Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for underground utility locating services for Austin Energy with Line Quest LLC, for an initial term of two years with up to three 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $11,050,000. Funding: $552,500 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Energy.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $552,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 LLM3005 for these services. The solicitation was published on March 2, 2026, and closed on March 31, 2026. Of the three offers received, the proposal submitted by the recommended contractor represented the best value to the City based on the solicitation’s evaluation criteria. 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=143605.
MBE/WBE:
This contract will be awarded in compliance with the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the 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.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
July 20, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide underground utility locating and marking services throughout the Austin Energy service area in support of compliance with Texas Utilities Code Chapter 251, Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act. Austin Energy relies on this contract to accurately mark, flag, and stake underground utility lines within the required response timeframe while maintaining the operational capacity to safeguard underground and subsurface infrastructure from excavation-related damage, protect public safety, minimize service disruptions, and support reliable utility operations across the service territory.
This request allows for the development of a contract with a qualified offeror selected by Council. If the City is unsuccessful in negotiating a satisfactory contract with the selected offeror, negotiations will cease with that provider. Staff will return to Council so that another qualified offeror may be selected, authorizing new contract negotiations.
If contract is not approved, Austin Energy’s ability to provide timely underground utility locating and marking services will be significantly compromised, placing critical infrastructure at risk and Austin Energy at risk of being noncompliant with Texas Utilities Code Chapter 251.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
|
Initial Term |
2 years |
$4,420,000 |
|
Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$2,210,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$2,210,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$2,210,000 |
|
Total |
5 years |
$11,050,000 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.