Posting Language
Title
Authorize execution of a contract for the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility Wet Well Mechanical Screening System project with Matous Construction, Ltd. for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,915,000.
[Note: 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 goals with 5.05% MBE and WBE 3.40% participation].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Managing Department
Watershed Protection Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Capital Budget of the Watershed Protection Department.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC974 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 24, 2023, and closed on May 18, 2023. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents <https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=138262>.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov <mailto:FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov> or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
Stretching from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake, the Waller Creek Tunnel (WCT) is a critical piece of infrastructure that reduces the risk of flooding in downtown Austin. The WCT comprises the Tunnel, the Inlet at Waterloo Park, the 4th and 8th Street Creekside Inlets, and the outlet at Lady Bird Lake. The Wet Well Mechanical Screening System project will be at the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility.
The purpose of this project is to augment the current efficiency and safety of Waller Creek Tunnel operations regarding trash/debris interception and removal before it enters the tunnel facility. The project will replace screening cages in both the upper and lower wet wells at the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility that must be cleaned manually by City staff with mechanical screening systems. Work will also include upgrades to an irrigation skid to provide a more efficient supply of tunnel water to Waterloo Park for plant watering.
The existing cage systems in the upper and lower wet wells of the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility suffer from frequent clogs that impact the facility’s efficiency to recirculate water and to intercept trash and debris. Clogged cage systems also have deleterious effects on the pumps, shortening their lifespans and resulting in frequent expensive repairs. This project will increase the life span of pumping system assets and provide improved operational efficiency that will reduce staff exposure to unsafe environments.
Due to the potential for unknown conditions, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders. A contingency is an additional amount of money added to the construction budget to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. By authorizing the additional contingency funding, Council is authorizing any change orders within the contingency amount.
The construction of this project will be contained within the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility. There will be no public impact to the use of Waterloo Park and no park closures.
Approval of the construction contract is essential to maintain operational efficiency of this flood prevention facility, and for the provision of a less expensive source of irrigation water to Waterloo Park.
The contract allows for 365 calendar days for completion of this project. This project is located within zip code 78701 (District 1).