DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Award And Execute Contract With Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking Incorporated For County State Aid Highway 88 Reconstruction In Randolph Township, County Project 88-20
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Award bid and authorize a contract with Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated for County Project (CP) 88-20 in Randolph Township (see Attachment: Project Location).
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County is proceeding with CP 88-20. The purpose of CP 88-20 is to address pavement quality, safety, and operational issues. The existing road has minimal paved shoulders, no turn lanes, and multiple curves with advisory speeds below the posted speed limit. In addition, County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 88 currently intersects Trunk Highway 56 at a skew near a railroad crossing, which has led to several crashes. County Project 88-20 also explored the feasibility of a trail along existing and reconstructed CSAH 88 to connect the Dakota County Parks on both ends of the project, utilizing the right of way needed for the road reconstruction. This project, when complete, will be consistent with county state aid standards for this type of highway.
Due to ongoing coordination with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR), the project has been split into two phases to allow time to coordinate the construction and maintenance agreement with UPRR. The first phase, CP 88-20, between the East Dakota County Line and Finch Court, is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023. The second phase, now CP 88-24, contains the existing at-grade railroad crossing between Finch Court and Trunk Highway 56. County Project 88-24 will be bid separately in late 2023 for construction in 2024.
Construction for CP 88-20 is planned to start in the Spring 2023 and be substantially complete by November 2023. Construction bids for CP 88-20 were received and tabulated on December 15, 2022. Seven bidders submitted bids as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated $6,029,131.21
S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. $6,193,529.57
The Mathiowetz Construction Company $6,322,636.15
Northland Grading & Excavating $6,700,000.00
Valley Paving, Inc. $7,377,707.45
Meyer Contracting, Inc. $8,785,677.57
Michels Road & Stone, Inc. $8,849,017.07
The Engineers estimate for this project is $7,524,853.95, and staff has determined the bids to be responsive and competitive. The lowest responsive and responsible bid for CP 88-20 is $6,029,131.21 from Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated, which is 19.9 percent under the engineer’s estimate. Staff have reviewed the bids and determined that the bid was competitive at the time of bidding. In accordance with Minnesota Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction, the contractor will be eligible for up to a $100,000 incentive for actual pavement quality based on density and smoothness specifications. The pavement will be tested following highway construction to determine the amount of the incentive if any. This is a non-federal project using State Aid and County funds. No approvals from the Minnesota Department of Transportation are needed for award.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends awarding the bid to and authorizing execution of a contract with Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated, in the amount of $6,129,131.21.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Transportation Capital Improvement Program includes a total budget of $8,245,200 for CP 88-20. Sufficient funds are available for the contract award to Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated, for $6,129,131.21, including the $100,000 in incentive (see Attachment: Financial Summary).
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County is proceeding with County Project (CP) 88-20; and
WHEREAS, the County is the lead agency for the Project, with construction scheduled for summer 2023; and
WHEREAS, the remaining 2022 Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget and carryovers from previous CIP budgets include a total budget of $8,245,200 for CP 88-20 project design, right of way acquisition, construction, and construction administration; and
WHEREAS, the bid of Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking Incorporated in the amount of $6,029,131.21 was the lowest responsive and responsible bid received; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the contract documents, the contractor will be eligible for up to a $100,000 incentive for constructing quality pavements that maximize pavement life; and
WHEREAS, the estimated total construction cost is $6,129,131.21, including pavement incentives, testing, and potential contract changes; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends awarding the bid to Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby awards the bid to and authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute the contract with Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking, Incorporated for County Project 88-20 in the amount of $6,029,131.21 based on their low bid, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the contract amount may be increased by up to $100,000 for additional cost of pavement incentives met by Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking Incorporated as specified in the contract documents.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project Location
Attachment: Financial Summary
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☒ Discuss ☐ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: John Sass