COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

January 26, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 10, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Authorizing the Director of Public Works to Prepare Plans and Specifications and Proceed with Project Bid Advertisement for Projects Funded Through the Economic Stimulus Proposal Referred to as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to proceed with:

1.

Preparing plans and specifications for projects funded through the Federal Economic Stimulus proposal referred to as the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.”

2.

Advertising for bids on the projects as defined above.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

Authorizing the Director of Public Works to proceed with developing plans and specifications and advertising for bids for Economic Stimulus funded projects will expedite the delivery of these projects, which will benefit the public.

BACKGROUND:

The Economic Stimulus proposal referred as the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” currently requires that eligible projects be awarded within 90 days of the enactment of the Act.

DISCUSSION:

The Department of Public Works has submitted to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission a list of projects that we requested to receive funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Public Contract Code provides that projects over $100,000 must be formally advertised and then awarded by the governing body based on competitive bids. Historically, the formal bid process for advertisement and award has required two separate actions by your Board:

1)

a resolution adopting plans and specifications and calling for sealed bids; and

2)

a resolution awarding a contract to the low bidder.

The “streamline” process for the above-defined projects authorizes the Director of Public Works to call for bids. The project is then brought to your Board for consideration and approval after bids are opened and the lowest responsible bidder is determined. This process shortens the time it takes to award a contract and ensures meeting the requirements of the Act.

The resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The projects are proposed to be financed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is still being developed in Congress and is anticipated to be enacted in mid February. The actual amount available to the County is uncertain at this time but we estimate it to be at least $1 Million. There is no fiscal impact for this action.

There is no impact to the General Fund.