Re: Kalispell City Airport (Eckels Question)Mr. Eckels,
The following is in response to your questions as referenced below:
1. An airport owner may select a qualified engineering consultant for a
period not to exceed 5 years. The owner may choose to re-select a
consultant sooner eg. less than 5 years if they choose.
2. The maximum five year period is a requirement if the airport is seeking
federal funds under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). We understand
that the City is interested in pursuing federal funds to improve the
airport.
3. AIP funding requires that the airport owner secure engineering
consultants (planning, environmental, design etc.) at least every five
years if seeking federal funds under AIP. If the owner is not requesting
federal funds than local and state procurement rules would apply. An
environmental document (EA) is generally valid for a period of 3 years, at
which time the documents must be updated if the proposed improvements will
be federally funded.
4. There is not a requirement for the airport owner to select a separate
firm conducting the environmental assesment (EA) vs. the engineering
design. Neither the FAA nor the City are obligated to fund the
improvements recommended in the EA or planning studies.
Gary M. Gates, P.E.
Airport Engineer and Planner
FAA, Helena Airports District Office
2725 Skyway Drive, Suite 2
Helena, MT 59602
Barbara Eckels
<barb@guitarmusi
cman.com> To
Gary Gates/ANM/FAA@FAA
11/12/2009 10:24 cc
PM Scott Scott
<maxwellsnortsnort@hotmail.com>
Subject
Eckels Question
RE: City Council Agenda Item (This monday)
City Airport Request for Qualifications – Consulting Firm
Two firms answered the city’s request for qualifications for an aviation
consultant;
Robert Peccia & Associates and Stelling Engineers. The FAA requires that
engineering contracts and planning services be re-bid every five years
Hi Gary
I am seeking a quick fact check.
1. Is the following quote from the city attorney true? "engineering
contracts and planning services be re-bid every five years"
2. What are the details?
3. Do you really require that
"engineering contracts and planning services be re-bid every five years
even if the airport may not be expanded or be closed?
What is the reason behind this claim?
4. Also, isn't it a conflict of interest for a firm to do the EA and also
bid on the project?
Please answer these questions (or have one of your deputies answer it)
tomorrow. Time is of essence.
Thank you
Steve