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Commissioner Philbeck - Public Works - To Accept LKC Engineering as the Designer of Record and Authorize the County Manager, or Her Designee, to Execute a Professional Services Contract with LKC Engineering for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) High Shoals Regional Wastewater Improvements Project for $762,000
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STAFF CONTACT
Dan Ziehm, PE - Public Works Director - 704-862-6795
BUDGET IMPACT
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100% ARPA Funds
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Gaston County has received American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund established in S.L. 2021-18. Projects funded from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund must meet applicable federal law and guidance for the ARP funds
When federal funds are involved, a waiver of Qualification Based Selection (QBS) can only be considered when the total cost is below $10,000 per Uniform Guidance. However, the design fees for the ARPA wastewater project will exceed the $10,000 cap for exemption, thereby requiring the engineer to be selected through the qualification-based process. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was publicized on the County’s website, Charlotte Observer, Greater Diversity News, and on the NC DOA Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) site to meet the UG’s affirmative steps to solicit from minority firms.
Public Works staff developed an RFQ packet for the wastewater infrastructure project in accordance with the statutory requirements and publicly announced the project beginning on June 30, 2022. Statements of Qualification (SOQ) submittals were received on July 26, 2022, from six (6) firms:
• Armstrong Glen, Charlotte, NC
• LaBella Associates, Charlotte, NC
• LKC Engineering, Aberdeen, NC
• McGill Associates, Asheville, NC
• Robinson & Sawyer, Gastonia, NC
• Thomas & Hutton, Charlotte, NC
After reviewing the SOQs submitted by the six firms, LKC Engineering was deemed to be best qualified for the High Shoals Regional Wastewater Improvement Project.
Approval of the Board Action by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners officially selects LKC Engineering as the designer of record for the project listed above. Further, approval of the Board Action authorizes the County Manager, or her designee, to execute a professional services contract for $762,000.
POLICY IMPACT
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ATTACHMENTS
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