June 16, 2026
Public Works
DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Josef Munoz, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Works
Jene Levine Snipes, Development Project Manage
Subject:
Contract with FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. for the
Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility
Improvements Project
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $3,577,318 construction contract amount is included within the approved Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility
Improvements Project budget and is funded through
Caltrans grant funding and local funds (Account Strings:
15436431-400708-23031 and 20136031-400708-23031).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
October 18, 2022
June 18, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Interstate 80 undercrossing at Macdonald Avenue,
Barrett Avenue, and San Pablo Avenue are currently
dark and lack adequate pedestrian-scale lighting and
accessibility features. To improve safety and revitalize these corridors, City staff is seeking a construction
contract to complete these streetscape improvements
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a construction contract
with FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. for the Richmond
Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility Improvements
Project in an amount not to exceed $3,577,318 (Base Bid of $3,252,107 plus a City-controlled contingency of
$325,211, equal to ten percent of the contract amount); AUTHORIZE the City Manager, or designee, to execute;
and AUTHORIZE the Director of Public Works to approve
change orders, if necessary, up to the contingency
AGENDA
REPORT
June 16, 2026
amount. Public Works Department – (Jene Levine Snipes
510-307-8132 / Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
DISCUSSION:
Project Background and Scope
The Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility Improvements Project is a revitalization effort focused on the Macdonald, Barrett, and San Pablo Avenues undercrossing beneath Interstate 80 (Attachment 1). By supplementing the existing and future wall murals with enhanced lighting and accessibility enhancements, the project aims to transform these wide, naturally dark spaces into vibrant and safe pedestrian corridors.
The initiative combines functional safety upgrades—such as new streetlights, protective bollards, and compliant accessible curb ramps—with creative installations designed to brighten the environment and deter graffiti. These improvements will create a more secure, accessible, and visually engaging experience for everyone traveling through these vital city connections.
Project Funding
The City has secured $4,700,000 in funding for this Project, which includes $4,000,000 in Caltrans Grant Funding and $700,000 in local funds.
Bidding Process and Evaluation
Following a public bidding process hosted on PlanetBids from December 22, 2025, to January 27, 2026 (Attachment 2), the City received two responsive bids for the project reflected below:
Ray’s Electric (Gruendl Inc.) submitted a bid of $3,833,194, FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. submitted a bid of $3,252,107.
After a thorough evaluation, City staff verified that both bids met all procurement requirements. FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. was identified as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Recommendation
City staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve a construction contract for the Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility Project to FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. (Attachment 3) The total recommended not to exceed contract amount is $3,577,318, calculated as follows:
Component Amount
Base Bid $3,252,107
10% Contingency
$325,211
Total Recommended Amount $3,577,318
June 16, 2026
City staff further recommend authorizing City Manager to execute the agreement and the Director of Public Works to approve change orders, if necessary, for up to the 10 percent contingency amount of $325,211 (Attachment 4).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Project Location Map
Attachment 2 – Bid Summary Report
Attachment 3 – Resolution Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility Project
Attachment 4 – Proposed Construction Agreement