REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Date: December 3, 2015
FROM: BRIAN R. MARSHALL, Director
Transportation Department
BY: JIM SCHAAD, Assistant Director
Transportation Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to awarding a contract for construction of electrical upgrades at Fresno Area Express’s Compressed Natural Gas fueling station:
1. Adopt a finding of Class 1 categorical exemption under section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Class 2 categorical exemption under section 15302, and Class 3 categorical exemption under section 15303.,
2. Award a construction contract to Big Valley Electric of Stockton, California in the amount of $929,455 for the construction of electrical upgrades at Fresno Area Express’s (FAX’s) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station (Bid File 3414) (Citywide).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council (1) adopt a finding of Class 1/section 15301 categorical exemption, Class 2/section 15302 categorical exemption, and Class 3/section 15303 categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines; and (2) award a construction contract to Big Valley Electric of Stockton, California in the amount of $929,455 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction of electrical upgrades at FAX’s CNG fueling station, and associated improvements, at 2223 G Street in Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FAX is planning an upgrade to electrical facilities at the City’s CNG fueling station, including replacing the main electrical service equipment and emergency generator, and adding parking lot security lighting. With the design phase of this project recently completed and formal bid process complete, FAX seeks to award a construction contract with Big Valley Electric of Stockton, California, in the amount of $929,455 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction of electrical upgrades at the CNG bus fueling station and associated improvements at 2223 G Street in Fresno. The Engineer’s estimate was $1,072,500, and the proposed contract is 13% below the estimate.
BACKGROUND
On August 25, 2014, FAX entered into a contract with Electrical Power Systems, Inc. for electrical engineering and design consulting services to upgrade existing electrical service, replace emergency power systems at the CNG fueling station, and install perimeter yard security lighting.
The CNG bus fueling facility capacity will be expanded, adding an additional 400 horsepower CNG compressor unit to meet current and future FAX CNG fleet fueling demands. The electrical service upgrades are necessary to support the CNG bus fueling station expansion and will support future capital projects at FAX.
The existing emergency power generator at the CNG bus fueling facility is undersized and provides power to only one of two existing CNG compressors during a loss of power event. The electrical service upgrades include the expanded capability for a single generator to supply power to the full CNG bus fueling station, Bus Wash, and FAX Administration buildings. A new 1250kW unit will replace the existing generator to fulfill this capability. Replacing this equipment will sustain and support the City’s future capital projects at FAX.
In order to enhance security along the perimeter fence line, the addition of six (6) security LED light poles are included in the project. These light poles will provide security lighting for 1000 feet of existing exterior fencing separating FAX from California State Routes 99 and 180.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Fresno Business Journal on August 19, 2015, posted on the City’s website, and faxed to eleven (11) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to seventeen (17) prospective bidders. Four (4) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on October 6, 2015. Bids ranged from $929,455 to $1,121,000. Big Valley Electric of Stockton submitted a base bid in the amount of $929,455 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bids will expire on December 9, 2015. The Engineer’s estimate for the project was $1,072,500; the lowest responsive and responsible bid is 13% below the estimate.
Construction will be financed with State of California grants from the California Transit Security Grant Program (CTSGP) and the Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) to enhance security, emergency preparedness and remodel FAX’s facilities as adopted in the FY2016 budget.
Staff recommends that Council award a construction contract to Big Valley Electric of Stockton in the amount of $929,455 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction of electrical upgrades at the CNG bus fueling station at 2223 G Street in Fresno. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Agreement.
Council may reject all bids. However, if all bids are rejected, the project will be rebid resulting in a delay of approximately 120 days.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it is exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1/Existing Facilities) because the project is a minor alternation of existing public electrical structures and involves little or no expansion of an existing use. The project is exempt under Section 15302 (Class 2/Replacement or Reconstruction) because the project replaces existing electrical equipment at the same facilities. The project is also exempt pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3/New Construction) as the project includes the new construction of a limited number of security light poles. Staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the construction of electrical upgrades at Fresno Area Express’s Compressed Natural Gas fueling station under this contract is funded through State programs which preclude local preference.
FISCAL IMPACT
Construction shall be financed through State of California grants from the California Transit Security Grant Program (CTSGP) and the Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) to enhance security, emergency preparedness and remodel FAX’s facilities as adopted in the FY2016 budget. No General Fund dollars will be used for this purchase.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation