Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approving a Design & Build Professional Services Agreement with All About Building, Inc. for the Design & Construction of Work Outlined at Merced Applegate Zoo in a not to Exceed Amount of $1,800,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the agreement for site design and construction of work outlined in the Design & Build Services Agreement for an amount not to exceed $1,800,000 with All About Building, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Design Build Professional Services agreement with All About Building, Inc., in a not to exceed amount of $1,800,000 for design and construction services; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Chapter 3.04, Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00), the "contract threshold," shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
California Government Code Section 4526 - Selection of a firm to perform engineering services shall be on the basis of demonstrated competence and on the professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-2025 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
APRA Funding & Council Priority
City Council prioritized renovation efforts at Merced Applegate Zoo through a $2-million American Rescue Plan Act allocation in 2022. Priority upgrades included the relocation of the two American Black Bears to a new exhibit at the facility, new walking paths and upgrades to the maintenance hall and preparation rooms. Some preliminary engineering and surveys were carried out under contract with O’Dell Engineering in support of developing a request for proposals in 2023 and recent upgrades were done through small contracts for upgrades in the Office, Gift Shop and Prep Kitchen.
Design & Build Request-for-Proposals
The Merced Applegate Zoo is permitted and licensed by several outside agencies including California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition, the Merced Applegate Zoo is positioning itself to receive accreditation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Due to the niche specifications for construction on zoo exhibits and the timeline associated with ARPA allocations, the City requested permission to develop a process for procurement of Design Build contracts in which a lead contractor works with a team of engineers and architects to both design and build capital improvement projects under one contract. City Council authorized staff to pursue solicitation of design build proposals. A request for proposals was opened in August for a two-month period. The City received several proposals, one of which did not meet the criteria, three of which were reviewed, scored, and rated by members of Parks & Community Services, Public Works, and Engineering Departments. The proposals received are listed below in order of their ranking:
1. All About Building, Inc. with NJA Architecture
2. BMY Construction Group
3. Diede Construction Inc.
Proposed Project Overview
All About Building has proposed a design build collaboration with NJA Architecture. The team has experience with both design build contracts through municipal agencies as well as experience working on wildlife exhibits and zoo infrastructure.
The design build contract follows a progressive design build structure which allows for a specific amount of time and funding to be allocated towards the design of several specific features at Merced Applegate Zoo. Following the agreed upon design(s) the remaining term and amount of the contract will be allocated for construction. The base award is for $1,620,000 with an additional $180,000 set aside for contingency as necessary.
The list of priorities to design and construct include a new bear exhibit, new tortoise exhibit, new walking paths, updated ADA entry into the gift shop, and electrical upgrades across the facility.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Project CP220072-Applegate Zoo Expansion was established as a Capital Improvement Project and contains sufficient funding to complete the project. The not to exceed amount of 1.8 million is available to support the contract.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Final Revised Request for Proposals
2. Applegate Zoo Renovation Contract