Public Works Agency
www.santa-ana.org/pw
Item # 23
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
January 20, 2026
TOPIC: Award of a Construction Contract to Construct the Portola Splash Pad Project
AGENDA TITLE
Award of a Construction Contract to Golden Gate Steel, Inc., to Construct the Portola Splash Pad Project (Project No. 25-2401) (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program to include an additional $2,467,500 in construction funds for the Portola Splash Pad Project (Project No. 25-2401).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost of $2,467,500, which includes $1,974,000 for the construction contract, $296,100 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $197,400 for unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to Golden Gate Steel, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $1,974,000, subject to change orders, for construction of the Portola Splash Pad Project (Project No. 25-2401), for a term beginning January 20, 2026 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2025-118 will be filed for Project No. 25-2401.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The Portola Splash Pad and Restroom Renovation Project (Project No. 24-2501) scope of work includes the construction of the City’s first splash pad and the renovation of the existing men’s and women’s restrooms at Portola Park (Exhibit 1). The project will introduce an accessible, water-based recreational amenity that serves users of all ages and physical abilities and also addresses aging infrastructure and existing ADA deficiencies within the restroom facilities. The project is funded through the Cannabis Benefit Fund which enables the City to reinvest locally generated cannabis revenues
Construction Contract for the Portola Splash Pad Project January 20, 2026
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into high-impact community amenities that enhance public health and recreational opportunities. The addition of a splash pad supports the City’s broader parks and recreation goals by activating underutilized park space, improving park functionality, and enhancing quality-of-life amenities for residents.
The project location was identified and approved by City Council as a priority project on October 15, 2024, following prior planning efforts to expand equitable recreational opportunities citywide. This project represents the first splash pad to be constructed under the City’s long-range park improvement initiatives and is intended to serve as a prototype for future similar facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with the goal of opening the facility for public use by summer 2026. Upon completion, the park will feature upgraded ADA-compliant restroom facilities and a fully operational splash pad with ongoing maintenance incorporated into existing PWA operations. The project advances the City’s adopted Parks Master Plan by improving park infrastructure, enhancing public safety and accessibility, and providing heat-relief amenities during warmer months, in support of the City’s long-term vision for inclusive, resilient, and well-activated public spaces.
Project Advertisement and Contractor Procurement
To provide an opportunity for local vendors to submit bids, the City notified a total of 2,545 regional vendors via PlanetBids, many of which are Santa Ana based.
Furthermore, staff specifically reached out to Santa Ana vendors to encourage their participation in bids. A total of four bids were received. Zero bids were received from Santa Ana contractors.
As legally required, a Notice Inviting Bids was advertised in the Orange County Register newspaper on November 26, 2025 and December 3, 2025. The project was also advertised in PlanetBids from November 26, 2025 to December 18, 2025. Bids were received electronically via PlanetBids on December 18, 2025. No bid protest was submitted by any of the bidders during the bid protest period.
A copy of construction plans, contracts, specifications, and all related reference materials (such as The Greenbook) are available for public review at the City’s Public Works Agency, Central Files office located in City Hall.
Bid Results Summary
RANK BIDDER’S NAME LOCATION BASE BID
1 Golden Gate Steel, Inc. Norwalk, CA $1,974,000
2 USA Construction Los Angeles, CA $1,980,680
3 VSI Technologies San Diego, CA $2,099,999
4 YMC Irvine, CA $2,444,000
A total of four bids were received and all four were deemed responsive. Golden Gate Steel, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $1,974,000 (Exhibit 2).
Construction Contract for the Portola Splash Pad Project January 20, 2026
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Based on the bid analysis and a contractor’s reference check, staff recommends awarding the construction contract to Golden Gate Steel, Inc. (Exhibit 3).
This will be Golden Gate Steel, Inc.’s first construction project for the City of Santa Ana; however, the contractor has completed complex projects for other public agencies. Most recently, the contractor completed a multi-use and single-use restroom renovation for the Rancho Santiago Community College District and conversion of an existing facility into a public shelter facility for the City of Corona. Golden Gate Steel, Inc. holds a type A – General Engineering Contractor license from the State, deeming them technically qualified for this project. Based on the contractor’s experience and positive contractor’s reference check, staff is confident that Golden Gate Steel, Inc. will provide the same quality work for the City.
Project Delivery
To deliver a complete project, in addition to the construction contract, the estimated total project delivery cost includes a budget allocation for construction administration, inspection, and testing. Construction administration and inspection may be performed by either Staff or consultants and includes construction management, inspection of the Contractor’s work to ensure contract compliance, workmanship and quality, materials testing, and implementation of the labor requirements.
Any of the allocated construction administration funds not spent are considered project savings and are returned to the respective fund balance upon close out of the project.
As indicated in the Cost Analysis and as summarized in the table below, the estimated total construction delivery cost of the project is $2,467,500.
Project Item Total
Construction Contract Bid Amount $1,974,000
Construction Administration $100,000
Inspection $150,000
Testing $46,100
Unanticipated or Unforeseen Work $197,400
TOTAL ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION DELIVERY COST $2,467,500
Project Schedule and Contract Time
The project is to be complete in June of 2026, barring unforeseeable conditions such as rain, natural disasters, or other delays beyond the control of the City and of the Contractor. The contract time for this project is 90 working days, as specified in the bid documents. Working days are counted in accordance with the City’s Standard Specifications, which exclude weekends, City-observed holidays, and inclement weather days that prevent work.
Construction Contract for the Portola Splash Pad Project January 20, 2026
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The contractor was required to submit a construction schedule as part of their bid to expedite delivery of the project. The projected completion date based on the submitted schedule is June 2026, which is within the allotted 90 working days. If the contractor fails to deliver on time, they will be assessed a penalty of $5,000 per calendar day as specified in the bid documents.
Project Milestones
Milestone Estimated Completion
Date
Notes
Administrative Startup January 2026 Contract execution, bonds, insurance
Material Procurement January - April 2026 Procurement for long lead items (shade structures,
splash pad equipment and
water features)
Contractor Mobilization February 2026 Start of construction activities Project Completion June 2026 Based on 90 working days
Project Phasing
The contractor will be constructing this project in a single phase, fulfilling the scope of work as outlined in the contract documents. The contractor is responsible for determining the scheduling and sequencing of activities based on their proposed means and methods.
Public Outreach
Upon Council approval of recommended actions, prior to start of construction, Staff will notify the Portola Park neighborhood association of upcoming construction and distribute informational material, including who to contact for additional information or to address issues of concern.
The Contractor is required to issue construction notices to adjacent residents and businesses at least two weeks before construction begins. Additionally, the contractor is required to install signage at the project site indicating project details and contact information.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the recommended actions are exempt from further review pursuant to Section 15301(b) of the CEQA Guidelines for projects consisting of repair of repair/maintenance of existing public facilities. The proposed project continues to meet these parameters of the CEQA Guidelines, and Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2025-118 will be filed for Project 25-2401 (Exhibit 4).
Construction Contract for the Portola Splash Pad Project January 20, 2026
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FISCAL IMPACT
As indicated in the Cost Analysis, the estimated total construction delivery cost of the project is $2,467,500. All funds are available for expenditure in Fiscal Year 2025-26. Any remaining balances not expended at the end of the fiscal year will be presented to City Council for approval of carryovers into Fiscal Year 2026-27 (Exhibit 5).
The proposed contract authorizes staff a maximum of 10% for construction contract change orders for unanticipated or unforeseen work. Staff will return to City Council for authorization and appropriation of additional contract authorization if necessary.
Fiscal
Year
Accounting
Unit – Account
No.
(Project No.)
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit,
Account Description Amount
CURRENT BUDGET
2025-26 01213020-66220
(25-2401)
Cannabis
Public Benefit
Fund
PRCSA Youth Services,
Improvements Other
Than Buildings
$2,467,500
TOTAL $2,467,500
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Location Map
2. Bid Proposal
3. Construction Contract
4. Environmental Determination
5. Capital Improvement Project Worksheet
Submitted By: Rodolfo Rosas, P.E., Acting Executive Director - Public Works Agency Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager