DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Residential Acoustical Treatment Program at the San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance ratifying the transfer of funds and authorizing an amendment to the professional services agreement with THC, Inc. (THC) for the management of the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program in an amount not to exceed $3,171,906.00 to continue the program through April 17, 2015. The amendment will become effective February 1, 2015.
Each year, an amendment is brought forward to the City Council to increase in the contract value for the management of the program once the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the grant submittal. The ratification provides for two to three weeks of work prior to the execution of an amendment to allow the program to continue until it went to City Council.
This amendment will allow for the on-going construction of acoustical treatments to reduce noise in qualifying homes and multi-family dwellings.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Residential Acoustical Treatment Program (RATP) is an ongoing, multi-year program that provides acoustical treatment to reduce noise in qualifying homes and multi-family dwellings in aviation noise-impacted neighborhoods near the San Antonio International Airport. The RATP is a derivative of the noise compatibility studies and is consistent with federal guidelines and requirements mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant assurances. As part of the FAA program, the FAA provides 80% of the necessary funding, while the City provides the remaining 20% match. No San Antonio tax dollars are used in the funding of this program.
The program is based on the design-build model and the single parcel method where each dwelling is treated as a separate project. These practices ensure program efficiency, accountability and maximize property owner satisfaction. The program is cyclical in nature. The renovation of one group of residences is in process while the next group is under design. This will be the 12th year of a multi-year program which has treated 1,384 homes and 216 apartments through December 2014.
In December 2014, the City Council authorized the submission of a grant application and acceptance of funds for a FAA Airport Improvement Program grant in an amount up to $8,000,000.00 for the continuation of the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program. The City is working with the City's Congressional delegation for support as it pursues with the FAA allowing neighborhoods that were included in the 2009 equity program to remain eligible for the program.
Current Contract
On April 2, 2009, City Council awarded a professional services agreement in the amount of $8,000,000.00 to THC. Subsequent amendments have been approved by City Council (Ordinances 2009-04-02-0245, 2010-09-16-0805, 2011-09-29-0798, 2012-03-29-0233, 2012-12-06-0943 and 2014-03-06-0141). On average, the City has received an $8,000,000 grant from the FAA which requires the amendment to the contract to THC to move the funds into their contract.
The contract is set to expire on April 17, 2015. A new contract will be taken to City Council for consideration at the next available City Council meeting and include the balance of the grant amount.
ISSUE:
The Ordinance will approve an amendment for THC for continued management of the Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could direct staff to issue new Request for Qualifications to seek interest from other firms. The current contract expires in April 2015 and the Aviation Department is expected to bring the item forward to City Council at the next available meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Program is funded with FAA Airport Improvement Program grant funds at 80% and 2010 Passenger Facility Charge bonds for the City's matching 20%. Funds for this project have been previously appropriated and are captured under the approved Airport Capital Budget. Sufficient funds are available for this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the authorization of the ratification of the amendment to the professional services agreement with THC, Inc. in connection with the Residential Acoustical Treatment Program.