REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: HENRY THOMPSON, Director
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a consultant services agreement with RS&H California, Inc., to provide professional airport planning and environmental consulting services to prepare and implement an Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Work Plan for Fresno Yosemite International Airport in the amount of $362,585 (Council District 4)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council authorize the Director of Aviation to execute a consultant agreement with RS&H California, Inc. (RS&H), in the amount of $362,585 to provide planning and environmental services for preparation and implementation of a Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Replacement Work Plan (Project).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The existing ATCT at FAT is a 60-year-old facility that is well beyond its useful life and must be replaced to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The proposed agreement with RS&H provides consulting services to develop and implement an ATCT replacement work plan that will facilitate completion of the planning and environmental tasks necessary to successfully achieve FAA approval and funding for the design and construction of a new ATCT.
BACKGROUND
The FAT ATCT was commissioned in 1962 when the “new” Terminal was constructed on the south side of the airfield. The tower is owned by the City, leased to the FAA and staffed with FAA Air Traffic Controllers. Over the years the facility has begun to show its age. It is experiencing overall deterioration with undersized and obsolete electrical infrastructure, inadequate HVAC systems, an unreliable elevator, and sub-standard Information Technology infrastructure. The Tower does not meet current Building Codes, ADA requirements, environmental sustainability measures or FAA Standards. Due to the age, nature of deficiencies and importance of remaining fully operational it will be necessary to construct a new ATCT while the existing Tower remains in service.
The Airports Department (Department), with FAA Air Traffic Organization support, is actively pursuing funding opportunities for replacement of the ATCT but must complete a myriad of FAA required tasks to be eligible to receive funds. This project will facilitate an FAA siting study with reimbursable agreement, prepare a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, update the Airport Layout Plan, develop a conceptual Tower design and site plan, prepare necessary NEPA/CEQA environmental documentation, develop rough order of magnitude cost estimates for design and construction, create a project schedule, identify funding opportunities and assist with preparing and submitting grant applications. Upon completion of the Project the Department will be prepared to receive grant funding and select a design consultant or advertise a request for qualifications to choose a design-build team.
Through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process the Department invited consulting firms with comprehensive full-service airport related professional planning capability that includes NEPA/CEQA environmental studies, master plan updates, airport layout plan updates, design, programming and project formulation experience to submit Statements of Qualifications. The Department published a public notice in The Business Journal, posted information on the Airport’s website, PlanetBids and direct mailed the RFQ to all interested firms. Three professional consulting firms responded to the RFQ, and their qualifications were evaluated by a selection committee in accordance with the provisions of the RFQ, City procedures and FAA regulations. It has been determined by the Department that RS&H California, Inc., is most qualified to perform the Project.
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 Eng. Serv. CSA, Short Form, Total Fee (11-2022) CAO/BMC 12/2022-RS&H, 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 Project is part of Airports ongoing commitment to ensure FAT is operationally efficient and is properly positioned for local and regional growth. The Project is included in the City’s FY 2023 budget. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
Attachment:
- Agreement