Recommendation
Staff recommends approval for the award of all items to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Playground Specialists, Inc in the amount of $318,832.10.

Discussion
This project provides for the scheduled replacement of existing playground equipment at Senior Center Park, Woottons Mill Park and Civic Center Park that is no longer in compliance with required safety standards and other codes and guidelines.

After a careful review of all bids received, staff has found that the second lowest bidder, Playground Specialists, Inc., has met all specifications for IFB #49-10. The lowest bidder, Hunt Valley Contractors submitted a non-responsive bid.

The new play equipment will be in compliance with the current U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission guidelines, the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards, the Americans With Disabilities Act and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.

Public Notification and Engagement
Playground development Advisory Teams made up of youth groups and other volunteer residents provided assistance by recommending preferred play activities and overall playground design for each new playground. Teams review designs, equipment selection, colors, site layouts and other design criteria.

Procurement Information
Staff developed and publicly advertised IFB 49-10 in accordance with the City of Rockville Purchasing Ordinance Section #17-61. The Invitation for Bid was posted and available for down load from the City’s web site. Bid information was electronically provided to sixty-six prospective bidders via the e-Maryland Marketplace, the State of Maryland’s internet based e-procurement system.

One responsive bid was received as follows:

Firm Location Total Bid
Playground Specialists, Inc Emmitsburg, MD $318,832.10

Two (2) additional bids received from Hunt Valley Contractors and Gametime c/o West Recreation were deemed non-reponsive for failure to meet the bid specification.

References
Playground Specialists, Inc. has previously provided similar satisfactory play equipment installations for the City, most recently at College Gardens Park and Woodley Gardens Park.

Fiscal Impact
Sufficient funding is available in the Capital Improvement Projects Playground Equipment Replacement account number 420-900-4G61-0426.

Next Steps
The Purchasing Division will issue a contract to Playground Specialists, Inc.

Department Head:



Burt Hall, Director of Recreation and Parks
Approved on: 06/11/2010

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 06/14/2010