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CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH – CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR GOLDEN SHORES UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (CCNA) - RFQ NO. 18-08-01 SECTION D - PROJECT APPROACH AND UNDERSTANDING PROJECT APPROACH AND UNDERSTANDING OF UNDERGROUNDING Introduction Undergrounding projects, by their nature, have unique characteristics that make them unlike other infrastructure projects. For a successful project, it is crucial to understand the process and what’s needed to implement. They involve integration of separate designs from multiple entities, each with their own concerns and criteria, into a cohesive plan that serves the community with minimal disruption. Many undergrounding projects never get off the ground due to funding. Even when funded by special assessment, public money is generally required to advance design to the point where the assessment methodology and assessment role can be compiled. The Utility providers have little incentive for undergrounding. From their perspective, undergrounding projects represent the replacement of perfectly good systems funded by them, with alternative systems funded by others. Although, the utilities benefit by way of reduced maintenance and storm-repair costs, the savings typically don’t justify the cost of rebuilding distribution systems. As a result, the customer assumes the cost rather than the utility providers. Other issues such as replacing lighting (most lighting is mounted on power poles), acquisition of easements, potential relocation of existing utilities, restoration of hardscape/landscape, and potential impact to private services drive costs up. At the same time, this presents opportunities for right-of-way improvements and potential upgrades for the utility providers. Although, the overhead poles are typically owned by FPL through pole agreements, other franchise utilities use them as well. Although, the primary focus is on FPL, undergrounding involves outreach to each utility followed by design and coordination of individual requirements into a cohesive underground distribution plan. Project Definition After confirming the limits of the project, the stakeholders and roles will be defined. An immediate assessment of existing conditions and available data will be initiated in conjunction with meetings with the City, FPL and the various utilities. Other projects (anticipated or on-going) will be identified so as not to conflict and/or cause extended disruption to residents. Phasing will be determined to coincide with funding sources, sequencing, and availability of design. Agreements for design services with each franchise utility will be executed. Utilities will be solicited, as-builts collected, and survey of right-of- way and properties performed. Based upon the parameters identified, a schedule will be prepared and budgets refined. Program needs for public involvement and coordination with utilities will be clarified. D | Page 1