The City of Schertz requested statements of qualifications for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Firms in March of this year.  Statements were received from nine (9) firms.  A panel of three City Staff representatives reviewed each of the documents submitted in detail and scored the submittals on the following criteria:

• Statement of Interest and Qualifications
• General Information and Firm's Ability to Perform Work
• Project Team
• Representative Projects and Contracts
• References

The firms were ranked as a result of the evaluation team’s scores and the top two firms were selected to be recommended for award of on-call contracts.

It is recommended that the City award On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services Agreements to the following consulting geotechnical engineering firms:

• Raba Kistner, Inc
• Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Having these two firms available for on-call consultation allows the City to engage either qualified firm on a project without having to go through a separate RFQ process for each task or project for which professional geotechnical engineering services are needed.

While both firms are categorized as Geotechnical Engineering Firms, the scope of services available for each to provide are much broader.  Each firm provides Construction Materials Testing services as well as Geotechnical Engineering services. A sample of some specific services that are anticipated to be used are below:

• Construction Materials Testing
  • Fresh concrete property tests
  • Concrete compressive strength tests
  • Asphalt and soil densities
  • Material sampling
• Geotechnical Engineering
  • Soil borings
  • Pavement cores
  • Soil strength and classification testing
  • Pavement design

Once a project is identified requiring consulting services, Staff will determine which of the firms is best suited for the project.  A task order agreement including the specific project scope, fee, and schedule will be negotiated and implemented.  As has been the case, any agreement for which the cost may exceed $50,000, Staff will seek Council authorization.

The agreements for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services will remain in force for three years: approximately August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2023 with the option to renew the contract up to two terms of one year each.

The goal of Resolution 20-R-79 is to authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Raba Kistner, Inc and Terracon Consultants, Inc., for on-call consulting geotechnical engineering-related services.

The City will be able to issue task orders to a vetted, qualified firm for each particular project without going through a time-consuming RFQ process each time.  That will result in an effective and efficient operational process.

It is recommended the City Council approve Resolution 20-R-79, granting authorization and approval of master service agreements with two geotechnical engineering consulting firms for on-call services.

Fiscal impact will vary with particular projects and the use of a specific firm and their fee schedule as included in the Professional Service Agreements.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 20-R-79.