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• ·..:,:, SM CIVIC CENTER• 18 125 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE 1111 P.O. BOX .31.30 • CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA 90 70.3-.3 130 e TO:
FROM:
INITIATED BY:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
BACKGROUND
PHONE: (562) 860-03 1 I • CERRITOS.GOV 2008
AGENDA REPORT
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Robert A. Lopez, City Manager~
Kristin Aguila, Assistant City Manage~ .. ~ ,
Annie Hylton, Director of Community a~ C ultural Services~ Eric Cardoso, Library Services Manager C-ve.,,
September 28, 2026
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF AQUARIUMS, RFP NO. 1572-26
The Cerritos Library has a 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, and the Cerritos Senior Center has a 450-gallon aquarium. Both aquariums are popular amenities that provide visitors with opportunities to view a variety of colorful aquatic specimens. The Cerritos Library also offers educational programs related to the aquarium that teach children about ocean life and ecology. In addition, the Children's area in the Cerritos Library features a SO-gallon decorative water bubbler that is popular with families attending the weekly storytimes.
The City has an existing contract with California Aquarium Consultants for aquarium maintenance services that expires on November 1, 2026.
FINDINGS
On July 10, 2026, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a professional services contract for the maintenance of the Cerritos Library and Cerritos Senior Center aquariums.
The professional services contract to be awarded pursuant to RFP No. 1572-26 for the maintenance of the City's aquariums will have an initial term of thirty-six (36) months, with provisions for up to three (3) additional twelve (12)-month extensions.
Pre-proposal meetings to obtain more information about the aquarium maintenance services were scheduled upon request from any interested consultant. A pre-proposal meeting was held with California Aquarium Consultants on July 24, 2026. Following release of the RFP, one proposer responded to the RFP by the August 12, 2026, deadline:
Consultant
California Aquarium Consultants
Office Location
Irvine, CA
California Aquarium Consultants' proposal provided information about the qualificat ions of its project team members. The proposal also included descriptions of the firm's experience with aquarium maintenance, including assessing and diagnosing water quality, disease and LYNDA P. JOHNSON
MAYOR
MARK E. PULIDO
MAYOR PRO TEM
JENNIFER HONG
COUNCILMEMBER
SOPHIA M. TSE
COUNCILMEMBER
FRANK AURELIO YOKOYAMA
COUNCILMEMBER
2 Award of Contract for Aquarium Maintenance, RFP No. 1572-26 September 28, 2026
species interaction issues, and mechanical and plumbing problems. The proposal also described their aquatic specimen quarantine and temporary housing facilities. The proposal also included a fee sheet listing the hourly rates for professional service and dive time, and costs for water changes, specimens, specimen food, and supplies.
Staff has thoroughly evaluated the proposal, including the project team, firm's experience, client references, and fees. As a result of the evaluation process, staff determined the proposal submitted by California Aquarium Consultants meets the required qualifications to provide professional aquarium maintenance services at both facilities. California Aquarium Consultants was part of the design team for the original development of the aquarium at the Cerritos Library. The company has previously handled all aspects of aquarium and water feature management and maintenance at the Cerritos Library and Cerritos Senior Center.
This has included service, repairs, feeding, specimen recommendations and selection, quarantine, disease diagnoses and prevention, water chemistry evaluations, and life support system functions. California Aquarium Consultants has provided capable service to the City, and the company is responsive when contacted regarding any issues with aquarium equipment or specimens. The firm's project manager has more than 45 years of experience designing, installing, and managing aquariums and live specimen holding facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT Based on typical service and maintenance requirements, California Aquarium Consultants' total annual fee for professional service is anticipated to be $64,050. The company does not charge a mark-up on specimens. The 2026-2027 Combined Financial Program includes adequate funding to cover the contract with California Aquarium Consultants for these services.
Prior to the expiration of the term of the contract or an extension thereof, California Aquarium Consultants may request that the City approve an increase in hourly rates for work to be completed for the additional period. Such requests for increase in unit prices shall be based on the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor, Los Angeles - Long Beach metropolitan area, for the period of July 1 through June 30 of the calendar year immediately preceding the date of such adjustment.
The maximum increase for any period shall be 3%.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Award RFP No. 1572- 26, a professional services contract for the maintenance of the City's aquariums, to California Aquarium Consultants with a term of thirty-six (36) months with a provision for up to three (3) twelve (12) month extensions;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Cerritos; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute any contract modifications that may be necessary to complete the specified scope of work in accordance with the City's Purchasing and Contracting policy.