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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposal - Diamond Bar Permit Tech 3.4.2025 1 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services COVER LETTER March 4, 2025 Mr. Hal Ghafari, PE Public Works Manager/Assistant City Engineer City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Subject: Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services Dear Mr. Ghafari: The City of Diamond Bar (City) is in immediate need of a Public Works Interim Staff Engineering to assist the Engineering Division with managing the land development and utility encroachment permitting programs. FCG Consultants, Inc. (FCG) has been providing on-call staff augmentation, project management, construction management, and inspection services to California cities and counties for 13 years. Highlighted below are just a few of the advantages that FCG offers. Highly Skilled and Well-Rounded Staff. Our proposed Engineering Technician, Mark Korando, has over 30 years of public and private sector experience in the engineering field, including over 15 years as a plan checker for various City and County agencies. Mr. Korando’s many years of experience as a permit technician, plan checker and inspector allows him to understand the development process from project inception, design, plan check, and permitting, to construction, inspection, and closeout. Strong Customer Service. FCG’s Project Manager, Fabian Aoun, PE, is a former City of Diamond Bar staff member and has over 13 years of customer service experience in the public and private sectors. Mr. Aoun is very familiar with the City of Diamond Bar’s processes and customer service expectations. He will work directly with Mr. Korando to ensure he has a thorough understanding of the City of Diamond Bar’s needs. Additionally, Mr. Korando is very well-spoken and an excellent communicator, providing exemplary customer service in every position he has held. Mr. Korando understands that being an extension of staff means his actions and words are a direct reflection of the City and maintains a professional and friendly demeanor through all of his interactions. Additionally, Mr. Korando is available immediately to assist the City of Diamond Bar with Engineering Technician services. FCG has read and will comply with all terms and conditions of the RFP. This proposal shall remain valid for a period of not less than 90 days from the date of submittal. FCG attests that all information submitted with the proposal is true and correct. If there are any questions regarding this proposal, please contact me at (714) 312-0317 or maha.fakhouri@fcgconsultants.com with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Maha Fakhouri President & CEO Firm Information Contact: Maha Alfakhouri; President / CEO (714) 312-0317 Maha.fakhouri@fcgconsultants.com Years in Business: 13 years Website: www.fcgconsultants.com Firm Location: 22885 Savi Ranch Pkwy, Suite G Yorba Linda, California 92887 Form of Organization: California S Corporation Number of Employees: 25 Full-time employees 5 Part-time employees Registration DIR # 1000018164 DBE # 46140 Federal ID # 27-3911217 2 QUALIFICATION OF THE FIRM City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services FIRM PROFILE FCG Consultants, Inc. (FCG) a woman-owned California Corporation and Certified Small Business (SBE) and Disadvantaged business Enterprise (DBE), is focused on providing client-driven solutions to assist clients in navigating through a very challenging economy. FCG, founded in 2009, is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California with a staff of twenty-three fully dedicated personnel providing Staff Augmentation, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, and Construction Inspection to clients throughout California. The firm specializes in Project and Construction Management and Inspection for various types of public works clients utilizing assorted standards such as Caltrans, Local Assistance Procedures Manual, FHWA, Greenbook, and AWWA. FCG staff are highly experienced with project management, local agency procedures, inspection of roadway improvements, traffic signal improvements, drainage systems, utilities, facilities, ADA ramps, retaining walls, MSE walls, soil nail walls, Structural Steel/Bolting/Welding, pedestrian/bikeways, wet CIDH pile, stainless steel, electrical, landscape, SWPPP, and Safety. FCG serves its clients from two locations, Yorba Linda and Norwalk. With thirty (30) employees in both locations, we can cover a larger geographic market to better serve our clients. FCG’s construction engineering and inspection team provides a full scope of services, from project development through project closeout to providing cost- effective and functional solutions. The FCG Team carefully plans and tailors the scope for each assignment, specific to the client and project needs. We are fully dedicated to achieving every project and client goal and standard. Financial Condition: FCG is financially sound and has no bankruptcy, pending litigation, planned office closures, or impending mergers. FCG is not prohibited from professional practice or working with any Federal, State, local or public agency. Differentiator: FCG staff can efficiently staff projects with the most committed, experienced, and knowledgeable staff with relevant experience to each project. The FCG Team can provide large business service with a team of multi-discipline professionals; however, what differentiates our firm from others is having the ability to provide a small business, client-focused, and customer-service approach to deliver each client the one-on-one attention needed to specifically tailor cost-effective solutions and solve project needs. Our personnel are highly qualified and experienced in their respective disciplines. Each of their qualifications illustrates multiple projects, past and present, they have worked on. We are proposing a sum of experienced candidates with the appropriate experience, as per the city’s requirements and the RFP, who are ready and available to be deployed. This pursuit is a team effort and FCG is committed to ensuring the City of Diamond Bar receives the highest quality service from the appropriate. Our team is always equipped and ready to tackle all projects within hours. Firm Information Contact Information: Maha Alfakhouri, President/CEO maha.fakhouri@fcgconsultants.com Phone: (714) 312-0317 Fax: (714) 312-0793 Firm Location: Head Office: 22885 Savi Ranch Pkwy, Suite G, Yorba Linda, California 92887 Branch Office: 12440 Firestone Blvd.#2008, Norwalk, CA 90650 Form of Organization: California S Corporation Number of Employees: 25 Full-time employees 5 Part-time employees Registration DIR # 1000018164 SBE/DBE # 46140 Federal ID # 27-3911217 3 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services PROJECT UNDERSTANDING FCG recognizes the City of Diamond Bar’s immediate need for an experienced Permit Technician to support the Engineering Division. FCG’s is proposing Mark Korando to be the City’s Interim Permit Technician in response to this Request for Proposals. Mr. Korando will assist residents, applicants, and staff to manage the front-counter operations, process permit applications, review plans, and answer emails & phone calls while a permanent staff member is recruited and trained. Mr. Korando will be responsible for assisting the public with filling out permit applications, processing a variety of permit applications, calculating and collecting fees, and guiding customers through the City's procedures. Mr. Korando will handle technical support tasks, such as reviewing development plans for compliance, managing the submission and routing of documents, and ensuring the accurate recording of project data in the City’s land management system. The role also involves coordination between multiple City Divisions for plan routing and review. Mr. Korando will issues conditions of approval and coordinate closely with all City staff, meeting their deadlines and providing support as-needed. Mr. Korando can prioritize tasks and provide seamless service to ensure that both simple over-the-counter permits and complex plan checks are properly handled. FCG recognizes the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements, including the SPPWC Standard Plans, Greenbook, MS4 Permit, and the Diamond Bar Municipal Code. Mr. Korando will familiarize himself with Diamond Bar’s codes, processes, and personnel guidelines to ensure he acts as a seamless extension of staff. FCG understands that customer service is of the utmost importance to City staff and City Council. Mr. Korando is very well- spoken and an excellent communicator, providing exemplary customer service in every position he has held. Mr. Korando understands that being an extension of staff means his actions and words are a direct reflection of the City and therefore maintains a professional and friendly demeanor through all of his interactions. This includes keeping a calm demeanor when dealing with irate applicants, calling applicants to follow up and keep them informed of their project status, being available during all needed front counter hours, and communicating via phone and email in a professional and courteous manner. Furthermore, FCG’s Project Manager, Fabian Aoun, is a former City of Diamond Bar staff member and has over 12 years of customer service experience in the public and private sectors. Mr. Aoun is very familiar with the City of Diamond Bar’s processes and customer service expectations and will work directly with Mr. Korandoto ensure he has a thorough understanding of the City of Diamond Bar’s needs before he begins. FCG’s objective is to provide a smooth and professional transition during this interim period, contributing to the City’s goal of operational continuity and excellence in public service. Mr. Korando has the expertise and commitment to meet the City’s needs, ensuring that the Engineering Division continues to operate efficiently and effectively during this transition phase. Mr. Korando is available to begin work in Diamond Bar immediately. 4 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services PROJECT TEAM ORGANIZATION CHART The organizational chart provided below shows our project team and the lines of communication amongst staff members. In addition to the staff shown, the FCG team has a deep bench of resources from which to draw from who are available to provide additional construction management and inspection services should the need for additional resources arise. FCG will not replace staff without prior written consent from the City. Permit Technician Mark Korando The key personnel proposed for this project will be available to the extent proposed for the duration of the required services. No person will be removed or replaced without the prior written concurrence of the City of Diamond Bar. AB Fakhouri, PE* Quality Assurance Hal Ghafari, PE Public Works Manager/ Assistant City Engineer City of Diamond Bar Fabian Aoun, PE* Project Manager Backup Permit Technician David Alcala *These staff members are not billable and will provide training and QA/QC for these services at no cost. If the City requests specific services from these staff members, they will be billed at the Project Manager rate shown in the attached Rate Sheet. 5 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services TEAM RESUMES FABIAN AOUN, PE Project Manager Mr. Aoun has over 12 years of civil engineering experience working with government agencies and consulting firms designing, reviewing, and managing subdivision improvements, commercial developments, infrastructure improvements, and other design/construction projects throughout Southern California. He has managed all phases of public and private projects from the planning/budgeting phase to Notice of Completion, and is familiar with entitlement review, conditions of approval, grading, drainage, hydrology/hydraulics, LID, sewer capacity studies, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), traffic impact analysis, traffic, roadway, and parking lots, among other elements. As a consultant, Mr. Aoun has experience in reviewing plans, reports, and other compliance documents for various projects. As an engineer with public agencies, Mr. Aoun has managed private/public projects including processing projects, and acted as the sole liaison between the developer and the City. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Interim Principal Civil Engineer, City of Downey via FCG Consultants, CA (2023-Present) As an Interim Principal Civil Engineer with the City of Downey, Mr. Aoun manages various CIP projects and is the Public Works Lead and point of contact for the Community Development Department on all Land Development projects. Mr. Aoun works directly with the Building & Safety Division, Planning Division, Fire Department, and Police Department to coordinate plan reviews. He also reviews all staff plan check comments and conditions of approval prior to submittal. Associate Engineer, City of Diamond Bar, CA (2016 – 2023) As an Associate Engineer with the City of Diamond Bar, Mr. Aoun was responsible for concurrently managing multiple Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects and private development projects from inception to completion. Mr. Aoun oversaw and reviewed grading plans, hydrology/hydraulics, LID, sewer capacity studies, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), traffic impact analysis, traffic, roadway, and mapping submittals. Project Management duties included, but were not limited to, project planning; scope development; preparation of conditions of approval; parcel and tract map review; coordination with other City departments and agencies; funding acquisition; entitlements; procurement and management of technical consulting firms; design; review of plans and specifications; preparation and presentation of Council Staff Reports; and administrative closeout. Engineer II, David Evans and Associates, Ontario, CA (2014-2016) As a Design Engineer with David Evans and Associates, Mr. Aoun prepared grading plans, drainage plans, wet and dry utility plans, signing and striping plans, traffic control plans, hydrology/hydraulic studies, LID plans and studies, sewer impact analyses, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and erosion control plans, among others. Mr. Aoun would also perform QA/QC reviews of the aforementioned plans and studies prepared by other engineers within the firm. Murrieta, Riverside, San Marcos, and Brea. Education B.S. Civil Engineering, Cal Poly University, Pomona Licensing PE License # C89086 6 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services A.B. FAKHOURI, PE, QSD / QSP QA/QC Manager Mr. Fakhouri is a Registered Professional Engineer licensed in the State of California, and a former Resident Engineer of Caltrans District 7, Los Angeles, CA. He has worked on various interchange projects of similar nature that included bridge demolition and widening, interchange widening, relocation of utilities, electrical, 55- hour closures, and more. As a Project Manager, duties included, but were not limited to, interfacing with clients, managing and training personnel, managing subconsultants, performing construction management, and construction inspection. As a Resident Engineer, duties included identifying problems and recommending solutions, ensuring compliance with safety requirements and contract provisions, preparing calculations, reports, and correspondence, reviewing submittals and RFI’s, change orders, conducting meetings, coordination, overseeing inspection, ensuring compliance to safety, SWPPP, and labor laws. Relevant Experience Princeton Avenue Improvements Project, Moorpark, CA Construction Manager: This Federally Funded project consisted of widening and rehabilitation of Princeton Avenue in the City of Moorpark. Duties included, but not limited to, construction management and inspection of various work items; overseeing field interviews and conducting field reviews of certified payroll; office engineering; conducting meetings; reviewing submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs), Construction Change Orders (CCOs), daily diaries and quantities, and daily photos; coordinating materials testing and lane closures; reviewing contractor as-builts. Cost: $14 Million. I-15 / Main Street Interchange Improvement Project, City of Lake Elsinore Construction Manager: This Federally Funded project consisted of constructing improvements to Main Street at I-15 from 2 lanes to 4 lanes, ramp metering, improvements to both NB on and off ramps, SB off ramp widening at the intersection and installation of traffic signals. Duties included, but not limited to, construction management and inspection of various work items; overseeing field interviews and conducting field reviews of certified payroll; office engineering; conducting meetings; reviewing submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs), Construction Change Orders (CCOs), daily diaries and quantities, and daily photos; coordinating materials testing and lane closures; reviewing contractor as-builts. Cost: $10 Million. Spring Street Gap Closure Project, Signal Hill, CA Construction Manager: This Federally Funded project consisted of enhancing safety along Spring Street from Atlantic Blvd. to Junipero Ave. Duties Included, but not limited to, construction management and inspection of various work items; overseeing field interviews and conducting field reviews of certified payroll; office engineering; conducting meetings; reviewing submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs), Construction Change Orders (CCOs), daily diaries and quantities, and daily photos; coordinating materials testing and lane closures; reviewing contractor as-builts. Cost: $3 Million. Telegraph Road Traffic Safety Enhancements Project – City of Downey, CA Construction Manager: This Federally Funded project consisted of various improvements on Telegraph Road. Duties included, but not limited to, construction management and inspection of various work items; overseeing field interviews and conducting field reviews of certified payroll; office engineering; conducting meetings; reviewing submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs), Construction Change Orders (CCOs), daily diaries and quantities, and daily photos; coordinating materials testing and lane closures; reviewing contractor as-builts. Cost: $7 Million. Education M.S. Civil Engineering, CSULB B.S. Civil Engineering, CSULB Licensing PE License # C60844. 7 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services Mark Korando Permit Technician / Construction Inspector Mr. Korando has over 30 years of experience working with government agencies as a permit technician, plan checker and inspector for various types of private, Local, State, and Federally funded projects. He has worked closely with City staff both as a consultant and extension of staff to review and inspect a wide range of plans for CIP and private development projects. Mr. Korando has a strong customer service skill set and has been placed in various customer-facing positions interacting with the public, developers, contractors, and other agencies. He has worked for Cities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside County, and is very familiar with Federal, State, and Local Standards and Specifications. He is also experienced in MS Office, and AutoCAD. Relevant Experience On-Call Plan Checker, City of Bellflower, CA (2022-2024) Permit Technician: As a plan checker for the City of Bellflower, Mr. Korando assisted residents and applicants at the counter with permit applications, plan submittals, and various inquiries. Mr. Korando also coordinated development plan reviews with the Building & Safety Division and Planning Division. Types of plans reviewed, but were not limited to, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, grading, NPDES compliance, landscaping, utilities, and streets to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations. Mr. Korando also reviewed and recommended conditions of approval at the entitlement phase, then recommendations on the issuance of permits for construction upon final acceptance of the plans. He also performed the relevant construction inspections of the approved permits. On-Call Plan Checker, City of Downey, CA (2008-2019) Permit Technician: As the sole Public Works Permit Technician, Plan Checker, and Inspector for the City of Downey’s Engineering Division, Mr. Korando was charged with managing the public counter, reviewing development plans, and issuing permits. He assisted residents and applicants at the counter with permit applications, plan submittals, and various inquiries. Mr. Korando also coordinated development plan reviews with the Building & Safety Division and Planning Division to recommend conditions of approval at the entitlement phase then recommend the issuance of permits for construction. Types of plans reviewed, but were not limited to, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, grading, NPDES compliance, landscaping, utilities, and streets. He also performed the relevant construction inspections of the approved permits. On-Call Plan Checker, City of Santa Monica, CA (2005-2007) Plan Checker: As a plan checker for the City of Santa Monica, Mr. Korando conducted reviews of public utility projects including, but not limited to, storm drain, sewer, water, utility trenching, antenna installations (both above and below ground), fiber optics and telecommunications systems. Mr. Korando also performed inspections of the aforementioned plans he reviewed, following through on the implementation of the project from design to construction. Grading and Various Street Construction Project, City of Irvine, CA Construction Inspector: Project consisted of traffic signals and major and minor street improvements, including curb and gutter, medians, Irrigation, sidewalk, and ADA compliant accessible ramps, public underground, and overhead facilities. Duties included but not limited to inspection of roadway excavation and removals, grading and structural section construction, Minor Concrete, Rubberized AC, Traffic Control, ADA Ramps, Sidewalks, Driveways, Drainage, and Safety. Cost: $12 Million. Education and Licensing Education Geological Studies, Orange College-1988. Coastline Community College - 1987. Licensing Certified CADD. 8 City of Diamond Bar – RFP for Public Works Interim Staff Engineering Services DAVID P. ALCALA Permit Technician / Construction Inspector Mr. Alcala has 35 years of inspection and staff augmentation experience, including Engineering Counter work, roadway rehabiltiation projects, construction of traffic signals, and ITS communication/fiber systems projects. He has worked for cities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and other agencies in southern California. In addition, he has significant experience with Caltrans Districts 7, 8 & 12 and very familiar with the State of California Standards, Specifications and the latest version of the CA-MUTCD. Duties include construction inspection, obtaining work permits, and interviewing. He is also proficient in MS Office, CAD, AutoCAD, and Microstation. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Staff Augmentation Inspection and Plan Checking; City of Bellflower, CA Various projects consisting of, but not limited to, inspection of all City permits. Duties included, but not limited to, building inspections, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), electrical, plumbing, field inspection, producing daily reports, monitor Contractor progress, monitor schedule, enforcement of permit requirements, review shop drawings, review SWPPP, and safety. Plan checking included the review of submittals for completion, review of building, MEP, site plans, plot plans, and various other plans and reports. Mr. Alcala also coordinated between departments on plan check processes and approvals. On-Call Inspection and Plan Checking, City of Jurupa Valley, CA Working as a consultant for the City of Jurupa Valley, Mr. Alcala reviewed submittals for completion, building, MEP, site plans, plot plans, Traffic Signal Plans, Signing and Striping Plans and the related Communications Plans that included Fiber Optic Systems as well as CCTV and video detection for CIP and developer-driven projects throughout the City. On-Call Inspection and Plan Checking, City of Ontario, CA Mr. Alcala provided inspection services for various projects citywide. Duties included, but were not limited to, building inspections, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), electrical, plumbing, field inspection, producing daily reports, monitor Contractor progress, monitor schedules, enforcement of permit requirements, review shop drawings, review SWPPP, and safety. Mr. Alcala also included complete plan checking services including the review of submittals for completion, review of building, MEP, site plans, plot plans, traffic signals, signing and striping, street lighting, and communications system for the City of Ontario Engineering Services Department. During Ontario’s booming development, Mr. Alcala became the lead traffic signal plan-checking consultant for the City. On-Call Inspection and Plan Checking; City of Downey, CA As a plan checker, Mr. Alcala provided field reviews for various CIP projects which consisted of demolition and reconstruction of existing roadway, curb, gutter and sidewalks throughout the city in each of the six council districts. Through field inspection data, Mr. Alcala provided design recommendations and plan-checked the subsequent designs. Mr. Alcala also assisted residents and applicants at the counter by providing guidance on submittal processes and procedures. Education and Licensing Education Westech College, ACCSCT- 1994. Licensing Traffic Signal Operation Specialist – TSOS. Traffic Signal Inspection – TSI. Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector – CPII. 22885 Savi Ranch Parkway, Suite G, Yorba Linda, CA 92807 | P: (714) 312-0317 | F: (714) 312-0793 Construction Management | Construction Inspection | Plan Checking FCG CONSULTANTS, INC. PROFESSIONAL RATES CLASSIFICATION HOURLY RATES Senior Project Manager .................................................................................................................................... $276.88 Project Manager ............................................................................................................................................................... $251.92 Resident Engineer ............................................................................................................................................................ $233.76 Construction Manager ...................................................................................................................................................... $233.76 Structures Representative ............................................................................................................................................... $233.76 Construction Inspector................................................................................................................................................... . $147.52 Office Engineer .................................................................................................................................................................. $102.13 Scheduler .................................................................................................................................................................. $192.91 Estimator .................................................................................................................................................................. $192.91 Senior Plan Checker ......................................................................................................................................................... $233.76 Plan Checker .................................................................................................................................................................. $165.67 Assistant Plan Checker /Permit Technician..................................................................................................................... $113.74 Overtime and Weekend work is not included. Overtime is charged at 1.5 x the actual rate, and double time is to be charged at 2 x the actual rate. ODC’s will be charged at cost. Onsite / Offsite personnel rates are billed at the same rate based on Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs).