Council extends on‑call engineering and testing consultant lists for one year
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Summary
City Council approved a one‑year extension of the existing on‑call engineering and materials testing consultant lists rather than immediately reissuing an RFQ. Staff said lists cover needed specialties and that re‑circulation can follow next year; vote 5–0.
Porterville City Council authorized a one‑year extension of the city’s on‑call engineering and surveying consultant list and the on‑call materials testing consultant list rather than reissuing a new request for qualifications immediately.
Director Javier Sanchez explained the lists were established in 2022 with an initial three‑year term and had been expanded in 2023. Council considered two options: (1) authorize the first one‑year extension under the original terms or (2) recirculate a new RFQ immediately and temporarily extend the current list until new results are compiled. Staff recommended the one‑year extension to preserve continuity and reduce administrative time; Sanchez noted that professional services are selection‑based and that firms are ranked on qualifications prior to price negotiation.
Council members asked about local preference and the mix of local and regional firms. Sanchez said several long‑time consultants are regional but maintain local offices and expertise with the city’s systems. The council voted 5–0 to authorize the first of the one‑year extensions; staff will return next year if council wants to reissue an RFQ.
