Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss
FROM:	Chuck Soules
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Jonathan Douglass, Mark Thiel, Steve Bennett Airport Advisory Board
Date:	March 22, 2011
RE:	March 29, 2011 Agenda Item Wildlife Hazard Assessment Study Lawrence Municipal Airport

Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at the March 29, 2011 meeting:

Background.

The FAA has identified that a Wildlife Hazard Assessment Study is eligible for funding at the Lawrence Municipal Airport.  The study would identify potential wildlife hazards and propose improvements to mitigate those hazards.  Wildlife assessments will/are being required at all airports.

The airport has experienced birds/ducks and larger wildlife such as deer and coyotes crossing the runway when planes are landing or taking off.  This study would be the first step to justify if perimeter fencing is needed to keep wildlife at bay.  A certified wildlife biologist would set up a monitoring station and catalog wildlife in the area for a year.

The study is funded 95% by the FAA and 5% by the City.  The total cost is $50,000 with the FAA paying $47,500 and the City contributing $2,500.  FAA will determine the final scope of the study which could increase the cost.

This project is subject to Congressional release of funds/reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Program, and the project would not proceed if funds are not allocated.

Status.  The City received eleven (11) qualification statements from firms across the country --Texas, Arkansas, Maine, New York, Minnesota, Kansas and Colorado.  Some firms had relevant experience and some did not; i.e. firms experienced with international airports and not general aviation, reptile studies only, or biologists not on staff. 

A review team, including Richard Haig (Airport Advisory Chairman), Steve Bennett (Facilities Manager) and Charles Soules, reviewed the proposals based on the following criteria:

Commitment of staff	Ability to perform within timeframe
Past performance	Previous experience with similar work
Work commitment that could limit performance	Accessibility of firm’s office
Firm’s familiarity with project area	Firm’s knowledge of project procedures
Firm’s consideration of project problems/issues	Thoroughness of presentation
Communication issues	Ability to work with public
Professionalism, comfort level with firm	Overhead costs

The review team is recommending the firm of Airport Development Group, Inc. (ADG).  ADG is familiar with the Lawrence airport and the wildlife issues, and they have a biologist on staff.  The firm has been responsive on previous projects and can complete the project within the project schedule (6 months – 1 year).  They have a proven track record with respect to completing these studies successfully. 

The FAA has reviewed the recommendation and has concurred to proceed with the development of a scope of services and fee proposal.

Action Request.  Authorize staff to proceed with the development of an agreement with Airport Development Group, Inc. for the Wildlife Hazard Assessment at the Lawrence Municipal Airport.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/je