REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: FRANCISCO PARTIDA, Interim Director of Aviation
Airports Department
BY: Elodia Cavazos, Acoustical Program Coordinator
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement with Harris, Miller, Miller, & Hanson, Inc. (HMMH) to provide professional noise abatement related consultant services for the Development of a 14 CFR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Update at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in an amount not to exceed $768,200.00 (Council District 4), and authorize the Director of Aviation to execute the agreement.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend Council authorize the Director of Aviation to enter into and execute a consulting agreement with Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson, Inc. (HMMH) for consulting services to perform a NEM update for Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in an amount not to exceed $768,200.00
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The NEM is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved document that is used as part of the eligibility process for the acoustic treatment of homes in the vicinity of FAT. The NEM was last updated in 2017. NEM updates are triggered when significant changes in aircraft type and/or frequencies occur. Due to the California Air National Guard's (CANG) fighter jets, the FAA is requiring that FAT update its NEM.
The acoustic treatment of homes in the vicinity of FAT has been ongoing since 1994 with funding from the FAA as part of its Residential Sound Insulation Program, locally known as the Sound Mitigation Acoustical Remedy Treatment (SMART) Program. This agreement will provide professional consulting services to study and update the FAT NEM per FAA requirements. The study will review Airport operations, assess noise and flight patterns, solicit community input, and develop a new NEM. The results of the study and an updated NEM will be presented to the FAA for review and approval. It is anticipated that this process will take between 12 and 18 months, subject to FAA review times.
BACKGROUND
The Program provides acoustic treatment of residences located within a 65 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) boundaries, around FAT as determined by an FAA approved NEM.
The SMART Program is one element of the FAA approved Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) for FAT that provides Federal funding to reduce interior noise levels in homes located within a designated noise-impacted area around the airport. The Airports Department has acoustically treated 1,325 homes since inception of the SMART Program in 1994. The Program is made available to property owners of residences located within a 65 CNEL & 65 DNL boundaries as identified on the NEM. The 65 CNEL & 65 DNL are established through a FAA noise modeling program that takes into account a number of factors, including: (i) noise monitoring around the airport, (ii) types of aircraft using FAT, and (iii) frequency and time of flights.
Through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, the Airports Department solicited Statements of Qualification from qualified firms to provide professional consulting services related to FAA FAR Part 150 NCP, preparation of Noise Exposure Maps, and other airport noise related services. The Airports Department advertised the RFQ in The Business Journal and on the airport's website along with a direct mailing to known interested firms. Four professional consulting firms responded to the RFQ. Their qualifications were evaluated and rated by a selection committee in accordance with the provisions of the RFQ and FAA regulations. HMMH was determined to be most qualified to meet the needs of the Department.
The scope of work and fee contained in the agreement represent extensive review and negotiation with the consultant and the FAA including an independent third-party fee evaluation. The FAA has approved the agreement as negotiated.
The agreement utilizes Standard Document #FYI-S-Fed Fund CSA Total Fee, pre-approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office and used without modification as certified by Airports staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Not applicable because the agreement does not constitute a project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The City’s Local Preference Ordinance (FMC 4-108) does not apply since Federal funding is being used.
FISCAL IMPACT
Once the NEM is updated the FAA will be able to reestablish funding for the SMART Program, which provides an enhanced quality of life for homeowners, improves neighborhoods, and creates construction-related jobs. Funding for this project is provided by FAA Airport Improvement Program grants (90.66%) and Airport Transportation local revenue match (9.34%). The project is included in the City's FY 2026 budget. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
Attachments:
Agreement
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