The laboratory at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is located in the original portion of the Operations Building.  The facility is old, does not maximize all available space, and utilizes some aged equipment and fixtures.  Therefore, the lab is in need of some major renovations.  W.O. 12-42 consists of architectural, lab consultant, and mechanical/electrical engineering services to remodel the existing WTP Laboratory. Tasks include evaluating existing conditions, developing and presenting a design proposal, coordinating with City personnel to finalize design, creating a bid package for construction, and providing bidding and construction administration services.  A copy of the contract draft is available for viewing at the City Clerk's office.

An RFP was advertised in the Billings Times requesting professional services for this project. A&E Architects was chosen as the preferred consultant from the firms that submitted proposals.

The Council may:

• Award a Professional Services Agreement to A&E Architects; or
• Not award a Professional Services Agreement to A&E Architects.  If the contract is not awarded, the lab will continue to function in a less than optimal manner.

The project is being funded by water funds approved in the FY13 budget. There are sufficient funds available to cover the costs of the Professional Services Contract in the not-to-exceed amount of $117,100.00.

Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement with A&E Architects for W.O. 12-42, Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Renovation; not to exceed $117,100.00.