RECOMMENDATION: Approve professional engineering services contract and appropriate funds for the project.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey inundated the Tranquility Park fountain, causing the mechanical and electrical system to be submerged under water for several weeks, which resulted in extensive damage. This project will provide a design solution to replace and upgrade the fountain mechanical and electrical systems. Therefore, the General Services Department (GSD) recommends that City Council approve a professional engineering services contract with Waterscape Consultants, Inc. to conduct design and construction phase services for Tranquility Fountain Renovation for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD).
On May 22 and 29, 2020, GSD advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) containing selection criteria that ranked respondents on experience and key personnel. The Statements of Qualifications were due on June 11, 2020 and one firm responded. The Finance and Legal Departments approved GSD’s process to evaluate the sole respondent. A selection committee comprised of GSD and HPARD representatives evaluated the respondent and based on the firm’s experience, determined that Waterscape Consultants, Inc. was qualified to perform the work. The project was delayed due to contract negotiations and Federal Emergency Management Agency reviews.
PROJECT LOCATION: 400 Rusk, Houston, TX 77002
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of engineering design services for the following: Removal and replacement of the existing pumps, existing filters, and existing feeder and return water lines; replacement of existing electrical controls and existing wires and conduits.
SCOPE OF CONTRACT AND FEES: The contract provides for a Basic Services Fee to be paid as a lump sum.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION: A 24% MBE goal has been established for this contract. The contractor has submitted the following certified firms to achieve this goal:
FIRM (MBE): SCOPE AMOUNT % OF CONTRACT
Escalante Engineering Electrical Engineering $22,200.00 24.00%
DISASTER RECOVERY NOTE: This item is related to the impact of Hurricane Harvey DR4332, and it is the City’s intent to seek reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and other eligible sources for such expenditures.
FISCAL NOTE: No significant Fiscal Operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project
Capital Project Information: See attached Form A for a breakdown of capital costs.
WBS No: F-HARVEY-0007-3
DIRECTOR'S SIGNATURE/DATE:
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C.J. Messiah, Jr.
General Services Department
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Kenneth Allen
Houston Parks and Recreation Department