The MET Transit recently received bids for facility improvements at the MET Operations Center. The bid specifications for this work consisted of two work schedules. Schedule One is for renovations and upgrades to the MET's Bus Wash building and wash equipment. The Bus Wash building was constructed in 1983, and still utilizes the original power washing equipment. Because of the age of both the building and the wash equipment, some upgrades are required due to obsolescence. The building will receive a new roof replacement, upgrades to the electrical system, interior paint, and new overhead doors. Additionally, new high efficiency wash equipment will be installed, including an undercarriage wash system. This is a project that was approved in both the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Fiscal Year 2010 budget. This schedule of the bid will be funded with an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant for 100% of the cost. The engineering estimate for Schedule One is $350,000.

Schedule Two of the project is to replace approximately 14,000 square feet of asphalt and concrete pavement adjacent to the Bus Wash facility that is severely cracked and beginning to fall apart. Under the Schedule Two portion of the project, the old pavement and base soils will be removed and replaced with a better base material and new 6" concrete and asphalt surfaces. The Schedule Two project work will also be funded with an ARRA grant for 100% of the cost.  The pavement replacement was recently identified as a needed improvement and is not identified in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget or City CIP. Subsequently, staff will provide a second quarter budget amendment for Council's approval. The engineering estimate for Schedule Two is $200,000.

The Bus Wash Facility and Pavement Upgrade project was advertised in the Billings Times for four weeks and is listed on the City's Web site. On December 1, 2009, the following bids were received for this project.

CONTRACTOR	BID
Langlas and Associates	$343,200
Jones Construction	$389,000
Hulteng, Inc.	$391,600
General Contractors	$402,055
DPS Company, LLC	$407,470
Hardy Construction	$408,000
High Tech Construction	$435,880
ESTIMATE	$550,000

The current economic conditions and subsequent lack of commercial construction work, plus the fact that a portion of this project can be completed during the Winter months, have resulted in the City receiving some excellent bids for this project.

The Council may:

• Approve the Award of the ARRA funded MET Operations Center Bus Wash and Pavement Upgrades; or
• Not Approve the Award of the ARRA funded MET Operations Center Bus Wash and Pavement Upgrades.
   

The total cost for the MET Operations Center Bus Wash Facility and Pavement Upgrades project is $343,200, and will be funded 100% with an ARRA Grant administered through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant process. 

Staff recommends the City Council approve the award of the ARRA funded MET Operations Center Bus Wash Facility and Pavement Upgrades project to the low bidder, Langlas and Associates, for the amount of $343,200.