Title
Bid Award - Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to authorize the bid award to Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC for the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground project, located at 1001 NW 34th Street.
Explanation
On March 4, 2021 the City Commission approved the Albert "Ray" Massey (Westside) Park Playground Improvements project which allowed the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department to work towards one of its master plan goals of creating a fully accessible park in each quadrant of the city. Inspired by the NW 8th Avenue Solar Walk, the space-themed playground will offer a wide variety of physical, social and sensory play experiences for children of all ages and abilities. Fully accessible play surfacing and a colorful theme will boost imaginative play within the fully-fenced playground. Albert "Ray" Massey (Westside) Park is the busiest park in Gainesville and the playground equipment is nearing the end of its anticipated lifespan. The Wild Spaces & Public Places program began working with Manley Design, LLC, a small, local, woman-owned design firm, in the spring of 2021.
On April 14, 2022 a presentation was made to the General Policy Committee which included an update on the Albert "Ray" Massey (Westside) Park Playground Improvements. Community engagement for the project took place in the summer and fall of 2021 with focus group meetings throughout the summer and two open houses in September of 2021. Project permitting completed in the spring of 2022. On June 2, 2022 the City Commission authorized the City to enter into two Cooperative Purchasing Contracts for owner direct purchases of playground equipment for the future Albert “Ray” Massey Park Playground.
On May 3, 2022 the Purchasing Division solicited bids for the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground project. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference was held on May 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground. A total of five (5) bidders attended the pre-bid conference. All bids were due at 3:00 p.m. on June 7, 2021. A total of two (2) bids were received by 3:00 p.m.
Staff recommends awarding this contract to Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC in the amount of $1,481,512.00 for the construction of the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground project. Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC was determined to be the lowest responsible, responsive bidder as stipulated by the City’s competitive bidding process.
Strategic Connection: This item is connected to Goal 3: A Great Place to Live and Experience
Fiscal Note
Funds in the amount of $1,556,512.00 are available for the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground project from the WSPP Albert Ray Massey Westside Park Wild Spaces & Public Places ½ cent sales tax project account. Funding above and beyond the construction contract amount with Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC is for owner direct purchases of the following: permit fees (site work, building permit, utility connections), and owner’s contingency.
There is an anticipated annual increase in operating and maintenance cost of $30,000 for the additional lights and new restroom after the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground project is complete.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) award the bid to Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC for the construction of the Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Park Playground; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.