COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

August 6, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 31, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Retrofitting the Roof Panels and Installing Seismic Dampers at the San Mateo County Hall of Justice and Records - Redwood City (Project No. P2205)

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution awarding and authorizing execution of a contract to retrofit the existing roof panels and to install seismic dampers at the Hall of Justice and Records.

Previous Board Action

Adopted Resolution No. 66710 on June 8, 2004, adopting plans and specifications, determining prevailing wage scales, and calling for sealed proposals for the above-mentioned project.

Key Facts

1.

The proposed work is an integral part of the overall plan to improve the building’s resistance to earthquake loads.

2.

The project has been coordinated with the departments that occupy space in the Hall of Justice and Records, as the offices and courts in the building will remain occupied while the work is accomplished.

Discussion

On July 6, 2004, bids were accepted for this project and subsequently referred to this office for checking and recommendation. The bids have been checked and the base bid of:

Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Company, Inc.

1000 Washington Street

San Carlos, CA 94070-5319

at $2,599,251 was the lowest base bid received. The Engineer’s estimate was $2,200,000.

A summary of the bids received is as follows:

Contractors

Base Bid

1.

Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Co., Inc.

$2,599,251.00

2.

Best Roofing and Waterproofing, Inc.

$3,183,160.00

3.

Christie Constructors, Inc.

$3,363,000.00

The lowest bid exceeds the Engineer’s estimate by approximately fifteen percent (15%) ($399,251). We believe that the bid reflects estimated increases in material costs and the difficulty of construction as the work:

1)

may not begin for approximately five to seven months as the seismic dampers have to be designed, fabricated tested and then purchased; and

2)

will be accomplished at night with cleanup occurring each morning as the offices and courts in the Hall of Justice will remain in use throughout the term of the project.

We believe that the low bid is a fair cost of doing the work and are therefore recommending the contract be awarded to Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Company.

We have reviewed the contract documents and determined that the affirmative action program of Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Company is in accordance with the current Affirmative Action Guidelines.

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with Goal Number 7, “maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors” of the Shared Vision Commitment to “ensure basic health and safety for all,” as the seismic retrofit will improve the building’s resistance to earthquake loads.

Fiscal Impact

The total estimated construction cost of the project is $2,730,000, which includes a five percent (5%) ($130,749) contingency. The contingency is used to pay the Contractor for any unknown or unforeseen work that may be required after the work is begun and the existing connectors are exposed.

The Construction Project is proposed to be financed with General Funds, Criminal Justice Funds, Courthouse Construction Funds and Facilities Surcharges that were reappropriated from the 2003/04 Fiscal Year, together with appropriations in the General Fund of $475,000 and in the Courthouse Construction Fund of $475,000 that was appropriated in the 2004/05 Fiscal Year.

An additional net appropriation of $84,715 will be included in the September budget revision to cover a portion of the contract administration and construction inspection costs of the project. There are no other anticipated impacts to the General Fund associated with this project.

A form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel.