REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Alvin Papa, Acting Director of Public Works
PREPARED BY: John Dettle, Associate Engineer
Subject:
title
Cancel contract award for the Humboldt Sewer Lift Station Replacement Project, CC-1634; reject all remaining bids and re-bid the project in accordance with City Charter requirements
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Statement of Issue:
On August 1, 2023, City Council awarded a construction contract to Mehta Mechanical Company, Inc. (Mehta) for the Humboldt Sewer Lift Station Replacement Project. However, it was later discovered that the bidding process was not consistent with City Charter requirements and State Law. As such, City Council action is requested to cancel the contract award to Mehta and reject all other bids, in order to properly re-advertise and rebid the Project.
Financial Impact:
There are no fiscal impacts related to the recommended action.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Cancel the award of construction contract to Mehta for the Humboldt Sewer Lift Station Replacement Project, CC-1634; reject all remaining bids and rebid the project in accordance with City Charter requirements and State Law.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not accept the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly. Rejecting all bids and rebidding is required to comply with the City Charter.
Analysis:
Staff advertised the Humboldt Sewer Lift Station Replacement Project this summer on PlanetBids, an online platform used by a majority of public agencies to advertise project bids and requests for proposals/qualifications. The bids received via PlanetBids were appropriately evaluated, and on August 1, 2023, a construction contract was awarded to Mehta, the lowest and most responsive bidder.
However, staff did not confirm that the advertisement was also published in a locally circulated newspaper, as required under Charter Section 503. As such, staff recommends City Council to cancel the award with Mehta, reject all other bids, and readvertise/rebid the project immediately in accordance with Charter requirements. Mehta is aware of this pending cancelation of contract.
Environmental Status:
The project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15304 of California Environmental Quality Act.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Infrastructure & Parks
Attachment(s):
1. Location Map
2. PowerPoint Presentation