Posting Language
Title
Authorize execution of a contract for construction services for the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project with Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $3,531,000, plus a $353,100 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,884,100.
[Note: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 2.36% MBE and 0.89%% WBE participation].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Managing Department
Capital Delivery Services.
Amount and Source of Funding
Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1032 for construction services. The solicitation was issued February 12, 2024 and closed March 21, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website. Link: https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140092.
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:
June 12, 2024 - Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioner Reyes recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Angoori and Pandurangi absent.
Additional Backup Information:
The Longhorn Dam was constructed by Austin Energy in 1960 to create a cooling reservoir for the Seaholm and Holly power plants. Both power plants were decommissioned in 2007 and the reservoir is now used as a recreational facility. The dam is located on the Colorado River in east Austin and creates Lady Bird Lake. It is owned by the City and has been operated by Austin Water since 2017, after the transition from the previous owner, Austin Energy.
This project focuses on life safety improvements by updating gratings, ladders, and guardrails in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, improving the mechanical and electrical systems, improving the ventilation system, and monitoring wall movement systems on the abutments of the bridge.
The project proposes lane closures, detours, and use of temporary pavement at varying locations along South Pleasant Valley Road from Canterbury Street to north of Lakeshore Drive at the existing pedestrian hybrid beacon. Capital Delivery Services will communicate regularly with neighboring businesses and residents using mailings, social media outreach, and press releases to inform the public as the work progresses. The contractor will install appropriate traffic detour signs and barricades to direct traffic and will work to ensure that residents and businesses always have access to their driveways.
This contract will include the award of three alternate bid items to provide for cooling of Piers 3 and 5; exterior pier ladders and rails; and training wall and abutment railing. An alternate bid is a specified item of the construction work that is priced separately and may be awarded as part of the contract if the bids come within the specified budget.
Due to the potential for unforeseen 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.
A delay in contract approval could impact the safety of Austin Water operators who will continue to work under potentially hazardous conditions. These safety improvements will support safe operation, maintenance, and long-term reliability of the dam for the next 20 years.
The contract allows 180 calendar days for substantial completion of this project. This project is located within zip code 78702 (District 3).