BDD board approves AECOM owner's representative contract for design-build phase

The Buckman Direct Diversion Board on May 1 voted unanimously to approve a professional services contract with AECOM Technical Services not to exceed $2,671,875 for owner's representative services over a four-year term.

Nancy, a BDD staff presenter, said the contract will support the board as it enters phase two of a design-build procurement for refurbishment and repair of the diversion facility. Staff explained the agency used the city's existing procurements to "piggyback" an owner's representative contract after an earlier RFP produced no qualified respondents.

Nancy identified John Sikora as AECOM's primary project representative and said the firm proposed a multidisciplinary team that includes diversion design and sedimentation analysis expertise, permitting and construction support. The packet included the team roster and scope of work labeled Exhibit A.

Board members asked how the owner's representative would participate in the RFQ/phase 2 evaluation and when the rep would engage. Staff said the owner's rep is not a selection committee member for the active RFQ but would assist after the committee completes its evaluation and the city moves into contract negotiations and construction oversight.

Several board members sought clarity on technical specialties in AECOM's team, particularly the distinction between diversion design and sedimentation analysis in a river setting. One board member noted many diversion design resumes referenced reservoirs or still-water work and asked whether the team had appropriate moving-water experience for the Rio Grande and related sediment issues; staff said AECOM included sediment specialists and that the firm could provide further detail.

Board members also discussed scope boundaries: AECOM will review design-builder submissions, provide construction inspection services, and review invoices, but a contract clause states the contractor is not responsible for another party's failure to comply with its own contract documents. Staff said the scope had been pared down from a more inclusive draft, and that AECOM would advise the board about compliance and inspection but cannot guarantee other contractors' performance.

A motion to approve the contract was made by Councilor Romero Wirth and seconded by Commissioner Hughes; the chair called for the ayes and declared the motion unanimous.

Board members asked staff to consider including decision-analysis frameworks or structured matrices in the owner's rep scope to ensure the board sees pros and cons and understands how recommendations were reached. Staff and AECOM representatives said they would discuss incorporating that approach as the project advances.