Meeting_Body
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: ZERO EMISSION BUS CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT FOR DIVISION 18 AND DIVISION 7
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. AWARD a firm fixed price Contract No. PS130703000 to Clark Construction Group - CA, LP, for Phase 1 Preconstruction Services of the Progressive Design-Build Operate and Maintain contract for the Zero Emission Bus Charging Infrastructure Project for Division 18 and Division 7 (Project) in the amount of $15,943,897, subject to the resolution of protest(s), if any;
B. ESTABLISH a Preconstruction Phase-of-Project Budget (Preconstruction Budget) for the Project in the amount of $154,403,000; and
C. NEGOTIATE and EXECUTE all project-related agreements and contracts including contract modifications within the authorized Preconstruction Budget.
Issue
ISSUE
Staff is seeking the Board’s approval to award a Progressive Design-Build Operate and Maintain (PDBOM) firm fixed price Contract No. PS130703000 in the amount of $15,943,897 for the Zero Emission Bus Charging Infrastructure Project at Division 18 and Division 7. Additionally, staff seeks the Board’s approval to establish a Preconstruction Budget for the Project at $154,403,000 with authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute all Project related agreements, contracts, and contract modifications within the Preconstruction Budget.
Background
BACKGROUND
In July 2017, the Board approved Motion 50 by Directors Bonin, Garcetti, Najarian, Hahn, and Solis, which endorsed a ZEB Strategic Plan to transition Metro’s entire bus fleet to zero-emission by 2030 (Attachment A). This was contingent upon cost and performance equivalence with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, as well as continued advancements in charging infrastructure. In 2018, the California Air Resources Board (CARB)’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation mandated that all transit agencies in the state operate zero-emission fleets by 2040. In addition, ICT Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) purchase requirements for large transit agencies require 25% of bus purchases to be zero emissions by 2023, 50% by 2026, and 100% by 2029.
Metro has met all state-mandated program requirements a decade earlier than the ICT mandate of 2029. In September 2019, Metro awarded its final option for CNG buses and committed to having 100% zero emissions in all future procurements. Furthermore, since October 2020, Metro has powered its bus fleet with 100% Renewable Natural Gas. Since the Board endorsed the ZEB Strategic Plan, Metro prepared a ZEB Program Master Plan in 2022 and a Master Plan Update in 2023. In September 2024, staff prepared a more detailed plan to deliver a 100% ZEB fleet no later than 2035. This ensures Metro’s ability to continue providing reliable bus service, including availability of operations and maintenance funding to support the full seven million annualized revenue service hours as planned through the NextGen Bus Plan.
The September 2024 detailed plan identifies Divisions 18 & Division 7 as the next two bus divisions to be electrified and to be delivered through a progressive contracting approach.
• Division 18: located in Carson on the corner of South Figueroa Street and Griffith Street, consists of a transportation and maintenance building to the North, several ancillary structures and equipment to the East, and bus parking for 252 buses.
• Division 7: located in West Hollywood on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard. Consists of transportation, maintenance, ancillary buildings to the North, and bus parking for 237 buses.
In March 2025, staff received Board authority to release a competitive solicitation using a Progressive Design-Build Operate and Maintain delivery model under a three-phase contract. During Phase 1, the Contractor advances design, selects the charging equipment and operations and maintenance (O&M) provider, and executes early work packages (i.e. equipment purchase, utility upgrades, etc.). During Phase 2, the Contractor performs final design and construction. During Phase 3, the Contractor performs the activities necessary to meet performance requirements as outlined in the O&M scope of services for the charging equipment installed as part of this project.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Categorical Exemption of the Project was deemed complete for Division 18 in January 2024 and for Division 7 in April 2025. Metro has presented the proposed project to the Service Councils for Division 7 and Division 18 and completed the actions for Statutory Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The PDBOM delivery model provides the ability to effectively integrate benefits from the early engagement of construction experts, which will enable Metro to make informed decisions during the design process and provide substantive benefits to the project. Metro will work collaboratively with the Contractor to incorporate input on construction quality, value engineering, and gain higher certainty on the final construction cost and delivery schedule to minimize risks related to construction change orders, disputes, and third-party delays during construction.
Phase 1, the Preconstruction Phase, allows the contractor to work with Metro to identify risks, provide cost estimates, and refine the project schedule, as detailed below:
• Upon issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP) for Phase 1, the Contractor and Metro will work side by side to review charging design concepts, constructability, construction phasing, site investigations, risk assessments, and construction schedules at each successive prescribed design interval.
• Throughout Phase 1, the Contractor will provide Metro with Opinion of Probable Costs (OPCs), which are detailed cost estimates that will enable staff to evaluate the projected Project costs against the Project budget and make necessary adjustments to the scope or schedule.
• Metro will work with the Contractor to explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery schedule, as well as leverage their expertise to drive the completed design in a direction that remains within approved project budgets.
• As the design approaches completion, the PDBOM Contractor and Metro will negotiate the contract price for Phase 2 and Phase 3.
The Preconstruction Budget accounts for costs incurred to date and the award of the firm fixed price contract for the Project for Phase 1 Preconstruction Services and Identified Early Works Packages.
Further details are shown in the Expenditure and Funding Table in Attachment B. As an early Phase 1 task, Metro and the Contractor will work collaboratively to develop a bus charging concept report that identifies the equipment that will be used for the project at which point Metro will execute an Early Works Package to procure the equipment during Phase 1 to mitigate any potential schedule delays.
As an essential element of the Preconstruction Phase, staff recommends the award of a firm fixed price contract for the Project for the Phase One Preconstruction Services as further explained in the Procurement Summary in Attachment C and DEOD Summary in Attachment D.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The recommended Board action will have no detrimental impact on safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The funds required in FY26 for the Phase 1 Preconstruction Services are included in the adopted budget under Cost Center 8510 Project numbers 802107 and 802118, under various accounts, including professional and technical services. Annual budgeting within the approved preconstruction budget for the future fiscal years will be the responsibility of the Project Manager, Cost Center Manager, and the Chief Program Management Officer.
Impact to Budget
Metro has secured approximately $272 million in federal and state grant and fund allocations for charging equipment at these divisions. Federal sources include the Low or No Emission Grant Program, Carbon Reduction Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, and the Coronavirus response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. State sources include the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, Senate Bill 125 Zero Emission Transit Capital Program, and State Transportation Improvement Program. The local source is General Fund - Green Fund, which is eligible for Metro Operations and capital expenses.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
The Project aligns with Metro’s Equity Platform by addressing key considerations related to environmental justice, community benefits, workforce development, and improved service reliability for historically underserved populations. Transitioning Divisions 18 and 7 to zero-emission infrastructure will contribute to improved air quality in nearby communities, which have historically borne the brunt of transportation-related pollution, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Metro goals and activities related to emissions and pollution control are tracked through its Moving Beyond Sustainability Plan. Both divisions serve areas with significant populations of low-income residents and communities of color, aligning the project with Metro’s commitment to reducing environmental health disparities. Equity Focus Communities comprise 62% and 52% of the communities served by Division 18 and 7 bus lines, respectively. Incorporating clean energy solutions reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates adverse climate change impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The integration of advanced charge management and energy systems ensures buses are consistently charged and available for service. This supports the NextGen Bus Plan’s goals of providing reliable and frequent service, particularly in neighborhoods where transit dependency is highest. The project expands charging capacity, enabling equitable access to zero-emission buses for all riders, ensuring that communities served by Divisions 18 and 7 benefit from improved mobility options.
The Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD) established a 20% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for the Phase 1 Work. While Clark Construction Group - CA, LP made a DBE commitment, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that makes changes to the DBE Program, including suspension of goals and enforcement, effective October 3, 2025. Metro is currently reviewing the Interim Final Rule (IFR) to identify necessary program and procedural changes to ensure full compliance. Although the DBE commitment is not a factor in the staff recommendation, there are eight certified small businesses participating in this contract. This is noteworthy since small businesses are vital for the economy as they drive job creation, foster innovation, and strengthen local communities.
The evaluation criteria included in the solicitation allocated a possible 50 points out of 775 total points to the proposing firm’s demonstration of a well-defined approach to Community Benefits and Workplace Development. Proposers were instructed to reference policies and practices at the organizational level as well as values and behaviors at the individual level that will establish reciprocal relationships that support trustworthy communication between the Project team and the community.
Given the progressive project delivery approach the project team will collaborate with the selected contractor while design advances to develop engagement plans and strategies that engage local stakeholders and mitigate construction impacts on neighboring communities,. Clear communication strategies and disruption minimization plans will ensure that local residents and businesses are not disproportionately burdened during project implementation. This project exemplifies Metro’s commitment to advancing equity and environmental justice by ensuring that underserved communities benefit from the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. Through thoughtful planning and execution, the ZEB Charging Infrastructure Project for Divisions 18 and 7 will deliver meaningful improvements to Metro’s service and the communities it serves.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through operational activities that will maintain and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. By facilitating Metro’s transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet, the Project as recommended here will support the operations and maintenance of emerging charging and vehicle technologies and ensure a high-quality customer experience both during and after this transition. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
These recommendations support:
Strategic Goal #1 to provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling;
Strategic Goal #3 to enhance communities and lives through mobility and access to opportunity; and
Strategic Goal #4 to transform LA County through regional collaboration and national leadership.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to move forward with awarding the contract and establishing the Preconstruction Budget. Staff does not recommend this alternative because the project benefits from a PDBOM approach would not be realized, including improved design quality, enhanced efficiencies, a guaranteed maximum budget principal, and lower risk for future construction change orders. Further, Metro would incur undesirable schedule delays and cost increases if the Project does not move forward.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval, staff will execute Contract No. PS130703000 with Clark Construction Group - CA, LP. Metro staff will engage the PDBOM contractor to initiate Phase 1 Preconstruction Services to complete 85% design and negotiate to reach an agreement on Phase 2 work. Staff will return to the Board for approval of an LOP budget to move forward with final design and construction.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Motion 50
Attachment B - Expenditure and Funding Plan
Attachment C - Procurement Summary
Attachment D - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Michelle Quinn, Executive Officer, Program Management (212) 922-3026
Ryan Chan, Deputy Executive Officer, Program Management (213)518-8013
Shaun Miller, Deputy Executive Officer, Operations, (213) 922-4952
Carolina Coppolo, Deputy Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 922-4471
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Tim Lindholm, Chief Program Management Officer, (213) 922-7297
Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
