Staff recommends that the City Council approve the award for Morrison Maierle, Inc. to complete the Airport's Master Plan Update for the Aviation Department and authorize the Mayor to sign the Contract. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires an Airport Master Plan Update (MPU) to be conducted at regular intervals.  The last plan was finalized in 2010 and most of the consultants' recommendations have been implemented over the past fourteen (14) years; subsequently, a new MPU is needed.  This new document will provide staff with a comprehensive plan and road map in order to improve the Airport over the next twenty (20) years.  The plan will reflect industry changes, updated forecast and growth projections, and establishment of airport priorities in consideration of recent and pending improvements to airport facilities and infrastructure and consist of three (3) parts. The first part will define the goals and objectives of the MPU, develop a realistic implementation schedule for the delivery of services outlined in the scope of work, engage stakeholders, gather data, and establish facility requirements.  The second part will develop and evaluate defined alternatives to meet the projected requirements and update the Airport Layout Plan (ALP).  The third part will prepare an implementation plan and a financial feasibility analysis, as well as the final Master Plan Report.  Additionally, a Professional Firm must comply with Federal Aviation Regulation Advisory Circular 150/5070-6 (Airport Master Plans) and specifically address the following:

• Complete Inventory of Existing Conditions - what do we have?
• Conduct Historical and Future Aviation Forecasts - what demand do we expect?
• Define and Determine Facility Requirements - what do we need to meet the expected demand?
• Identify Required Environmental Considerations
• Complete Alternatives Development and Evaluation - what do we need to change to meet demand?
• Establish Facilities Implementation Plan
• Update Airport Layout Plan Drawing Set - what do these changes look like?
• Complete Financial Feasibility Analysis; to include identification of funding sources, financial feasibility, revenue enhancement, and cost benefit analysis
• Final Master Plan Presentation and Documents 

Staff developed a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for these services, and distributed it to 10 consulting, engineering and aviation planning firms.  The RFQ was advertised in the Yellowstone County News and on the Airport's and City websites on December 1, 8, and 15, 2023.  Three firms initially showed interest; however, the City of Billings only received one proposal from Morrison Maierle, Inc (M-M).  The single proposal received from M-M was reviewed by the RFQ selection committee and was determined to have met all requested evaluation criteria regarding the requirements, qualifications, proposal, and scope of work.  M-M is extremely qualified and has successfully completed a MPU for Airports in Montana to include Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, and others.  Due to the complexity and amount of information required, staff anticipates this process will take approximately two years to complete.  M-M has been the Airport's Engineering firm for the past 30 years and has an enormous amount of historical information, data and plans to immediately begin work and provide the Airport with an excellent MPU that staff can reference for the next twenty (20) years. 

City Council may:

• Approve the award of the Master Plan Update with Morrison Maierle, Inc; or,
• Not Approve the award and advise staff on how to proceed.

There is no immediate financial impact from this Council action.  The total cost of the Master Plan Update is anticipated to cost approximately $850,000 and the final negotiated fees will be reviewed and approved by the FAA.  Ninety percent (90%) of this MPU is eligible for FAA Grant Funding and will be paid with Airport Improvement Entitlement funds.  The 10% local share match will be paid from the Airport's Capital Account and is eligible to be reimbursed with Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds.