To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Approve the Consultant Services Agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Regarding the Provision of Design Engineering and Environmental Services for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the selection of Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. as the consulting firm to provide design engineering and environmental services for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project;
2. Approve and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached consultant services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. regarding the provision of Design Engineering and Environmental Services;
3. Authorize the Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to execute amendments to the agreement after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative office; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached consultant services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. to the Department of Public Works for further processing.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1003 - Achieve community connectivity with bicycle/pedestrian trails
DISCUSSION:
Humboldt County was awarded $5,000,000 through the Community Project Funded Congressional Directed Spending Program, with support from Congressman Jared Huffman and Senator Alex Padilla, for the replacement of the Hammond Trail Bridge over the Mad River. On Oct. 3, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 23-136, authorizing the Department of Public Works to accept the funding for the Hammond Trail Bridge Replacement Project (Attachment 1).
The existing Hammond Trail Bridge, originally constructed as a railroad bridge and repurposed in 1983 for bicycle and pedestrian use, serves as a vital active transportation corridor between Arcata and McKinleyville. It also forms a key link in the Hammond Coastal Trail, connecting Mad River Beach to Clam Beach. However, the steel components of the bridge have deteriorated significantly due to rust and age, and the structure is considered vulnerable to seismic activity.
A consultant team recently completed a Type Selection Report, which includes a preliminary hydraulic study, a foundation report, and an evaluation of design alternatives and cost estimates. These initial technical studies enable the project to advance into the next phases, including preliminary engineering, environmental review, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, final design, and construction.
From June 10, 2025, through July 9, 2025, Public Works advertised a request for qualifications (“RFQ”) to retain an experienced and qualified consulting firm for provision of design engineering and environmental services for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project. The RFQ met federal requirements and complied with the latest guidelines from the Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual. The RFQ set forth the requirements for the content of Statements of Qualifications and the processes for review, evaluation, selection, and contract negotiation with the highest-ranking consultant.
As a result of the RFQ solicitation, the Public Works received one (1) statement of qualifications. Public Works requested approval from Caltrans Division of Local Assistance for a non-competitive negotiated consultant contract with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. This approval was warranted because the RFQ was widely circulated using multiple sources for an adequate period of time. The response to the RFQ reflected current market conditions for this type of professional services. The option of re-circulating the RFQ was considered but rejected because re-circulation was unlikely to result in additional submittals. On July 10, 2025, Public Works received approval from Caltrans Division of Local Assistance for Architecture and Engineering Non-competitive Determination (Attachment 2).
Public Works is now returning to the Board of Supervisors in order to award the attached consultant services agreement to the responsive consultant, Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. (Attachment 3). The attached consultant services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. has a term of four (4) years. The maximum amount payable by the County of Humboldt for any and all services provided, and costs and expenses incurred, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the attached consultant services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. shall not exceed $2,881,516.30 for the period of Dec. 9, 2025, through Dec. 8, 2029.
Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached consultant services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. for design engineering and environmental services for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Department of Transportation; Bicycles & Trailways Program (1710-715); Community Project Funded Congressional Directed Spending Program (CPFCDSP)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1710-715) |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$881,516.30 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$881,516.30 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Funding Sources (1710-715)) |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Congressional Directive |
$881,516.30 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$881,516.30 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
As noted above, the maximum amount payable for any and all design engineering and environmental services provided, and costs and expenses incurred, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the consultant services agreement awarded as a result of this RFQ process is $2,881,516.30. Community Project Funded Congressional Directed Spending Program (CPFCDSP) will fund 100% of project costs up to a maximum of $5,000,000.
Expenditure appropriations related to the Hammond Trail Bridge Project are included in the approved fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget and will be included in the proposed FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 budgets for Bicycles & Trailways Program budget 1710-715.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The recommended actions will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Transportation
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. regarding the provision of design engineering and environmental services for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project. However, this alternative is not recommended since the project is 100% funded by the Congressional Directive and that Public Works has limited qualified personnel to provide the structural, geotechnical, hydrological and environmental services required for the Hammond Trail Bridge Replacement Project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 23-136 Acceptance of Congressional Directive Funding, dated Oct. 3, 2023
2. A&E Non-competitive Determination Required - LAPM 12F Dated July 10, 2025
3. FY 25-26 Consultant Services Agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. for the Hammond Trail Bridge Project
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: Oct. 3, 2023; June 10, 2025
File No.: 23-1257, 25-674