The Water Resources Department is responsible for the City’s Domestic Water system and the Kern River System, including several canals.  Periodically, the Department requires construction services, either planned or in an emergency, to maintain and improve these systems. Typical services include installation, repair, modification, and/or replacement of water system infrastructure. Such infrastructure may include potable waterlines and appurtenances, river structures, and canal structures.

On May 9, 2023, staff advertised a request for qualifications for these services.  On June 6, 2023, the following three firms submitted statements of qualifications (SOQs):

·         W. M. Lyles Co.

·         West Valley Construction Company

·         Unified Field Services Corporation

City staff recommends approval of agreements with the following two contractors based upon their qualifications and fee proposal being the most favorable to the City:

·         W. M. Lyles Co.

·         Unified Field Services Corporation

These firms were selected for their extensive experience in river system and domestic water system construction and based on their familiarity and knowledge of the City’s facilities and operations, and the regulatory agencies to which we report.

Since specific scopes of work have not yet been determined, the compensation amount for W. M. Lyles Co. is set at a not-to-exceed total of $1,000,000 and compensation amount for Unified Field Services Corporation is set at a not-to-exceed total of $2,000,000 for a two-year term.

Project assignments will be based on the firm’s experience and expertise, according to needs that arise.  Sufficient funds are available in the Water Resources Department’s FY 2023-24 Operating Budget; therefore, there is no General Fund impact associated with these agreements.