RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Motion approving the issuance of a Job Order Contract (JOC) work order in excess of $450,000 to Brown & Root Industrial Services (Brown & Root) for construction services in connection with the Houston Fire Department (HFD) Dart Street Facility Chillers Replacement project.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: The City of Houston established a JOC work order limit of $450,000 for construction projects. Any job order that exceeds this amount requires City Council approval. HFD’s Dart Street facility houses operations and logistics staff as well as a vehicle maintenance garage. The two chiller units at the facility have exceeded its life cycle and require replacement which will exceed the JOC work order limit. It is necessary to replace the chiller units to restore conditioned air to the facility to maintain a safe, comfortable working environment, and avoid the additional cost of rental equipment. The General Services Department (GSD) requested and received a scope of work budget of $550,000 and a schedule of work from Brown & Root. To avoid delay and meet the project schedule, execution of the replacement through the JOC was determined to be the most expedient, competitive approach rather than soliciting the work through a traditional design-bid-build process. Therefore, GSD recommends that City Council approve the issuance of a JOC work order in excess of the contractual threshold of $450,000, not to exceed $700,000, to fund the HFD Dart Street Facility Chillers Replacement project.
PROJECT LOCATION: 1205 Dart Street, Houston, TX 77007
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project will replace two, 180-ton chiller units, three chill water circulation pumps, and associated plumbing, electrical, and controls.
PREVIOUS HISTORY AND PROJECT SCOPE: On September 4, 2019, by Ordinance No. 2019-0677, City Council awarded a job order contract to Brown & Root, for a term of two-years with three one-year renewal options and set a maximum contract amount of $20,000,000.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION: A 16% MBE goal and 4% WBE goal have been established for this contract. To date, Brown & Root has achieved 20.1% participation.
CIP FISCAL NOTE: No significant Fiscal Operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project.
Capital Project Information: See the attached Form A for a breakdown of capital costs.
WBS No: C-000217-0001-4
Prior Council Action:
Ordinance No. 2019-0677; Dated: September 4, 2019
DIRECTOR’S SIGNATURE/DATE:
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C. J. Messiah, Jr.
General Services Department