DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
River Barge Fabrication contract with Lake Assault Boats, LLC and Amendment of a Professional Services Contract with METALAB
SUMMARY:
These ordinances authorize a contract with Lake Assault Boats, LLC for the fabrication of forty-three (43) new aluminum modular barges in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000.00 funded through the FY2017 - FY2022 Capital Improvement Program Budget and amend the professional services contract with METALAB to authorize additional design services in amount not to exceed $55,070.00, for a total contract amount of $454,282.00, funded from the FY2017 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A. In 2015, the City and The American Institute of Architects, San Antonio Chapter (AIA San Antonio) launched an international design competition for a new river barge design. Through a public engagement process and a juried competition, which resulted in 12 submissions, the jury selected a design by Houston-based METALAB and on April 28, 2016, City Council approved a contract for the design and development of a prototype barge.
The new design provides for an all-electric fleet with modularity for boats to accommodate a wide range of uses, including tours, dining, events, and new opportunities for the river barge experience. The single-level deck design allows for greater wheelchair accessibility with adjacent companion seating. The durability of materials will require minimal ongoing maintenance and the decorative railings provide enhanced passenger comfort with increased capacity. After prototype testing and public feedback, staff incorporated additional design improvements for the entire barge fleet to enhance power, stability, comfort, and durability.
On August 3, 2016, the City released a Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP) to select a contractor to fabricate a fleet of 43 new aluminum river barges. The City rec...
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