The BCIP is a $20 million grant program for projects that make bicycling and walking easier and safer in Orange County.  Funding for the program comes from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, a federal program that provides funding for transportation projects that help meet Federal Clean Air Act requirements and for implementation of goals from the Garden Grove Active Streets Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

In 2018, the Community and Economic Development Department was awarded $1.1 million in Caltrans grant funds to provide resources to improve on-street bicycle infrastructure by 75%.  The project scope incorporates approximately 15 miles of both new and improved bike lanes located Citywide along five (5) major corridors: Brookhurst Street, West Street, Gilbert Street, Chapman Avenue, and Lampson Avenue. 

·         Phase 1:Environmental study completed in 2019

·         Phase 2: Design and Engineering completed in 2020

·         Phase 3: Right-of-Way (ROW) certification completed in 2021

·         Phase 4: Construction is anticipated to be completed in August 2023

Due to the size of the project scope, external expertise is needed to facilitate construction management, inspection, public outreach along all major corridors, and monitoring labor compliance to meet all federal restrictions. 

In 2022, the Community and Economic Development Department launched an extensive RFP process to seek out experienced firms interested in providing these services. The RFP was published on Planetbid, and two (2) proposers submitted formal responses. A selection panel consisting of three (3) staff members rated the proposals on the basis of qualifications, experience, work plan, familiarity with federal restrictions/procedures, references, and oral interviews.

Based on the evaluation results, Southstar Engineering & Consulting Inc. received the highest rating. 

The following is a summary of the ratings:

CONCLUSION

In summary, Southstar Engineering & Consulting Inc. is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified firm comprised of Professional Project and Construction Managers with over 30+ years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, providing similar project management services for Caltrans.  The firm has assisted over 40 public agencies, and specializes in managing the construction of local infrastructure within and outside the Caltrans right-of-way (ROW).

A significant component included in the proposal is Public Relations services. The firm provides planning and execution of community outreach campaigns for infrastructure projects to engage and inform stakeholders. In addition, the firm implements public awareness by proactively establishing goals, objectives, budgets, while encouraging open conversation and facilitating the access of project information.  This includes website management, business and resident outreach for major road closures, toll-free hotline, photography/collateral material, and press releases.

Staff reference checks for the firm confirmed positive feedback, with excellent marks in areas of responsiveness, problem solving, customer service, and overall knowledge, which is consistent with the firm’s staffing, reliability, and exceptional communication skills, most recently demonstrated during the height of the pandemic. 

There is no impact to the General Fund.  Funding is currently included in the Fiscal Year 22-23 AQMD grant fund operational budget, approved with matching funds restricted for the BCIP project.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Award a contract to Southstar Engineering & Consulting Inc. for Construction Management Services in the amount of $135,805; and
•  Authorize the City Manager, or her designees, to execute the agreement, sign amendments, and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto, on behalf of the City.

By: Alana Cheng, Administrative Officer