Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Kevin “KC” Collins, Building Official
Contact Info
(830) 221-4062 - KCollins@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval to issue professional services agreements with Bureau Veritas, Safebuilt Texas, and Sunland Group, Inc., to review select permit applications for commercial building plan compliance with the adopted building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The Planning and Development Services Department has identified a need to hire third- party assistance for the Building Safety Division to support building permit application review in fiscal year 2021. There has been an increase in commercial permit applications in the past few months that has resulted in a backlog in review and longer than normal cycle times. This can have a negative fiscal impact to the City as commercial building permit revenues are delayed due to delays in permit issuance. It is also important to facilitate timely reviews in order to help the development community to meet construction scheduling goals. The Building Safety Division is seeking expanded third-party assistance which is intended to ensure timely issuance of building permits and to increase economic development in the City.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on June 24, 2020 and qualifications were received on July 17, 2020. The City received 8 responses from Bureau Veritas, West Coast Code Consultants, Safebuilt Texas, Sunland Group, BBG Consulting, Protection Development LLC, BB Inspection Services, and Fire Protection Consulting. The qualifications were reviewed, and it was determined to award contracts for services to Bureau Veritas, Safebuilt Texas, and Sunland Group to better support the City’s commercial building review needs because of specialized expertise in this area of responsibility.
City staff recommends that each of these three companies be assigned this project based on their qualifications and the developed scope of work for an amount not to exceed a total of $300,000. Award amounts for each company under contract for $100,000. The agreements will be for services through September 30, 2021. If additional services become necessary, this project will be brought before City Council again.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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City Plan/Council Priority: |
Strategic Priorities: 9. Maintain fiscal stability of City operations. Strategic Issues for Growth and Development: Process Improvements |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are allocated in the FY 2021 Development Services Fund to support these efforts. Therefore, sufficient funds are available.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval.