FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Awarding Bid No. 2023-17 to V. Lopez Jr & Sons G.E.C., Inc. for the 2023 -2024 Citywide Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Improvement Project
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the award of Bid No. 2023-17 for the construction of the 2023-2024 Citywide Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Improvement Project to V.
Lopez Jr. & Sons G.E.C., Inc. The project work consists of improving the safety and accessibility of the existing pedestrian facilities network by focusing on areas where improvements are needed most all work necessary to render the facilities complete and operational.
Environmental Notice: The Project qualifies for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 – Existing facilities (operation, repair, maintenance, leasing, etc.) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines because the scope of work to be conducted is an existing public facility with negligible expansion of the existing uses.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution awarding a bid to V. Lopez Jr & Sons G.E.C., Inc. in the amount of $1,942,704.25, for the construction of the 2023 -2024 Citywide Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Improvement Project, Bid No. 2023-17.
BACKGROUND:
Under the direction of the City of Santa Maria Public Works Department, the project was designed by the Engineering Division with input from the Streets Division. The project scope includes improving the safety and accessibility of the existing pedestrian facilities network by focusing on areas where improvements are needed. The project scope also includes crosswalk improvements at low -visibility and mid -block locations. Crosswalk improvements include striping, signage, and ADA pedestrian ramp improvements.
DISCUSSION:
The project was extensively advertised for bids. The City received two bids, which were opened on December 5, 2023. A summary of the bids submitted are as follows:
2 Bidder Bid Amount
V. Lopez Jr. & Sons G.E.C., Inc. $1,942,704.25
The J. F. Will Company, Inc. $1,963,765.00
A detailed tabulation of the bids received is attached (Attachment A). Signed proposals and bid bond forms are available for viewing in the office of the Public Works Director at 110 South Pine Street, Suite 221, Santa Maria, CA 93458.
As stated in the Bid Specifications, the Basis of Award is based on the lowest responsive responsible bid, based on the Grand Total. V. Lopez Jr & Sons G.E.C. , Inc. (V. Lopez) has been deemed to be the lowest responsible bidder.
The City received an i nquiry from a third party, Anthony Morelli, Southwest Regional Compliance Manager for the Construction Industry Force Account Council claiming V.
Lopez Jr. & Sons ’ contractor license had been issued to two entities and that their Department of Industrial R elations (DIR) Contractor Registration number ha d expired.
After notifying V. Lopez of the inquiry, the City received the attached letter from Hunt Ortmann Attorneys at Law representing V. Lopez Jr. & Sons. The City has verified that the information provided by Hunt Ortmann is valid and the claims by Anthony Morelli are unfounded.
V. Lopez has performed and successfully completed similar work for the City of Santa Maria, as well as many cities throughout Southern California and on the Central Coast.
In addition, they have submitted references for their work history. City staff have checked the firm’s references and are comfortable with the ability of the contractor to perform the work successfully.
The recommended action is to award the bid to V. Lopez, in the amount of $1,942,704 .25.
Alternative
The alternative to the recommended action would be to reject all bids.
Fiscal Considerations
Account number 064-011-045-52-29 "Enhanced Roadway Maintenance – LSTP,” account n umber 068-011-047-52-01 “Alternative Transportation Enhancements,” and account number 068-011-041-52-02 “Alternative Transportation Enhancement” have a combined total of $3,064,593.90 budgeted this fiscal year.
Available Budget Account Amount
Enhanced Roadway Maintenance – LSTP
Alternative Transportation Enhancements
Alternative Transportation Enhancement
$ 1,786,667.34
$ 661,473.50
$ 616,453.11
Estimated Expenditures Amount
Award
Contingency (15%)
$ 1,942,704.25
$ 291,405.64
3 Inspection, Testing, Staff Time $ 100,000.00
Total $ 2,334,109.89
Impact to the Community
Continual upkeep of the sidewalk network ensures a secure and robust system, ultimately benefiting the community.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Detailed Bid Results_Award of Contract - Citywide Pedestrian Safety Project_2024-01-16 B. Professional Services Agreement_ Award of Contract - Citywide Pedestrian Safety Project _2024- 01-16
C. Letter_January 18, 2024 from Hunt Ortmann Attorneys at Law representing V. Lopez Jr. and Sons.