Modesto City-County Airport for Professional On-Call Airport Planning Services

The City of Modesto's Public Works Department is soliciting qualifications from aviation consulting firms to establish a pre-qualified roster for providing professional on-call airport planning services at Modesto City-County Airport. This solicitation (RFP/RFQ-00058), issued on November 25, 2025, seeks firms capable of delivering a broad range of airport planning activities including master planning, airport layout plan development, environmental planning, terminal area planning, airside and landside facility planning, and passenger forecasting. The contract is intended to span up to five years and will be awarded through a qualifications-based selection process adhering to FAA guidelines. Submissions are due electronically by 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025, via the City’s OpenGov Procurement portal. Costs must be submitted separately from the technical proposal, and the award will be based on a trade-off evaluation that prioritizes qualifications, experience, and responsiveness over price, with negotiations commencing with the highest-ranked firm according to the selection committee's scoring. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive and weighted equally across ten factors emphasizing local proximity, relevant FAA consulting experience, demonstrated expertise in similar airport projects, planning and organizational capabilities, problem-solving creativity, and firm reputation. Key personnel assigned to the contract must meet specific qualifications related to FAA regulations, airport planning standards, and federal grant compliance. The contract requires compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including FAA standards and environmental regulations, and mandates comprehensive insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Performance is to be professionally managed with timely submission of deliverables such as airport master plans, technical reports, and FAA documentation, all retained as City property. The Consultant will function as an independent contractor responsible for inspection and quality control, while the City retains contractual oversight and acceptance authority. Additional contract provisions include restrictions on subcontracting without prior written consent, indemnification obligations, audit rights extending four years post-payment, and termination for convenience with ten days’ notice. The solicitation does not require socioeconomic certifications but favors firms with a primary office within approximately a two-hour drive of the airport. Overall, the contract establishes a structured framework for the City of Modesto to secure expert airport planning services through a rigorous and transparent qualifications-based procurement process.