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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Approval of a General Contract Services Agreement with Vortex Services, LLC for the cConstruction of Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project, PF049 in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $533,878; and (2) Authorization to the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement, in an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $129,397 (25%) to Cover Contingency Costs.
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Meeting Date: June 6/22, /2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Hong Wang, Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5604
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/xx/2026)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer(06/x03/2026)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) approve a general contract services agreement with Vortex Services, LLC for the construction of Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project, PF049 in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $533,878; and (2) authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve amendment(s) to the agreement, in an additional amount not-to-exceed $129,397 (25%) to cover contingency costs.
BACKGROUND
The Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain system is approximately 1,452 linear feet (LF) of Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP). This pipeline begins at the headwall located adjacent to Inglewood Oil Fields (near the La Cienega Boulevard pedestrian bridge), and runs northerly to the Culver City limits near Lenawee Avenue and Marcia Court. It is located in 10 foot wide easement along the east side of Lenawee Avenue (between the back of sidewalk and on private property) and was constructed in the 1930’s-1940’s. The storm drain system consists of pipes with inside diameter (ID) ranging from 48-inches to 72- inches.
Section 1 includes the pipe with the most deterioration and defects. This deteriorated section begins at the manhole at Wrightcrest Drive and ends approximately 110 lineal feet (LF) north. Some of the issues are structural cracks on crown, accumulation of concrete in the flow line of the pipe, large gaps at pipe joints, etc.
Section 2 begins approx. 110 LF north of the Wrightcrest Dr. manhole and ends at the lateral near Vicstone Court, approximately 250 LF. Some of the joints show signs of leakage/infiltration and lack of sealant material.
Section 3 was advertised as an “Add Item” but was included within the contractor’s scope and the total fee of $533,878. Section 3 begins at the lateral near Vicstone Court and drains north to the City Limit in the vicinity of Marcia Court, approximately 435 LF. Some of the joints show signs of leakage/infiltration and lack of sealant material.
DISCUSSION
On April 9, 2026, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP #2660) on PlanetBids seeking proposals from qualified engineering contractors for the Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project, PF049. One list of questions and answers was issued. No addenda were released. One proposal, from Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies was received by the May 7, 2026 submission deadline.
In accordance with Culver City Municipal Code section 3.07.065, the proposal was evaluated based on the firm’s understanding of the project scope of work; firm’s qualifications and experience with similar project; schedule; and cost effectiveness.
Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies is a full services engineering contractor with extensive experience and expertise in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation projects. Recent similar material and application local experience includes Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, City of Chula Vista, and City of Santee. Sancon Technologies proposes using Quadex Geokrete geopolymer mortar for this project, as manufactured by Vortex Companies. Geokrete geopolymer is a fully structural application with sufficient liner thickness designed to achieve the desired 50-year service life.
Since the construction access is from the existing manholes, the construction impact will be minimal. No roadway excavation is anticipated.
Staff negotiated with Vortex Services, LLC to clarify the scope of services and fees. Staff recommends that City Council approve a contract services agreement with Vortex Services, LLC for the construction of Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project, PF049 in an amount not-to-exceed $533,878. All three pipeline sections will be included in this contract. Additional 25% contingency in the amount of $129,397 is requested to cover additional services that may be requested by the City (i.e. perform joint repairs along the remaining segment between the headwall and Wrightcrest Drive, 650 LF) or other unforeseen conditions encountered during construction.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Revised Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes sufficient funding for the engineering design and construction services in the amount of $533,878 and a contingency of $129,397 in CIP Account No. 420.80000.730100.PF049 (Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project) which has a current balance of. $663,275.
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Approve a general contract services agreement with Vortex Services, LLC for the Construction of Lenawee Avenue Storm Drain Trenchless Rehabilitation Project, PF049 in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $533,878; and
2. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve amendment(s) to the agreement, in an additional amount not-to-exceed $129,397 (25%) to cover contingency costs; and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.