Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with DLZ Michigan, Inc. for Engineering Design Services for the E. Medical Center Drive Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project ($1,011,319.29) (RFP 21-20)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval, please find a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with DLZ Michigan, Inc. (DLZ) in the amount of $1,011,319.29 for engineering design services for the subject project.
The East Medical Center Drive Bridge carries a four-lane road over the Amtrak Michigan line and is the primary access to the University of Michigan Medical Center. The bridge was constructed in 1982 and is now being inspected every twelve months due to its deteriorating condition. It is the City’s intent to rehabilitate the Bridge in order to return it to a State of Good Repair and prolong its life span. The University of Michigan is also interested in widening the bridge in order to improve traffic flow into and out of the Medical Center.
As part of the pre-design investigation and project scoping activities associated with this project, a Type, Size, and Location Study (TSL) was prepared for this bridge. Several options for widening the bridge and associated costs for each option were explored. Based on the results of this study, the current project scope entails widening the bridge deck by 10 feet (most likely to the west), extensions to the existing bridge abutments and replacement of piers, additional retaining walls, and relocating existing fiber optic and other utility cables that run through the bridge. In addition, planned extensive rehabilitation measures on the bridge and widening and lengthening the existing concrete platform underneath the bridge to provide adequate space for a future connection to the Border to Border Trail.
On July 6, 2021, the City received proposals from four firms in response to Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 21-20 for engineering design services for the project. The RFP required each consultant to submit a statement of qualifications, fee schedule, descriptions of past involvement with similar projects, proposed work schedule and resumes of personnel that it proposed were qualified and available to work on the project. The RFP provided a detailed breakdown of the services/tasks to be provided pursuant to the request. A selection committee comprised of Engineering Unit staff reviewed the proposals to determine the most-qualified firm. The firms were evaluated and scored on several criteria:
• Professional Qualifications (20%)
• Past Involvement with Similar Projects (30%)
• Proposed Work Plan (30%)
• Fee Proposal (20%)
After reviewing and scoring the proposals and interviews with each firm, staff ranked the responding firms in the following order:
1. DLZ Michigan, Inc.
2. Mannik Smith
3. Fishbeck
4. NTH
Based upon a review of the proposals, the proposed work plan, fee schedule, staffing plan, and past involvement with similar projects, it was decided that DLZ was the firm best-suited to perform the work.
Engineering staff has negotiated the scope of work and associated fee for this project and that is reflected in the PSA that is being recommended for Council approval. DLZ is in compliance with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances. The form of contract will be the standard professional services agreement drafted by the City Attorney.
Construction of the project is currently anticipated in 2023.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: This project is identified in the current Capital Improvements Plan (TR-BR-16-02). Funding for this eventual construction work will be shared between the City and the University of Michigan, with the University of Michigan paying for 100% of the bridge widening costs and 50% of the rehabilitation costs. The costs for the design consultant will be split in in the same way, which will equate to approximately 69% of the cost paid by the University of Michigan and 31% paid by the City. The City will invoice the University of Michigan for their share of the design cost. The University of Michigan has committed to this cost sharing arrangement via e-mail on September 8, 2021. These percentages are estimates for budgetary purposes only and will continue to be refined during the design process. Funding for the City’s share of the project will come from the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas S. Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: John Fournier, Acting City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The existing East Medical Center Drive Bridge requires rehabilitation work in order to return it to a State of Good Repair;
Whereas, The University of Michigan is interested in widening the bridge to improve traffic flow around the Medical Center;
Whereas, It is necessary to retain the services of a professional engineering firm to perform the engineering design services for the E. Medical Center Drive Rehabilitation and Widening Project;
Whereas, The professional engineering firm of DLZ Michigan, Inc., of Lansing, Michigan has submitted to the City a proposal for the necessary services, setting forth the services to be performed by said firm, and the payments to be made by the City therefor, all of which are agreeable to the City;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan will share costs for the design work according to the cost sharing arrangement agreed upon via e-mail on September 8, 2021 for the project;
Whereas, The City will invoice the University of Michigan for their share of the design work and funding for the City’s share of the work is available in the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage; and
Whereas, DLZ Michigan, Inc. is in compliance with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances;
RESOLVED, That Council directs the City Administrator to negotiate an amendment to the contract with DLZ to design the east-west pathway connection under the East Medical Center Drive Bridge and develop a cost estimate for construction, and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve this amendment to the contract;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a professional services agreement with DLZ Michigan, Inc. in the amount of $1,011,319.29 for Engineering Design Services for the E. Medical Center Drive Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project (RFP 21-20);
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement, after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $100,000.00 be established and the City Administrator be authorized to approve amendments to DLZ Michigan, Inc.’s professional services agreement not to exceed $100,000.00 in order to satisfactorily complete the project; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on October 18, 2021.
As Amended by the Approval of Resolution R-22-029 on February 7, 2022.