ADMINISTRATION - Jim Hafner, Stormwater Manager
Title
AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $402,578 FOR FINAL DESIGN OF OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BLAINE WETLAND SANCTUARY, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-09
Background
On March 20, 2014, Council awarded a contract to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to develop a detailed conceptual plan of improvements (trails and other amenities) for the large, 500-acre open space west of Lexington Avenue and north of 109th Avenue, now named The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. The Concept Design, which now serves as the Master Plan for final design and construction, was accepted by Council at their July 10, 2014 meeting.
Staff circulated a Request for Proposal for final design to 5 firms, with 3 responding. Proposals were reviewed by Shari Kunza (Park & Rec), Dan Schluender (Ass't. City Engineer) and Jim Hafner (Stormwater Manager/NRCB liaison). Criteria for selection included project understanding, team and experience, and cost. It was made clear that low cost would not be the final determining factor. Understanding project needs, presenting a solid proposal to achieve the goal and having the staff to deliver weighed more heavily than cost. The cost comparison is as follows:
Total cost Project hours Cost per hour
EOR $344,627 2355 $146.34
SEH, Inc. $348,600 2656 $131.25
Stantec $365,980 3147 $116.29
All three firms were very close in their total proposals with a few items that all reviewers agreed separated one from the other. EOR did not include final design for a nature center; SEH was light on details; Stantec hit the mark on all items. Even though their cost was highest, the total number of hours devoted to the project indicated Stantec understood what would be needed to deliver a quality project.
Stantec will provide final design documents for trails and the other amenities. They will also produce the bidding documents for construction and provide construction oversight on the project. As each phase of the project reaches construction, staff will return to Council to approve the award of construction contracts.
Staff recommends that Council award the project to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Stantec for $365,980 and a 10% contingency for a total of $402,578. The project is being funded by the Open Space Fund.
Recommendation
Authorize City Manager to enter into contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount of $402,578 for final design of open space improvements for The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary.