REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: HENRY THOMPSON, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
BY: FRANCISCO PARTIDA, Assistant Director
Airports Department
CRISTAL DE LA TORRE, Project Administrator
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the First Amendment to Consultant Services Agreement with Group Delta, Inc. for Environmental Consulting Services for unspecified Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (FCH) Non-Federal and Federal Funded Capital Projects in an amount not to exceed $172,000 and authorize the Director of Aviation or designee to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City (Council Districts 3 and 4).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the First Amendment to consultant services agreement with Group Delta, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $172,000 through February 26, 2029, for Environmental Consulting Services for unspecified Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (FCH) Non-Federal and Federal Funded Capital Projects and authorize the Director of Aviation or designee to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 30, 2024, Airports entered into an on-call consultant agreement for Environmental Consulting Services with Group Delta, Inc., not to exceed $50,000 through February 26, 2029. Group Delta, Inc., was issued their first Task Order on September 30, 2024, with a second to follow on October 9, 2024. The second Task Order consisted of conducting Phase I ESA with Title 5 Environmental Hazardous Review at FCH. The findings from the Phase I ESA identified potential environmental concerns that warranted further investigation, triggering the need for a Phase II ESA to assess the extent and impact of any potential contamination on the site. FCH is being considered for a proposed lease to the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) for the development of an aviation academy. In preparation of the proposed use, Airports is in the process of relocating hangars and completing the required Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). The survey and investigations effort will enable Airports to help mitigate any potential health or safety risks and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and move forward with the development of the proposed lease and collaboration with FUSD. Extension of this contract will enable Airports to continue to utilize Group Delta, Inc. for this purpose as well as other necessary environmental consulting services for FAT and FCH over the next four years.
BACKGROUND
On November 27, 2023 a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from Environmental Engineering and related firms to provide consulting services including, but not limited to, environmental site assessment, hazardous materials surveying, identification of hazardous substances and solid wastes, reports, technical studies, permits, testing, analysis, mitigation plan preparation and monitoring at FAT and FCH on an individual project or on call basis over the next five (5) years. Airports received three (3) SOQs by the 3:00 PM January 5, 2024, deadline.
The SOQs were evaluated by the committee using the six criteria listed in Section C of the RFQ. The committee determined that two firms, Group Delta, Inc. and BSK Associates, were qualified to provide consultant services for the Airports Department. On September 30, 2024, Airports entered into an on-call consultant agreement with Group Delta, Inc., not to exceed $50,000 through February 26, 2029.
Group Delta, Inc. initiated their first task order on September 30, 2024, to develop an AFFF Transition Plan approach, summary report, and cost estimates with budget limitations not to exceed $12,500. Group Delta, Inc. initiated their second task order on October 9, 2024, conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) with Title 5 Environmental Hazardous Review at FCH with budget limitations not to exceed $14,000. The $23,500 remaining in the contract for Environmental Engineering Services is insufficient to cover the current and anticipated environmental services.
FCH is being considered for a proposed lease to FUSD for the development of an aviation academy. The State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) guidance requires that the ESA for a proposed school site must include review and evaluation of additional sources for potential release or presence of hazardous material on the Site per California Code of Regulation, Section 69104, subsection (d).
The initial Phase I of the ESA conducted by Group Delta, Inc. identified potential environmental concerns that require further investigation, specifically more comprehensive testing of hazardous materials. The comprehensive testing of hazardous materials is critical to ensure the safety of the site and protect the health and well-being of the personnel working in the affected area. Although the proposal for Phase II ESA would exceed the established contract limits, it is essential to maintain continuity by utilizing the same consultant for the next phase(s) of work. Group Delta, Inc.’s familiarity with the site and preliminary findings make them well-positioned to efficiently carry out the required additional assessments. Continued environmental consulting, investigations, and surveys will enable Airports to effectively mitigate any potential health or safety risks, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and facilitate the smooth development of the proposed lease. This proactive approach will also help ensure a successful collaboration with future partners, supporting the overall long-term goals for FCH.
Group Delta, Inc. provided a proposal in the amount of $73,000 for Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to address the immediate need for more comprehensive testing of hazardous materials. It is anticipated that there may be a need for Phase III assessment, which cannot be determined until the Phase II assessment is completed. The contract amendment amount is recommended at $172,0000 to account for not only Phase II and possible Phase III but also the ongoing needs for Environmental Consulting on-call services at FAT and FCH over the next four years of the contract term.
The agreement utilizes Standard Document FYI-S, pre-approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office and used without modification as certified by Airports staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purpose of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable to this Project pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code 4-109(b)
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed Project is located in Council District 3 and 4 and has no impact to the General Fund. Funding for this project will be provided through Airport funded revenues.
Attachments:
2023 Consultant Evaluation Professional Environmental Consultants
Original Agreement Group Delta, Inc
First Amendment to Agreement with Group Delta, Inc.
Group Delta, Inc. Task Order 3 proposal