DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 9
SUBJECT:
Contract Award: (Job-Order Contract) Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) Aircraft Display
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing a task order to a Job Order Contract (JOC) with Alpha Building Corporation in an amount not to exceed $153,307.54 for the installation of the Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) Aircraft at the San Antonio International Airport, an Airport Capital Improvements Fund project, located in Council District 9.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Enhancing the passenger experience is one of San Antonio International Airport’s top priorities. Establishing a Sense of Place within the Airport identifying significant elements of the City for passengers is one mechanism to improve the customer experience at SAT. San Antonio is a city rich in aviation and cultural history. In coordination with the Witte Museum, the Aviation Department will install a ceiling mounted display of a Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” vintage aircraft. The “Jenny” aircraft played a vital part in the training of the majority of early and mid-20th century American pilots, of which most were trained in San Antonio and flew one of these aircraft. In present day, few Jenny aircraft remain and the Witte’s Jenny is especially rare since it is virtually original and has an estimated value of $1 million.
The aircraft will be safely hung in the ticketing hall of the San Antonio International Airport Terminal B Departures Level. An informational display will be integrated into the project which will provide the background and history of this unique aircraft. Passengers will have the ability to view the history of the Jenny on a kiosk (located adjacent to the aircraft) as well as via a QR code that will be downloaded.
The City collaborated with the Witte Museum to identify a contractor and subcontractor that has the ability to responsibly develop a plan to hoist and hang the aircraft with lifts. The Witte will be responsible for the transportation of the Jenny from its warehouse and will assemble the aircraft onsite in Terminal B. Preparation of the site is expected to take three weeks and is planned for September 2017. The hoisting of the aircraft will occur in mid-October 2017 and will take at least three days. The Witte will be responsible to perform bi-annual cleanings and maintenance of the aircraft.
Procurement of Services
This Project was selected to utilize the Job Order Contracting (JOC), an alternative Project delivery method which ten contractors were approved through Ordinance 2015-01-15-0013 by City Council on January 15, 2015.
Alpha Building Corporation is a small, minority-owned business that has committed to 23% Minority/Women Business Enterprise and 3% African-American Business subcontractor participation.
Discretionary Contracts Disclosure Form, as required by the City’s Ethics Ordinance for all Projects, where subjective criteria are used to select the contractor or consultant rather than by low bid, is attached.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes a task order to a Job Order Contract (JOC) with Alpha Building Corporation in an amount not to exceed $153,307.54 for the installation of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” aircraft at the San Antonio International Airport, an Airport Capital Improvements Fund project.
Planned work includes installing structure supports to the existing roof structure members, fabricating a custom suspension sling and additional fire sprinklers to comply with code. The aircraft display will be accompanied by informational display illustrations of the aircraft’s history. Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2017 and estimated to be completed in mid to late October 2017. There’ll be minimal impact to customer services as all work will be performed after hours when the ticket lobby counters are closed as to not interfere with operations affecting SAT passengers.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, this Project could be delivered utilizing another delivery method. However, considering the additional time required for another solicitation process, this would adversely affect the timely completion of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount not to exceed $153,307.54 authorized payable to Alpha Building Corporation. Funds are available from the Aircraft Display, Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” Aircraft Display included in the FY 2017-2022 Capital Improvements Program Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing a task order to a JOC in an amount not to exceed $153,307.54 to Alpha Building Corporation for installation of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” Aircraft at the San Antonio International Airport.