Title
Resolution to Approve Professional Services Agreements with The Mannik and Smith Group, Inc. ($275,000.00); Material Testing Consultants, Inc. ($275,000.00); NTH Consultants, Ltd. ($150,000.00); and Tetra Tech, Inc. ($185,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services
Memorandum
We recommend your approval of the attached resolution authorizing Professional Services Agreements with The Mannik and Smith Group, Inc. ($275,000.00); Material Testing Consultants, Inc. ($275,000.00); NTH Consultants, Ltd. ($150,000.00); and Tetra Tech, Inc. ($185,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services (RFP 25-52).
It is necessary that the Engineering Department perform soil borings, pavement cores, laboratory testing, and all associated work at various locations throughout the City of Ann Arbor during the design phase of public infrastructure projects. Soil borings and pavement cores identify existing soil type, soil characteristics, pavement thickness, and potential environmental contamination. This information is critical to the success of any design project. Professional geotechnical and environmental engineering firms perform this work, as the city does not have the necessary equipment or personnel.
A Request for Proposals (RFP 25-52) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services was issued in October of 2025. Proposals from ten (10) firms were received on November 12, 2025. A committee comprised of Engineering staff reviewed all proposals and narrowed the selection to four (4) firms. The firms were evaluated and scored on the following criteria:
• Professional Qualifications and Experience (60%)
• Fee Proposal (40%)
After reviewing and scoring the proposals, staff ranked the responding firms in the following order:
1. The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
2. Material Testing Consultants, Inc.
3. NTH Consultants, Ltd.
4. Tetra Tech, Inc.
5. McDowell & Associates
6. GEI Consultants of Michigan, P.C.
7. Soils & Structures, Inc.
8. Somat Engineering, Inc.
9. Professional Service Industries, Inc.
10. Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc.
Based on their professional qualifications and experience with the city, and fee quotations, the team selected The Mannik and Smith Group, Inc., Material Testing Consultants, Inc., NTH Consultants, Ltd., and Tetra Tech, Inc.
Selecting four (4) firms provides the City with additional resources beyond what a single firm can offer, as well as greater flexibility for staff. These consultancy services will be used on an as-needed basis only.
The firms selected comply with the City’s non-discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The services provided by these firms will be paid for within approved project and annual operating budgets as appropriate.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, It is necessary that the Engineering Department perform soil borings, pavement cores, laboratory testing, and all associated work at various locations throughout the City of Ann Arbor during the design phase of public infrastructure projects;
Whereas, Professional geotechnical and environmental engineering firms are needed to perform this work;
Whereas, It is desirable to retain multiple firms to provide additional resources beyond what a single firm can provide, and provide extra flexibility for City staff;
Whereas, Proposals were received by Purchasing and evaluated by City staff based on professional qualifications and experience, and fee schedule;
Whereas, The Mannik and Smith Group, Inc., Material Testing Consultants, Inc., NTH Consultants, Ltd., and Tetra Tech, Inc. have submitted to the City proposals for the necessary services, setting forth the services to be performed by said firm and the payments to be made by the City therefore, all of which are agreeable to the City;
Whereas, The selected firms comply with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances; and
Whereas, The required funds for the geotechnical and environmental services are available in approved capital budgets as appropriate, if so approved by the City Council;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approves the Professional Services Agreement with The Mannik and Smith Group, Inc. in the amount of ($275,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Material Testing Consultants, Inc. in the amount of ($275,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with NTH Consultants, Ltd. in the amount of ($150,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. in the amount of ($185,000.00) for Geotechnical and Environmental Services;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreements after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.