Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Tory A. Newman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Agreement with Arup US, Inc. for the San Mateo County Transportation Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience Improvement Plan
[County Project No. RW528, Project File No. E5121]
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Arup US, Inc., for the San Mateo County Transportation Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience Improvement Plan from May 19, 2026 through May 18, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $514,958.
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BACKGROUND:
The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program was created to support the California Department of Transportation’s mission: Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment. The State-funded Climate Adaptation Planning grants enacted with Senate Bill 198 will support local and regional identification of transportation-related climate vulnerabilities through the development of climate adaptation plans, as well as project-level adaptation planning to identify adaptation projects and strategies for transportation infrastructure.
On August 27, 2024, this Board adopted Resolution No. 080602, which authorized the County Executive Officer, or designee, to execute a Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Restricted Grant Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the San Mateo County Transportation Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience Improvement Plan (Project).
The Department of Public Works (Department) complied with the consultant selection procedures in the County of San Mateo’s Administrative Memorandum B-1 and incorporated requirements for state-funded projects to select a consultant for the San Mateo County Transportation Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience Improvement Plan. The Request for Proposals Process Matrix describing the process and the selected firm is attached as Exhibit “A”.
DISCUSSION:
The Project will seek input from all sectors of our population with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities and those most vulnerable to climate change, through targeted engagement and public outreach. The goal is to identify transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities related to climate and resilience, and to develop a prioritized list of projects along with conceptual designs, to be included in a final report that will support future funding and implementation.
Proposals were solicited from consultant firms with expertise in climate adaptation studies, public engagement, and engineering, as outlined in Exhibit “A”, and through advertisement in the Department’s procurement platform. Department staff reviewed proposals submitted by four (4) firms, shortlisted three (3) firms, and invited these three firms for discussions. Based on the results of the review of proposals and discussions with consultant firms, the Department is recommending that an agreement with Arup US, Inc. be authorized. The agreement is for an amount not-to-exceed $514,958.
Prior to initiating the request for proposal process, the Department obtained a commitment from Caltrans for state funds for these consultant services in the amount of $515,000 with a required local match of $66,724.
The term of the agreement will be for three (3) years from May 19, 2026, through May 18, 2029.
We are also requesting that Board authorize the Director or Director’s designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and Agreement as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This Project will enhance public safety and mobility by improving the resilience of transportation infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities. By identifying risks and developing prioritized solutions, the Project will support more reliable access to essential services and reduce disruptions from climate-related impacts. Through community engagement, the Department is committed to advancing practical improvements that reflect local needs. These efforts will position the County to deliver infrastructure that is safe, reliable, and resilient for all residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Agreement with Arup US, Inc. is for an amount not to exceed $514,958. Work performed in accordance with this Agreement will be funded with Caltrans state grant restricted funds pursuant to the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, with the required local match from the Road Fund. Sufficient Road Funds have been budgeted to finance the local match.
There is no impact to the General Fund. Attachment: Exhibit “A”