TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer - Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: James Reese - Associate Engineer
SUBJECT: Award a Construction Contract to W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for the Ridgecrest Drive MPM 0.10 Roadway Slide Repair, RDS 25-26.
RECOMMENDATION
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Award a Construction Contract to W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for the Ridgecrest Drive Slide Repair Project, RDS 25-26. ($403,057 Expense, Budgeted, Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
In early February 2025, a severe storm caused extensive damage across Napa County, including a major landslide on Ridgecrest Drive near address 50 Ridgecrest Drive. In response, the County Board ratified a local emergency proclamation on February 14, 2025, and allocated $1,500,000 for the Ridgecrest Drive Slide Repair Project. The estimated total project cost based on bids is $893,111. Once the project is completed the remaining project budgeted funds will be returned to the original funding source.
County crews responded immediately, working overnight to stabilize the affected roadway. On February 7, 2025, Public Works staff contacted ADKO Engineering, Inc. previously selected through a qualifications-based selection process-to visit the site and on March 11, 2025 the Board approved a contract to prepare the Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E) for the project. On June 17, 2025, the Board Authorized the project to be advertised for competitive Bidding.
Public Works staff opened bids on July 10, 2025, with the results listed below:
• W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. Richmond, CA $403,057
• E.E. Gilbert Construction, Inc. Martinez, CA $474,726
• Summit Signal dba Danny Mihelcic Willits, CA $548,330
Staff recommends award to W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for their responsive total bid of $403,057 which compares reasonably with the engineer's construction estimate which was $350,000. Construction is anticipated to commence in September 2025 and to be completed by November of 2025, weather and site conditions permitting. W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. is not a local vendor; however, the Public Contract Code requires that the construction contract be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder regardless of whether the low bidder is local or not. Staff reached out to the local construction contractor community by advertising the request for bids in the Napa Valley Register and the Solano-Napa Builder's Exchange, and by posting on the County website. Staff also sent "Notices to Contractors" to the local construction community.
Requested Actions:
Award a Construction Contract for the “Ridgecrest Drive Slide Repair Project, RDS 25-26” to W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for their low total bid of $403,057.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Ridgecrest Slide Repair, Project 25035. |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Repair is needed to keep road open. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
It is anticipated that the contractor will complete the construction in Fiscal Year 2025-26. Minimal maintenance of the retaining wall. Excess funds will be held for other storm disaster projects. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The slide will expand, and the road will become unpassable. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed project is part of the February 14, 2025, emergency declaration by the Napa County and statutorily exempt as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15269 A&B (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.