ORDINANCE appropriating $1,159,046.46 out of Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund awarding contract to VACA UNDERGROUND UTILITIES, INC for Force Main Renewal and Replacement for Tanya Circle, Old Stone Trail and Plum Creek Lift Stations; setting a deadline for the bidder’s execution of the contract and delivery of all bonds, insurance, and other required contract documents to the City; holding the bidder in default if it fails to meet the deadlines; providing funding for  testing services, CIP Cost Recovery, and contingencies relating to construction of facilities financed by Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund - DISTRICTS G - TRAVIS and I - GALLEGOS

SUBJECT:  Contract Award for Force Main Renewal and Replacement for Tanya Circle, Old Stone Trail and Plum Creek Lift Stations.

RECOMMENDATION:  Award a Construction Contract to Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc. for Force Main Renewal and Replacement for Tanya Circle, Old Stone Trail and Plum Creek Lift Stations and appropriate funds.

PROJECT NOTICE/JUSTIFICATION:  This project is part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Wastewater Facilities to upgrade its lift station facilities and is required to meet compliance with regulatory requirements.

DESCRIPTION/SCOPE:  This project consists of the installation of new gravity sewers, force mains and appurtenances within the City's right-of-way, HCFCD property and easements throughout the project limits. The Contractor will be required to install and maintain tree protection measures, storm water management devices and traffic control for the duration of the project. The Contract duration for this project is 330 calendar days. This project was designed by KIT Professionals, Inc.

LOCATION: The project areas are in Council District "G" and Council District "I" ,and general locations are described as shown in the table below:

BIDS:  This project was advertised for bidding on June 12, 2020. Bids were received on July 9, 2020.  The six (6) bids are as follows:

AWARD:  It is recommended that this construction contract be awarded to Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc. with a low bid of $1,002,769.50 and Addenda Numbers 1 and 2 be made a part of this Contract.

PROJECT COST:  The total cost of this project is $1,159,046.46 to be appropriated as follows:

Testing Services will be provided by Terracon Consultants, Inc. under a previously approved contract.

HIRE HOUSTON FIRST:  The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Hire Houston First’ (HHF) ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston business and supports job creation. In this case company Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc.is a designated HHF company, but they were the successful awardee without application of the HHF preference.

PAY OR PLAY PROGRAM:  The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Pay or Play’ ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, the Contractor provides health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.

M/WSBE PARTICIPATION:  The contractor has submitted the following proposed program to satisfy the 13% MBE goal and 7% WBE goal for this project.

FISCAL NOTE:  No significant Fiscal Operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project.

All known rights-of-way, easements and/or right-of-entry required for the project have been acquired.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS No. R-000035-011B-4

$1,159,046.46 - Fund No. 8500 – Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund

R. Jeff Masek, P.E., CCM

Assistant Director, Capital Projects

Phone: (832) 395-2387