RCAs Items 2-9 — original pdf

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Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20240814-007) to accept and appropriate $31,593,683 in grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and add 3.0 full-time equivalent grant positions to implement Solar for All residential-serving community and residential rooftop solar program. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Prior Council Action: Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $31,593,683 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Harris County. A City funding match is not required. A fiscal note is attached. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Local Government Issues Director (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy, (512)-322-6327; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512)- 482-5386 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 15, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. October 21, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: On July 9, 2024, Harris County received Notice of Award for The Texas Solar for All Coalition: A Collaborative Effort to Enable Low-Income Solar and Storage including all modifications and amendments, the United States acting by and through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby awards $249,300,000 to Harris County and of that funding $31,593,683 is pass-through to Austin Energy as a Coalition Member. As a subrecipient, Austin Energy will be required to enter into an agreement with Harris County to carry out the performance of this award. Subrecipient agreement is subject to applicable EPA regulatory and statutory provisions, all terms and conditions of the signed agreement and attachments for a five-year grant term. Austin Energy, through its hybrid residential-serving community solar and residential rooftop solar program, will provide Low Income (LI) and Disadvantage (DAC) single-family homeowners, medically vulnerable, and multifamily property owners access to solar and batteries through an owner-flip model where a third-party owns the installations for a 15-year period providing power to the Austin Energy Community Solar Program through a PPA and where the batteries will be operated as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) through a performance contract. Eligible LI/DAC customers can sign up to the Community Solar program and receive guaranteed 20% bill savings. The onsite battery will provide resiliency to the host during a grid event. At the end of the 15-year term, the host will have an option to receive ownership of the battery and the solar at no cost. The solar energy produced at the LI/DAC customer residences would feed into the existing community solar program. The approach to adding capacity is novel while the mechanism to allow access and bill savings for LI/DAC individuals builds on existing capability at the utility. Coalition Members: (1) Harris County: leading the Coalition and representing Harris County (2) Dallas County: representing Dallas County, City of Dallas, Tarrant County (3) City of Houston: representing City of Houston (4) City of San Antonio: representing San Antonio (5) Opportunity Home: housing authority in San Antonio (6) City of Austin: representing Austin Energy, Travis County (7) City of Waco: representing Waco (8) Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI): representing partners in Cameron County, Willacy County, Brownsville, Laredo, El Paso, and supporting the Coalition (9) Clean Energy Fund of Texas (TxCEF): supporting the statewide single-family program and Coalition partners as needed; and (10) Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC): representing partners in Port Arthur and El Paso (outside of ERCOT) and supporting the Hub Home & Community Hub Program in Harris County/Houston and Coalition statewide programs and initiatives. The objective of these funds is to accelerate community solar projects in the City of Austin over the next five years. Austin Energy plans to provide financial and technical assistance to low-income and disadvantaged communities on the benefits of Solar and residential-serving distributed solar energy and storage projects. Solar projects receiving financial assistance from this federal funding may receive assistance for upgrades that maximize the benefits, such as energy efficiency improvements through existing Austin Energy weatherization programming. The expected outcomes include climate and air pollution benefits, equity and community benefits, and market transformation benefits. The intended beneficiaries include households in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The improvements will reduce energy use, produce fewer greenhouse gases, enhance facility comfort, and directly benefit vulnerable members of the Austin community. Austin Energy expects to administer this grant funding through existing Customer Renewable Solutions program staff and budget, as well as additional grant-funded staff. Austin Energy has a long history of providing solar incentives in the community to ensure clean, affordable, and reliable electricity – and reduce the need to build new fossil-fuel powerplants. Because of Austin’s emphasis on conservation and protecting the environment, Austin Energy’s energy-efficiency programs have garnered national attention and became a model for the federal government’s ENERGY STAR program. Currently, Austin Energy targets carbon-free generation by 2035 to support the City of Austin’s efforts towards our community-wide goals to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, as outlined in the Austin Community Climate Plan. Grant funds help Austin Energy meet these carbon reduction targets that benefit the climate and community and is part of the utility’s strategy to lead the clean-energy transformation. Once the grant funds are expended, Austin Energy’s Solar Program will continue to incentivize solar improvements for commercial and residential customers within its rebate budget. Solar Installations made utilizing federal funds will be operated and maintained by the responsible vendor through a Power Purchase Agreement for the care and management of the installations for 15 years. Any lessons learned or recommendations will be documented and provided to Austin Energy’s Solar program managers to consider in future program design. The grant will report program performance for the entire period of performance, representing an overall assessment of the sub-recipient's implementation of its EPA-approved Solar for All Workplan, supported with qualitative discussions and quantitative metrics. The anticipated deliverables will include steps and milestones to implement the strategies for the Solar for All Program, as a distributed solar market strategy, the financial assistance strategy, the project-deployment technical assistance strategy, and an equitable access and a community involvement plan. This grant supports Austin Energy’s efforts to create solutions that address climate change and support community resiliency. The Austin Energy Operating Fund will not be required to contribute additional funds beyond those currently budgeted to this grant or to the funding of these positions. When the grant funds expire, Austin Energy’s need for these positions will be evaluated and the positions may be eliminated. Item 3 Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987 & 1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along existing circuits 926/927, 987, and 988 to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (IH 35), requiring the acquisition of 0.168 acres (7,319 square feet) of a permanent electric transmission and distribution easement, being a portion of Lot 23, Block “A”, Circle “S” Ridge Section 1, a Subdivision recorded September 14, 1946 in Book 4, Page 285, Plat Records, Travis County, Texas, a portion of said lot 23 (Tract II) conveyed to Long Reas Estate holdings, LLC by Warranty deed with vendor’s lien dated November 27, 2012, as record in document No. 2012202489, official public records, Travis County, Texas, November 27, 2012 from Long Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Texas limited liability company located at 7008 South Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78745, currently appraised at $572,123, subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioners’ award. The owner of the needed property is Long Real Estate Holdings, LLC. The property is located at 7008 South IH 35, Austin, Texas, 78745. The general route of the project is along IH 35 from State Highway (SH) 71 south to SH 45. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; Elaine Veselka, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322- 6667; Tina Little, Austin Energy Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This acquisition is required to relocate various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation’s expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. The I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 7008 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement across Lot 23, Block A, Circle S Ridge Section 1, a subdivision of record in Book 4, Page 285 of the Plat Records of Travis County, Texas. The City previously acquired a waterline easement across the same area through condemnation in 1986. The City has attempted to purchase the needed property at 7008 South I-35, Austin, Texas. The City and property owner have been unable to agree on the value of the needed acquisition. The Law Department is requesting authorization to file an action in eminent domain on behalf of the City, and to authorize the City to pay for the property interest in an amount determined by the appraisal, updated appraisal(s), or a Special Commissioners’ award. Item 4 Posting Language ..Title Authorize the negotiation and execution of all documents and instruments necessary or desirable to acquire a Permanent Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement, consisting of approximately 0.0466 acres (2,032 square feet) of land and a Temporary Construction Easement consisting of approximately 0.1200 acres (5,229 square feet) generally located at 8801 South Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78744 and being out of the Santiago Del Valle Survey, Abstract No. 24, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 4C, Block “A”, Resubdivision of Lot 4, Block “A” South Bend Subdivision, a Subdivision recorded September 2, 2003, in Document No. 200300231, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas, from Patricia A. McBrayer, in an amount not to exceed $204,900, including closing costs. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; Elaine Veselka, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322- 6667; Tina Little, Austin Energy Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This acquisition is required to relocate various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation’s expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. The I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 8801 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement and a temporary construction easement out of the Santiago Del Valle Survey, Abstract No. 24, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 4C, Block “A”, Resubdivision of Lot 4, Block “A” South Bend Subdivision, a Subdivision recorded September 2, 2003, in Document No. 200300231, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas. An independent, third-party appraisal was procured to establish the fair-market valuation of the proposed acquisition. The appraisal supports the purchase price of $202,478. The amount of the purchase price plus closing costs is not to exceed $204,900. Item 5 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for the design and fabrication of steel transmission poles with KBS Electrical Distributors Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $75,000,000. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $15,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 MEA3010 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on March 25, 2024, and closed on May 30, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140080 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 21,2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is for the design and fabrication of steel transmission poles to be used for Austin Energy’s transmission capital and maintenance projects, ensuring a continuous supply of transmission poles to meet the requirements for new facility installation and maintenance of existing facilities. The purchase of this equipment will be made on an as-needed basis to maintain the reliability of the electrical system. This contract will replace the current contract which expires January 18, 2025. The recommended contractor was not the previous provider for these goods and services. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored KBS Electrical Distributors Inc. the best to provide these goods and services based on price, technical understanding, production capabilities, and prior experience. A delay in contract approval could impact the City’s ability to complete construction needed to maintain the reliability of the electrical system. Item 6 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for project management methodology training and certification with International Institute for Learning, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $500,000. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 TLG3004 for these services. The solicitation was issued on June 3, 2024, and closed on June 25, 2024. Of the 12 offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140756 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is to provide Austin Energy with project management methodology training and certification of project management concepts, including continuing education hours for project managers who have obtained Project Management Professional certification. This program enhances project management and leadership skills for approximately 250 employees each year. The curriculum is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge and places a strong emphasis on quality and continuous improvement. The training will be applicable to a wide range of projects, including construction, installation, design-build, information technology, professional services, and continuous improvement projects.  Without this contract, Austin Energy would be unable to continue its project management training program. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services. Item 7 Posting Language ..Title Authorize execution of a construction contract for 6th Street Chilled Water Transmission Line Extension project, with Primoris Energy Services Corporation in the amount of $22,593,601 plus a $2,259,360. contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $24,852,961. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Energy. Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids IFB CLMC1049 for these services. The solicitation was issued on June 24, 2024, and closed on August 22, 2024. Of the 3 offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140774. MBE / WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 20.64% MBE and 2.25% WBE participation. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The downtown District Cooling System network cools over 18 million square feet of downtown Austin. With the scheduled demolition of the Austin Convention Center in early 2025, chilled water pipe buried underneath it must be removed. Prior to the Austin Convention Center demolition Austin Energy must connect the 6th Street pipes ensure continuous chilled water service for downtown customers. The pipes that need to be connected are currently located at 6th St. and San Antonio St. and 6th St. and Congress Ave. The project consists of extending the existing the 6th Street chilled water line by 1,727 linear feet of supply and return lines in 72" pipe casing in the right of way from 400 W 6th Street to 101 1/2 E 6th Street. Seven 30' x 15' bore pits will be excavated to install two 24 inches chilled water lines starting from the mid-500 block (east of Congress) to the intersection at San Antonio and 6th St. This item includes two allowances. The allowance of $100,000 will be used to address unknown underground contamination. The allowance of $500,000 will be used to address unknown underground conflict. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction contract or specifications for a certain item(s) of work when details are not determined at the time of bidding. Due to the potential for change orders, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. If the 6th Street Chilled Water Transmission Line Extension project is not approved, it will significantly impact the Austin Convention Center. With the scheduled demolition of the Convention Center in early 2025, the chilled water pipe underneath it must be removed. Without the timely connection of the 6th Street pipes, the continuity of chilled water service for downtown customers, including the Convention Center, will be compromised. This disruption could affect the Convention Center's operations, leading to potential event cancellations, financial losses, and a negative impact on the local economy. The inability to provide consistent cooling could also affect other businesses and facilities relying on this critical infrastructure, highlighting the urgency and importance of completing the 6th Street Chilled Water Transmission Line Extension as planned. The contract allows 360 working days for completion of this project. This project is located within zip code 78701 (District 9). Item 8 Posting Language ..Title Authorize execution of a contract for construction services for the Decker Power Plant – Dam Upgrades Reissue with MortMara Construction Inc. dba McMillen, Inc. in the amount of $12,198,059 plus a $1,801,941 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $14,000,000. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Energy. Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Operating Budget of the Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Competitive Sealed Proposal CSP 6100 CLMB345 for these services. The solicitation was issued on June 17, 2024 and closed on August 22, 2024. Of the Three (3) offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140674. MBE / WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 6.79% MBE and 1.75% WBE participation. Prior Council Action: March 18, 2024 - Council authorized use of Competitive Seal Proposal Method, Item 29 – Resolution No. 20240418-029, approved on consent. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Decker Dam was originally constructed in 1967 without taking into consideration operational loads. On June 1, 2019, Freese and Nichols performed preliminary analysis of the Decker Dam which indicated that the trunnion-anchors were likely loaded beyond their capacity and do not meet industry criteria for normal pool or 100-year storm event loadings. Austin Energy’s primary goal is safety for all the business, surrounding communities and citizens downstream of the dam. Therefore, the Decker Dam repair shall include furnishing all tools, labor, materials, equipment, and miscellaneous items necessary for the complete construction of two (2) new spillway tainter (radial) gates as well as the removal and disposal of the existing spillway gates. Additional items include fabrication and installation of new spillway tainter gate hoists, installation of new post-tensioning anchors and high-strength concrete panels, concrete slab repair, and stoplog seal replacement. This contract will include award of alternate bid items for stoplog recoating and hoist platform recoating. An alternate bid is a specified item of the construction work that is priced separately and may be awarded as part of the contract, if the bids come within the specified budget. This item includes three allowances. The allowance of $200,000 will be used to address void, joint, and spall repairs. The allowance of $95,000 will be used to address stoplog seals and operational tests. The allowance of $750,000 will be used to address a crane pad. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction contract or specifications for a certain item(s) of work when details are not determined at the time of bidding. Due to the potential of any additional work required to repair the gates and/or increasing material prices, a 13% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The repair of the Decker Dam gates will require the lowering of Decker Lake to 550 feet. The lake will be kept at that level until work on the dam allows the gates to support a higher lake level and weather conditions allow that level to increase. As lake levels proceed below 554 feet, the park’s boat ramp will close until work is completed. Boat ramp operations will be updated at https://www.austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities- closures. Lake access will remain available for shore-launched watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. Other Park amenities, such as volleyball courts, picnic sites, grills and walking trails, will remain available. Austin Energy and PARD communications staff are working to notify stakeholders and answer questions about the closure of the boat ramp for the duration of the project. If the RCA is not approved, Decker Dam will not meet industry criteria for normal pool or 100-year storm event loadings per U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The current system is inoperable, and there is uncertainty around how it will function in normal operation and/or emergency which can result in the in-ability protect against potential loss of property and/or life. Construction is expected to begin June 3, 2025, and the approximate project duration is 18 months, barring no weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances. This project is located within zip code 78724 (District 1). Item 9 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of three multi-term contracts for vegetation management services on energized distribution lines with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC; Davey Tree Surgery Co; and Wright Tree Service, Inc., for up to six years for total contract amounts not to exceed $168,000,000. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $19,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals RFP 1100 SMB3025 for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 7, 2024, and closed on June 6, 2024. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140340 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) with by meeting the goal with 0.44% Combined MBE/WBE participation. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 21, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: These contracts will provide vegetation management services on energized distribution lines for Austin Energy. The contractors will perform services on an as needed basis for capital improvement projects; on circuit, grid, and substation facilities; individual customer requests; after-hour or storm restoration events; and vegetation suppression. The work is highly specialized, and contractors will be required to follow strict safety protocols. The contractors will also work in partnership with the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division to reduce the risk of wildfires. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC; Davey Tree Surgery Co; and Wright Tree Service, Inc. as the best to provide these services based on Program, Experience, Price, Staffing Plan, and Small Business Preference. The recommended contractors are current providers of these services.