REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director
Department of Transportation
BY: ORIE RUBALCAVA, M.P.A., Projects Administrator
Department of Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Award a Service Agreement with WSP USA Inc. of Fresno, California in an amount not to exceed $1,400,000 for planning and design activities for hydrogen infrastructure and facilities master plan. (Bid File 12502218)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council award a Service Agreement with WSP USA Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,400,000 for planning and design activities for hydrogen infrastructure and facilities master plan.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) plans to transition and expand its operations through the addition of zero emission vehicles and modernization of its facilities. These efforts are in line with FAX’s obligations under California’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation and Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) program. FAX sought a qualified firm to conduct planning activities that will support FAX’s effort to identify needs, modernize infrastructure to meet current and future operational demands, address community needs, and competitively position FAX for funding opportunities.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) was issued on April 30, 2025 via Bid File Number 12502218, which resulted in five proposal submissions. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals based on four criteria listed in the RFQ. After careful examination, the Selection Committee recommended WSP USA Inc. for award.
BACKGROUND
FAX plans to transition and expand its operations through the addition of zero emission vehicles and modernization of its facilities. These efforts are in line with FAX’s obligations under California’s ICT regulation and ARCHES program. FAX is seeking a qualified firm to conduct planning activities that will support FAX’s effort to identify needs, modernize infrastructure to meet current and future operational demands, address community needs, and competitively position FAX for funding opportunities.
The ICT regulation was adopted by the State of California in December 2018 and requires all public transit agencies to gradually transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet. Beginning in 2029, 100% of new purchases by transit agencies must be ZEBs, with a goal for full transition by 2040. It applies to all transit agencies that own, operate, or lease buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 lbs. On June 18, 2020, Council approved a resolution permitting FAX to execute and file all necessary documents on behalf of the City of Fresno pertaining to ICT program which resulted in the development and publications of FAX’s roll out plan.
ARCHES is a public-private partnership within the State of California aimed at creating a sustainable statewide network of clean hydrogen hubs with the objective of fully decarbonizing regional economies. The program is led by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) alongside other state agencies, the legislature, local governments, and institutions of higher education including University of California and two of its affiliated national laboratories. ARCHES private partnerships include leaders in energy research, communities, trades, utilities, for-profit companies and non-governmental organizations.
FAX was included as part of the DOE award to ARCHES, including funding for the purchase of 22 Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEB) and funding for the planning, engineering, and installation of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The program is composed of three phases, with the first phase requiring the completion of specific planning tasks, technical studies, and environmental studies that will be reviewed by ARCHES and DOE prior to approval into the next phase of work.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) was issued on April 30, 2025 via Bid File Number 12502218, and closed on June 30, 2025. Five proposals were submitted and all were found to be responsive and responsible. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals based on four criteria listed in the RFQ, which were presentation on approach to work, qualification of key personnel, past performance and experience, and references. After careful examination, the Selection Committee recommended WSP USA Inc. for award.
As a result of federal funding, FAX employed qualifications-based selection in accordance with the Brook’s Act and negotiated profit with the highest ranked proposer. After review and negotiation of WSP’s cost proposal, the Committee supported the recommendation for award of the contract.
The work WSP USA Inc. will undertake will assist FAX in developing and conducting planning tasks and studies to satisfy the requirements of ICT and ARCHES program, as well as position FAX for the construction of hydrogen infrastructure and modernized facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the resolution, and associated acceptance of these funds, does not constitute a project for the purposes of CEQA and does not require an environmental finding.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because of the use of federal funds on the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
This request will have no impact to the General Fund from this action. Expenses from this contract shall be funded primarily through Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funds.
Attachments:
Selection Committee Report
RFQ 12502218
WSP Proposal
WSP Cost Proposal
Service Contract