RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
AWARD the construction contract for the above project to PC Inc., in the amount of $789,000; and DIRECT that the Public Works Director, or designee, prepare the contract;
DIRECT that PC Inc. shall submit two good and sufficient security bonds (performance and payment bonds) in the amount of $789,000;
AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to sign the contract after it has been signed and returned by the contractor together with the bonds, evidence of insurance, and other required documents, and the Public Works Director has reviewed and found them to be sufficient;
ORDER that, in accordance with the project specifications and upon signature of the contract by the Fire Chief, or designee, any bid bonds posted by the bidders are exonerated and any checks or cash submitted for bid security shall be returned;
AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to sign any escrow agreements prepared for this project to permit the direct payment of retention into escrow or the substitution of securities for monies withheld by the County to ensure performance under the contract pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 2230;
AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to order changes or additions to the work pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 20142;
DELEGATE to the Public Works Director, or designee, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 4114, the Board's functions under Public Contract Code Section 4107 and 4110.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This project is being funded with grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). There is a 25% local agency match requirement for this grant, and the federal contribution is capped at $461,220. The District is responsible for any project costs exceeding the federal contribution limit. Funding for the District portion will come from general operating fund balance.
BACKGROUND:
In order to remain 100% in service and fully functional during extended power outages, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) must improve and upgrade backup generators at critical facilities.
At the June 12, 2018 Fire Board meeting, the Board authorized and approved the Fire Chief to apply for and accept funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for new generators at Fire Station 2 and Fire Station 81.
Bids for this project were received and opened by the Public Works Department on February 24, 2022, and the results were as follows:
Bidder / Bid
PC Inc. / $789,000
Saboo Inc. / 864,000
Under the initial grant application the project was estimated to cost $615,000. However, this was early 2018 and under pre-covid conditions. The market for both labor and materials has changed significantly and the resulting bids are a reflection of that. Regardless of market conditions, the generators are in dire need of replacement and the federal share awarded will contribute to the costs.
The Fire Chief and Public Works Director recommends that the Board award the construction contract for this project to PC Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in the amount of $789,000.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the project is not approved, the new generators will not be installed, and Fire Stations No. 2 and No. 81 will lack the ability to remain 100% in service and fully functional during power outages.