STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: May 14, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
EXECUTIVE: Dev Rastogi
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize delegation of approval for an assigned weighted value to price of not less than 36.9% of the total weighted value of all selection criteria for civil works projects utilizing Texas Government Code Chapter 2269 Subchapter D (Competitive Sealed Proposals) procurement method to department directors or their designated deputy or assistant directors - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Effective September 1, 2021, Texas Government Code Chapter 2269.153 was amended to require the weighted value assigned to price for civil works projects to be at least 50 percent of the total weighted value of all selection criteria for Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP). The statute further provides that the governmental entity may assign to price a weighted value of not less than 36.9 percent of the total weighted value of all selection criteria if the governing body of a governmental entity determines that assigning a lower weighted value to price is in the public interest. “Civil Works Project” is defined in the Government Code Section 2269.351 (1) as “roads, streets, bridges, utilities, water supply projects, water plants, wastewater plants, water distribution and wastewater conveyance facilities, desalination projects, wharves, docks, airport runways and taxiways, storm drainage and flood control projects, or transit projects” and “buildings or structures that are incidental to such projects or facilities”.
The Dallas Water Utilities Department (DWU) plans to utilize CSP to procure many of their capital projects beginning in Summer 2025. In alignment with other regional entities and in the public interest, it has been determined that it is best to assign a weighted value for price of not less than 36.9 percent of the total weighted value of all selection criteria. Besides price, factors including contractor experience, project approach, key personnel utilized by the contractor, completion schedule, and Business Inclusion and Development participation (MWBE utilization) are considered when procuring contracts by CSP. Weighting any one single factor, such as price, too heavily (50 percent or higher for instance) in the selection leaves fewer points for other important selection criteria. Assigning no less than 36.9 percent weighted value to price promotes selection of a contractor who, for example, would be more likely to have the necessary experience, offer the best approach, and provide the best value for successfully completing the project in the public interest.
Approval will allow each department director or their designated deputy or assistant directors to determine the appropriate weighted value for price for their projects in accordance with the statute. DWU has coordinated with other constructing departments to develop the agenda item. Prior council approval will alleviate potential delays and allow procurements to proceed more expeditiously than if the weighted value for price is required to be approved prior to each individual solicitation for a civil works construction project.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on April 21, 2025. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14071665&GUID=53C9CF43-6E44-4B05-A22F-DEEE7FA41A41>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.