REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 30, 2015
FROM: KEVIN R. MEIKLE, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the Director of Aviation to execute a consulting agreement with Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson, Inc. for Development of a 14 CFR Part 150 Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study Noise Exposure Map Update at Fresno Yosemite International Airport in an amount not to exceed $295,625
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Director of Aviation to execute a consulting agreement with Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson, Inc. (HMMH) for consulting services to perform a Noise Exposure Map (NEM) update for Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
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 2005. NEM updates are usually triggered when significant changes in aircraft type and/or frequencies occur. Due to the California Air National Guard's (CANG) recent change in mission from F-16 to F-15 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. The SMART Program is on temporary hold until the NEM is updated, reviewed, and then approved by the FAA. 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) boundary 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 1,271 homes since inception of the SMART Program in 1994. The Program is made available to property owners of residences located within a 65 CNEL boundary as identified on the NEM. The 65 CNEL is 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-18.0, 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 Measure C Regional Transportation Program funds (9.34%). The project is included in the City's FY 2015 budget. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
Attachments:
- Agreement
- Site Map