Title
Informational Presentation on Progress of the Groundwater Recharge Wetland Project (B)
Explanation
GRU plans to create a groundwater recharge wetland. The project is being constructed with cost share funding from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The project will receive reclaimed water from the Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility and recharge the Floridan aquifer with high-quality, low-nutrient water. The project will provide an environmental benefit by supporting flows at the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and area springs. The project is part of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan and is integral to our water resource management plan. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will provide cost-effective, long-term beneficial reuse of reclaimed water to meet GRU future needs as our community grows. Alachua County is partnering with GRU to manage public access to the wetland after it is constructed and plans to add improved parking, restroom facilities and a playground in the future as funding becomes available.
Schedule
The property for the wetland was purchased in January 2021 with 50 percent cost share funding from FDEP. FDEP has committed cost share dollars for the design and permitting of the project. GRU expects FDEP will allocate cost share funds for the construction phase of the project. The design, permitting, and construction of the project is expected to be complete in calendar year 2025 contingent upon both State and local funding.
Solicitation
The solicitation for a Request for Statement of Qualifications for Progressive Design-Builders was posted on September 28, 2021. On December 2, 2021, four progressive design-build proposals were received. GRU staff conducted a two-phase evaluation of the prospective design-build teams. The Phase 1 evaluation was held in a public meeting on December 16, 2021, where three firms were selected to advance. The Phase 2 evaluation was held in a public meeting on January 12, 2022 following presentations and interviews with the three firms. The firms were ranked as follows:
1. Wharton-Smith, Inc.
2. Jacobs Project Management Company
3. Phillips & Jordan, Inc.
In accordance with the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), staff is recommending initiating contract negotiations with the top-ranked firm. If staff is unable to negotiate an acceptable contract with the top-ranked firm, it may negotiate with the next firm in order of ranking. This item will be presented to the UAB on February 10, 2022.
Attachments:
1.) UAB/Commission Presentation
2.) Notice of Intent to Award
Fiscal Note
The property acquisition was completed in January 2021 and cost approximately $2M, of which FDEP paid 50 percent ($976,808). The permitting, design and construction of the wetland project is estimated to cost $8 to $10 million. FDEP is a funding partner for the project. FDEP has committed funds to pay for 50 percent of the design and permitting of the project up to $523,192. GRU expects FDEP will allocate cost share funding for the construction and start-up of the project. The costs to design and construct the project are included in the GRU Capital Project Budget and Capital Forecast. GRU will also pursue additional funding opportunities.
The request for approval to negotiate is requested with a contract value not to exceed $10 million over the next 3 to 5 years. The timing of the contract expenses will be funded in accordance with the budget approvals on a fiscal year basis. The design, permitting, and construction of the project is expected to be complete by calendar year 2025, contingent upon both State and local funding.
Recommendation:
Hear an informational presentation from staff.