Report Prepared by: Leah Brown, Water Conservation Coordinator, Public Works - Water
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Professional Services Agreement Through December 31, 2021, with AARC Consultants, LLC, to Conduct a Risk and Resilience Assessment and Prepare an Emergency Response Plan for Merced’s Drinking Water System in an Amount not to Exceed $109,775.00
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a professional services agreement with AARC Consultants, LLC, for a Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan in compliance with Section 2013 of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a professional services agreement with AARC Consultants, LLC, in the amount of $109,775, to conduct a Risk and Resilience Assessment and prepare an Emergency Response Plan; and
B. Authorizing the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the agreement, as recommended by staff; or
2. Deny; or
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et seq. and Section 3.04.120 of the Merced Municipal Code.
Services with an estimated value greater than $32,000.00 are made by written contract in accordance with Merced Municipal Code, Title 3 - Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.04.
42 United States Code 300i-2, Community water system risk and resilience.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-2020 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced Public Works Department, Water Division, is seeking a consultant to provide engineering services to conduct a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and prepare an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in compliance with Section 2013 of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). The purpose of AWIA is to review existing infrastructure systems and operational practices and then recommend actions to minimize impacts on public health, and the safety and supply of drinking water, from natural hazards or malevolent acts. The RRA and ERP are required of community water systems that serve more than 3,300 people. The City’s certification of completion of the RRA is due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) by December 31, 2020. Following submission of the RRA, the ERP should be finalized within 6 months and completion certification provided to the USEPA by June 31, 2021.
Every five years thereafter the City must review the RRA and submit a re-certification; then within 6 months, review and if needed, develop a revised ERP with re-certification.
The selected consultant shall provide the full range of services for assessment and plan development including project management and obtaining data and information from City staff and applicable City consultants. On February 14, 2020, the City issued a Request for Proposals to create and develop the Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan. Staff received proposals from the following companies:
AARC Consultants, LLC
Stone & Webster
iParametrics
QK
WMJ Consultants & Engineering
The selection committee reviewed the written proposals and met on Friday, April 24, 2020. AARC best met the selection committee’s consultant evaluation criteria based on Firm Qualifications (technical expertise, staff qualifications), Management Approach (methodology, scope of work, quality control), Work Plan (delivery schedule), and Overall Presentation (RFP compliance, similar project experience). Price comparison was not a considering factor in consultant evaluation in accordance with qualifications-based selection requirements for professional services.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
An Agreement for Professional Services with AARC in the amount of $109,775 was prepared by the City Attorney for your review and approval, see attached.
Sufficient funds are available to cover this agreement from the Water System-Enterprise Fund Professional Services, account 557-1106-532.17-00.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement