Title
a. Reject all bids presented for Las Lomas Drive Bicycle Lane and Pedestrian Project, Project No. 8867, Bid Package; and
b. Direct Staff to reevaluate the plans, specifications and cost estimate, implement minor modifications to the contract documents then readvertise for bids at a later date.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Reject all bids presented for Las Lomas Drive Bicycle Lane and Pedestrian Project, Project No. 8867, Bid Package; and
b. Direct Staff to reevaluate the plans, specifications and cost estimate, implement minor modifications to the contract documents then readvertise for bids at a later date.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Las Lomas Drive Bicycle Lane and Pedestrian Project (the Project) is located as shown in Attachment A and consists of road widening, driveway reconstruction, and installation of new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, class II bike lanes, a retaining wall, and storm water treatment facilities on Las Lomas Drive between Hall Road and Thomas Road.
On July 13, 2023, the County opened sealed bids for the project. A bid summary sheet is presented on Attachment C. As shown, only two qualified contractors submitted responsive bids. The apparent low bid, at $4,574,513.90, exceeds the engineer's estimate of $3,039,586 by approximately $1.5 million or 50 percent.
Given the relatively low number of bidders and relatively high bids, County staff and its consultants reevaluated the design and contract documents and reached out to the bidders and contractors who elected not to bid. These follow up discussions indicated that contractors are very busy-both in terms of work being performed and bids being prepared. Contractors are thus very selective regarding the projects they are bidding and tend to be conservative in preparing bids. In order to ensure that the grant process is followed and funds are not compromised, staff has been coordinating and consulting with Caltrans (who oversee the grants). ...
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