Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for construction services for the Lady Bird Lake Bore for Pedernales Reconductor project for Austin Energy with Austin Underground, Inc., in the amount of $2,733,915, plus a $273,391 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,007,306. Funding: $3,007,306 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Managing Department
Austin Energy.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1056 for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 13, 2024, and closed on October 2, 2025. Of the five bids received, the bid submitted by the recommended contractor was the lowest responsive bid. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids 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=141090.
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 goals with 72.31% MBE and 0.15% WBE participation.
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.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
March 9, 2026 - Recommended by the Electric Utility Commission on an 11-0 vote.
Additional Backup Information:
The Lady Bird Lake Bore for Pedernales Reconductor project is located East of Interstate 35 and crosses under Lady Bird Lake with the entry/exit points being Edward Rendon Sr. Park and Peace Point Park respectively. This project proposes an infrastructure replacement of the Austin Energy Pedernales 04 and 06 electric feeders which have reached the end of their useful lifespan. This upgrade is necessary due to the load growth along South Pleasant Valley Road and East Riverside Drive. This project will also address system stability and reliability in the region.
The project itself consists of the installation of an approximately 1,400 linear-foot directional bore under Lady Bird Lake. This bore will allow for an immediate upgrade of the infrastructure feeding the area, as well as providing additional spare conduits to accommodate for future growth. In addition to the bore, the entry and exit points of this project also include two electrical manholes and their respective electrical duct banks to connect into the Austin Energy infrastructure.
This project proposes lane closures and detours during construction, specifically along South Lakeshore Boulevard. The contractor will install appropriate traffic detour signs and barricades to redirect traffic according to the approved traffic control plan. The public will be notified at least 48 hours in advance of planned service interruptions. Staff will communicate information regarding the project with neighboring businesses and residents using mailings, social media outreach, press releases, etc., as the work progresses.
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 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 contract allows 90 calendar days for completion of this project.
This project is located within zip codes 78702 and 78741 (District 3).