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Council awards Williams Drive design contract amid questions about scoring and project funding
Summary
Council approved a professional services contract with Friese & Nichols for design of Williams Drive and large drainage works after members pushed staff to verify evaluation scores; the project is expected to focus on drainage improvements and will require separate construction funding decisions.
Corpus Christi approved a contract with Friese & Nichols to design the Williams Drive extension and a major storm‑drain conveyance estimated in concept at roughly $48–50 million for construction, while the design contract was described as just under $2 million in the agenda memo. The design award followed questions from council about the firm’s “perfect” evaluation scores and whether the RFQ scoring had any clerical errors.
Lede: The professional services contract clears the way for design of a multi‑phase drainage and roadway project that city staff described as necessary to convey storm water off a large development tract and reduce erosion in the downstream ditch system.
Nut graf: Council members voiced concerns that the evaluation panel’s scoring produced unusually high rankings for Friese & Nichols; staff explained the scoring matrix (70% written submission, 30% interview) and said multiple city evaluators participated and that prior pre‑design work by Friese & Nichols made the firm familiar with site constraints. After staff confirmed the written tabulation, council voted to proceed.
Project scope and funding - Scope: Engineering services include conveyance design, culverts/box culverts, intersection and drainage improvements and phased construction. Staff said the work is primarily stormwater infrastructure rather than pure road widening. - Funding: The packet shows Type B sales tax funding for design (approximately $4.3M available), but no identified construction funds; staff noted the project could be a candidate for future bond programs or for the new one‑cent flood sales tax voters approved, and construction funding will be considered in future budget cycles.
Contested issue: procurement scoring - Council members asked for and received a staff explanation of scoring procedures. Staff and procurement said the tabulation reflected individual evaluator scores on the RFQ, converted pro rata to numeric totals; finance confirmed the tabulation was accurate and staff recommended against tabling the award. Council approved the contract after review.
Outcome: City approved authorization to negotiate and execute a design contract with Friese & Nichols and instructed staff to continue refining funding and phasing plans.
Sources: City engineering staff presentation, council discussion (Sept. 23, 2024).
