Title
Project Development, Environment Study & Design for University Ave and W 13th St (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to approve the ranking of Professional Service Consulting firms and to authorize negotiations for a Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E) and Design for the reconstruction of University Avenue between NW 34th Street and NE 31st Street, and W 13th Street between SW 16th Avenue and NW 8th Avenue as complete streets.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville is committed to expediting a plan to increase safety in areas of high pedestrian volume, in particular University Avenue and W 13th Street. HDR Inc. was retained by the City to evaluate existing conditions and develop concept recommendations for implementation in the short- and long-term horizons. The HDR study recommendations were developed based on extensive evaluation of existing conditions and standards, building upon the findings of previous studies, and on extensive coordination with stakeholders including the Florida Department of Transportation, the University of Florida, and Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation (GCAT). Such recommendations were approved by the City Commission under Legislative Items #210418 and #210986.
The next steps for the project require the preparation of a PD&E and Design. On February 7, 2022, the City’s Procurement Division solicited written statements of qualifications to provide a PD&E and Design (RFQ No. DOMX-220040-SG). Two (2) Consulting firms submitted statements on March 8, 2022.
This solicitation was broadcasted and notified 658 suppliers (including 14 supplemental suppliers), the solicitation received 33 plan holders, of which two providers submitted statements of qualifications by the deadline (3/8/2022). Evaluation of the written and technical submittals resulted in established qualifications, project approach and methodology for study & design.
The evaluators ranked the firms as follows:
1. Kimley-Horn
2. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Strategic Connection:
Goal 3: A Great Place to Live and Experience
Fiscal Note
The City Commission allocated $1 million to advance the PD&E and Design for the corridors. The Florida Department of Transportation is collaborating through the performance of services that advance the project goals including collection of traffic counts and design of roundabouts.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) accept the selection of the two top ranked firms in the order of ranking; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary contract documents with the top ranked firm per the RFQ for project development, environment study & design services, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.