REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Award of Contract to Ascent Environmental, Inc. for Updates to the Air Quality and Noise Elements of the Sunnyvale General Plan (F18-309)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval is requested to award a contract in the amount not to exceed $113,485 to Ascent Environmental, Inc. of Sacramento for consultant services associated with updates to the Air Quality and Noise elements of the General Plan. Approval is also requested for a 10% contingency in the amount of $11,349
EXISTING POLICY
Pursuant to Chapter 2.08 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, contracts for this type of service are awarded pursuant to a Request for Proposals (RFP) best value process, unless otherwise exempt from the competitive bidding process. Additionally, City Council approval is required for the procurement of goods and/or services exceeding $100,000 in any one transaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being consider does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environmental.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
When the Land Use and Transportation (LUTE) chapter of the General Plan was adopted in 2017, updates to the Air Quality and Noise sections were anticipated. While further environmental review may be necessary for these General Plan Amendments, the anticipated modifications to these sections were considered and analyzed in conjunction with the adopted LUTE Environmental Impact Report.
The Air Quality element of the General Plan, under Chapter 7 - Environmental Management, was adopted in 1992. Due to population increases and economic growth within the City, and the region, it is anticipated that there will be changes in the City’s ambient air quality. Additionally, incorporation and evaluation of updated regulations that have been adopted by the California Air Resource Board and Bay Area Air Quality Management District, under the California Clean Air Act, are also necessary.
The Noise element of the General Plan, under Chapter 6 - Safety and Noise, was previously adopted and last updated in 1997. The goals, policies, and action items identified in the Noise element should be updated to reflect local and regional noise levels, requirements, and regulations for different use types in the City.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted on the DemandStar public procurement network on October 5, 2018 and seven firms requested the RFP documents. Three proposals were received on October 31, 2018 from Ascent Environmental, Inc., PlaceWorks, and Rincon Consultants, Inc. A team consisting of staff from the Community Development Department evaluated the proposals based on qualifications, project approach, and experience with similar projects. The evaluation team agreed that Ascent Environmental, Inc. offers the best value to the City, due to their experience with similar projects, qualified project team, familiarity with the City, and strong project work plan and approach.
Ascent Environmental, Inc. initially proposed base pricing in the amount of $99,805, and optional services in the amount of $82,620. Base pricing was subsequently negotiated to include an optional task for enhanced environmental justice support, which increased the total contract amount to $113,485.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in Project 825700 - General Plan Updates.
Funding Source
The project is funded by the General Fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 1 to the report in the amount of $113,485 to Ascent Environmental, Inc.
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met
- Approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $11,349
Staff
Prepared by: Gregory S. Card, Purchasing Officer
Reviewed by: Timothy J. Kirby, Director of Finance
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director of Community Development
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Consultant Services Agreement