City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: November 18, 2025
Agenda Item: 4.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rick Valte, Public Works Director, Public Works, Architecture Services Subject: Award Bid #SP2575 and Construction Contract to Vellutini Corporation, DBA Royal Electric Company, for the Santa Monica Department of Transportation Charging Infrastructure Project, Phases 2-4
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction of Small Structures) and Section 15311(Class 11 – Accessory Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid # SP2575 to Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric for the construction, purchase, and installation of battery electric bus charging infrastructure and electric vehicle supply equipment for the Department of Transportation;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company, in an amount not to exceed $55,907,500 (including a $5,082,500 contingency);
4. Approve the position and dedicate a limited-term Senior Construction Manager for the project as described in the “Funding and Staffing Recommendations” section of this report; and
5. Authorize budget amendments as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
Summary
The Santa Monica Department of Transportation (SMDOT) developed the Charging Infrastructure Plan, a phased master plan for the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet including construction of a Battery Electric Bus (BEB) charging infrastructure system.
In October 2024, SMDOT was awarded a $53.258 million grant through the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) Cycle 7 which provided funding to 2 of 10
fully build out SMDOT’s BEB charging infrastructure. Engineering designs for this BEB charging system were completed in May 2025, and the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Phases 2–4 of the Charging Infrastructure Project. The RFQ closed with ten responses received. Following an evaluation process, staff shortlisted four contractors and invited them to participate in the Request for Bids (RFB) process.
Of the four invited contractors, two submitted bids. After evaluating the bids, staff recommends awarding the contract to Vellutini Corporation dba Royal Electric Company as the lowest and best responsive bidder for installation of electric bus charging equipment, installation of Level 2 charging equipment for employee and City vehicles, installation of electrical and utility infrastructure, construction of an overhead gantry structure, and other site improvements in an amount not to exceed $55,907,500 (including a 10% contingency) for a five-year term with two additional one-year renewal options.
To successfully deliver the Propulsion Infrastructure Project, the Department of Transportation requires additional in-house capacity to manage construction, coordinate with partners, and ensure timely delivery. With cost savings achieved by limiting the use of consultant construction management services, significant staff time and resources will be needed beginning in 2026 to oversee the project effectively. Therefore, staff recommends that City Council approve a three-year limited-term Senior Construction Manager position, fully funded by the Big Blue Bus, to provide dedicated, full-time support for this critical infrastructure effort.
Discussion
In support of the City’s sustainability goals, SMDOT presented a Fleet Composition Study to Council in April 2018. Based on the study’s findings, Council reaffirmed its commitment to a full transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. The City also adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), in May 2019, which aims to reduce citywide carbon emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner.
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In 2019, SMDOT purchased and placed into service its first prototype BEB built by legacy bus builder Gillig and commissioned two charging stations to support its operation. SMDOT used its first BEB to test the ability of BEBs to meet the service requirements of each route in SMDOT’s system. In 2020, SMDOT contracted with Stantec Architecture, Inc. (Stantec) to develop a Charging Infrastructure Master Plan and to perform route modelling to project how BEBs would perform on SMDOT’s existing service. The resulting report determined that BEBs would be able to meet SMDOT’s operational needs with minimal changes to its existing service. The report also provided a phased implementation plan that would allow for construction of SMDOT BEB charging infrastructure without disrupting SMDOT’s ability to provide service.
In 2021, SMDOT commissioned Phase 1 of its Charging Infrastructure Master Plan, adding 18 additional BEB charging stations. Phase 1 was accomplished in coordination with Southern California Edison (SCE) through their Charge Ready Transport grant program. Under this program, SCE took on financial responsibility for installation of utility infrastructure needed to support the additional charging stations and provided a rebate for the charging stations. SMDOT also purchased and placed an additional 18 BEBs into service.
With Phase 1 of its infrastructure plan complete, SMDOT began working with Stantec to produce 100% design and construction documents for phases 2, 3, and 4 of the Charging Infrastructure Master Plan and began pursuing funding opportunities to complete construction of its charging infrastructure and to purchase additional BEBs. In 2023, SMDOT received $22.9 million in funding from the state’s TIRCP program to partially fund phases 2, 3, and 4 of its charging infrastructure and purchase five BEBs.
In 2024, SMDOT received an additional award of $53.3 million from the states TRICP program to fully fund the completion of its Charging Infrastructure Master Plan and to purchase 73 additional BEBs. SMDOT also received an additional award under SCE’s Charge Ready Transport program to provide utility infrastructure support for phases 2, 3, 4 of its Charging Infrastructure Master Plan, and SMDOT worked closely with SCE to develop its design and construction documents.
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Contractor Selection
On May 22, 2025, staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Phases 2–4 of the Charging Infrastructure Project. The RFQ closed on July 11, 2025, with ten responses received. Following an evaluation process, staff shortlisted four contractors and invited them to participate in the Request for Bids (RFB) process, which was released on August 25, 2025. The RFB was prepared in alignment with the Council-approved Skilled Labor Policy for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Projects.
The deadline for bid submissions was October 10, 2025. Of the four invited contractors, two submitted bids. After evaluating the bids, staff recommends awarding the contract to Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
RFQs Received (short-list in bold)
Aldridge Electric, Inc. CSI Electrical Contractors Inc. Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc.
EO Charging US, Inc Green Insight LLC Hathaway Dinwiddie Kiewit Infrastructure West
Co.
PAR Western Line Contractors,
LLC
Royal Electric Company
SitelogIQ, Inc.
RFQ Data
Posted On Posted On Advertised In (City
Charter & SMMC)
Vendors
Downloaded
Date Publicly
Opened
05/22/2025 City's Online
Bidding Site
Santa Monica Daily
Press
159 05/23/2025
Bidder Recommendation
Best Qualified Firm Royal Electric Company
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Evaluation Criteria Experience/technical competence, stability/references, work plans/timeline, project team, cost of services/cost control, and value added/breadth of service.
Municipal Code SMMC 2.24.180
RFBs Received (Shortlist Only)
Royal Electric Company $50,825,000
Hathaway Dinwiddie $52,208,802
RFB Data
Posted On Posted On Advertised In (City
Charter & SMMC)
Vendors
Downloaded
Date Publicly
Opened
08/25/2025 City's Online
Bidding Site
Santa Monica Daily
Press 4 10/10/2025
RFB Justification to Award
Staff recommends awarding the contract to Vellutini Corporation dba Royal Electric Company as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder to provide construction services, based on their proven experience delivering large-scale electric vehicle infrastructure projects, strong project approach and understanding of BEB charging systems, competitive cost proposal, and ability to provide a cohesive team with expertise in electrical, utility, and infrastructure construction required for successful implementation.
Staffing Recommendations
Implementation of the Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Charging Infrastructure Project represents one of the largest and most technically complex capital projects undertaken by the Department of Transportation (SMDOT) in support of the City’s commitment to a zero-emissions fleet and broader sustainability goals. While initial phases of work were supported heavily by consultants, future phases including the delivery of the Propulsion Infrastructure Project, will rely more directly on in-house staff to manage construction activities, coordinate with utilities, support state and federal grant compliance, and ensure on-time, on-budget project delivery.
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Given the scale and complexity of the project, significant staff time and resources will be required beginning in FY 2025-26 to support effective implementation. This includes detailed construction coordination, real-time troubleshooting, communication with internal and external stakeholders, and oversight of grant and regulatory requirements.
Reducing reliance on external consultant services presents cost-saving opportunities but also increases the need for in-house capacity. Without dedicated staffing, existing workloads may be impacted, and project delivery could be delayed.
To support successful implementation, staff recommends the addition of a three-year Limited-Term Senior Construction Manager (1.0 FTE) within the Public Works Department. This position would be dedicated full-time to the Propulsion Infrastructure project and would be responsible for leading day-to-day construction management, coordination with Southern California Edison (SCE) and other project partners, contract oversight, and compliance with applicable funding and environmental requirements.
The estimated prorated salary for this position, including fringe benefits, is $115,166 for FY 2025-26, based on a start date of December 1, 2025. It is anticipated that this position would be funded through existing Propulsion Infrastructure Project funding, including eligible grant funds, as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of this report.
By establishing this Limited-Term position, the City will ensure focused and professional oversight of this critical infrastructure investment, reduce the need for extended consultant contracts, and maintain accountability to both public funding sources and community goals.
Environmental Review
The construction contract for the Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Charging Infrastructure Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction of Small Structures) and Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Section 15303 exempts the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, including utility extensions. Section 15311 exempts the 7 of 10
construction or placement of minor accessory structures appurtenant to existing institutional facilities. The proposed project involves the installation of electric bus charging equipment, Level 2 charging equipment for employee and City vehicles, associated utility infrastructure, and an overhead gantry structure—improvements that are accessory to the existing use of the site as a municipal bus operations and maintenance facility.
Additionally, none of the exceptions listed in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines apply. The project site is not located in an environmentally sensitive area, will not result in significant environmental impacts, will not affect scenic resources, is not located on a hazardous waste site, and does not involve any historic resources.
As such, the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15303 and 15311 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
06/28/16
(Attachment A)
City Council established the BBB Zero Carbon 2030 Fleet Plan, directed staff to provide an analysis outlining the steps that the City would undertake to plan, implement, and track progress toward zero carbon emissions for Big Blue Bus
operations, and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement with a
qualified consultant to assist BBB staff in conducting the analysis.
04/24/18
(Attachment B)
City Council directed staff to move forward with the
electrification of the BBB fleet by authorizing the purchase of one Gillig battery-electric bus, conducting a pilot program with 10 or more battery-electric vehicles, and providing a proof-of-concept plan.
10/15/19
(Attachment C)
City Council directed staff to award RFP SP#2604 to
Stantec Architecture, Inc. to provide design and planning services for the Big Blue Bus Charging Infrastructure Project and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Stantec Architecture, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $537,663 (including a 10% contingency) for two years.
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09/08/21
(Attachment D)
City Council directed staff to negotiate and execute a first modification to professional services agreement # 10951 (CCS) in the amount of $120,000 (including a 10%
contingency) with Stantec Architecture, Inc. for additional professional design services to prepare 100-percent
construction documents and provide permitting services for the for the Big Blue Bus Charging Infrastructure Project. 07/29/25
(Attachment E)
City Council directed staff to negotiate and execute a sole source agreement with Stantec Architecture, Inc. to provide professional design services, specifically additional
construction document deliverables, bid support, and
construction administration services, in an amount not to exceed $1,150,000 (including a 10% contingency) for a fiveyear term with two additional one-year renewal options. The recommended award was made as an exception to the
competitive bidding process pursuant to Section
2.24.250(b).
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
Staff seeks authority to appropriate Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant funds for the construction of the Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Charging Infrastructure Project and to budget for related project reimbursement revenues.
FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment
Establish Revenue Budget Additional Funds to be Appropriated Account Number Amount CIP Account Number Amount
60600002.420200
Capital Grants - TIRCP $43,080,298 C6007240.689000Propulsion Infrastructure $43,080,298 Staff seeks authority to approve available funding from the Big Blue Bus Fund to award a contract with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company for construction of the battery electric bus charging infrastructure and installation of electric vehicles supply equipment.
Contract Request
FY 2025-26
Request Amount CIP Account # Total Contract
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Amount
$55,907,500 C6007240.689000
Propulsion Infrastructure
$55,907,500
Additionally, staff seeks approval of a three-year Limited-Term Senior Construction Manager (1.0 FTE) within the Public Works Department. The prorated cost of the position for this fiscal year is approximately $115,166. The position would reside in the General Fund, but would be fully funded by the Big Blue Bus (60) Fund.
FY 2025-26 Position Changes
Fund Department FTE Title Reason
Position in the
General Fund,
fully funded by
the Big Blue Bus
Fund.
Public Works 1.0 Senior Construction
Manager
(3-year limited-term)
Add
Approval of the recommended actions would require the following budget amendment.
FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment
Appropriate Funds
Fund Account Number Description Amount
General 01500010.51XXXX Personnel expenses $115,166
General 01800001.69XXXX Reimbursement from the BBB Fund ($115,166) Big Blue Bus 60800002.69XXXX Reimbursement to the General Fund $115,166 Future year funding is contingent on Council budget approval.
Prepared By: Brian Ochoa, CIP Project Manager
Approved Forwarded to Council
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Attachments:
A. June 28. 2016 Staff Report (Web Link)
B. April 24, 2018 Staff Report (Web Link)
C. October 15, 2019 Staff Report (Web Link)
D. Royal Electric - Levine_Act_Disclosure_Form_2025
E. Royal Electric - Oaks_Initiative_Disclosure_Form
F. Staff Report _First Modification Stantec Architecture G. 07292025_ Staff Report_Stantec Sole Source Agreement