The City of Schertz released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for on-call engineering services in the fall of this year. Responses were received from 27 firms. Seven responses were disqualified because of technical deficiencies. A panel of four City Staff representatives from the Engineering and Public Works Departments reviewed in detail each of the remaining 20 eligible responses 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
• References

The firms were ranked as a result of score tabulation and the top five firms were selected to be recommended for award of on-call contracts.

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

• Freeland Turk Engineering Group, LLC
• Halff Associates, Inc.
• Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
• Unintech Consulting Engineers, Inc.
• Utility Engineering Group, PLLC

Having this group of firms available for consultation allows the City to use the most qualified firm for each particular project based on the particular engineering qualifications and experience without having to go through a separate request for qualification (RFQ) process for each task or project for which professional engineering services are needed.

Projects may be related to, but not necessarily limited to, water transmission and distribution, wastewater collection and conveyance, roadways, drainage facilities, and site work.  Projects may include:

• Design, Permitting, Bidding and Negotiations, Construction Phase Services;
• Plan Review;
• Resident Project Representative or Inspections Services;
• Studies and Reports; and
• Other related professional services.

Once a project is identified and consulting services are needed, Staff will determine which of the already vetted and qualified 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, for any agreement for which the cost may exceed $50,000, Staff will seek Council authorization.

The agreements for On-Call Engineering Services will remain in force for three years: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027 with the option to renew the contract for up to two additional years.

The goal of Resolution 24-R-164 is to authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Unintech Consulting Engineering, Inc., Halff Associates, Inc., Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Utility Engineering Group, PLLC, and Freeland Turk Engineering Group, LLC, for on-call consulting engineering-related services.

The City will be able to issue a task order 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 that Council approve Resolution 24-R-164, granting authorization and approval of master service agreements with five engineering consulting firms for on-call services.

Approve Resolution 24-R-164.