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Report regarding a resolution approving a consulting services agreement with Fehr & Peers of San Francisco, California for the East of 101 Transportation Plan in an amount not to exceed $150,000, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement, and authorizing a total budget of $150,000. (Tony Rozzi, Principal Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving a consulting services agreement with Fehr & Peers of San Francisco, California for the East of 101 Transportation Plan in an amount not to exceed $150,000, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement, and authorizing a total budget of $150,000.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
During the past five years. South San Francisco’s biotechnology cluster, located in the City’s East of 101 Area, has experienced strong economic growth. Recent development activity includes: HCP’s The Cove at Oyster Point, Genentech’s Building B-35, BioMed Realty’s Gateway of Pacific, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Verily Life Sciences, Fairfield Inn, Oyster Point Phase 1, and AC Marriott. These new developments, combined with other projects that are in the development pipeline, have raised concerns about the traffic congestion.
In order to address these concerns and to better manage transportation, the City Council directed staff to solicit proposals from consultant teams to develop an East of 101 Transportation Plan (“Plan”). The development and implementation of the Plan aims to explore a range of transportation improvements in order to address current congestion, promote better urban design, and accommodate continued growth and development.
On November 29, 2017, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Services (Attachment 1) that was distributed via email, the City’s website, and online professional services websites. Four proposals were received on the due date of December 21, 2017.
After reviewing the submitted proposals, interviews were held for all four proposing consultants on January 25, 2018. The panel consisted of members from the Economic and Community Development Department and Public Works Department: Deputy Director, Principal Planner, and Senior Engineer. Proposals were evaluated based on several criteria, including: project understanding and approach, qualifications of firm and staff, and the overall presentation at the interview.
Of the four proposing consultants, Fehr & Peers scored highest and is recommended by the selection panel (Attachment 2). Fehr & Peers demonstrated they have the staffing availability and expertise to provide the transportation planning services that will guide the City’s infrastructure and policy development within the East of 101 area (proposal included as Attachment 3). Staff recommends that Fehr & Peers undertake the East of 101 Transportation Plan based upon the firms’ experience, resources, familiarity of South San Francisco, and positive references from recent similar work for the City of Redwood City.
Selection of consulting services is not based on the lowest bidder, but on the firm’s expertise, experience, and references. Once the most qualified firm is determined, staff negotiates a fee proposal and any changes deemed necessary to obtain a reasonable cost for the scope of work. Because these projects are locally funded, there are no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements.
Under the proposed contract prepared by staff, the consultant would begin work immediately and complete their services by December 31, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this project was approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a consulting services agreement with Fehr & Peers based on their qualifications, experience, references and understanding of the project.
Attachments:
1. East of 101 Transportation Plan Request for Proposals
2. Interview Evaluation Score Sheet Summary
3. Fehr & Peers Proposal