price, direct experience on similar projects, record performing
public sector work, understanding of the project’s scope, approach to the work,
qualifications of proposed staff, and scheduling of project activities. Following a
thorough review process that included interviews with two of the three bidding teams, it
was determined that USS Cal Builders was the most qualified firm and best bidder,
based on their clear understanding of the project, track record of projects of a similar
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size and scope, price, and excellent references.
USS Cal Builders’ recently completed projects include portions of the Orange County
Great Park as well as the Encinitas Community Park. References were contacted and
respondents reported that the contractor performed well on their projects. The
California Contractors State License Board verified that contractor’s license is current
and in good standing. The lowest bidder was not selected because their understanding,
past professional experience, and plan for building in sensitive residential
neighborhoods was not as extensive or strategic as the approach articulated by USS
Cal Builders. Additionally, the lowest bidder’s previous construction experience did not
reflect a similar size, scope or complexity of park construction that is reflective of the
Expo Buffer Park project. The lowest bidder submitted an initial letter of protest, but has
chosen not to protest the determination any further.
Staff will return to Council in early 2016 with a park name recommendation in
accordance with the City’s public land and buildings naming guidelines .
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The contract to be awarded to USS Cal Builders is $6,312,856 (includes additive
alternate bid and a 10% contingency). Funds are available in the FY 2015 -16 Capital
Improvement Program budget. The contract will be charged to the following accounts:
Account Amount
C017060.589000 (General Fund) $2,867,657
C207060.589010 (Miscellaneous Grants) $2,089,437
C200397.589090 (Prop A Rail Reserve) $1,333,735
C047060.589000 (Special Revenue) $22,027
TOTAL $6,312,856
Prepared By: Jean Bellman, Architect
Approved Forwarded to Council
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Attachments:
Reference:
Contract No. 10215
(CCS)