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File #: 25-538    Name:
Type: Recommendation Status: Consent Item Ready
File created: 4/25/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 5/27/2025 Final action:
Title: Approval of a contract with Ford, Powell & Carson Architects and Planning for the final design of the Southeast Library Project.

PRESENTER: Presenter

Scott McClelland, Assistant Transportation and Capital Improvements Director

 

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SUBJECT: Title

Approval of a contract with Ford, Powell & Carson Architects and Planning for the final design of the Southeast Library Project.

 

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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements

 

 

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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2,6

 

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Voters approved the Southeast Library Branch Project as part of the 2023 Bond Program on May 6, 2023. A task order for Architectural Design services was issued on February 5, 2025, to firms that were prequalified through the City’s Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) process. The City received responses from seven firms and staff reviewed, evaluated, and scored the responses. The evaluation committee interviewed the top three scoring firms. The evaluation committee unanimously selected Ford, Powell & Carson (FPC) after the interview process was complete.

 

City Staff held a design scoping meeting with FPC to review the design intent for the project and the City’s desire to use the previously prepared design documents as the basis of their design. FPC has submitted a design scope and hourly-not-to-exceed fee of $1,843,200.00. Staff recommends approval of an allowance of $35,000 for reimbursable expenses, which may include permit fees, printing, travel, and other necessary project expenditures on a time and materials basis, for a total contract of $1,878,200.00.

 

City Council previously approved the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method for the project on June 26, 2023. The CMAR procurement method allows the City of New Braunfels to evaluate the most qualified construction managers to participate in the project from design through construction and allow for collaboration between the City, contractor, and designers during the design process to maximize efficiency and realize cost benefits during the design process. A separate solicitation for the CMAR contractor will be issued during the design process and brought back to the City Council for approval. The contractor will establish a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction, which will also be brought back to the City Council for approval.

 

 

ISSUE:

Continue an ongoing program of infrastructure, construction, and maintenance.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:

Economic Mobility Enhanced Connectivity Community Identity

Organizational Excellence Community Well-Being N/A

Increase Library items per capita

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Funding for the Southeast Library Project was allocated in the 2023 Bond Program, Proposition C; therefore, sufficient funds are available for a contract award of $ 1,878,200.00.

 

 

 

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends approval of a contract with Ford, Powell & Carson Architects and Planning for the final design of the Southeast Library Project.