SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Ratify and confirm an increase per change order No1 to Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the removal or abandonment and grouting of natural gas mains associated with roadway improvements along Alternate U.S. Highway 19, in the amount of $80,369.73, for a revised estimated total cost of $123,744.60. (consent).
Body
SUMMARY:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is undertaking a roadway improvement project (Financial ID #448486-1-56-03) along Alternate U.S. Highway 19, from SR 586/Curlew Road north to approximately Mediterranean Drive in Pinellas County. The project requires the removal or abandonment in place, including grouting, of approximately 2,700 linear feet of existing natural gas mains ranging in size from 1-inch to 8-inch that conflict with the planned roadway improvements.
The utility relocation portion of this project was initially estimated at $43,374.87. However, after FDOT competitively bid the project, the low bid associated with the City of Clearwater’s utility work totaled $117,852.00, inclusive of a ten percent (10%) contingency.
The updated project costs are as follows:
• Low bid construction cost (including 10% contingency): $117,852.00
• Construction Engineering and Administrative Charges (5%): $5,892.60
• Total updated project cost: $123,744.60
Under the Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement (UWHCA), FDOT’s contractor will perform the removal or abandonment in place, including grouting, of the existing natural gas mains. Prior to this work, a replacement gas main will be installed by a subcontractor for CGS Energy.
CGS Energy also evaluated self-performing the work utilizing its contractor Equix; however, this option resulted in a higher estimated cost compared to FDOT’s competitively bid contractor. For example, FDOT’s unit price for removal of 5-inch to 7.9-inch pipe was $42.00 per linear foot compared to CGS Energy’s estimated cost of $64.19 per linear foot.
Utilizing FDOT’s contractor allows the work to be completed in a more timely and cost-effective manner while also reducing the risk of delays to the overall roadway improvement project, including potential impacts associated with utility-related construction delays. Therefore, to avoid the financial impact associated with delays and to accept the lowest responsible price, staff approved the work order and is requesting Council ratify and confirm the change order.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this agreement is budgeted and available in capital project 3237323-96365, Line Relocation Pinellas - Maintenance, funded by Gas Utility Enterprise Fund revenue.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Installing and maintaining natural gas pipelines to maintain public infrastructure and protect natural lands by implementing environmentally friendly practices.
