Over the years, the Aviation and Transit Department has entered into 5-year service agreements with Architectural and Engineering firms, as well as Airport Financial and Planning consultants, to provide the Department with advisory services on a wide range of areas. The Airport will soon embark on a number of complex projects that will require the assistance of an Airport Financial and Planning Advisory Specialist, specifically concerning the planning and conceptual design of the new Car Wash Quick Turn-a-round facility and public parking enhancements. Additionally, as these two projects have the potential to impact the current Concession and Airline Agreements, outside expertise will be very valuable regarding any changes that might need to be built into these Agreements.

On October 1 and 8, the Airport advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Airport Planning and Financial Consulting Services both locally in the Billings Times, and nationally with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in their weekly newsletter and Web page. Subsequently, nine (9) firms from around the country responded to the RFQ and a selection committee was put together to review and rank each of the submittals. The selection committee was made up of Councilman Dick Clark, Aviation and Transit Commissioners Steve Tostenrud and Sterling Starr, and Airport staff. The selection committee ultimately selected Jacobs Consultancy as the successful RFQ candidate.

A copy of the agreement is on file with the City Clerk's Office for review.

The Council may:

• Approve the five year Professional Service Agreement with Jacobs Consultancy; or
• Not approve the five year Professional Service Agreement with Jacobs Consultancy.
   

The base Agreement will be amended each time a project is undertaken. The fees associated with each project are negotiated with Airport staff and will subsequently be approved by Council. Over the 5-year term of the Agreement, the annual fees paid to Jacobs Consultancy could vary significantly, depending on the scope of the projects provided for the firm to work on.

Staff recommends that Council approve the award of the 5-year Professional Services Agreement with the selected Airport Financial and Planning Advisory Consultants, Jacobs Consultancy.