DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 5
SUBJECT:
Professional Design Services Agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc. (BMB) for the West Commerce Economic Corridor Project.
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance awarding the execution of a Professional Design Services Agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $800,000.00 of which $140,000.00 will be reimbursed by SAWS for joint design services in order to develop a construction design plan for the West Commerce Economic Corridor Project, located in Council District 5. The project’s objective is to reconfigure the lanes on the W. Commerce Bridge over the railroad to include wider sidewalks and bike facilities and create a gateway from downtown into the Westside cultural district. Its limits extend from Frio Street to Colorado Street.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The West Commerce Economic Corridor project was initiated by the Council District 5 Office as the first Phase in developing a Gateway in and out of the west side to downtown San Antonio. This west side area is home to institutions such as UTSA, the new VIA Centro Plaza, University Hospital District and residential developments such as the Peanut Factory and the Vitre Apartments (Toudouze).
A Traffic Analysis, Bridge study, and a Master plan for this corridor have been performed previously by consultants as part of the first phase of the project.
The enhancements envisioned and recommended in the Master Plan for this Westside Corridor will help serve the recent revitalization efforts near downtown, the existing businesses and help spur new business opportunities. This Westside Corridor will also create improved connectivity and mobility for current residents, customers, employees and tourists who come to enjoy San Antonio’s rich cultural history.
This project has been proposed for inclusion of construction funding in the 2017 Bond Program. This contract approval will allow the project to be designed and shovel ready for construction after Council approval.
Council Action History
As part of the 2015 Budget Amendments, Council awarded $1 million for the West Commerce Economic Corridor to include engineering assessments, a master plan study, and initial design.
On September 17, 2015 Council awarded Ordinance 2015-09-17-0795 for the West Commerce Corridor Master Plan authorizing the execution of a Professional Design Services Agreement with Debra Dockery Associates in an amount not to exceed $240,000.00
Procurement of Services
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released on December 14, 2015. The RFQ was advertised in the San Antonio Hart Beat, on the City's website and the Texas Electronic State Business Daily in December, 2015. Responses were due on January 19, 2016. Twelve (12) firms responded to the RFQ and submitted their Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) and all were deemed responsive. A Selection Committee consisting of representatives from Transportation and Capital Improvements evaluated, scored and ranked the submissions. Scoring was based on the published evaluation criteria, which included: experience and qualifications of team, understanding of the project and proposed management plan, the team’s experience with San Antonio issues and past experience with City of San Antonio projects and participation in the SBE and M/WBE prime contract program.
ISSUE:
This ordinance awards the execution of a Professional Design Services Agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $800,000.00 of which $140,000.00 will be reimbursed by SAWS for joint design services in order to develop a construction design plan for the West Commerce Economic Corridor Project, located in Council District 5. The project’s objective is to reconfigure the lanes on the W. Commerce Bridge over the railroad to include wider sidewalks and bike facilities and create a gateway from downtown into the Westside cultural district. Its limits extend from Frio Street to Colorado Street.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to execute this contract and require staff to complete a new solicitation process for the work. Considering the additional time required for another solicitation process, this would adversely affect the timely completion of the project and funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount of $800,000.00 payable to Bain Medina Bain Inc. (BMB) of which $140,000.00 will be reimbursed by SAWS for joint design services. Funds are available from approved Certificates of Obligation and are included in the FY 2017-2022 Capital Improvements Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance, authorizing the execution of a Professional Design Services Agreement with Bain Medina Bain Inc. (BMB), in an amount not to exceed $800,000.00 of which $140,000.00 will be reimbursed by SAWS for joint design services, to provide professional design services for the West Commerce Economic Corridor project.