FROM:
Planning Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a Purchase Order for Consulting Services for the City of Fontana’s 7th Cycle Housing Element Update.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Award bid and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Michael Baker International in the amount of $401,520 to prepare the 7th Cycle Housing Element, which covers the period of October 2029 through October 2037.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Provide a diverse range of housing types and levels of affordability while addressing homelessness in the community by promoting diverse range of housing projects and levels of affordability.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by advocating Fontana's position in regional, state, and federal organizations.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fontana is required to adopt and submit an updated Housing Element to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification of the 7th Cycle Housing Element, which covers the planning period of October 2029 through October 2037. The Housing Element must be certified by HCD.
Planning staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain the services of a consultant to complete the 7th cycle Housing Element. In accordance with the City’s purchasing policies, staff has completed the formal bid process for this update, and the City received eight responses.
A staff selection committee evaluated the written proposals of the eight responding firms based upon criteria specified in the proposal packet. The selection committee then held virtual interviews with three firms deemed most highly qualified and narrowed the finalist list to two firms. After requesting additional scope for potential environmental study and evaluating the responses and the respective subsequent cost estimates ($388,704 and $401,520), the selection committee recommends Michael Baker International for the award of the contract as the most responsive and responsible bidder. The Purchasing Office has reviewed this process and concurs with the recommendation.
The major components of the Housing Element update to be completed are:
1. Community Engagement and Outreach - The consultant will conduct community engagement and outreach with stakeholders, such as residents, non-profit organizations, service providers and residential developers. Focus groups and community workshops will be conducted to gather community input. An online survey will also be used to gather data to be used in the completion of the 7th cycle Housing Element. The community engagement and outreach plan also includes working with Planning staff to conduct workshops with the Planning Commission and City Council.
2. Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Compliance - The consultant will evaluate existing land resources and zoning to accommodate the projected RHNA allocation and ensure that the new Housing Element is compliant with all Housing laws.
3. Housing Element - The consultant will draft a new Housing Element with engagement from HCD. The Housing element will identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs, meet Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing requirements, and contain the City of Fontana’s official policies for the production, improvements and preservation of housing within the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is $401,520 and is not included in the current budget. Necessary budget adjustments are included in the First Quarter Budget Status Report also being presented to Council on this agenda.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - Michael Baker International Proposal
Attachment No. 2 - Michael Baker International Cost File