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Agenda Report
March 9, 2026
TO: hlonorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Department of Public Works
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CIFf MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GEOCON WEST, INC. FOR MATERIALS TESTING AND
SPECIAL INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE CENTRAL LIBRARY
SEISMIC RETROFIT AND RENOVATIONS PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $335,950
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find the contract proposed herein to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15061 (b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class and, therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract, as the result of a competitive selection process specified by Section 4.08.047 of the Pasadena Municipal Code with Geocon West, Inc. for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations project for a total amount not to exceed $335,950, which includes a base contract of $285,950 and a contingency of $50,000 to provide for any necessary additional services. Competitive price bidding is not required pursuant to City Charter Section 1002(F) (contracts for professional or unique services).
BACKGROUND:
The Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovation Project is an active City project to address seismic deficiencies and complete necessary repairs and renovations at the Pasadena Central Library. Following a structural assessment in 2021, the building was closed due to vulnerabilities associated with its unreinforced masonry construction. In MEETING OF.3/9/2026AGENDA ITEM NO.1
Contract Award to Geocon West for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations Project
March 9, 2026
November 2024, Pasadena voters approved Measure PL, a $195 million bond measure to fund construction. The project is currently under construction using the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery method, with PCL Construction Services, Inc. performing construction services, and is scheduled for completion in August 2028.
To support the construction phase, the City will retain a qualified consultant to provide independent materials testing and special inspection services throughout construction to verify compliance with the approved construction documents. These services are required due to the project's complex structural scope and include certified inspectors and testing personnel to perform inspections and field and laboratory testing for key building elements such as: concrete, shotcrete, reinforcing steel, structural steel, post- installed anchors, epoxy systems, soils and compaction, and FRP composite strengthening systems; prepare daily inspection reports; coordinate closely with the City Building Inspector, City staff, and the CMAR contractor; and identify, document, and verify corrective actions for deficiencies.
The Department of Public Works issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations project on September 17, 2025. The City received 8 responsive proposals on October 23, 2025 of which one was local.
Below is a list of the 8 responsive proposers (organized by rank):
FIRMCITY
Geocon West, Inc.Burbank
Earth Systems PacificPasadena
Smith-Emery Laboratories, Inc.Los Angeles
Koury Engineering & Testing, Inc.China
Twining, Inc.Long Beach
The Converse Professional Group dba Converse Consultants [ Monrovia Certerra RMA GroupRancho Cucamonga
E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.Emeryville
Based on the evaluation procedures and criteria specified in the RFP, proposals were scored and ranked by a selection committee comprised of staff from the Department of Public Works. Consistent with the City's Municipal Code, local Pasadena-based firms were granted five additional points in the scoring of their proposals. Attachment A summarizes the selection committee's scoring for all proposing firms based on established evaluation criteria.
Geocon West, Inc. is a Burbank-based geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and special inspection firm with extensive experience providing construction-phase quality assurance sen/ices for public-sector projects. The firm provides certified materials testing and special inspection services, including inspection and testing of concrete, Contract Award to Geocon West for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations Project
March 9, 2026
reinforcing steel, structural steel, shotcrete, masonry, post-installed anchors, and other structural systems.
Geocon West, Inc. has experience supporting complex projects involving seismic retrofit, renovation of existing facilities, and work within occupied or constrained urban environments. The firm has provided materials testing and special inspection services for a variety of municipal, institutional, and infrastructure projects for public agencies throughout Southern California. For the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovation Project, Geocon West, Inc. has proposed qualified and appropriately certified personnel and identified laboratory and field testing capabilities sufficient to support the project's construction schedule and coordination requirements. Geocon West, Inc. has previously performed work for the City since 2015 under three separate competitively-selected on- call geotechnical services contracts for $571,095.
It is recommended that the City enter into a contract with Geocon West, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $335,950, including a contingency of $50,000, to provide materials testing and special inspection services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations project.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The contract is consistent with the City Council's goal to improve, maintain and enhance public facilities and infrastructure as well as support and promote the quality of life and local economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The contract has been determined to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15061(b)(3), the General Rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. This contract is for materials testing and special inspection services only. The Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovation Project was also determined to be categorically exempt from the State CEQA Guidelines in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15301, for Existing Facilities, and the materials testing and inspection services activities were fully evaluated in this prior action and does not require further environmental review.
Contract Award to Geocon West for Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations Project
March 9, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of this contract, including contingency, is $335,950. Funding for this action will be addressed through the utilization of budgeted appropriations in the Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations (71922) project funded through Measure PL, a $195 million bond measure approved by Pasadena voters in November 2024. It is anticipated that all costs associated with this contract will be expended through FY 2029. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
c^/
IDEVINCK,P.E.
Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
BrehtMaue,
City Engineer
Approved by:
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/1ARQUEZ
City Manager
Attachment A: Consultant Scoring and Ranking