Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Agreement with DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC for the San Carlos Airport Taxiway J, K, L, and M Reconfiguration Project [County Project No. AS055, Project File No. E5110]
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The President of the Board to execute an agreement with DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC, for the San Carlos Airport Taxiway J, K, L, and M Reconfiguration Project, in the amount of $1,152,152; and
B) The Director of Public Works to:
1. Execute subsequent change orders to grant time extensions for project completion and payment up to a maximum aggregate amount not to exceed $115,215, or approximately 10 percent of the agreement amount; and
2. Approve payment up to the not-to-exceed amount of $1,267,367 for items requiring adjustment based on unit bid prices without execution of a change order; and
3. File a Notice of Exemption for a California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption.
body
BACKGROUND:
On March 29, 2011, this Board adopted Resolution No. 071336 which authorized the Director of Public Works to execute and accept grant agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Taxiways J, K, L, and M at the San Carlos Airport do not meet current FAA design standards. The FAA mandates that the San Carlos Airport maintain its taxiways and overall airfield layout in accordance with its regulations. To accomplish this, the FAA provides grant funding for 95 percent of the project costs for necessary repairs and upgrades.
On March 11, 2025, this Board adopted Resolution No. 080976, which adopted plans and specifications, including conformance with prevailing wage scale requirements and calling for sealed bids for the San Carlos Airport Taxiway J, K, L, and M Reconfiguration Project (Project).
DISCUSSION:
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, bids were accepted for the Project and subsequently referred to Public Works for checking and recommendation. The bid of:
DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
11555 Dublin Blvd
Dublin, CA 94568
at $1,152,152 was the lowest responsible bid received for the work. The Engineer’s Estimate was $931,000. Based on the Department of Public Works’ (Department) review of the bids submitted, Department staff finds the proposed cost for the items of work to be reasonable and recommend award in the amount of $1,152,152 to DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC in accordance with the conditions of award contained in the Contract Documents. A summary of the bids received is attached as Exhibit “A”.
The FAA issued a Categorical Exclusion to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) for the Project. Department staff has determined that this Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for Implementation, which provides that rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures or facilities to meet current standards of public health and safety is exempt from review. The Department requests this Board’s authorization to file a Notice of Exemption for a CEQA Categorical Exemption for this Project.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The County of San Mateo is committed to fostering access to safe and reliable infrastructure for all residents and visitors. By upgrading and reconfiguring the taxiways at San Carlos Airport to meet current FAA design standards, the County ensures that critical aviation services remain accessible and operate at the highest levels of safety. This Project will help sustain economic opportunities, emergency response capabilities, and community mobility for a diverse range of users, further reflecting the County’s dedication to providing high-quality transportation infrastructure.
Additionally, this Project will enhance opportunities for community-focused volunteer organizations that operate at San Carlos Airport, including those dedicated to youth STEM education and aviation scholarship programs. By maintaining a safe and modern airport environment, the County supports initiatives that inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers, expand access to educational programs, and provide pathways to aviation careers. This investment not only strengthens aviation operations, but also reinforces the airport’s role as a hub for education, workforce development, and community engagement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total estimated cost for construction is $1,267,367, which includes authorization for up to $115,215 in change orders as the work is bid on a unit price basis. The contingency is used to pay the contractor for any unforeseen conditions not anticipated in the construction agreement documents.
The Project is proposed to be financed as follows:

The Project will initially be financed from the Airport Enterprise Fund as the Federal grants are received on a reimbursable basis. The Airport Enterprise Fund has the capability to accommodate the cash flow requirements of this Project while monthly grant reimbursements are requested of the FAA.
There is no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment:
Exhibit “A” - Summary of Bids Received