Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of three contracts for vegetation management services on energized distribution lines for Austin Energy with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC; Davey Tree Surgery Co; and Wright Tree Service, Inc., each for an initial term of two years with four one-year extension options, for total contract amounts not to exceed $168,000,000 divided equally among the contractors or the Department may choose any contractor that is available to provide the needed service. Funding: $19,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Energy.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $19,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals RFP 1100 SMB3025 for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 7, 2024, and closed on June 6, 2024. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers 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=140340.
MBE/WBE:
This contract will be awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) with by meeting the goal with 0.44% Combined MBE/WBE participation.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - 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.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
October 21, 2024 - Recommended by the Electric Utility Commission on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy.
Additional Backup Information:
These contracts will provide vegetation management services on energized distribution lines for Austin Energy. The contractors will perform services on an as needed basis for capital improvement projects; on circuit, grid, and substation facilities; individual customer requests; after-hour or storm restoration events; and vegetation suppression. The work is highly specialized, and contractors will be required to follow strict safety protocols. The contractors will also work in partnership with the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division to reduce the risk of wildfires.
An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC; Davey Tree Surgery Co; and Wright Tree Service, Inc. as the best to provide these services based on Program, Experience, Price, Staffing Plan, and Small Business Preference.
The recommended contractors are current providers of these services.