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
Reject all proposals for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 12600931 - Engineering for Elevator Modernization for Fresno Area Express
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The Selection Committee recommends Council reject the single proposal received for RFQ No. 12600931 - Engineering and Elevator Modernization due to non-responsiveness.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Transportation Fresno Area Express (FAX) issued an RFQ for Engineering for Elevator Modernization. The solicitation sought qualified firms to provide professional engineering services related to elevator systems, assessment and associated design support in accordance with the Scope of Services outlined in the RFQ.
The RFQ was limited to professional Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services and did not include construction, installation, maintenance, or other services. Selection was to be based solely on demonstrated qualifications, competence, and experience, with price negotiations to occur only after selection of the most qualified firm, as required under Brooks Act and applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) procurement regulations.
FAX received one (1) proposal from ThyssenKrupp Elevator (TKE) and upon review, the Selection Committee determined that the submission did not meet the requirements of the RFQ due to non-responsiveness and recommends a rejection of all proposals.
BACKGROUND
FAX operates transit facilities that include elevator systems requiring modernization to maintain safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance. On November 10, 2025, FAX issued RFQ No. 12600931 seeking professional engineering services to evaluate conditions, provide engineered drawings and specifications for elevator modernization, and provide quality assurance services during construction. On November 20, 2025, FAX hosted a pre-proposal meeting with TKE in attendance that described the purpose and objective of the RFQ. FAX staff emphasized that an award would be limited to A&E services only and that the awardee of this agreement would be prohibited from award on the construction contract in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319.
On December 10, 2025, FAX received one (1) proposal from TKE and on December 17, 2025, to which the Selection Committee met to initiate their evaluation. A single proposal analysis was conducted with respondents largely stating that timing was the main reason they did not submit a proposal, thereby causing FAX staff to conclude that there was no restriction on competition. On January 12, 2026, the Selection Committee met and concluded that TKE’s proposal could not be accepted in its current form as it was non-responsive to the RFQ and federal procurement requirements; therefore, the Selection Committee recommended a rejection of all proposals and reissuance of the RFQ.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the approval of this item does not qualify as a project and is not subject to CEQA at this time.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because this action is to reject all bids.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund from this action because a contract is not being awarded.
Attachment:
Selection Committee Report