Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for engineering services for Qualified Forensic Engineering Service and Related Engineering Services for Austin Development Services with Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Development Services.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Managing Department
Austin Development Services.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Development Services. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Qualifications solicitation RFQS 6100 CLMP381A for these services. The solicitation was issued on August 18, 2025, and closed on September 17, 2025.
Of the two responses received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated response. A complete solicitation package, including a log of responses received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=143138
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MBE / WBE:
This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program by meeting the Combined MBE/WBE goal with 6.00% MBE/WBE participation 00%.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Additional Backup Information:
Austin Development Services seeks to establish a contract for qualified structural forensic engineering services to address structural issues in buildings and infrastructure. This need arose from complex investigations into structural damage components that fail or do not function as intended, especially in cases involving the building envelope, foundations, water damage, and wind damage. Historically, the City has faced challenges related to weather events, construction practices, and the application of technical criteria and guidelines at the federal, state, and local levels. These investigations have highlighted the necessity for specialized expertise in structural forensic engineering to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Qualified structural forensic engineer assessment services are crucial to Austin Development Services and will provide expert evaluations of structural building and infrastructure damage.
The potential impacts of this project on the public's use of property will largely depend on the nature and location of the structural assessments conducted. Given that the services primarily involve forensic engineering evaluations of existing structures, there may be minimal direct impact on public access to property.
If this contract is not approved, there could be potential consequences for public safety and the integrity of the City's infrastructure.
This request allows for the development of an agreement with the selected firm. If the City is unsuccessful in negotiating a satisfactory agreement with the selected firm, negotiations will cease with that firm. Staff will return to Council so another qualified firm may be selected, authorizing new contract negotiations.
This project's specified regions, locations, and buildings are chosen based on the need for structural assessments within the jurisdiction of Austin Development Services.