HomeMy WebLinkAboutA026 - Resolution awarding contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc for the Geotechnical Services for the Ames Municipal Energy CenterITEM #:27
DATE:07-14-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE AMES MUNICIPAL ENERGY
CENTER
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Electric Services Department is in the process of designing the Ames Municipal Energy
Center (AMEC), a new thermal generation facility. Geotechnical investigation and analysis is
needed to design foundations for the engines. The AMEC consultant prepared specifications
for the geotechnical information needed for the project.
On May 29, 2026, an Invitation to Bid was posted to AmesBids by Purchasing. On June 19,
2026, 2 bids were received as shown in the table below:
BIDDER BID AMOUNT
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Des Moines, IA $189,569
Braun Intertec Corp.
Urbandale, IA $289,348
Staff evaluated the bids and determined the low bid from Terracon Consultants Inc., Des
Moines, IA, is acceptable. Funding will come from the new thermal generation CIP account.
There was $182,290 budgeted for these services. The additional $7,279 needed to cover the
remaining total will be taken from the anticipated savings when awarding the Generator Step-
Up transformer.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, for the Geotechnical
Services for the Ames Municipal Energy Center, in the amount of $189,569.
2. Award the contract to the other bidder.
3. Reject all bids and direct staff to rebid.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The AMEC project is an important project for the electric utility. Additional information
is needed to adequately design the subsurface structures to support the equipment. A
competitive bid was issued to obtain services and the services are budgeted as a part
of the AMEC CIP project. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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