TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr, County Administrator
Sean C. Lieske, Director of Utility Services
FROM: Howard G. Richards, PE, Manager - Capital Projects
DATE: August 6, 2025
SUBJECT: Amendment 2 to AtkinsRéalis USA, Inc., Work Order No. 6 for Continuation of Staff Augmentation Support Services
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The Engineering Group within the Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) General & Engineering Division, provides utility-wide technical support services, including engineering, capital projects delivery, construction inspections, enterprise asset management, design reviews and construction permitting for offsite utilities development, and geographic information system (GIS) services.
The Potable Water and Sanitary Sewer Sub-Elements (CIE) of the Indian River County 2030 Comprehensive Plan comprises over sixty (60) defined projects to be undertaken over the next five (5) years commencing in Fiscal Year 2025. IRCDUS maintains a working Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which elaborates the CIE to incorporate other important projects including major studies and long-range planning.
The growth of IRCDUS’ CIP has placed challenges on its limited Engineering staff to manage the plethora of projects under management. To help alleviate this challenge, IRCDUS has been utilizing the services of AtkinsRéalis USA, Inc. (AtkinsRéalis) under Work Order No. 6 pursuant to Continuing Contract Agreement, dated May 2, 2023, approved by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on October 22, 2024.
The AtkinsRéalis engineering consultants have been providing project management support to IRCDUS limited staff, including project initiation, planning, oversight, and administration. They have provided knowledge and expertise that have played an integral role in the progress of many of the capital projects and the health of the capital program.
ANALYSIS
During the last several months, the Department has hired one entry-level Associate Engineer and lost a more experienced Associate Engineer to another department. IRCDUS also recently filled the newly created Utilities Project Manager position by promoting from within the Engineering Group, which leaves another vacant position that is currently under recruitment. A new Associate Engineer was also recently hired and has started within the past week. What this entails, is that the Engineering Group is undergoing a transition period where staff new to their position will need time to become proficient at managing capital projects.
During this transition period, IRCDUS would like to continue the supplemental staff services being provided by AtkinsRéalis under WO 6. AtkinsRéalis has expressed interest in continuing its services and provided Amendment 2 to WO No. 6 in the amount of $75,000.00, bringing the total budget to $225,000.00 upon BCC approval.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funds, in the amount of $75,000.00, for this project are derived from the Utilities/General & Engineering/Other Professional Services account, number 47123536-033190, in the Utilities operating fund. The Utilities operating fund budget is derived from water and sewer revenues.
|
Account Name |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
Utilities/General & Engineering/Other Professional Services |
47123536-033190 |
$75,000.00 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
On October 22, 2024, the BCC approved Work Order No. 6 to AtkinsRéalis pursuant to the Continuing Contract Agreement, dated May 2, 2023, to provide staff augmentation and support services in the amount of $75,000.00.
On February 11, 2025, the BCC approved Amendment 1 to Work Order No. 6 with AtkinsRéalis for the not-to-exceed amount of $75,000.00 to provide continuation of Staff Augmentation/Support Services.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
ü Environment: Advancing responsible environmental stewardship by protecting, conserving, and managing natural resources and by fostering environmental awareness.
ü Governance: Delivering high quality local government services and managing resources in a financially responsible and sustainable manner, embracing accountability, transparency, innovation, performance, customer service, and community engagement; the hallmarks of good governance.
ü Infrastructure: Planning, constructing, managing, and maintaining critical public infrastructure in response to our current needs, future demands, and the expectations of our community; embracing innovation, technology, and resiliency.
ü Public Safety: Protecting residents and property through effective and responsive fire rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management. Promoting the safety and well-being of the community through effective planning and enforcement of community and life-safety standards.
ü Quality of Life: Enhancing the quality of life to foster a thriving community for Indian River County residents by advancing programs and policies directed toward children, seniors, economic opportunity, attainable housing, community health, recreation, and public mobility.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment 2 to Work Order No. 6 with AtkinsRéalis USA for the not-to-exceed amount of $75,000.00 to provide continuation of Staff Augmentation/Support Services for the Department of Utility Services Engineering Group transition period while newly recruited and promoted staff become proficient in their positions, and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the work order and upon adequate completion of the services set forth in the work order, staff is directed to make final payment to AtkinsRéalis USA.